Soil pH

AUS-ASC-FOR-SPH General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 5 to 5.5 pH
Optimal Range: 5 to 5.5
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 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

Reference Soil pH (1:5 soil:water) Value/Range: A target operational window of pH 5.0 – 5.5.

Metric Definition:

Soil pH measured as a 1:5 soil:water suspension.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the target soil pH range of 5.0 to 5.5 for sustainable production forestry in the Alpine and Subalpine Complex biome, balancing natural soil acidity with species preferences to support healthy soil functions and productivity.

Justification:

Balances natural alpine soil acidity with lower end of target species' preference; aims for sustainable productivity without excessive intervention; supports robust soil functions.

Sources (1)

Preview of (PDF) The pH of Australian soils: field results from a national survey - ResearchGate, accessed July 25, 2025,
(PDF) The pH of Australian soils: field results from a national survey - ResearchGate, accessed July 25, 2025, Journal

Caritat, P. de, & Cooper, M. (2011). The pH of Australian soils: Field results from a national survey. Soil Research, 49, 172-182.

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Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Alpine and Subalpine Complex
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Production Forestry
  • Vegetation Forest
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

  • Status Superseded
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 9 Jun 2026
  • Effective To 9 Jun 2026

Notes

Represents the 'best available condition of nature' achievable with sustainable management, balancing ecological integrity with productive capacity.