Kaizen Carbon 2

Kaizen Carbon 2 is a soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 35km north-west of Barcaldine in Central West Queensland. Registered in August 2024, the project covers a substantial area of 8,302 hectares. The property sits within the Barcaldine Regional Council area, a region predominantly defined by sheep and cattle grazing on native pastures.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, which rewards landholders for increasing soil organic carbon levels through improved management practices. Specifically, this project aims to sequester carbon by altering the stocking rate, duration, and intensity of grazing. By carefully managing grazing pressure, the proponent intends to maintain better vegetative cover, reduce soil erosion, and promote the accumulation of carbon in the soil profile. These changes are measured against a baseline using physical soil sampling and modelling over a 25-year crediting period.

Environmentally, the site is situated in a semi-arid zone characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The landscape in this part of Queensland often features a mix of Mitchell Grass Downs and Desert Uplands, typically supporting soils ranging from cracking grey clays (Vertosols) to red earths (Kandosols). Rainfall is variable and summer-dominant, making water retention strategies crucial for both soil health and carbon sequestration.

A notable aspect of this project is the involvement of Kalpana Pudasaini as a participant. Dr. Kalpana Pudasaini is a Senior Research Officer at Central Queensland University (CQU) specializing in soil health and the barriers to farmer participation in carbon markets. Her direct involvement suggests the project may benefit from rigorous scientific oversight and could potentially serve as a practical demonstration of academic research applied to commercial grazing operations.