Alston Carbon Project 3

Alston Carbon Project 3 is a soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 6km northwest of the twin towns of Mulwala, NSW, and Yarrawonga, VIC, in the southern Riverina region. Registered in October 2024, the project covers 140.95 hectares of agricultural land situated near the banks of the Murray River. The surrounding region is heavily utilized for mixed farming, including dryland cropping, irrigated pastures, and grazing operations, benefiting from the fertile alluvial plains associated with the Murray-Darling Basin.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon method (Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models). This methodology requires landholders to implement new or materially different management activities, such as the application of synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers, as specified in this project, to address soil nutrient deficiencies and boost plant growth. The resulting increase in biomass contributes to higher levels of soil organic carbon, which is measured via soil coring baselines and subsequent sampling rounds to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).

The environment in the Mulwala area is characterized by a temperate climate with a mean annual rainfall of approximately 480mm, often supplemented by irrigation in this district. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters are cool and moist. The local soil profiles are generally comprised of Red Chromosols (red-brown earths) and alluvial clay loams, which are productive but can require careful nutrient management to maintain carbon levels under intensive farming. The project proponent, Agriprove, is a leading developer in this sector, often utilizing multi-species pasture cropping and digital soil monitoring to enhance project outcomes.