Basal Area — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 17.2 to 24.5 m²/ha

Optimal Range: 17.2 to 24.5

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: OptimalRange

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 19 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 18 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard Point Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard

Evidence & Context

Reference Value: 17.2−24.5 m²/ha

Metric Definition:

Basal area of mature (6-30 years old) mixed native species shelterbelts in a temperate Australian agricultural landscape.

Benchmark Definition:

Measured basal area of mature shelterbelts representing a best-practice example in agricultural landscapes.

Justification:

This value reflects a best-practice, real-world example balancing ecological function and farm productivity.

Sources (1)

Shelterbelt species composition and age determine structure: Consequences for ecosystem services

Shelterbelt species composition and age determine structure: Consequences for ecosystem services

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

A guide to managing Box Gum Grassy Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 4, 2025

Contextual Support Journal

Manning, A. D., Cunningham, R. B., Tongway, D., & Lindenmayer, D. B. (2020). Woodlands and woody debris: Understanding structure and composition to inform restoration. PLoS ONE, 15(3), e0224258.

View Source

Preview of Approved Conservation Advice for the White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland - DCCEEW, accessed August 12, 2025,

Approved Conservation Advice for the White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland - DCCEEW, accessed August 12, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Conservation Advice for Lowland Grassy Woodland in the South East Corner Bioregion

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

The optimal range is based on mature shelterbelts aged 6-30 years, balancing ecosystem services and crop productivity. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TGP-AGR-BAS family.