Grounds Keeping Carbon Project

Grounds Keeping Carbon Project is a landmark soil carbon project located at Hallora, approximately 20km south of Warragul in West Gippsland, Victoria. Registered in October 2016, the project covers roughly 124 hectares of prime grazing land. This specific project holds historical significance in the Australian carbon market as it was the first soil carbon project to successfully be issued Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) that were eligible under the Paris Agreement.

The West Gippsland region is characterized by reliable, high rainfall and fertile soils, typically deep red clay loams (Ferrosols) which are highly conducive to biomass production and carbon sequestration. The land use in the immediate vicinity is predominantly dairy farming and intensive beef grazing.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (having transferred from the 2014 determination). It utilizes a specific proprietary technology known as the "Soilkee Renovator," invented by the landholder, Niels Olsen. This technology combines cultivation, aeration, and mixed-species seeding (including deep-rooting legumes and tillage radishes) into a single pass that minimally disturbs the surface while stimulating soil biology. The project demonstrated that active pasture renovation could significantly increase soil organic carbon levels, and farm productivity, while maintaining cattle grazing operations. Early results showed dramatic improvements in soil health, with earthworm counts rising significantly and dry matter yields reportedly doubling the regional average.