Messner Carbon Project 18

Messner Carbon Project 18 is a soil carbon sequestration project located in the Shire of Westonia, approximately 60km northeast of the regional hub of Merredin in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Registered in August 2024, the project covers roughly 250 hectares of agricultural land. The project's name and numbering suggest it is part of a larger portfolio of carbon farming initiatives managed by the proponent, AgriProve, potentially linked to a specific farming family or aggregation in the district.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, specifically the Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models determination. Its primary activity involves applying synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address material soil deficiencies. By correcting these nutrient deficits, the project aims to stimulate plant growth and increase root biomass, which in turn accelerates the cycling of organic matter into the soil to build carbon stocks over time.

The region is characterized by a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, typically receiving an annual rainfall of approximately 300mm to 320mm. Land use in this area is dominated by broadacre cropping, primarily wheat, barley, and canola, alongside sheep grazing. The local soils are generally ancient and weathered, often consisting of sandy loams or duplex soils (sand over clay) which are common in the Merredin district and can be highly responsive to improved nutrient management strategies.