Basal Area — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

28 m²/ha

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: Point

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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

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

Evidence & Context

Reference Value: 28 m²/ha

Metric Definition:

Basal area, defined as the cross-sectional area of tree stems at breast height per unit of land area.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents an ambitious yet achievable target for basal area in agricultural crop production within tropical and subtropical rainforests, reflecting a state of high ecological health that balances productivity and ecosystem function.

Justification:

Derived from international agroforestry analogues and constrained by Australian ecological data, representing an ambitious yet achievable state of high environmental health for a managed landscape.

Sources (1)

Typology of coffee-based agroforestry systems in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Togo (West Africa) Journal

Typology of coffee-based agroforestry systems in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Togo (West Africa)

View Source

Supporting Sources (6)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Managing competition between forestry plants. - Forest Learning, accessed July 17, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Managing competition between forestry plants. - Forest Learning

View Source

Scattered paddock trees - Local Land Services - NSW Government

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Ecosystem Services from agroforestry systems in Australia - Southern Cross University

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The Bioeconomic Potential for Agroforestry in Australia's Northern Grazing Systems, accessed July 17, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

The Bioeconomic Potential for Agroforestry in Australia's Northern Grazing Systems

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The Long-Term Survival and Growth of Enrichment Plantings in ..., accessed July 17, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Reforestation in the Tropics and Subtropics of Australia

View Source

Tree-grass balance | Meat & Livestock Australia - MLA, accessed July 17, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Tree-grass balance | Meat & Livestock Australia - MLA, accessed July 17, 2025,

View Source

Typology of coffee-based agroforestry systems in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Togo (West Africa) - SciSpace, accessed July 17, 2025,

Direct Evidence Journal

Typology of coffee-based agroforestry systems in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Togo (West Africa) - SciSpace, accessed July 17, 2025,

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical & Subtropical Rainforests
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Conservation Target
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 8 Jun 2026

Notes

This value represents an ambitious but achievable target for ecologically functional crop production, positioned above the lower critical threshold (~5 m²/ha) and below the upper detrimental threshold (~30 m²/ha).

Related Benchmarks

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