Hockey Carbon Project

The Hockey Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration initiative located in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, approximately 25 kilometers west of Aberdeen and north of Muswellbrook. Registered in October 2024, the project covers a relatively small area of 36.98 hectares, suggesting it may be a pilot site or a specific paddock participation within a larger property. The project is situated within the Muswellbrook Local Government Area, a region traditionally characterized by cattle grazing, horse breeding, and broadacre cropping.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models). This method credits landholders for measured increases in soil carbon stocks resulting from new management activities. Specific activities for the Hockey Carbon Project include the application of synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address nutrient deficiencies, pasture rejuvenation through seeding, and the implementation of altered grazing strategies to improve vegetation cover. The project also involves converting from intensive tillage to reduced or no-tillage practices to minimize soil disturbance.

Environmentally, the site is located in a warm temperate zone with a moderate rainfall classification, typically receiving between 600mm and 700mm annually. The terrain in this part of the Hunter Valley often consists of undulating hills with soils ranging from Chromosols (texture-contrast soils) to cracking clays (Vertosols) in lower-lying areas. These soil types are generally well-suited to the pasture improvement activities proposed by the project. The proponent, AgriProve Solutions, is a leading developer in the Australian soil carbon market, known for using advanced soil measurement technology to streamline the crediting process for farmers.