Gully Density
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.
Evidence & Context
Proposed Detrimental Threshold Interpretation: While any active gully density > 0 m/ha is sub-optimal, a gully density consistently exceeding a low level, for example, > 5-10 m/ha (equivalent to 0.05-0.1 km/km²), within a production forestry setting purportedly managed under "best practices," would strongly indicate a systemic failure of erosion control measures and represent a clearly degraded state.
Threshold indicating systemic failure of erosion control when active gully density exceeds this level.
Active gully density above this threshold indicates significant management failure and degradation in Australian Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands under Production Forestry.
Densities above 5-10 m/ha are associated with notable erosion problems and degraded states.
Sources (1)
Gully erosion prediction across a large region: Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
View SourceSupporting Sources (8)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
(PDF) Drivers of Gully Erosion and its Socio-economic and Environmental Effects in a Tropical Semi-arid Environment - ResearchGate, accessed July 17, 2025
View Source
Temperate forests and soils [Chapter 6]
View SourceThe East Gippsland Soil Erosion Management Plan - Victorian Resources Online
View SourceMinimum width requirements for riparian zones to protect flowing waters and to conserve biodiversity
View SourceNative Vegetation of the Southern Forests: South-east Highlands, Australian Alps, South-west Slopes, and SE Corner bioregions
View Source
A review of the potential impacts of different fire regimes on soil erosion and sedimentation, nutrient and carb
View SourceThe Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox - CSIRO
View SourceGully erosion prediction across a large region: Murray–Darling Basin, Australia - CSIRO Publishing
View Source