Vale Carbon Project 1

Vale Carbon Project 1 is a soil carbon project located in the Padthaway district of South Australia’s Limestone Coast, approximately 15km south of the Padthaway township and 50km southwest of Bordertown. Registered in August 2024, the project covers a project area of roughly 163 hectares.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, which measures and models the sequestration of carbon in soil. This method requires a baseline soil core sample, followed by the implementation of new land management activities designed to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) levels.

The Padthaway region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, receiving an average annual rainfall of approximately 475mm to 520mm. The local geography is defined by the Padthaway Flat and low-lying dune ranges. Soils in this area are typically "Terra Rossa" (shallow red loam over limestone), sandy loams over calcrete, or brown clay loams. The project's specific inclusion of "applying lime" aligns with the common regional need to manage surface acidity in these lighter sandy-loam soils to maintain pasture productivity.

While the Padthaway region is globally recognized for viticulture and premium wine production, the landscape also supports mixed farming, particularly sheep and cattle grazing on improved pastures. This project specifically aims to boost soil health and carbon storage through activities such as altering grazing intensity, rejuvenating pastures, and applying synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address nutrient deficiencies.