Step 4 - To generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), the project must record a change in soil carbon stocks. AgriProve takes soil samples at least every 5 years to determine the change in stocks.
There is a regulatory requirement that direct soil sampling be completed at least every 5 years, as well as before the first application for ACCUs. Measurements are usually undertaken every 2 to 4 years after baseline sampling (see What is involved with baseline sampling), depending on the soil type and rainfall. New randomly generated sampling points are used for each measurement round.
Under Schedule 2 of the 2021 methodology, AgriProve works with farmers to develop a model-based approach for soil carbon measurement for their property. In between any rounds of direct sampling, farmers can access remote soil carbon measurements via satellite data and other remote-sensing technology, which allows them to adjust their farming practices between sampling rounds, if needed, to maximise soil carbon development.
Every AgriProve project undergoes an annual assessment using remote sensing technology to determine whether a subsequent sampling round should be completed earlier than the 5 year requirement.
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) also requires that management activities are well documented. Activities can be recorded via farm management software, farm records or time-and-date-stamped photos