Gully Density

AUS-TSW-FOR-GUL General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

0 m/ha
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: Point

Scoring Curve

Scoring curve unavailable

The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is Point, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.

Contributing Benchmarks

Point Primary Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard

Evidence & Context

Final Benchmark Indicator Name: Gully Density Reference Value: 0 Unit: m/ha (of active gullies) Source Title: Synthesized benchmark based on the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management (ESFM) and soil stability objectives in Australian forestry codes and scientific literature.

Metric Definition:

Gully Density (m/ha of active gullies) representing the density of active gullies in the landscape as an indicator of soil stability and ecological health.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the ideal state of zero active gullies in production forestry landscapes within the temperate semi-arid shrublands and open woodlands biome, reflecting the goal of preventing soil erosion and maintaining landscape stability.

Justification:

This reference value of 0 m/ha of active gullies is derived from first principles consistent with Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management goals and regulatory frameworks mandating soil erosion prevention.

Sources (3)

Preview of Chapter 13 Gully erosion and its control - Queensland Government publications, accessed August 12, 2025
Chapter 13 Gully erosion and its control - Queensland Government publications, accessed August 12, 2025 Journal

The hydrogeomorphic influences on alluvial gully erosion along the Mitchell River fluvial megafan

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Preview of Forest Practices Plans - Private Forests Tasmania
Forest Practices Plans - Private Forests Tasmania Journal

Australia's forests – overview - DAFF

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Preview of Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Northern NSW - Environment and Heritage, accessed August 10, 2025,
Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Northern NSW - Environment and Heritage, accessed August 10, 2025,

Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Cypress and Western ...

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Supporting Sources (27)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Prediction of Sheet and Rill Erosion Over the Australian Continent, Incorporating Monthly Soil Loss Distribution - ResearchGate, accessed May 11, 2025,
(PDF) Prediction of Sheet and Rill Erosion Over the Australian Continent, Incorporating Monthly Soil Loss Distribution - ResearchGate, accessed May 11, 2025,
Contextual Support

Australia state of the environment 2021: land

View Source
Preview of (PDF) Regrowth and Soil Erosion in the Semi-Arid Woodlands of ..., accessed July 16, 2025,
(PDF) Regrowth and Soil Erosion in the Semi-Arid Woodlands of ..., accessed July 16, 2025,
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

(PDF) Regrowth and Soil Erosion in the Semi-Arid Woodlands of ...

View Source
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 Alluvial Gully Erosion Rates and Processes Across the Mitchell River Fluvial Megafan in Northern Queensland, Australia - Resilient Landscapes Hub, accessed July 12, 2025
Alluvial Gully Erosion Rates and Processes Across the Mitchell River Fluvial Megafan in Northern Queensland, Australia - Resilient Landscapes Hub, accessed July 12, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Alluvial Gully Erosion Rates and Processes Across the Mitchell River Fluvial Megafan in Northern Queensland, Australia - Resilient Landscapes Hub

View Source
Preview of Alluvial Gully Erosion Rates and Processes Across the Mitchell River Fluvial Megafan in Northern Queensland, Australia - Resilient Landscapes Hub, accessed July 8, 2025,
Alluvial Gully Erosion Rates and Processes Across the Mitchell River Fluvial Megafan in Northern Queensland, Australia - Resilient Landscapes Hub, accessed July 8, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

What is the best technique to estimate topographic thresholds of ..., accessed July 17, 2025

View Source
Preview of Australia's forests – overview - DAFF, accessed August 5, 2025,
Australia's forests – overview - DAFF, accessed August 5, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

Eastern Australian Temperate Forests | One Earth, accessed April 29, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Biodiversity Conservation Trust Ecological Thinning Guidelines, accessed July 12, 2025,
Biodiversity Conservation Trust Ecological Thinning Guidelines, accessed July 12, 2025,
Contextual Support

Estimating the relative magnitude of expected increases in soil ...

View Source
Preview of Chapter 3 Land degradation - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, accessed July 13, 2025,
Chapter 3 Land degradation - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, accessed July 13, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

Soil condition | NSW State of the Environment

View Source
Preview of Effects of time-controlled grazing on runoff and sediment loss - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 12, 2025
Effects of time-controlled grazing on runoff and sediment loss - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 12, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Effects of time-controlled grazing on runoff and sediment loss - CSIRO Publishing

View Source
Preview of Estimating the relative magnitude of expected increases in soil erosion from tree clearing and agricultural development on Cape York, accessed August 3, 2025,
Estimating the relative magnitude of expected increases in soil erosion from tree clearing and agricultural development on Cape York, accessed August 3, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Estimating the relative magnitude of expected increases in soil erosion from tree clearing and agricultural development on Cape York, accessed July 27, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Factors related to gully erosion in woody encroachment in south-eastern Australia | Request PDF - ResearchGate, accessed on May 29, 2025,
Factors related to gully erosion in woody encroachment in south-eastern Australia | Request PDF - ResearchGate, accessed on May 29, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Discover the Top 6 Benefits of Regenerative Farming in Australia, accessed July 23, 2025

View Source
Preview of Forest Management Options for Private Landowners, accessed July 12, 2025
Forest Management Options for Private Landowners, accessed July 12, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Forest Management Options for Private Landowners

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Preview of Forest Management Options for Private Landowners, accessed July 12, 2025,
Forest Management Options for Private Landowners, accessed July 12, 2025,
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Forest Management Plan | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

View Source
Preview of Forest Management Plan 2024-2033 - Conservation and Parks Commission, accessed May 15, 2025,
Forest Management Plan 2024-2033 - Conservation and Parks Commission, accessed May 15, 2025,
Contextual Support

Case studies | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government

View Source
Preview of LAND DEGRADATION AND THE AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY - Productivity Commission, accessed July 13, 2025,
LAND DEGRADATION AND THE AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY - Productivity Commission, accessed July 13, 2025,
Contextual Support

LAND DEGRADATION AND THE AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY - Productivity Commission

View Source
Preview of management of inland arid and semi-arid woodland ... - DBCA Library, accessed July 12, 2025,
management of inland arid and semi-arid woodland ... - DBCA Library, accessed July 12, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

management of inland arid and semi-arid woodland ... - DBCA Library

View Source
Preview of nesplandscapes.edu.au, accessed May 15, 2025,
nesplandscapes.edu.au, accessed May 15, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Alluvial Gully Erosion Rates and Processes Across the Mitchell ...

View Source
Preview of NVIS Fact sheet MVG 14 – Mallee woodlands and shrublands - DCCEEW, accessed July 15, 2025
NVIS Fact sheet MVG 14 – Mallee woodlands and shrublands - DCCEEW, accessed July 15, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

NVIS Fact sheet MVG 14 – Mallee woodlands and shrublands - DCCEEW, accessed August 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice | NSW Government, accessed July 12, 2025
Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice | NSW Government, accessed July 12, 2025
Regulatory Framework Government

Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice | NSW Government

View Source
Preview of Program - CSIRO, accessed July 12, 2025
Program - CSIRO, accessed July 12, 2025
Methodology Source Government

Program - CSIRO

View Source
Preview of Review of 2022 Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Northern NSW - NationBuilder, accessed July 12, 2025,
Review of 2022 Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Northern NSW - NationBuilder, accessed July 12, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Review of 2022 Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Northern NSW - NationBuilder

View Source
Preview of Semi-arid woodlands (grassy sub-formation) | NSW Environment, Energy and Science, accessed July 12, 2025, )
Semi-arid woodlands (grassy sub-formation) | NSW Environment, Energy and Science, accessed July 12, 2025, )
Contextual Support Government

Temperate Grasslands - Greening Australia

View Source
Preview of Semi-arid woodlands (shrubby sub-formation) | NSW Environment, Energy and Science, accessed July 12, 2025, )
Semi-arid woodlands (shrubby sub-formation) | NSW Environment, Energy and Science, accessed July 12, 2025, )
Contextual Support Government

Semi-arid woodlands (grassy sub-formation) | NSW Environment, Energy and Science

View Source
Preview of Silvicultural guidelines: Private Native Forestry Code of Practice - Environment and Heritage, accessed July 31, 2025
Silvicultural guidelines: Private Native Forestry Code of Practice - Environment and Heritage, accessed July 31, 2025
Direct Evidence

Government Gazette

View Source
Preview of Soil condition | NSW State of the Environment, accessed August 10, 2025,
Soil condition | NSW State of the Environment, accessed August 10, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

Analysing water sensitive urban design options - Australian Water Association

View Source
Preview of VI.† Evaluation of the RUSLE and MUSLE models to assess the impact of clearing brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) on sediment yield - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Soil Research, accessed July 20, 2025
VI.† Evaluation of the RUSLE and MUSLE models to assess the impact of clearing brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) on sediment yield - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Soil Research, accessed July 20, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Soil Research - CSIRO PUBLISHING

View Source
Preview of Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 5, 2025,
Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 5, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 4, 2025,

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 8 Jun 2026

Notes

Active gullies indicate landscape degradation and are not desirable. The concept of a critically low gully density is not applicable; zero is the ideal stable state. The upper detrimental threshold is the point of gully initiation; any value above 0 m/ha is detrimental.