Bare Ground

AUS-TMI-LVG-BAR General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

50 %
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context. The scoring engine uses 16 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 15 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

Levels exceeding 50% bare ground are defined as 'poor' land condition under Queensland Government regulations and are associated with significant ecological degradation.

Metric Definition:

Percentage of exposed soil surface not covered by vegetation (living or dead) or litter.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the maximum bare ground percentage beyond which land condition is considered poor and ecological degradation is significant.

Justification:

Queensland Government regulations define > 50% bare ground as 'poor' land condition, marking a critical ecological tipping point.

Sources (1)

Preview of Grazing Best Practice
Grazing Best Practice GreyLiterature

Grazing Best Practice

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 2
  • Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

Exceeding 50% bare ground triggers a cascade of degradation including soil surface sealing, reduced infiltration, and accelerated erosion. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.