Soil Moisture
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is CompositeFramework, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.
Evidence & Context
Lower Critical Threshold (θcrit): Estimated to be between 7% and 12% VWC. Below this, plant water stress significantly limits evapotranspiration and compromises essential ecological functions.
Lower critical soil moisture threshold (θcrit) below which evapotranspiration is limited and plant water stress occurs
The soil moisture level below which evapotranspiration becomes significantly limited, inducing plant water stress and compromising key ecological functions.
Based on global analyses and direct measurements in savanna ecosystems indicating a median θcrit of approximately 7.2 ± 1.1% VWC, with consideration of local soil texture and climate.
Sources (1)
Global critical soil moisture thresholds of plant water stress
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Seasonal Patterns in Soil Moisture, Vapour Pressure Deficit, Tree Canopy Cover and Pre-dawn Water Potential in a Northern Australian Savanna, accessed May 16, 2025
View Source
Soil, plant and livestock interactions in Australian tropical ... - Brill
View SourceTrends and variability of water balance components over a tropical savanna and Eucalyptus forest in Australia
View Source