Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC)
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 7 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 6 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
The original value of 229 kg C/ha (0-10 cm) was converted to ~191 mg/kg using a standard bulk density of 1.2 g/cm³.
Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) concentration in topsoil (0-10 cm) under best practice continuous cropping system.
Benchmark value for Microbial Biomass Carbon representing best available condition for continuous cropping with no-till and stubble retention in temperate grassy woodlands agricultural crop production.
Selected due to scientific rigor, relevance to temperate Australian agricultural zone, and quantitative data from a long-term trial.
Sources (1)
Soil microbial biomass, activity and nutrient cycling as indicators of soil health., accessed August 5, 2025
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Altered soil microbial community at elevated CO2 leads to loss of soil carbon - PNAS, accessed July 28, 2025,
View SourceSoil microbial biomass carbon and CO2? - ResearchGate, accessed July 18, 2025,
View Source