Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TGP-AGR-WEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

800 µS/cm

Direction: Lower is desirable ↓

Form: MaximumOnly

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 2 benchmarks together — the MaximumOnly form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

MaximumOnly Primary MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

Reference Value: An EC of < 800 µS/cm is proposed as the benchmark for the best available condition.

Metric Definition:

Water Electrical Conductivity (EC) in surface water representing the best available condition for temperate grassy woodland agricultural systems.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the maximum acceptable electrical conductivity in surface water for temperate grassy woodland agricultural areas to maintain ecological health and sustainable soil management.

Justification:

This benchmark is set well below the Upper Detrimental Threshold of ~1500 µS/cm, where widespread adverse effects on sensitive freshwater biota are documented, and well above the Lower Critical Threshold of ~400 µS/cm, below which hypo-saline irrigation water can cause soil structural degradation.

Sources (2)

Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 28, 2025, Journal

Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - CSIRO Publishing

View Source

Salinity - Murray–Darling Basin Authority, accessed August 11, 2025, Government

Salinity | Murray–Darling Basin Authority

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Conservation Target
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 9 Jun 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: 400 µS/cm. The optimal range is defined as 400–800 µS/cm, avoiding hazards at both hypo-saline and hyper-saline extremes, representing a realistic and aspirational target for regenerative cropping systems managing altered hydrology.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TGP-AGR-WEC family.