Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-ASC-FOR-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

2500 kPa

Thresholds: Lower: —, Upper: 2500

Direction: Lower is desirable ↓

Form: MinimumOnly

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

Values >2500 kPa severely impede root growth and overall ecological functions.

Metric Definition:

Upper detrimental threshold of penetrometer resistance beyond which severe ecological harm occurs.

Benchmark Definition:

Threshold indicating severe soil compaction with major ecological function impairment.

Justification:

Multiple studies show root growth severely restricted above this level.

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)

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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

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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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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