Pannell Carbon Project 5

Pannell Carbon Project 5 is a soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Loxton in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia. Registered in May 2025, the project covers a project area of 531 hectares. The surrounding region is characterized by its semi-arid climate and "Mallee" vegetation, where land use is predominantly dryland cropping and grazing.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models) Methodology Determination 2021. This methodology rewards landholders for increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks through changes in land management. In this specific instance, the project activities focus on addressing material nutrient deficiencies in the soil by applying synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers. This approach aims to boost plant biomass production, which in turn increases the input of carbon into the soil system.

Environmental conditions in the Murray Mallee present specific challenges and opportunities for soil carbon projects. The area typically receives low and variable rainfall (approximately 250–350mm annually) and features sandy soils, often with calcareous subsoils (calcrete). While these sandy soils traditionally have lower organic carbon retention compared to clay-heavy soils, the application of targeted nutrients to correct deficiencies can significantly improve productivity and carbon sequestration potential in this landscape. The project is facilitated by Agriprove, a major developer in the Australian soil carbon sector.