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 3 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 2 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
The proposed benchmark for soil pH(CaCl₂) is a range of 5.0 – 5.5. This is based on mean topsoil pH values observed in open inter-tree areas (5.01) and beneath tree canopies (5.50) in little-grazed, high-conservation-value temperate grassy woodlands in central New South Wales.
Topsoil pH measured in 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂) solution, representing soil acidity/alkalinity affecting ecosystem health.
Based on measurements from little-grazed remnants representing high environmental health and ecological function, supported by Prober et al. (2002).
Sources (1)
Prober, S.M., Thiele, K.R. and Lunt, I.D. (2002). Determining reference conditions for management and restoration of temperate grassy woodlands: relationships among trees, topsoils and understorey flora in little-grazed remnants. Australian Journal of Botany, 50(6), 687-697.
View SourceSupporting Sources (4)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Agriculture Victoria. (2025). Soil acidity. Farm Management.
View SourceSoil acidity - Department for Environment and Water
View SourceManage soil acidity | EverGraze More livestock from perennials, accessed July 18, 2025,
View SourceSoil Quality Knowledge Base. (n.d.). Soil pH.
View Source