Soil Nitrogen

AUS-AIF-LVG-SON General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

600 mg/kg
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: MinimumOnly

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 3 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 2 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

Therefore, a Total N concentration of approximately 600 mg/kg is proposed as the lower critical threshold for Vertosols in this biome.

Metric Definition:

Lower critical threshold concentration of Total Soil Nitrogen below which ecosystem function is compromised.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the minimum concentration of Total Soil Nitrogen in Vertosol soils of this biome, below which essential ecosystem functions are significantly impaired.

Justification:

Supported by studies showing degraded sites with Total N around 560 mg/kg and a 43% reduction from good condition sites.

Sources (1)

Preview of Soil-landscape and vegetation indicators of condition in the Channel Country, Queensland, Australia
Soil-landscape and vegetation indicators of condition in the Channel Country, Queensland, Australia

Soil-landscape and vegetation indicators of condition in the Channel Country, Queensland, Australia

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Channel Country bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed July 21, 2025
Channel Country bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed July 21, 2025
Direct Evidence Journal

Channel Country bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed July 21, 2025

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Inland Floodplains & Ephemeral River Systems
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 9 Jun 2026

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. Values approaching or below this level suggest severe impairment of soil nitrogen capital and ecosystem resilience. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.