Ground Cover - Tree Canopy

AUS-TMI-LVG-TCC General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 30 to 40 %

Optimal Range: 30 to 40

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 19 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 18 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

The primary evidence for a "best-on-offer" reference value for Tree Canopy Cover (TCC) is the research from Central Queensland University (CQU) on tree-grass balance in the Fitzroy region's tropical savanna grazing systems. This research identified an optimal range of 30-40% TCC for maximizing livestock productivity and maintaining land condition.

Metric Definition:

Tree Canopy Cover (TCC) in a sustainable tropical grazing system

Benchmark Definition:

The optimal range for Tree Canopy Cover in tropical grazing systems balances tree and grass benefits to support livestock productivity and ecological function while avoiding degradation.

Justification:

The benchmark is derived from a strong analogue system with similar climate and vegetation, supported by ecological theory on tree-grass balance and degradation thresholds in savanna systems.

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Balancing trees and grass for improved grazing conditions in central Queensland

Direct Evidence

Balancing trees and grass for improved grazing conditions in central Queensland

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 10 Jun 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: 10 %. Upper Detrimental Threshold: 40 %. The benchmark sits within a functional range defined by a lower critical threshold of <10% TCC (below which essential ecosystem services are lost) and an upper detrimental threshold of >40% TCC (above which woody encroachment and loss of fire-maintaining processes occur). AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMI-LVG-TCC family.