Basal Area
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 5 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 4 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Persistent basal area values falling below 2-3 m²/ha across significant areas may signify severe degradation.
Basal area (BA) is the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all tree stems per unit of ground area.
A lower critical threshold for basal area in tropical monsoonal savannas indicates a level below which significant ecosystem degradation occurs, affecting structure, function, and biodiversity.
Such low levels could result from overly frequent and/or intense fires, unsustainable grazing pressure, or other chronic disturbances that prevent tree recruitment and survival.
Supporting Sources (4)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Additional peer-reviewed articles underpinning concepts of woody encroachment, fire ecology, and savanna dynamics as cited from search results like.1
View SourceLiddell, M. J., Preece, N. D., Krix, D., Edwards, A. C., & Hutley, L. B. (2024). Seasonal litter decomposition and accumulation in north Australian savanna. International Journal of Wildland Fire, WF24053.
View Source
Murphy, B. P., Lehmann, C. E. R., Russell-Smith, J., & Lawes, M. J. (2015). Fire or Water: Which Limits Tree Biomass in Australian Savannas? In: Ecology of Australian Freshwater Plants (pp. 273-294). CSIRO Publishing.
View SourceEyre, T. J., et al. (2011). BioCondition: A Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland. Assessment Methodology Manual. Version 2.1. Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.
View Source