Makin Carbon Project - Breust 2

Makin Carbon Project - Breust 2 is a soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 20 kilometers west of Temora in the Riverina region of New South Wales. Registered in August 2021, the project covers a project area of 264 hectares. The project operates within the Temora Shire Council area, a region synonymous with dryland cropping and grazing.

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 changes in land management. A notable feature of this specific project is its transition in July 2024 from the 2018 methodology to the 2021 version. This variation is significant as the 2021 method allows for a hybrid approach using both physical soil sampling and Modelled Soil Carbon Estimates, potentially reducing the high costs associated with physical sampling required under the older method.

The project site sits within the South West Slopes/Riverina bioregion, which is characterized by a temperate climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 525mm. The landscape is dominated by mixed farming, particularly the production of canola, wheat, and sheep grazing. The soils in this area are typically Red Chromosols (often referred to as red-brown earths), which are well-suited to cropping but can be prone to structural issues if over-tilled.

To drive carbon sequestration, the project has implemented specific activities including the application of synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address nutrient deficiencies, the retention of stubble after harvest, and a conversion from intensive tillage to reduced or no-tillage practices. These activities are designed to build soil structure and retain organic matter, thereby generating Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) over the project's 25-year crediting period.