Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TDG-FOR-SEC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

1.5 dS/m

Direction: Lower is desirable ↓

Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

In this study, plots with a mean EC1:5 of 1.5 dS/m were identified as 'salinised' and exhibited significant negative ecological consequences.

Metric Definition:

Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC1:5)

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark indicates a soil electrical conductivity level at which temperate woodland soils are considered salinised, leading to significant ecological degradation including loss of native species and poor tree health.

Justification:

Observed effects included a shift towards exotic species, reduction in native plant cover, and poor tree health.

Sources (1)

Preview of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003). Impacts of dryland salinity on remnant vegetation in the southern tablelands and south-west slopes of NSW

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003). Impacts of dryland salinity on remnant vegetation in the southern tablelands and south-west slopes of NSW

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003). Impacts of dryland salinity on remnant vegetation in the southern tablelands and south-west slopes of NSW

View Source

Supporting Sources (3)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Measuring soil salinity | Agriculture and Food, accessed May 16, 2025,

Methodology Source Government

Barrett-Lennard, E. G., et al. (2005). Standardising terminology for describing the level of salinity in soils in Australia

View Source

Preview of Processes underpinning natural capital account compilation highlight the potential for low-input grazing to mitigate farm carbon emissions while also improving biodiversity outcomes - CSIRO PUBLISHING | The Rangeland Journal, accessed August 12, 2025,

Processes underpinning natural capital account compilation highlight the potential for low-input grazing to mitigate farm carbon emissions while also improving biodiversity outcomes - CSIRO PUBLISHING | The Rangeland Journal, accessed August 12, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Vegetation change in an urban grassy woodland 1974–2000 - CSIRO Publishing

View Source

The dirt on our soils - Curious - Australian Academy of Science, accessed July 13, 2025

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

The dirt on our soils - Curious - Australian Academy of Science

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
Land Use Production Forestry
Assessment Not Stated
Vegetation Woodland
Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 10 Jun 2026

Notes

Direct empirical evidence of severe degradation. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-FOR-SEC family.