Kooyong soil carbon project

Kooyong soil carbon project is a soil carbon project located in the Shire of Chapman Valley, approximately 80km northeast of Geraldton and 25km northwest of Mullewa in Western Australia. It was registered in March 2023 and covers roughly 199 hectares.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, which requires landholders to estimate soil organic carbon sequestration using a combination of physical measurement and modeling. To generate credits, the project must demonstrate an increase in soil carbon levels compared to a baseline, achieved through new management activities. In this instance, the project activities involve re-establishing or rejuvenating pasture by seeding or pasture cropping, which aims to increase ground cover and root biomass to sequester carbon.

The Northern Agricultural Region of Western Australia is typically characterized by broadacre cropping (wheat, canola) and sheep grazing. The area has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with low rainfall, generally averaging between 300mm and 350mm annually. Soils in this specific locality are often sandy loams or red loams, which can be fragile and benefit significantly from increased soil organic matter.

An interesting feature of this operation is the proponent, Carbon Neutral Pty Ltd, who also manages the "Kooyong Biodiversity Project" (ERF173889) in the same local government area. This suggests the Kooyong property is employing a multi-method approach, stacking both soil carbon and reforestation projects to maximize environmental outcomes. Carbon West Pty Ltd acts as a participant, likely providing the specific technical advisory services required for the soil carbon component.