Bare Ground
Benchmark Value
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.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
A benchmark of ²6410% bare ground (target range 5-10%) is proposed for representing the best available ecological condition.
Bare Ground (%) is the proportion of the soil surface that is exposed, lacking protective cover from living vegetation, plant litter, or biological soil crusts.
This benchmark represents the maximum acceptable level of bare ground in temperate dry woodlands and native grasslands under livestock grazing, indicating minimal soil exposure and high ecosystem function achievable with best-practice grazing management.
The benchmark is derived from best-practice case studies, industry guidelines, and research comparing grazing management systems, indicating that ≤10% bare ground is achievable and associated with high ecosystem function and resilience.
Sources (2)
Maintain ground cover | Meat & Livestock Australia
View SourceLand, Water & Wool Planned Grazing Management
View SourceSupporting Sources (1)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Protecting the land in dry times | Farming in dry conditions | Dry seasons and drought support | Prepare - Agriculture Victoria
View Source