Basal Area

AUS-TGP-AGR-BAS General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

5 m²/ha
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: MinimumOnly

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.

Evidence & Context

A basal area below approximately 5 m²/ha is considered critically low.

Metric Definition:

Basal area below which the stand is too young or sparse to provide meaningful ecosystem services.

Benchmark Definition:

Critical lower threshold for basal area indicating insufficient ecological function.

Justification:

Based on measurements of young shelterbelts (2-5 years old) with mean basal area of 4.1 m²/ha.

Sources (1)

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

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

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

Below this threshold, stands are too young or sparse to provide significant ecosystem services. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.