Soil Moisture

AUS-TGP-FOR-SMO General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 20 to 25 %
Thresholds: Lower: 10, Upper: —
Optimal Range: 20 to 25
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: OptimalRange

Scoring Curve

Scoring curve unavailable

The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is CompositeFramework, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.

Evidence & Context

Based on this principle, a reference value of 20% - 25% VWC is proposed for topsoil (0-30 cm) in the loamy to clay-loam soils typical of this biome.

Metric Definition:

Volumetric Water Content (VWC) in topsoil (0-30 cm) representing soil moisture content.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the soil moisture content in the top 0-30 cm of soil in temperate grassy woodlands and plains under production forestry, where moisture levels between 20% and 25% volumetric water content support core ecological functions and ecosystem productivity.

Justification:

The value is based on a lower critical threshold of <10% Volumetric Water Content (VWC) for productivity, identified in a temperate grassy woodland, and the global average plant water stress threshold of 19% VWC. A "best-on-offer" system should maintain a buffer above these stress points.

Sources (3)

Preview of Mapping global critical soil moisture threshold of plant water stress ..., accessed August 9, 2025
Mapping global critical soil moisture threshold of plant water stress ..., accessed August 9, 2025 Journal

Waterlogging : how it reduces plant growth and how plants can overcome its effects

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Preview of Soil moisture dominates dryness stress on ecosystem production globally - PubMed Central, accessed August 9, 2025
Soil moisture dominates dryness stress on ecosystem production globally - PubMed Central, accessed August 9, 2025 Journal

Soil moisture dominates dryness stress on ecosystem production globally - PubMed Central, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Understorey productivity in temperate grassy woodland responds to soil water availability but not to elevated [CO2 ] - PubMed, accessed August 9, 2025
Understorey productivity in temperate grassy woodland responds to soil water availability but not to elevated [CO2 ] - PubMed, accessed August 9, 2025 Journal

(PDF) The impact of soil disturbance on root development in ..., accessed May 15, 2025

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Supporting Sources (37)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Impact of temperature and moisture on heterotrophic soil respiration along a moist tropical forest gradient in Australia - ResearchGate, accessed August 9, 2025
(PDF) Impact of temperature and moisture on heterotrophic soil respiration along a moist tropical forest gradient in Australia - ResearchGate, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Soil respiration-driven CO2 pulses dominate Australia's flux variability - ResearchGate, accessed July 31, 2025,

View Source
Preview of 2.3.3.1 Landscape classification - Bioregional Assessments |, accessed August 9, 2025
2.3.3.1 Landscape classification - Bioregional Assessments |, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Methodology Source Government

2.3.3.1 Landscape classification - Bioregional Assessments |, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of ASC - How to Classify - Soil Science Australia, accessed August 9, 2025
ASC - How to Classify - Soil Science Australia, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Methodology Source Government

ASC - How to Classify - Soil Science Australia, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Australia's State of the Forests Report, accessed August 12, 2025
Australia's State of the Forests Report, accessed August 12, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria, accessed March 28, 2026,

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Preview of Box Gum Grassy Woodland - Local Land Services - NSW Government, accessed August 9, 2025
Box Gum Grassy Woodland - Local Land Services - NSW Government, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

GRASSLANDS & GRASSY WOODLANDS - Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, accessed August 11, 2025

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Preview of Chapter 9 AUSTRALIAN GRASSLANDS - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, accessed August 5, 2025,
Chapter 9 AUSTRALIAN GRASSLANDS - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, accessed August 5, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

Karst and agriculture in Australia - Digital Commons @ USF, accessed July 26, 2025,

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Preview of Common soil types | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government, accessed August 9, 2025
Common soil types | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Australian Soil Classification edition 3 - CALCAROSOLS

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Preview of Data in demand: Australian flux data downloads surge thanks to new global open-access, accessed August 9, 2025
Data in demand: Australian flux data downloads surge thanks to new global open-access, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Data in demand: Australian flux data downloads surge thanks to new global open-access, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Draft Conservation Advice for the Brogo Wet Vine Forest of the South East Corner Bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed August 9, 2025
Draft Conservation Advice for the Brogo Wet Vine Forest of the South East Corner Bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Draft Conservation Advice for the Brogo Wet Vine Forest of the South East Corner Bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Enhancing critical habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard in agricultural landscapes, accessed August 9, 2025
Enhancing critical habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard in agricultural landscapes, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Enhancing critical habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard in agricultural landscapes, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Environmental Stewardship - Box Gum Grassy Woodland Project - Information Booklet - DCCEEW, accessed August 12, 2025,
Environmental Stewardship - Box Gum Grassy Woodland Project - Information Booklet - DCCEEW, accessed August 12, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Effects of Stock Grazing on Biodiversity Values in Temperate Native Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands in SE Australia: A Literature Review - ACT Government, accessed August 12, 2025,

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Preview of ESTIMATING EXTRACTABLE SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT FOR AUSTRALIAN SOILS - eWater, accessed August 9, 2025
ESTIMATING EXTRACTABLE SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT FOR AUSTRALIAN SOILS - eWater, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Regenerative Agriculture - a literature review on the practices and ...

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Preview of Factors affecting forest health, accessed August 9, 2025
Factors affecting forest health, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Gully erosion prediction across a large region: Murray–Darling Basin, Australia, accessed August 28, 2025,

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Preview of Global variations in critical drought thresholds that impact vegetation - PMC, accessed August 9, 2025
Global variations in critical drought thresholds that impact vegetation - PMC, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Global variations in critical drought thresholds that impact vegetation - PMC, accessed August 9, 2025,

View Source
Preview of GP39 | VRO | Agriculture Victoria - Victorian Resources Online, accessed August 9, 2025
GP39 | VRO | Agriculture Victoria - Victorian Resources Online, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

GP39 | VRO | Agriculture Victoria - Victorian Resources Online, accessed August 9, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Hillslope-scale prediction of terrain and forest canopy effects on temperature and near-surface soil moisture deficit - ResearchGate, accessed August 9, 2025
Hillslope-scale prediction of terrain and forest canopy effects on temperature and near-surface soil moisture deficit - ResearchGate, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Hillslope-scale prediction of terrain and forest canopy effects on temperature and near-surface soil moisture deficit - ResearchGate, accessed August 9, 2025,

View Source
Preview of MVG 6 - Acacia forests and woodlands (DOCX - DCCEEW, accessed May 15, 2025,
MVG 6 - Acacia forests and woodlands (DOCX - DCCEEW, accessed May 15, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Spatial organisation of landscapes and its function in semi-arid woodlands, Australia, accessed July 16, 2025

View Source
Preview of National Recovery Plan for White Box–Yellow Box–Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland, accessed August 9, 2025
National Recovery Plan for White Box–Yellow Box–Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

National Recovery Plan for White Box–Yellow Box–Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland, accessed August 12, 2025

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Preview of NVIS Fact sheet MVG 19 	6 Tussock grasslands, accessed July 16, 2025,
NVIS Fact sheet MVG 19 6 Tussock grasslands, accessed July 16, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Understanding soil pH, accessed August 28, 2025,

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Preview of NVIS Fact sheet MVG 3 – Eucalypt open forest, accessed August 9, 2025
NVIS Fact sheet MVG 3 – Eucalypt open forest, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

NVIS Fact sheet MVG 3 – Eucalypt open forest, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of OzFlux - Sites > Tumbarumba - Measurements, accessed August 9, 2025
OzFlux - Sites > Tumbarumba - Measurements, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Methodology Source Government

OzFlux - Sites > Tumbarumba - Measurements, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Protect remnant vegetation – ANU Sustainable Farms, accessed August 4, 2025
Protect remnant vegetation – ANU Sustainable Farms, accessed August 4, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Effects of Stock Grazing on Biodiversity Values in Temperate Native Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands in SE Australia: A Literature Review - ACT Government, accessed May 19, 2025

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Preview of Restoration of eucalypt grassy woodland: effects of experimental interventions on ground-layer vegetation - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Australian Journal of Botany, accessed August 12, 2025,
Restoration of eucalypt grassy woodland: effects of experimental interventions on ground-layer vegetation - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Australian Journal of Botany, accessed August 12, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Full article: Making soil carbon credits work for climate change mitigation

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Preview of Review of the current state of knowledge for the monitoring of forestry impacts on waterway health in NSW coastal forests - Natural Resources Commission, accessed August 9, 2025
Review of the current state of knowledge for the monitoring of forestry impacts on waterway health in NSW coastal forests - Natural Resources Commission, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Potential effects of climate change on forests and forestry in Australia

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Preview of Soil | Australia state of the environment 2021, accessed August 3, 2025,
Soil | Australia state of the environment 2021, accessed August 3, 2025,
Contextual Support

The effects of clipping frequency and nitrogen fertilisation on greenhouse gas emissions and net ecosystem exchange in an Australian temperate grassland - CSIRO PUBLISHING | The Rangeland Journal

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Preview of Soil condition | NSW State of the Environment, accessed August 10, 2025,
Soil condition | NSW State of the Environment, accessed August 10, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

The relationships between land management practices and soil condition and the quality of ecosystem services delivered from agri - DAFF, accessed July 28, 2025,

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Preview of Soil Management Guidelines - Ipswich City Council, accessed August 9, 2025
Soil Management Guidelines - Ipswich City Council, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support

Soil Management Guidelines - Ipswich City Council, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Trends and variability of water balance components over a tropical ..., accessed August 9, 2025
Trends and variability of water balance components over a tropical ..., accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Trends and variability of water balance components over a tropical ..., accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Tumbarumba Flux Data Collection - TERN Data Discovery Portal, accessed August 9, 2025
Tumbarumba Flux Data Collection - TERN Data Discovery Portal, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Tumbarumba Flux Data Collection - TERN Data Discovery Portal

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Preview of Tumbarumba Flux Data Release 2022_v1 - Research Data Australia, accessed August 9, 2025
Tumbarumba Flux Data Release 2022_v1 - Research Data Australia, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Irrelevant

Tumbarumba Flux Data Release 2022_v1 - Research Data Australia, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Tumbarumba Flux Data Release 2022_v2 - TERN Data Discovery Portal, accessed August 9, 2025
Tumbarumba Flux Data Release 2022_v2 - TERN Data Discovery Portal, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Tumbarumba Flux Data Release 2022_v2 - TERN Data Discovery Portal, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Tumbarumba OzFlux tower site - Research Data Australia, accessed August 9, 2025
Tumbarumba OzFlux tower site - Research Data Australia, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Tumbarumba OzFlux tower site - Research Data Australia, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Tumbarumba Wet Eucalypt SuperSite | Logging Practices NSW, accessed August 9, 2025
Tumbarumba Wet Eucalypt SuperSite | Logging Practices NSW, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Tumbarumba Wet Eucalypt SuperSite | Logging Practices NSW, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Wet Sclerophyll Basalt Forests of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, accessed August 9, 2025
Wet Sclerophyll Basalt Forests of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Wet Sclerophyll Basalt Forests of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Wet sclerophyll forests - Wet Tropics Management Authority, accessed August 9, 2025
Wet sclerophyll forests - Wet Tropics Management Authority, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Wet sclerophyll forests - Wet Tropics Management Authority, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Preview of Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 5, 2025,
Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 5, 2025,
Contextual Support

Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed May 19, 2025

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Preview of Woodlands and woody debris: Understanding structure and composition to inform restoration - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 9, 2025
Woodlands and woody debris: Understanding structure and composition to inform restoration - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 9, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Woodlands and woody debris: Understanding structure and composition to inform restoration - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 9, 2025,

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Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 15 Mar 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: 10 %. No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. An upper detrimental threshold is not a specific percentage but a state of prolonged anoxia caused by poor soil structure (e.g., compaction), a condition avoidable through best-practice management. RangeFixup applied 2026-03-21 22:21 UTC: OptimalRangeHigh: 35 → 25; UpperBound: 25 → 35 [Migration] Original wider evidence range: 20 – 35 (retained OptimalRange: 20 – 25)