Soil Potassium

AUS-TDG-LVG-SOK General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 161 to 250 mg/kg

Optimal Range: 161 to 250

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 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MinimumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

The proposed optimal range for ecological health is: For Clay Loams: 161-250 mg/kg

Metric Definition:

Colwell K soil potassium concentration in mg/kg

Benchmark Definition:

Optimal range for soil potassium supporting robust native plant communities in clay loam soils.

Justification:

Derived from agronomic 'Ideal' and 'Adequate' categories interpreted for native ecosystems.

Sources (2)

Lowland Native Grassland Ecosystem Condition Monitoring Plan

Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management ...

View Source

Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management ..., accessed May 12, 2025 Government

Agriculture Victoria. (2025). Understanding soil tests for pastures. Farm Management.

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Potassium | Fact Sheets | soilquality.org.au, accessed July 10, 2025

Contextual Support Government

Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 17, 2025

View Source

www.act.gov.au, accessed May 11, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

www.act.gov.au, accessed May 11, 2025

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 2
Effective From 10 Jun 2026

Notes

This range supports healthy native plant communities and efficient nutrient cycling without promoting nutrient-demanding invasive species. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-LVG-SOK family.