Gilgal Grazing Soil Carbon Project

The Gilgal Grazing Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located at the historic "Gilgal" station, approximately 11km south of Cootamundra in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales. Registered in July 2024, the project covers 1,807 hectares of mixed farming land. The area is renowned for its agricultural productivity, primarily supporting prime lamb and beef cattle grazing alongside dryland cropping.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon Method (Measurement and Models), which credits landholders for measurable increases in soil organic carbon. To achieve this, the proponent, Gilgal Grazing Pty Ltd, is implementing changes to land management practices, specifically altering the stocking rate, duration, or intensity of grazing. These activities are designed to improve ground cover and soil health, facilitating the drawdown of atmospheric carbon into the soil profile. The project involves Sara Schmude, a known natural capital specialist associated with Impact Ag, suggesting a focus on regenerative grazing principles.

Environmentally, the region is characterized by a temperate climate with a winter-dominant rainfall averaging around 600mm annually. The terrain at Gilgal consists of gently undulating country featuring diverse soil types, ranging from soft friable red loams in the northern sections to brown granites in the south. These soils are generally well-drained and suitable for the high-density, rotational grazing strategies likely being employed to sequester carbon.