Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-ASC-FOR-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 1500 to 2000 kPa

Thresholds: Lower: 1500, Upper: 2000

Optimal Range: 1500 to 2000

Direction: Lower is desirable ↓

Form: OptimalRange

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 13 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 12 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MinimumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard UpperThreshold Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard LowerThreshold Guard

Evidence & Context

Penetrometer resistance values exceeding 1500−2000 kPa are considered to significantly restrict root growth and compromise ecological functions.

Metric Definition:

Penetrometer resistance threshold above which soil compaction significantly restricts root growth and ecological functions.

Benchmark Definition:

Lower critical threshold for penetrometer resistance indicating onset of significant ecological harm due to compaction.

Justification:

Multiple studies indicate root growth restriction begins at this range, adapted cautiously for alpine systems.

Sources (2)

Soil Compaction and Productivity Evolution in a Harvested and Grazed Mediterranean Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest - MDPI, accessed August 9, 2025, Journal

Soil Compaction and Productivity Evolution in a Harvested and Grazed Mediterranean Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest - MDPI

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Preview of Synthesis based on Solgi et al. (2021) for undisturbed analogue, critical thresholds from GRDC (2022), Sands et al. (1979), and principles of best-practice forestry in sensitive alpine environments.

Synthesis based on Solgi et al. (2021) for undisturbed analogue, critical thresholds from GRDC (2022), Sands et al. (1979), and principles of best-practice forestry in sensitive alpine environments. Journal

high soil strength - fact sheet - Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

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Supporting Sources (8)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Management of compaction during harvest of Pinus plantations in Queensland: I. Policy considerations for controlling machine activity. 1 - ResearchGate

(PDF) Management of compaction during harvest of Pinus plantations in Queensland: I. Policy considerations for controlling machine activity. 1 - ResearchGate

Contextual Support Journal

(PDF) Management of compaction during harvest of Pinus plantations in Queensland: I. Policy considerations for controlling machine activity. 1 - ResearchGate

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Australian Alps - DCCEEW, accessed August 3, 2025,

Contextual Support Government

State forests around Bombala - Forestry Corporation, accessed August 17, 2025,

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Distribution, nature and threats to soils of the Australian Alps: A review - ResearchGate, accessed August 28, 2025,

Contextual Support

Distribution, nature and threats to soils of the Australian Alps: A ...

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Impacts of Logging-Associated Compaction on Forest Soils: A Meta-Analysis - Frontiers, accessed July 30, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Impacts of Logging-Associated Compaction on Forest Soils: A Meta-Analysis - Frontiers

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New South Wales Regional Forest Agreements - DAFF

Regulatory Framework Government

New South Wales Regional Forest Agreements - DAFF

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Preview of Short-term effects in canopy gap area on the recovery of compacted soil caused by forest harvesting in old-growth Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stands - iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry

Short-term effects in canopy gap area on the recovery of compacted soil caused by forest harvesting in old-growth Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stands - iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry

Direct Evidence

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