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. The scoring engine uses 6 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 5 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
For these protected natural ecosystems, SOC levels ranging from approximately 6% to 15% (0-10 cm) appear to support healthy ecological function, based on data from well-managed conservation sites.
Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) percentage in the 0-10 cm soil layer representing the optimal range for healthy ecological function
Optimal range of SOC levels supporting healthy ecological function in Australian alpine and subalpine conservation areas.
Based on data from well-managed conservation sites indicating SOC levels between 6% and 15% support healthy ecological function.
Sources (1)
Nitrogen dynamics in alpine soils of south-eastern Australia - CSIRO ...
View SourceSupporting Sources (20)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Soil Organic Carbon – Role in Rainfed Farming Systems With Particular Reference to Australian Conditions - ResearchGate, accessed July 16, 2025,
View Source
Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations in Victoria’s State forests
View SourceBluff Knoll, Stirling Range NP - Trails WA
View SourceCotching, W. E. (2012). Carbon stocks in Tasmanian soils. Soil Research, 50(2), 83-90.
View SourceCotching, W. E., Oliver, G., Downie, M., Corkrey, R., & Doyle, R. B. (2013). Land use and management influences on surface soil organic carbon in Tasmania. Soil Research, 51(8), 615-620.
View SourceEcology of Australia: the effects of nutrient-poor soils and intense fires - PubMed
View SourceFalls Creek Alpine Resort - Wikipedia
View SourceClimate change impacts on our soils - AdaptNSW
View Source
Map of Mount Jim in Victoria - Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia
View SourceMapping soil organic carbon fractions for Australia, their stocks ... - BG
View SourceMarum Point Circuit - Bushwalking Victoria
View SourceNSW Department of Primary Industries. (2021). Recycled Organics for Soil Health: Farmer and Advisor Guide.
View SourceDepartment of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. (2025). Tasmanian High Soil Carbon Landscapes project.
View Source
Recovery of Alpine Herbfield on a Closed Walking Track in the Kosciuszko Alpine Zone, Australia - BioOne Complete
View SourceRuined Castle, basalt columns near Falls Creek in Alpine National Park. Victoria, Australia Stock Photo - Alamy
View SourceSoil Organic Carbon Dynamics and Influencing Factors in the Zoige Alpine Wetland from the 1980s to 2020 Based on a Random Forest Model - MDPI
View Source
Soil organic carbon in Western Australian - Department of Agriculture and Food
View Source
The Buller Huts Trail (96km) - Alpine National Park, VIC - Trail Hiking Australia
View Source
Wilson, B. R., Oliver, I., Jenkins, M., & Robertson, S. (2021). Distribution, nature and threats to soils of the Australian Alps: A review. Austral Ecology, 46(2), 241-260.
View Source