Sydney University startup set to revolutionise soil carbon measurement - evokeAG.

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Sydney University startup set to revolutionise soil carbon measurement

In the race to net zero, The University of Sydney has developed an exciting new soil carbon assessment system called MelaniC.

Gloved hand picking up soil in lab.

As the agriculture industry confronts the challenge of climate change, the search for innovative and powerful solutions continues. Soil carbon sequestration is a big piece of the puzzle. Not only can it help mitigate climate change, it can also play a crucial role in improving soil health and soil biodiversity. 

And, with ever-growing opportunities for Australian farmers and land managers to benefit from carbon markets, knowing how to measure soil carbon is vital.  

But how can we measure soil carbon more efficiently and accurately across Australia?  

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A groundbreaking soil carbon assessment system developed by evokeAG. 2025 partner, The University of Sydney, may provide the solution.

Wartini Ng

Wartini Ng, Research Associate, Sydney Institute of Agriculture at The University of Sydney.

What is soil carbon sequestration?

Soil carbon sequestration is a natural process where carbon is captured and stored in the soil for long periods of time. It occurs when plants absorb excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store carbon into the soil through photosynthesis, and other enhanced agricultural practices, such as no-till farming, crop rotation and the use of cover crops.  

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This helps mitigate climate change as it removes excess CO2 from the atmosphere. It also improves soil condition and health, leading to better crop yield and long-term sustainability.  

Although soil carbon sequestration is a natural ecological process, the agriculture industry plays a significant role, because land management practices can either increase or decrease the amount of carbon captured and stored in the soil. 

Hands holding soil

A groundbreaking soil carbon assessment system developed by evokeᴬᴳ 2025 partner, The University of Sydney, may provide the solution many producers are looking for.

The challenge of measuring soil carbon

Wartini Ng is a Research Associate at the Sydney Institute of Agriculture at the University of Sydney. She says that although the benefits of soil carbon sequestration are well-researched, farmers still face the practical challenge of measuring carbon, particularly when it comes to measuring soil carbon across large and diverse landscapes.  

“To measure carbon over time in the field is quite challenging, as the carbon content could vary significantly. It depends on the region, and it varies over time and space,” says Wartini. 

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“To make a measurement over a large area is quite challenging. So, there needs to be some sort of technology that is able to do this cost-effectively and efficiently.” 

This is why the University of Sydney has developed an exciting new carbon assessment system right here in Australia.  

Agtech innovation for the future

MelaniC is a commercially-oriented carbon change assessment system, designed to simplify and improve the process of measuring carbon.  

It has been specifically developed to tackle the complexities of large-scale carbon assessments, with a high degree of accuracy and cost-efficiency. 

“This system allows us to be able to comprehensively detect carbon change in the field through time. It is a more reliable, cost-efficient and effective measurement in the field,” says Wartini. 

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“Traditionally for soil carbon measurement, you have to go to the field, collect some soil samples, get it analysed in the lab, and then from there you have your measurements. 

“With our system, we use a sensor to collect some measurements in the field and then we do the backend calculations in the lab and then integrate it with machine learning.

“So, it’s an integration of lab analysis, machine learning, data analytics, and remote sensing.” 

Streamlining soil carbon assessment

MelaniC combines optimal sampling design, in-field carbon measurement, remote sensing enhancements, and a new crediting framework, making it both efficient and cost-effective. 

It uses advanced sampling design techniques so that carbon measurements represent an entire landscape, reducing the potential for errors and improving reliability. 

And, instead of relying on expensive lab tests, MelaniC uses in-field measurement sensors to provide immediate data on soil carbon stocks. This allows for quicker and more frequent assessments and enables farmers to track changes in soil carbon over time, without the high costs. 

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Using satellite imagery, the system gathers valuable data on soil conditions and land cover, helping to create a more comprehensive picture of carbon sequestration across large areas. 

Game changer for carbon farming

The final game changer of MelaniC is its new mass-time crediting framework for carbon crediting.  

This means farmers and land managers will have a clear pathway for generating carbon credits and participating in carbon markets. 

“Farmers and land managers can not only monitor and manage carbon content in their soil, but it can also provide them with a way to receive financial incentives from the carbon market,” says Wartini. 

“This technology can be used by any farmer or land manager who wants to track their progress in how they manage soil, improve their management practises, and track how they are contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. 

“In terms of scalability, it’s really exciting. It can potentially be adopted in a large-scale area.”  

Like many new technologies, the main challenge is ensuring the system is accessible, including for smaller-scale operations. That’s why the team is exploring a subscription-based model to allow farmers and land managers to trial the system, before committing to long-term implementation. 

Driving net zero in Australia and beyond

With the University of Sydney currently on track to operationalise MelaniC by the end of 2025, this presents an exciting opportunity for the agriculture industry to drive the transition to a net zero future.  

And not just in Australia. 

This initiative will also create a new standard for sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.  

“This application is not limited to just Australia. Essentially, other global markets could adopt this technology,” says Wartini.  

“The possibility of this is endless for adoption across the world. 

“It’s our way of contributing to more efficient carbon measurements, as we move towards a nature-positive future.”   

The University of Sydney is a proud Event Partner for evokeAG. 2025 and the official partner for the XFactor Breakfast on day 1 of the evokeAG. 2025 program. Tickets are now on sale.


Tickets are now on sale for evokeAG. 2025 to be held on 18-19 February 2025 in Brisbane, Queensland. Following a sell-out event in 2024 we are encouraging delegates to secure their tickets, flights and accommodation early.

We look forward to seeing you in Brisbane for evokeAG. 2025. In the meantime, catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from here.

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