New research project for soil carbon

The Soil CRC has a new research project trialling crop sequencing and modern farming technologies to sequester carbon in the soil.

The $800,000, three-year research project will focus on crop production systems in Western Australia that have traditionally struggled to accumulate carbon. It will trial, measure and demonstrate crop sequencing and new technologies that can sequester organic carbon, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil fertility.

The project has received $600,000 funding from the Western Australian government. It will be led by Dr David Minkey from Western Australian No Tillage Farmers Association (WANTFA) in collaboration with Soil CRC participants Murdoch University, West Midlands Group, Facey Group, Liebe Group and the Corrigin Farm Improvement Group

The project will establish field sites to explore methods that stabilise carbon in the soil in conjunction with living plant systems and soil amelioration treatments that build carbon and increase soil fertility.

Dr David Minkey believes it is a great opportunity for the Western Australian grower groups to collaborate on this important issue.

“Western Australia has some challenging sandy soils, so it is vital that we invest in research that specifically addresses the issue of sequestering organic carbon in these soils.”

“It is important that Western Australian grower groups are working together on such an important issue. Involving farmers in this research is critical to its success.”

Dr Michael Crawford, CEO of the Soil CRC, says it is a vital area of research for the Soil CRC to be investigating.

“Sequestering soil carbon helps to offset greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impacts of climate change. It also helps to build fertility and soil health, and ultimately, improve crop and pasture production.”

“Improving carbon accumulation in the soil under different climatic and soil conditions is crucial. The Soil CRC understands the importance of delivering this project for farmers in Western Australia.”

The project is part of the Western Australian Government’s Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program. The government has invested $3.3 million to 10 innovative carbon farming projects for the program.

Western Australian Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan says “Through our program, we are supporting farmers to explore how carbon farming can future-proof their businesses: improving productivity and profitability, diversifying enterprises, spreading risk and providing a new income stream.”