Soil Phosphorus

AUS-TDG-AGR-SOP General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

8 mg/kg

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 4 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 3 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary Point Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

A single reference value is requested for the benchmark. An Olsen P value of 8 mg/kg (0-10 cm soil depth) is proposed as a reference point for the best available condition.

Metric Definition:

Soil phosphorus concentration measured as Olsen P in the 0-10 cm soil depth.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the best available soil phosphorus condition for sustainable cropping systems in temperate dry woodlands and native grasslands, balancing ecological health and crop productivity.

Justification:

Derived from ecological studies on native pastures and principles of regenerative agriculture, balancing crop nutrient requirements with ecological health.

Sources (2)

Preview of Phosphorus fertiliser management for pastures based on native grasses in south-eastern Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 5, 2025,

Phosphorus fertiliser management for pastures based on native grasses in south-eastern Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 5, 2025, GreyLiterature

Phosphorus nutrition of phosphorus-sensitive Australian native ...

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Why phosphorus is important - NSW Department of Primary Industries, accessed August 4, 2025 Government

Why phosphorus is important - NSW Department of Primary Industries

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Supporting Sources (5)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

(PDF) Phosphorus accumulation and other changes in soil ...

Contextual Support Journal

(PDF) Phosphorus accumulation and other changes in soil ...

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Phosphorus: a finite resource essential for life, critical for agriculture and food security

Contextual Support Journal

Phosphorus: a finite resource essential for life, critical for agriculture and food security

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Phosphorus: a finite resource essential for life, critical for agriculture and food security - CSIRO, accessed August 11, 2025

Contextual Support Government

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Retranslocation of Leaves and Stemwood in a Mature Eucalyptus Forest Exposed to 5 Years of Elevated CO2 - Frontiers

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The phosphorus saturation degree as a universal agronomic and environmental soil P test

Contextual Support Journal

Soil | Australia state of the environment 2021

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www.agric.wa.gov.au

Contextual Support

Achievements and future development in soil and nutritional research

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Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Conservation Target
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 8 Jun 2026

Notes

This benchmark is positioned below typical agronomic optima, reflecting prioritization of environmental health and potential for enhanced P use efficiency in regenerative systems.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-AGR-SOP family.