Basal Area

AUS-AMR-AGR-BAS General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

2 m²/ha
Thresholds: Lower: 2, Upper: —
Direction: Higher 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 16 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 15 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

A Basal Area below approximately 2.0 m²/ha is unlikely to represent a sufficiently dense or extensive tree network to provide the intended landscape-scale functions.

Metric Definition:

Basal Area (BA) is the sum of the cross-sectional area of tree stems at breast height per hectare.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the minimum basal area required to maintain functional ecological services in agroforestry systems within the biome.

Justification:

Based on planting density and mature tree size assumptions, supported by agroforestry design guidelines.

Sources (1)

Preview of Derived from synthesis of Sudmeyer & Flugge (2005), Scanlan & Burrows (1990), and Sustainable Farms (2022) guidelines.
Derived from synthesis of Sudmeyer & Flugge (2005), Scanlan & Burrows (1990), and Sustainable Farms (2022) guidelines. Journal

Sudmeyer & Flugge (2005) 27

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Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Mountain Ranges & Uplands
  • Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 19 Mar 2026

Notes

Below this threshold, the system is characterized by scattered trees rather than a cohesive, functional woody component.