Nicholson Carbon Project

SECTION 2:

The Nicholson Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration initiative located approximately 30km south of Forbes in the Central West region of New South Wales. Registered in December 2023, the project covers 954.73 hectares of agricultural land. The project area sits within the productive slopes and plains region, which is traditionally utilized for mixed farming operations, including winter cropping (wheat, canola) and livestock grazing.

This project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (Measurement and Models), which credits farmers for measurable increases in soil organic carbon stocks. The project activity specifically lists the application of synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address nutrient deficiencies. This approach is designed to overcome limitations in plant growth, thereby increasing the biomass returned to the soil and boosting carbon levels. The proponent, Loam Carbon Pty Ltd, is widely recognized for its proprietary microbial seed inoculums (such as CarbonBuilder) that enhance the stability of carbon in the soil, suggesting this technology may be deployed alongside standard nutrient management strategies.

The local environment is characterized by a temperate climate with a mean annual rainfall of approximately 600mm, often distributed with a slight winter dominance. The soils in this region are typically red-brown earths and duplex soils (Chromosols), which are fertile but can be prone to structural decline if not managed carefully. A variation to the project area was noted in March 2025, indicating an adjustment to the project boundary to exclude certain areas.