Robbiliard Soil Carbon Project

The Robbiliard Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration initiative located approximately 35 kilometers south of Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region of New South Wales. Registered in July 2024, the project covers a substantial area of 1,789 hectares near the localities of Mangoplah and Cookardinia. This region is part of the South West Slopes, a prime agricultural zone known for mixed farming operations that combine cereal cropping (such as wheat and canola) with sheep and cattle grazing.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (Measurement and Models), which rewards landholders for increasing Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks. The methodology requires a hybrid approach: initial physical soil sampling is conducted to establish a baseline, followed by the use of the FullCAM model to estimate carbon sequestration over time. To generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), the proponent must implement a "new or materially different" management activity. In this case, the specific activity involves applying synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address material nutrient deficiencies in the soil. By correcting these deficits, commonly phosphorus or sulfur in this region, the project aims to boost pasture growth and root biomass, thereby drawing more carbon from the atmosphere into the soil.

Environmentally, the Mangoplah and Cookardinia area typically experiences an annual rainfall of approximately 600mm to 650mm, placing it in a transitional zone suitable for both cropping and resilient pasture systems. The soils in the region are predominantly Red Chromosols (often referred to as Red Brown Earths), which are characteristically well-drained but can be susceptible to acidity and hard-setting if not carefully managed. The proponent, Ben Robilliard Pty Ltd, is associated with the Robilliard family, well-known local producers who also operate "Lauriston Park" in Old Junee. This project likely represents an expansion or diversification of their grazing operations to include carbon farming revenues alongside traditional livestock production.