Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.
Evidence & Context
"Irrespective of soil type, if SOC content is below 1%, water-limited yield potential may not be achieved (Kay and Angers 1999) as the soil's capacity to perform key functions... is constrained."
Soil organic carbon concentration (%) threshold across variable soil types.
Continental-scale functional degradation threshold below which physical and biological soil structures collapse, regardless of soil texture or type.
Establishes a continental-scale functional degradation threshold below which physical and biological soil structures collapse, regardless of soil texture or type.
Sources (1)
Soil Organic Carbon - Role in Rainfed Farming Systems With Particular Reference to Australian Conditions
View SourceSupporting Sources (5)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Winona pasture cropping: the way to health
View SourceSoil carbon sequestration in rangelands: a critical review
View Source
Temporal changes in soil carbon and nitrogen in response to grazing management and vegetation cover in south-eastern Australia
View SourceThe relationship between soil organic carbon and soil surface cover in rangelands of south-western New South Wales
View SourceTotal Soil Carbon, Particulate Organic Carbon, and Mineral-Associated Carbon Stocks under Different Grassland Ecosystems
View Source