Basal Area — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

11.34 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 5 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 4 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary Point Guard Point Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

Based on available evidence, a Reference Value of 11.34 m²/ha is proposed.

Metric Definition:

Tree basal area measured as the cross-sectional area of tree stems at breast height per unit of land area.

Benchmark Definition:

Tree basal area as a measure of ecosystem structure and function in grazed tropical monsoonal savannas.

Justification:

The value originates from credible government research on remnant eucalypt savanna-woodland under livestock grazing, representing a mature and ecologically healthy woodland.

Sources (1)

Preview of Scenario analysis of alternative vegetation management options on the greenhouse gas budget of two grazing businesses in north-eastern Australia (citing Bray, S.G., Golden, M., and Scanlan, J.C. (2006) Carbon stocks and sequestration potential in woodlands. Final Report for the Australian Greenhouse Office, Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Brisbane)

Scenario analysis of alternative vegetation management options on the greenhouse gas budget of two grazing businesses in north-eastern Australia (citing Bray, S.G., Golden, M., and Scanlan, J.C. (2006) Carbon stocks and sequestration potential in woodlands. Final Report for the Australian Greenhouse Office, Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Brisbane) Journal

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Do regenerative grazing management practices ... - CSIRO Publishing, accessed May 12, 2025

Contextual Support Journal

Investigating Intensive Grazing Systems in Northern Australia

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical Monsoonal Savannas
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Conservation Target
Vegetation Woodland
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 9 Jun 2026

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. This value represents a mature, structurally complex, and ecologically healthy woodland within the target land use. It is considered the best available condition benchmark for grazed tropical monsoonal savannas in Australia.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMS-LVG-BAS family.