State and trends of soil carbon

1 Paroo Plain and Warwick Lowland

Rangelands with extensive grazing and wind-borne soil erosion, particularly on sandplains. In western New South Wales, 74% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

1 Paroo Plain and Warwick Lowland

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Rangelands with extensive grazing and soil erosion caused by wind particularly on sandplains

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

2 Warrego Plains

Rangelands with minor opportunity cropping. In western NSW, 74% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

2 Warrego Plains

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Rangelands with minor opportunity cropping

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

3 Tenterfield Plateau

Grazing of modified and natural pastures, and nature conservation are major land uses. In the Central Plateau of NSW, 33% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

3 Tenterfield Plateau

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Land used for grazing of modified and natural pastures and nature conservation. Significant losses of soil carbon, particularly in the east

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

4 Clarence Lowlands

Infertile coastal lowlands used for forestry, grazing, cropping and some nature conservation. In the North Coast region of New South Wales, 56% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

4 Clarence Lowlands

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Infertile coastal lowlands used for forestry, grazing, cropping and some nature conservation

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

5 Cobar Plains

Historically poor management has depleted SOC. Overgrazing by feral goats is causing further decline, despite improving land management. In western New South Wales, 74% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

5 Cobar Plains

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Significant declines in soil carbon, mostly associated with historically poor management. Overgrazing by feral goats is causing further decline, despite improving land management

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

6 Barrier Ranges

Surface SOC is low as a result of grazing and prior clearing. In the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales, 40% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

6 Barrier Ranges

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Surface content of carbon declining due to grazing and prior clearing

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

7 Gunnedah Lowlands

Declining trend due to intensification of cropping. In the north-west region of New South Wales, 18% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

7 Gunnedah Lowlands

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Declining trend due to intensification of cropping

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

8 Macleay Barrington Fall

Area used for nature conservation and production forestry, with some grazing. Possible decline in SOC due to logging. In the Hunter region of New South Wales, 50% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

8 Macleay Barrington Fall

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Area used for nature conservation and production forestry, with some grazing. Possible decline due to logging

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

9 Merriwa Plateau

Mixed farming on naturally fertile Ferrosols and Vertosols. In the Hunter region of New South Wales, 50% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

4

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

9 Merriwa Plateau

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Mixed farming on fertile Ferrosols and Vertosols

Year(s):

2011

4

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

10 Condobolin Plains

Soils are Sodosols and Vertosols, used for cropping and grazing. in the Central West region of New South Wales, 19% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

10 Condobolin Plains

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Sodosols and Vertosols used for cropping and grazing

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

11 Bathurst Tablelands

Grazing of modified and natural pastures dominates. In the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales, 40% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

11 Bathurst Tablelands

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Grazing of modified and natural pastures dominates. General improvement in land management practices

Year(s):

2011

2

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

12 Hawkesbury Shoalhaven Plateaus

Diverse landscape with natural conservation, forestry, grazing, horticulture and urban land uses. Fire regime and land management practices are most likely causing a decline in SOC. In the Greater Sydney region of New South Wales, 57% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

12 Hawkesbury Shoalhaven Plateaus

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Diverse landscape with natural conservation, forestry, grazing, horticulture and urban land uses. Fire regime and land management practices are most likely causing a decline

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

13 Cumberland Lowland

Mostly urban and industrial land use. In the Greater Sydney region of New South Wales, 57% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

13 Cumberland Lowland

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Mostly urban and industrial land use

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

14 Werriwa Tablelands

In the South East region of New South Wales, 59% of soil monitoring units report SOC reduction as an issue. No data from the Australian Capital Territory

Year(s):

2016

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

14 Werriwa Tablelands

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Relatively infertile lands used for grazing. Suspected slight decline

Year(s):

2011

4

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

15 Monaro Fall

Good levels of SOC under nature conservation, forestry, and grazing. Land management is improving

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

15 Monaro Fall

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/)

Relevant publications since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

CSE 2013

CSE (2013). Victoria: State of the environment 2013: Science policy people, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Government.

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Victoria assessments based on modelled long-term averages with no program of routine or systematic on-ground monitoring. This precludes the analysis of trends in soil carbon in response to changes in land management and climate change.

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Forestry, nature conservation and grazing. Land management is improving

Year(s):

2011

3

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

16 Australian Alps

Mostly used for nature conservation. Controls on grazing and reduced erosion stabilised early losses, but the increased intensity and extent of fires are likely to be causing a decrease, particularly in Organosols

Year(s):

2016

4

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

16 Australian Alps

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

CSE 2013

CSE (2013). Victoria: State of the environment 2013: Science policy people, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Government.

Comments

Victorian assessments are based on modelled long-term averages. There is no program of routine or systematic on-ground monitoring. This precludes the analysis of trends in soil carbon in response to changes in land management and climate change.

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Mostly used for nature conservation. Controls on grazing and reduced erosion stabilised early losses, but the increased intensity and extent of fires are likely to be causing a slight decrease, particularly in Organosols

Year(s):

2011

4

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

17 Mallee Dunefield

Cropping, grazing and nature conservation with irrigated agriculture along the Murray River. Improved farming practices have improved soil condition in some areas

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

17 Mallee Dunefield

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/)

Relevant publications since the 2011 assessment:

DEWNR, 2015

CSE 2013

CSE (2013). Victoria: State of the environment 2013: Science policy people, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Government.

South Australian Government 2016

South Australian Government (2016). NRM report cards. South Australian Government, Adelaide.

DEWNR 2015

DEWNR (2015). South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

Comments

Assessments in Victoria are based on modelled long-term averages. There is no program of routine or systematic on-ground monitoring. This precludes the analysis of trends in soil carbon in response to changes in land management and climate change.

South Australian data suggest no regular monitoring of soil organic carbon.

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Cropping, grazing and nature conservation with irrigated agriculture along the Murray River. Improved farming practices have improved soil condition in some areas, but soil carbon levels are probably still declining

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

18 Wimmera Plain

Mainly cropping and grazing. Former grazing lands now used for nature conservation may still be experiencing declining carbon content. Changing farming practices to no-till may be increasing SOC content in some areas, especially on heavier soils

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

18 Wimmera Plain

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/)

Relevant publications since the 2011 assessment:

CSE 2013

CSE (2013). Victoria: State of the environment 2013: Science policy people, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Government.

South Australian Government 2016

South Australian Government (2016). NRM report cards. South Australian Government, Adelaide.

DEWNR 2015

DEWNR (2015). South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

Comments

Assessments in Victoria are based on modelled long-term averages. There is no program of routine or systematic on-ground monitoring. This precludes the analysis of trends in soil carbon in response to changes in land management and climate change.

South Australian data suggest no regular monitoring of soil organic carbon.

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Mainly cropping and grazing. Former grazing lands now used for nature conservation may still be experiencing declining carbon content. Changing farming practices to no-till may reduce soil carbon loss in some areas, especially on heavier soils. Soil carbon is still likely to be declining in this region

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

19 Riverine Plains

Dryland cropping and irrigated agriculture, with grazing in the west. None of the soil monitoring units in the Riverina region of New South Wales reported SOC as an issue

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

19 Riverine Plains

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/)

Relevant publications since the 2011 assessment:

NSW EPA, 2015

CSE 2013

CSE (2013). Victoria: State of the environment 2013: Science policy people, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Government.

NSW EPA, 2015

NSW EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) (2015). Soil condition. In: New South Wales state of the environment 2015, NSW EPA, Sydney. 85-93.

Comments

Assessments in Victoria are based on modelled long-term averages. There is no program of routine or systematic on-ground monitoring. This precludes the analysis of trends in soil carbon in response to changes in land management and climate change.

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Dryland cropping, irrigated agriculture and grazing, with the latter dominant in the west. Slight declines under dryland cropping systems, although farming practices may halt this

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

20 West Victorian Plains

Grazing, cropping and expanding plantation forestry. Areas converted from pasture to cropland are probably declining, as are soils used for continuous cropping

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

20 West Victorian Plains

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/)

Relevant publication published since the 2011 assessment:

CSE 2013

CSE (2013). Victoria: State of the environment 2013: Science policy people, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Victorian Government.

Comments

Assessments in Victoria are based on modelled long-term averages. There is no program of routine or systematic on-ground monitoring. This precludes the analysis of trends in soil carbon in response to changes in land management and climate change.

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Grazing, cropping and expanding plantation forestry. Areas converted from pasture to cropland are probably declining, as are soils used for continuous cropping

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

21 Midlands Plain

Dryland cropping, grazing and increasing irrigated cropping. Intensification of cropping is probably causing a decline in SOC

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

21 Midlands Plain

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Dryland cropping, grazing and increasing irrigated cropping. Intensification of cropping is causing the decline

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

22 Lakes Plateau

Nature conservation reserves. Where wildfire and grazing have resulted in sheet erosion over large areas, SOC has been lost, with limited potential for recovery

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

22 Lakes Plateau

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Nature conservation reserves where wildfire and grazing have initiated sheet erosion over large areas, with very limited potential for recovery

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

23 West Tasmanian Ridges

More frequent and/or hotter fires in conservation reserves are causing losses, especially in Organosols. Production forestry in the north suggests little potential for increase in SOC sequestration

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

23 West Tasmanian Ridges

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

More frequent and/or hotter fires in conservation reserves are causing losses, especially in Organosols. Northern areas dominated by production forestry, with no potential for soil carbon sequestration

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

24 East Tasmanian Hills

Production and plantation forestry, with minor decline due to erosion. Irrigated cropping in the south-east and north-east is causing a decline in SOC

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

24 East Tasmanian Hills

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Production and plantation forestry, with minor declines due to erosion. Irrigated cropping in the south-east and north-east is causing declines

Year(s):

2011

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

25 North West Ramp

Decline in SOC is associated with irrigated cropping

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

25 North West Ramp

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Comments

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Decline is associated with irrigated cropping

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

26 Roe and Carlisle Plains, Coonana–Ragged and Bunda Plateaus

Mainly grazing of native vegetation. Shift from perennials to annuals and possible increase in fire frequency may lead to decline in SOC

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

26 Roe and Carlisle Plains, Coonana–Ragged and Bunda Plateaus

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible with more recent state SoE reports

Data/Information sources

Soil Organic Carbon modelled from TERN Soil-Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/)

Relevant publications since the 2011 assessment:

DEWNR, 2015

Griffin et al., 2013

Comments

South Australian data suggest no regular monitoring of Soil organic carbon.

Recent trends and soil condition grades were available for Western Australia.

Quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Mainly grazing of native vegetation. Shift from perennials to annuals and possible increase in fire frequency may lead to nominal decline

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

26 Roe and Carlisle Plains, Coonana–Ragged and Bunda Plateaus

20162011

Land

State and trends

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

27 Southern Goldfields Plateau

SOC decline is restricted to pastoral areas

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

27 Southern Goldfields Plateau

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

Griffin et al. 2013

Griffin T, Hoyle F & Murphy D (2013). Soil organic carbon. Report card on sustainable natural resource use in agriculture. Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth.

DEWNR 2015

DEWNR (2015). South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

Comments

Recent trends and soil condition grades were available for Western Australia.

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Soil carbon decline restricted to pastoral areas

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

28 Swan Plain

Urban areas and intensive agriculture. High levels of SOC are often associated with irrigated pasture. Decline in SOC is likely under intensive horticultural systems

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

28 Swan Plain

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

Griffin et al., 2013

Griffin T, Hoyle F & Murphy D (2013). Soil organic carbon. Report card on sustainable natural resource use in agriculture. Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth.

Comments

Recent trends and soil condition grades were available for Western Australia.

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Urban areas and intensive agriculture. Declines due to tillage. Irrigated pasture systems for dairy may be stable or increasing

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

29 Woodramung Hills

Low input cropping and grazing. Drying trends have compounded effects of clearing and cropping on SOC loss

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

29 Woodramung Hills

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

Griffin et al., 2013

Griffin T, Hoyle F & Murphy D (2013). Soil organic carbon. Report card on sustainable natural resource use in agriculture. Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth.

Comments

Recent trends and soil condition grades were available for Western Australia.

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Low input cropping and grazing. Drying trends have compounded effects of clearing and cropping on soil carbon

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

30 Murchison Plateau, Leemans and Yaringa Sandplains, Carnegie and Glengarry Hills, Augustus Ranges

Areas with extensive grazing of native vegetation, with declines in SOC in more heavily grazed areas. Few data in driest areas

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

30 Murchison Plateau, Leemans and Yaringa Sandplains, Carnegie and Glengarry Hills, Augustus Ranges

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

Griffin et al., 2013

Griffin T, Hoyle F & Murphy D (2013). Soil organic carbon. Report card on sustainable natural resource use in agriculture. Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth.

Comments

Recent trends and soil condition grades were available for Western Australia.

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Areas with extensive grazing of native vegetation, with declines in more heavily grazed areas. Drying trends are an additional factor

Year(s):

2011

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

31 Carnarvon Plain

Nature conservation, extensive grazing; small areas of intensive irrigated horticulture likely to have a decline in SOC

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

31 Carnarvon Plain

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

Griffin et al., 2013

Griffin T, Hoyle F & Murphy D (2013). Soil organic carbon. Report card on sustainable natural resource use in agriculture. Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth.

Comments

No data for this region

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Nature conservation, extensive grazing and small areas of intensive irrigated horticulture. Episodic removal of surface soil carbon in horticultural areas

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

32 Fitzroy Plains

Extensive grazing of native vegetation

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

32 Fitzroy Plains

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

Griffin et al., 2013

Griffin T, Hoyle F & Murphy D (2013). Soil organic carbon. Report card on sustainable natural resource use in agriculture. Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth.

Comments

No data for this region.

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Extensive grazing of native vegetation

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

33 Daly Basin

Small areas of intensive agriculture are likely to have declining SOC. Remainder is used for extensive grazing

Year(s):

2016

4

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

33 Daly Basin

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil-Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/)

Comments

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Small areas of intensive agriculture likely to have declining carbon. Remainder is used for extensive grazing

Year(s):

2011

4

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

34 Whirlwind Plain and Birrundudu Plain

Extensive grazing, with small areas of more intensive development on better soils. Possible minor decreases in SOC due to high seasonal stocking rates

Year(s):

2016

4

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

34 Whirlwind Plain and Birrundudu Plain

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Relevant publication since the 2011 assessment:

Griffin et al., 2013

Griffin T, Hoyle F & Murphy D (2013). Soil organic carbon. Report card on sustainable natural resource use in agriculture. Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth.

Comments

No data for this region.

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Extensive grazing with small areas of more intensive development on better soils. Possible minor decreases in soil carbon due to high seasonal stocking rates

Year(s):

2011

4

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

35 Barkly Tablelands

Extensive grazing on clay plains, with decline in SOC likely

Year(s):

2016

4

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

35 Barkly Tablelands

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Comments

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Extensive grazing on clay plains. Some impacts on soil carbon due to grazing

Year(s):

2011

4

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

36 Toowoomba Plateau

Ferrosols used for cropping and pasture, with increasing agroforestry. Slow recovery after large historical loss of SOC

Year(s):

2016

1

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

36 Toowoomba Plateau

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/)

Comments

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Ferrosols used for cropping and pasture, with increasing agroforestry. Slow increases occurring under pasture and agroforestry

Year(s):

2011

1

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

37 Central Uplands

Partially cleared grazing country. SOC is likely to be declining in recently cleared areas; otherwise stable

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

37 Central Uplands

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Comments

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Partially cleared grazing country. Soil carbon is likely to be declining where cleared recently, otherwise stable

Year(s):

2011

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

38 Atherton Tableland

Fertile land with high rainfall. Diverse land uses, with SOC now recovering under pastures and tree crops; it is likely still decreasing under small-grain and horticultural crops

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

38 Atherton Tableland

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.

Data/Information sources

Soil organic carbon modelled from TERN Soil–Landscape Grid of Australia (http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/tern/).

Comments

The quality of data used in the assessments is as described by state agencies and/or in journal papers; otherwise assumed to be ‘low’.

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

Fertile land with high rainfall. Diverse land uses, with soil carbon now increasing under pastures and tree crops. Stable under rainfed crops but still decreasing under small crops

Year(s):

2011

2

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Soil: Carbon dynamics

39 Garnet Uplands

Recently intensified land use after clearing; therefore, SOC is likely declining

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

39 Garnet Uplands

20162011

Land

State and trends

Approach/Process

A group of experts in soil carbon and land resource assessment was convened to provide an assessment of the state and trends in soil carbon across Australia in 2011. Their assessment summary has been updated where possible using more recent state SoE reports.