Reforestation in the challenging clay soils of the Eastern Wheatbelt
The environment onsite was tough. The Eastern Wheatbelt area comprises clay-based soils that are either too hard to plant on during dry spells or turn into mud after rain, making it challenging to execute planting at the right time. With low rainfall and a narrow planting window, precise timing was essential for this project’s success. We relied heavily on weather forecasting, an onsite team and a temporary nursery to ensure the plants went in when conditions were right.
Onsite temporary nursery
Given the remoteness of the site, we had to think ahead. Instead of delivering seedlings on a daily basis, which would have been logistically challenging, we set up a temporary nursery onsite to house half a million seedlings. The nursery used modular racks to keep seedlings off the ground, ensuring they remained in good condition and avoided rooting into the ground below, preparing them for planting when the right conditions arrived.
Local team poised for immediate response
A key part of the operation was managing a specialised local and trusted subcontractor, who handled both the soil preparation and the planting. Having a team positioned close to the remote site allowed for a coordinated response to the unpredictable weather, ensuring that planting could happen quickly and efficiently when conditions were optimal.
The strategic approach to this project focused on overcoming environmental challenges through careful planning and resource management to ensure the best chances for plant survival and growth.
Provenance Seed Collection
The strategy for planting was based on the need for local species. We collected seeds from surrounding bushland to ensure the plants were naturally suited to the environment. This approach increased the likelihood of success as the plants were adapted to local conditions and were more likely to thrive in the harsh environment.
Matching salt-tolerant species with areas of salt ingress
One of the critical aspects of the strategy was identifying and mapping areas of salt ingress within the site. These areas were prone to soil salinity, which can affect plant survival and growth. By pinpointing these zones in advance, the team could select and plant salt-tolerant species in the most affected areas, ensuring that these plants would thrive despite the challenging soil conditions. This approach helped minimise the risk of poor survival rates in these critical areas and enabled more targeted planting strategies.
Restored native biodiversity
The reforestation efforts of this project promise significant ecological and operational outcomes. By choosing native species suited to the local conditions, Nativ Carbon not only restored biodiversity to the region but also addressed issues such as salt ingress, which can degrade the land.
Responsive PLanting
The use of temporary nurseries and modular racks, combined with the expertise and strategic positioning of the subcontractor, meant that planting could take place at the perfect time for the seedlings to establish. This level of preparation and responsiveness ensured that the project moved forward smoothly despite the unpredictable conditions.
Optimisation with specific performance data
In addition to the planting, there was a focus on monitoring the project’s success. The team conducted survival assessments after the first summer, providing valuable data on species performance. This information will help refine future plantings and improve long-term success rates.
quality carbon credits
The project is set to generate carbon offsets under the ACCU scheme, which will contribute to our client’s carbon offset targets. Ongoing monitoring will focus on assessing seedling survival and identifying areas where additional in-fill plantings are needed to maximise carbon yield and forest canopy cover for the project.
Projects making a difference
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BiodiversityBiodiversityCarbon Offset PlantingCarbon Offset PlantingIndigenous Engagement5+6+Revegetation of critically endangered Honeymyrtle shrubland on the Swan Coastal Plain -
BiodiversityBiodiversityCarbon Offset PlantingCarbon Offset PlantingMonitoring & Reporting4+5+Revegetating marginal farmland for long-term carbon capture and biodiversity