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
Bare ground exceeding ~30% typically signifies a significantly increased risk of accelerated erosion and runoff in many temperate grazing landscapes.
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 a critical upper threshold of bare ground in temperate dry woodlands and native grasslands under livestock grazing, beyond which there is a significantly increased risk of erosion and runoff.
Multiple state and industry guidelines indicate that bare ground above 30% increases erosion and runoff risk, marking a transition to degraded conditions.
Sources (3)
Maintain ground cover | Meat & Livestock Australia
View SourceLand, Water & Wool Planned Grazing Management
View SourceProtecting the land in dry times | Farming in dry conditions | Dry seasons and drought support | Prepare - Agriculture Victoria
View Source