Basal Area
Benchmark Value
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 9 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 8 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
persistent Basal Area values exceeding 15-20 m²/ha across broad savanna landscapes may signal a transition towards a closed canopy system.
Basal area as defined above.
This benchmark defines a basal area range above which there is risk of woody thickening and transition towards closed canopy systems, detrimental to savanna ecosystem integrity.
Values above this range may lead to detrimental woody thickening and loss of savanna ecosystem integrity.
Sources (1)
Additional peer-reviewed articles underpinning concepts of woody encroachment, fire ecology, and savanna dynamics as cited from search results like.1
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Liddell, M. J., Preece, N. D., Krix, D., Edwards, A. C., & Hutley, L. B. (2024). Seasonal litter decomposition and accumulation in north Australian savanna. International Journal of Wildland Fire, WF24053.
View Source
Murphy, B. P., Lehmann, C. E. R., Russell-Smith, J., & Lawes, M. J. (2015). Fire or Water: Which Limits Tree Biomass in Australian Savannas? In: Ecology of Australian Freshwater Plants (pp. 273-294). CSIRO Publishing.
View SourceEyre, T. J., et al. (2011). BioCondition: A Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland. Assessment Methodology Manual. Version 2.1. Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.
View Source