Sandalwood Carbon Project

The Sandalwood Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia, approximately 20km southeast of the town of Naracoorte. Registered in October 2015, the project covers a relatively small area of 87.64 hectares. It is situated within the Naracoorte Lucindale Council area, a region predominantly used for grazing (sheep and cattle) and cropping, known for its productive agricultural landscape.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models) Methodology Determination 2021. This methodology rewards landholders for increasing soil organic carbon levels through improved land management practices. Specific activities for this project include altering stocking rates or grazing intensity to maintain vegetation cover and applying synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address nutrient deficiencies. Originally registered under the 2014 soil carbon method, the project transferred to the updated 2021 determination in October 2025.

Environmentally, the Naracoorte region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with a reliable average annual rainfall of approximately 550-600mm, supporting high-production pasture. The soils in this specific area, often part of the Naracoorte Range system, are typically characterized as sandy loams over clay or the region's famous "terra rossa" (red loam over limestone) soils. These conditions are generally favorable for soil carbon sequestration efforts compared to more arid regions.

An interesting note regarding the project name is that while there is a town called "Sandalwood" in South Australia's Murray Mallee, the project's coordinates place it significantly further south near Naracoorte. Thus, the name "Sandalwood" likely refers to the specific property name rather than the locality or the sandalwood tree species. The project is managed by Agriprove Solutions Pty Ltd (formerly associated with Corporate Carbon Solutions), a company specializing in soil carbon development.