Basal Area

AUS-TMS-LVG-BAS General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 5 to 12 m²/ha
Optimal Range: 5 to 12
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: OptimalRange

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.

Evidence & Context

An optimal basal area range for sustainably grazed tropical monsoonal savannas is likely between approximately 5 m²/ha and 12 m²/ha.

Metric Definition:

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

Benchmark Definition:

Optimal functional range of tree basal area balancing pasture production and ecological health in grazed tropical monsoonal savannas.

Justification:

Range derived from multiple studies including the North Australian Tropical Transect and Einasleigh Uplands data reflecting natural variability and management objectives.

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

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)

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

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

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 range balances sustainable pasture production with essential tree-related ecological benefits such as biodiversity, soil health, and shelter.