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[Michaelangelica]

This is an interesting article about a fledgling Australian Carbon Credits scheme.
Austraian soils typically hold less than 3% humus (SOM?). I don't think frequent wetting and more frequent drying out helps.
Nor does tilling.
Nor do very frequent bushfires help the soil keep humus and therefore water holding capacity of the soil.

Australian Soil Carbon Accreditation Scheme (ASCAS)
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‘Managing the Carbon Cycle’ Katanning Workshop 21-22 March 2007
Welcome to Amazing Carbon!
37
Australian Soil Carbon Accreditation Scheme (ASCAS)
Dr Christine Jones
Founder, Carbon For Life Inc.
Welcome to Amazing Carbon!
Abstract
Australia has the highest per capita rate of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Appropriately managed farmlands could effectively ‘mop up’ most of the excess carbon being emitted to the atmosphere, converting a potential hazard into an extremely productive opportunity.
Under the Australian Soil Carbon Accreditation Scheme (ASCAS), carbon sequestration rates will be measured within Defined Sequestration Areas (DSAs) located on regeneratively managed broadacre cropping and grazing lands.
Soil Credits will be paid annually and retrospectively for validated soil
carbon increases above initial baseline levels determined within each DSA.
Receipt of Soil Credits will be similar to being paid ‘on delivery’ for livestock or grain, with the bonus being that sequestered carbon remains in soil, conferring ongoing production and NRM benefits. Soil Credits will be calculated at one-hundredth the 100-year rate ($25/tonne carbon dioxide equivalent).
The ASCAS model is based on financial reward from the private sector, creating a collaborative and progressive market based instrument to help address a wide range of environmental issues.
Increased levels of biological activity in soil have multiple landscape health and productivity advantages.
The Australian Soil Carbon Accreditation Scheme is a first in the Southern Hemisphere, placing
Australia among the world leaders in the recognition of soils as a verifiable carbon sink.
……………………………………………………………….
etc


Reference
McKenzie N, Ryan P, Fogarty P, Wood J (2000). Sampling, measurement and analytical protocols for
carbon estimation in soil, litter and coarse woody debris. National Carbon Accounting System,
Technical Report No. 14. Australian Greenhouse Office, Canberra

5.2 Water-Holding Capacity Increase for One Hectare for Varying Levels of Humus Increase


Using the guideline ratio, which has been established for additional water retention the following gains can be expected.

Humus Increase Increased Volume of Water Retained /ha (30 cm)

(OC% x 4,000,000kg x 4)

0.5% 80,000 litres ( average 2004 level)

1 % 160,000 litres

2 % 320,000 litres

3 % 480,000 litres

4 % 640,000 litres

5 % 800,000 litres (pre-settlement level)

The Clarence Valley catchment has an area of 2,300,000 ha², a 0.5% increase in humus (organic carbon) would therefore store an additional 184,000,000,000 litres of water following an adequate rainfall event.

.SUSTAINING NATIONAL WATER SUPPLIES BY UNDERSTANDING THE