Soil Phosphorus

AUS-TMS-CON-SOP General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 1 to 5 mg/kg

Optimal Range: 1 to 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 5 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 4 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard OptimalRange Guard

Evidence & Context

The optimal available P range for native ecosystem health in TMS conservation areas aligns with the naturally occurring low levels, typically 1-5 mg/kg (Bicarbonate-extractable P, 0-10 cm), varying by soil type.

Metric Definition:

Available phosphorus (Bicarbonate-extractable P, 0-10 cm depth) in soil

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the optimal range of available phosphorus for native ecosystem health in Australian Tropical Monsoonal Savanna conservation areas, supporting biodiversity and ecological function in phosphorus-limited environments.

Justification:

Supports native biodiversity and ecological function in P-limited environments.

Sources (1)

Preview of www.publications.qld.gov.au, accessed May 16, 2025,

www.publications.qld.gov.au, accessed May 16, 2025, Journal

The Soils of Cape York Peninsula. Cooktown and Weipa Sections. Land Resource Survey and Evaluation.

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Management practices in the Northern Jarrah Forest, southwest Australia: fertiliser increases tree growth but decreases understo

Direct Evidence Journal

Management practices in the Northern Jarrah Forest, southwest Australia: fertiliser increases tree growth but decreases understo

View Source

Phosphorus toxicity in the Proteaceae - ResearchGate

Contextual Support Journal

Phosphorus toxicity in the Proteaceae - ResearchGate

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical Monsoonal Savannas
Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
Assessment Pristine Reference
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 10 Jun 2026

Notes

The health and integrity of these ecosystems are intrinsically tied to these low P conditions, which prevent the dominance of P-demanding, often non-native, species and support the unique adaptations of the indigenous flora.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMS-CON-SOP family.