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 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
The reference value of 38 m²/ha represents a target residual stand basal area following a best-practice, low-intensity selective harvest in a subtropical rainforest.
Basal Area (BA) is a standard forestry metric that quantifies the density of a forest stand. It is defined as the sum of the cross-sectional area of all tree stems, measured at a standard height of 1.3 meters above the ground (diameter at breast height, or DBH), within a given unit of land.
This benchmark represents the target basal area in a subtropical rainforest after low-intensity selective harvesting, indicating a structurally sustainable forest state.
This value is derived from a 35-year study where less intense logging treatments allowed the forest to recover to a structural state similar to unlogged controls, demonstrating ecological sustainability.
Sources (1)
Patterns of basal area increment, mortality and recruitment were related to logging intensity in subtropical rainforest in Australia over 35 years | Request PDF - ResearchGate
View SourceSupporting Sources (56)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
(PDF) Ecological sensitivity of Australian rainforests to selective logging - ResearchGate, accessed July 20, 2025,
View Source(PDF) Reduced-impact logging: Challenges and opportunities, accessed July 20, 2025
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Australia's forests and forestry glossary - DAFF, accessed July 20, 2025,
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Dynamics of tree diversity in undisturbed and logged subtropical rainforest in Australia - CiteSeerX, accessed July 20, 2025,
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Ecology | Environment
Ecology | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government, accessed July 20, 2025,
View Source
A review of forest practice codes in Australia, accessed July 20, 2025
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EJ Rudder
G - UQ eSpace
Biodiversity | Australia state of the environment 2021
View SourceMapping Biodiversity and Setting Conservation Priorities for SE Queensland's Rainforests Using DNA Barcoding | PLOS One, accessed July 20, 2025,
View SourceNative Forest Stand Management Guide - No 1 - Private Forestry Service Queensland, accessed July 12, 2025,
View Source
Quantifying the biodiversity values of reforestation: perspectives, design issues and outcomes in Australian rainforest landscapes | Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna - Allen Press, accessed July 20, 2025,
View Source
Sustainable Harvesting of Tropical Rainforests: Reply to Keto, Scott and Olsen JK Vanclay, EJ Rudder, G - UQ eSpace, accessed July 20, 2025
View SourceSustainable native forest management, accessed July 12, 2025,
View Source
Sustainable timber harvesting in the rainforests of ... - UQ eSpace, accessed July 20, 2025,
View SourceThinning - Agroforestry in Australia, accessed July 12, 2025,
View SourceBasal Area: A Measure Made for Management - Alabama Cooperative Extension System -, accessed July 15, 2025,
View SourceVegetation and floristics of a lowland tropical rainforest in northeast Australia, accessed July 20, 2025,
View Source