Reid Carbon Project

Reid Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 12km west of Crookwell in the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales. Registered in July 2020, the project covers a project area of 56.54 hectares within the Upper Lachlan Shire. The surrounding region is predominantly agricultural, well-regarded for fine wool production and cattle grazing, supported by a generally high-rainfall climate (averaging roughly 800mm annually) and cool temperate conditions.

The project operates under the Measurement of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Systems (2018) methodology. This method requires the direct physical sampling of soil to measure carbon levels at depth, rather than relying solely on modelled estimates. The primary activity for this project involves re-establishing or rejuvenating pastures through seeding. By introducing new pasture species and improving land management practices, the project aims to increase the amount of organic carbon stored in the soil profile, generating Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) for the measured increases over time.

Soils in the Crookwell district are varied, featuring valuable basalt soils in some areas, alongside more widespread yellow earths and podzolic soils (Chromosols and Kurosols) derived from sedimentary rock and granite. These soil types typically respond well to pasture improvement strategies such as those employed by the project proponent, AgriProve Solutions. As a major developer in the sector, AgriProve often utilizes such projects to demonstrate how increasing soil carbon can simultaneously improve farm productivity and carrying capacity.