Soil pH
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 19 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 18 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
The selected reference value is the range pH 6.9 – 7.8 (measured in 0.01M CaCl2).
Soil pH measured in 0.01M CaCl2 solution, indicating the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.
This benchmark defines the optimal soil pH range for the Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands biome under livestock grazing, representing the best achievable soil acidity and alkalinity conditions for managed agricultural systems.
This range is supported by multiple field measurements from best-practice regenerative grazing properties and corroborated by high-integrity reference sites.
Sources (3)
Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation ...
View Source
OzFlux-TERN GWW SuperSite presentation: Soil Chemical Properties
View SourceAustralian dryland soils are acidic and nutrient‐depleted, and have unique microbial communities compared with other drylands - Arid Ecology Lab
View SourceSupporting Sources (5)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Heavy grazing reduces soil bacterial diversity by increasing soil pH in a semi-arid steppe
View SourceSchiedung, M., et al. (2004). Impacts of Road Disturbance on Soil Properties and on Exotic Plant Occurrence in Subalpine Areas of the Australian Alps. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 36(2), 201-207.
View SourceSoil Health - Dairy Australia
View SourceSoil Acidity | Fact Sheets | soilquality.org.au, accessed July 20, 2025,
View SourceThe Effects of High Soil pH in Lawns - Lawnpride Australia
View Source