Estimating sequestration of carbon in soil using default values method

This Methodology Determination (method) provides the rules for crediting carbon stored in soil resulting from altered management practice as part of the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF). Reductions achieved by sequestering soil carbon under pasture, crops or mixed farming systems can receive carbon credits under the ERF.

These model-based soil carbon projects involve specific project management activities on eligible land and use default abatement values.

Read the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Estimating Sequestration of Carbon in Soil Using Default Values) Methodology Determination 2015.

Using the method

To use this method and take part in the ERF, you need to apply to the Clean Energy Regulator. The Regulator develops the methods and manages project registration, compliance and crediting emissions reductions for projects under the ERF.

Visit the Regulator’s website for:

• information on the method and how to use it
• project planning guidance, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Guidance documents

The method has two guidance documents:

• Guidelines—Qualified Person under the Estimating Sequestration of Carbon in Soil Using Default Values Determination [65KB PDF] [271.5KB DOCX]
• Standard Parameters and Emissions Factors for the Carbon Credits (Estimating Sequestration of Carbon in Soil Using Default Values) Methodology Determination 2015 [171KB PDF] [67KB DOCX]

Sequestration maps

Before registering projects you need to identify the areas eligible for abatement you’re using and divide them into a combination of carbon estimation areas and exclusion areas.

Sequestration maps model the amount of new carbon stored in the project area from each project management activity over the project reporting period. Each soil carbon project must have one or more project management activity.

View the sequestration area maps and their values:

• Conversion to pasture [188KB PDF]
• Sustainable intensification [188KB PDF]
• Stubble retention [183KB PDF]

If you wish to view the map layers in your own mapping software, the datasets are available from data.gov.au.

Consultation on the method

conducts public consultation before giving advice about making or varying a method. Once finalised the ERAC advises the Minister on whether the new or varied method meets the offsets integrity standards.

Read the ERAC’s advice to the Minister on making the method in 2015 [1.12MB PDF]. 

A minor variation to the method was made in 2016. ERAC advice is not required for minor variations.

A minor variation to the method was made in 2018 and to 6 other methods to reflect the retirement of the online Carbon Farming Initiative Mapping Tool (CFI Mapping Tool). 

See the public consultation and method draft on the Australian Government Trove archive.

Read more

• There is another sequestration of carbon in soil method using a measured approach.
• Read about the Emissions Reduction Fund, including our department’s role.
• Read about method development and available methods.

Connect with us

• Subscribe to updates about the ERF
• Read emissions reduction news

Contact us

Email emissions-reduction@industry.gov.au