Our Carbon Capabilities
Independent, evidence-based expertise in agricultural carbon management
We help farmers, industry, and policymakers make sense of carbon in agricultural systems. Our work combines on-farm measurement, advanced monitoring tools, and peer-reviewed science to deliver practical, trustworthy insights. We translate complex carbon dynamics into clear guidance on how land can store more carbon, cut emissions, and build resilience. Our research is grounded in real farming operations, backed by controlled field trials and lab studies. This mix of real-world and experimental data gives us the ability to separate climate effects from management impacts —and to provide clear, credible answers about what drives change in soil carbon.
Soil Carbon Pools & Dynamics
- Direct measurement using soil coring.
- Fractionation of soil carbon to identify stable versus short-lived carbon pools.
- Insights into how carbon is stabilised, how long it lasts, and what makes it vulnerable.
High-Resolution Carbon, Water and Energy Monitoring
- Ten flux towers across QUT’s ALTAR network continuously measure carbon, water, and energy balances.
- These high-frequency datasets reveal seasonal and year-to-year changes, showing how management and climate shape carbon storage.
- We provide robust benchmarks to test the feasibility of carbon projects and validate crediting.
Soil Carbon Modelling
- Expertise in leading carbon models (FullCAM, SOCRATES, DayCent, DNDC) to predict carbon stocks under different soils, climates, and management.
- Models calibrated with long-term field data and high-resolution flux tower observations.
- Integration of climate and management signals to improve confidence in projections.
Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Semi-automated chambers are used to quantify soil CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄ fluxes with high temporal and spatial replication.
- Measurements conducted across multiple land uses, management systems, and climatic conditions to identify emission drivers.
Microbial & Biochemical Carbon Cycling Indicators
- Use of biomarkers to understand biological drivers of SOC change.
Remote & Proximal Sensing
- Application of satellite imagery and proximal sensing technologies to scale up soil carbon measurements and monitor change over time.
Management Strategies for SOC Gains
- Independent evaluation of practices in grazing, cropping, cotton, dairy, and horticulture.
- Identifying climate-resilient strategies—from grazing methods to cover crops and organic amendments.
Integration of Biodiversity & Carbon Metrics
- Pairing carbon monitoring with habitat, vegetation, and soil biodiversity indicators to support broader environmental outcomes.
Linking Carbon, Biodiversity & Sustainability
- Pairing carbon monitoring with biodiversity and soil health indicators.
- Full farm-system GHG accounting to include livestock, fertiliser, trees, and soil carbon.
- Advice on how carbon projects fit with national policy and international standards.
Data & Decision Support
- Carbon forecasting by combining models with on-farm measurements.
- Risk assessment for permanence and reversal.
- Practical tools and training for landholders and sustainability professionals.