Litter Cover — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

30 %

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: MinimumOnly

Scoring Curve

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

Evidence & Context

evidence from wet eucalypt forests suggests that at least 30% of litter is required to minimize soil runoff and loss.

Metric Definition:

Percentage of the plot covered by organic litter.

Benchmark Definition:

In the Australian Alpine and Subalpine Complex, wet eucalypt forests require at least 30% organic litter cover to minimize soil runoff and erosion.

Justification:

When litter loads drop below 30%, there is a 'markedly increase' in runoff and soil erosion.

Sources (1)

WorleyParsons. (2011). Australian Alps Catchment Condition Report. Journal

WorleyParsons. (2011). Australian Alps Catchment Condition Report.

View Source

Supporting Sources (13)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

AHF Freshwater aquatic herbland

Direct Evidence Journal

AHF Freshwater aquatic herbland

View Source

Assessing the quality of native vegetation: The 'habitat hectares' approach

Direct Evidence Journal

short-term review

View Source

Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine

Direct Evidence Journal

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA). (2011). Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine.

View Source

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). (2020). Victorian Alps Bioregion EVC Benchmarks.

Contextual Support Direct Evidence Journal

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). (2020). Victorian Alps Bioregion EVC Benchmarks.

View Source

Flora and Fauna Report 2022

Direct Evidence Journal

Flora and Fauna Report 2022

View Source

Gelliondale Flora and Fauna Report

Direct Evidence Journal

Gelliondale Flora and Fauna Report

View Source

Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation - Environment

Direct Evidence Journal

Native Vegetation Integrity Benchmarks - Environment and Heritage, accessed April 6, 2026

View Source

Preview of Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

Contextual Support Journal

Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

View Source

Mapping Windthrow Severity as Change in Canopy Cover in a Temperate Eucalypt Forest

Direct Evidence Methodology Source Journal

Somerville, M. et al. (2019). Function attribute benchmarks for the Biodiversity Assessment Method. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

View Source