Soil pH — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 8 to 8.5 pH

Optimal Range: 8 to 8.5

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: OptimalRange

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.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

The optimal range for sustaining the health and function of Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands is pH 8.0 to 8.5 (H₂O).

Metric Definition:

Soil pH measured in a 1:5 soil:water suspension, representing the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the optimal soil pH range of 8.0 to 8.5 for maintaining healthy ecological function in the Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands.

Justification:

This range is supported by multiple sources including stable pH values described for healthy calcareous soils and specific benchmark values from healthy habitats.

Sources (2)

Preview of Soil and Landscape Grid of Australia - esoil.io, accessed July 13, 2025

Soil and Landscape Grid of Australia - esoil.io, accessed July 13, 2025 Government

UPTAKE OF ARSENIC BY NATIVE PLANTS GROWING ON GOLD TAILINGS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RANGELANDS1

View Source

Preview of Soil organic matter in cropping systems - NSW Department of Primary Industries, accessed July 22, 2025,

Soil organic matter in cropping systems - NSW Department of Primary Industries, accessed July 22, 2025, Journal

SOIL pH—SOUTH AUSTRALIA

View Source

Supporting Sources (5)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

(PDF) The pH of Australian soils: field results from a national survey - ResearchGate, accessed July 25, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Caritat, P. de, & Cooper, M. (2011). The pH of Australian soils: Field results from a national survey. Soil Research, 49, 172-182.

View Source

Arsenic and other elements in saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria) and soils from the goldfields of Western Australia

Direct Evidence Journal

Arsenic and other elements in saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria) and soils from the goldfields of Western Australia

View Source

NVIS Fact sheet MVG 22 – Chenopod shrublands, samphire shrublands and forblands - DCCEEW, accessed July 24, 2025

Contextual Support Journal

A Case for Below-Ground Dispersal? Insights into the Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Blind Cave Spiders in the Genus Troglodiplura (Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) - PubMed Central, accessed July 23, 2025

View Source

Soil Groups of Western Australia - SoilsWest

Contextual Support Journal

Soil Groups of Western Australia - SoilsWest

View Source

The pH of Australian soils: field results from a national survey - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 25, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Soil pH Explained - Soil Quality Knowledge Base

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands
Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 10 Jun 2026

Notes

This range represents a stable, healthy ecosystem naturally buffered by calcium carbonate. It supports adapted native flora (Atriplex, Maireana) and associated microbial communities, promoting ecosystem resilience. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-AKW-CON-SPH family.