Soil Nitrogen

AUS-TSW-FOR-SON General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

2000 mg/kg
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

Scoring curve unavailable

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

While a precise numerical value is difficult to ascertain from available literature, it is clear that levels significantly above the natural benchmark (e.g., >2000–2500 mg/kg) would indicate a dysfunctional system at high risk of these negative consequences.

Metric Definition:

Upper detrimental threshold for Total Soil Nitrogen above which ecosystem function is impaired

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the upper detrimental threshold of total soil nitrogen in the topsoil above which ecosystem function is impaired in temperate semi-arid shrublands and open woodlands under production forestry.

Justification:

Levels significantly above the natural benchmark (e.g., >2000–2500 mg/kg) indicate a dysfunctional system at high risk of negative ecological consequences.

Sources (1)

Preview of Al-Beidh, S., & Al-Tawaha, A. R. M. (2023). Basic Properties and Mineralogy of Soils and Their Impact on the Growth of Jarrah Forest in Southwestern Australia. Land, 12(6), 1236.
Al-Beidh, S., & Al-Tawaha, A. R. M. (2023). Basic Properties and Mineralogy of Soils and Their Impact on the Growth of Jarrah Forest in Southwestern Australia. Land, 12(6), 1236. Journal

Soil Characteristics and Fertility of the Unique Jarrah Forest of Southwestern Australia, with Particular Consideration of Plant Nutrition and Land Rehabilitation - MDPI

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Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Review of C:N Ratios in Vegetation, Litter and Soil Under Australian Native Forests and Plantations - DCCEEW
Review of C:N Ratios in Vegetation, Litter and Soil Under Australian Native Forests and Plantations - DCCEEW
Contextual Support Journal

Review of C:N Ratios in Vegetation, Litter and Soil ... - DCCEEW

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 10 Jun 2026

Notes

Nitrogen saturation leads to nutrient leaching, soil acidification, and nutrient imbalances. High soil N is actively detrimental to forest health. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.