Lavarch Carbon Project 1

Lavarch Carbon Project 1 is a soil carbon sequestration project located in Purnim, approximately 18km north-east of the coastal city of Warrnambool in western Victoria. Registered in October 2024, the project covers an area of roughly 69 hectares within the Moyne Shire. This region is a significant agricultural hub, predominantly characterized by intensive grazing industries such as dairy and beef cattle production, supported by the fertile volcanic plains of the Western District.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, specifically the "Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models" determination. This method requires the project proponent to conduct baseline soil sampling to establish current carbon levels. Subsequently, eligible management activities, in this case, re-establishing or rejuvenating pastures through seeding or pasture cropping, are implemented to increase soil organic matter. As the pasture grows and is managed (often through rotational grazing or multi-species cropping), atmospheric carbon is drawn down into the soil structure.

Environmentally, the Purnim area benefits from a temperate climate with a reliable high-rainfall pattern, averaging approximately 730mm annually, which is conducive to high biomass production. The local soil profile is typically dominated by Quaternary basaltic clays and Chromosols. These heavy, fertile volcanic soils have high potential for carbon storage but can be prone to waterlogging in winter. The project is managed by Agriprove Solutions, a leading developer in the sector known for using digital models and satellite data to streamline the credit issuance process for landholders.