Barwick Carbon Project 1

Barwick Carbon Project 1 is a soil carbon sequestration project located near Kaniva in the West Wimmera region of Victoria, approximately 25km east of the South Australian border. Registered in March 2022, the project covers 176 hectares within a larger mixed farming enterprise managed by landholder Geoff Vivian. The region is characterized by flat to gently undulating plains dominated by cropping and grazing activities, typical of the Wimmera wheatbelt.

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 requires proponents to implement new land management activities to increase soil organic carbon stocks, which are then measured through soil sampling and modeled estimates. Standard requirements include establishing a baseline of soil carbon and maintaining the new activities, such as altered fertilizer regimes or grazing management, for a permanency period, typically 25 or 100 years.

Environmentally, the Kaniva district lies in a semi-arid zone with an average annual rainfall of approximately 340mm. The local soil profile is predominantly loam topsoils with patches of clay, often overlying varied subsoil profiles including grey, brown, and yellow clays. These soils can be susceptible to sodicity but are highly productive under appropriate management.

The primary activity for Barwick Carbon Project 1 involves a transition from conventional synthetic fertilizers (such as MAP and Urea) to a biology-led fertilizer program, alongside stubble retention. This approach utilizes inputs designed to improve nutrient efficiency and soil structure. Notably, the project has been cited as a high-performing example in the sector; industry reports indicate it achieved a substantial increase in soil carbon (up to 7.1 tonnes of carbon per hectare in treated areas), resulting in the issuance of over 10,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) shortly after its implementation.