Litter Cover
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 18 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 17 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Considering these sources, a reference range of 10-30% for litter/thatch cover appears appropriate for native grasslands.
proportion of the soil surface covered by detached, non-living plant material such as leaves, bark, twigs, and dead grasses
A litter cover range of 10-30% is appropriate for native grasslands, reflecting structural differences from woodlands and supporting forb diversity.
Supported by ACT Government benchmarks for thatch (10-20%) and observed litter levels in managed conservation grasslands on the Victorian Volcanic Plain (10-30%).
Sources (2)
Dorrough, J., Stol, J., & McIntyre, S. (2010). Native grasslands in the PlainsTender incentive scheme: Conservation value, management and monitoring. The Rangeland Journal, 32(2), 235-246
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
ACT Government. Environmental Offsets Ecological Monitoring Program Reports
View Source
Gibbons, P, Lindenmayer, DB, Barry, SC, Tanton, MT & Michael, D 2008, 'The ecological requirements of Yellow Box, Eucalyptus melliodora: a review', Ecological Management & Restoration, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 203-209
View Source