Basal Area
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 18 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 17 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
The data show that while exclosures generally have a higher basal area, the grazed plots maintain a substantial woody structure, with a mean basal area of 6.2 m²/ha.
Total cross-sectional area of tree stems at breast height per unit of land.
Basal area measures the cross-sectional area of tree stems per hectare, indicating the woody structure in temperate semi-arid woodlands under livestock grazing. This benchmark reflects a sustainable grazing condition with substantial woody vegetation.
Derived from multiple long-term managed sites in Eucalyptus-dominated semi-arid woodlands, representing the best available condition under sustainable grazing.
Sources (2)
Does grazing exclusion in Australia's rangelands affect biomass and debris carbon stocks? - CSIRO Publishing, accessed April 29, 2025,
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Grazing exclusion has nuanced effects on woody carbon stocks across Australian rangelands
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