Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-ASC-FOR-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 0 to 1000 kPa
Optimal Range: 0 to 1000
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 3 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 2 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

Optimal range for penetrometer resistance in well-managed alpine/subalpine production forests is suggested as <1000 kPa, ideally with values frequently falling in the <500 kPa range in areas not directly trafficked.

Metric Definition:

Optimal range of penetrometer resistance indicating minimal impedance to root growth and good soil function.

Benchmark Definition:

Optimal functional range for soil penetrometer resistance supporting healthy root growth and soil processes.

Justification:

Less compacted soils up to this range maintain excellent infiltration, aeration, and biological activity.

Sources (1)

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)

View Source

Supporting Sources (9)

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

View Source
Preview of Australian Alps - DCCEEW, accessed August 3, 2025,
Australian Alps - DCCEEW, accessed August 3, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

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

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

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

View Source
Preview of New South Wales Regional Forest Agreements - DAFF
New South Wales Regional Forest Agreements - DAFF
Regulatory Framework Government

New South Wales Regional Forest Agreements - DAFF

View Source
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

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

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

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

View Source
Preview of Soil Compaction and Productivity Evolution in a Harvested and Grazed Mediterranean Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest - ResearchGate
Soil Compaction and Productivity Evolution in a Harvested and Grazed Mediterranean Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest - ResearchGate
Contextual Support Journal

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

View Source
Preview of Soil Conservation Guidebook - Gov.bc.ca
Soil Conservation Guidebook - Gov.bc.ca
Contextual Support Journal

Soil Conservation Guidebook - Gov.bc.ca

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Alpine and Subalpine Complex
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 17 Mar 2026

Notes

Values <500 kPa represent very loose, uncompacted conditions; the optimal range is as low as practically achievable.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-ASC-FOR-SSC family.

3500 kPa Moderate
Production Forestry · Pristine Reference
MaximumOnly Active v2
1000 kPa Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1
— kPa Moderate
Production Forestry · Pristine Reference
OptimalRange Active v1
2500 kPa Moderate
Production Forestry · Pristine Reference
MinimumOnly Superseded v1