Quantifying the greenhouse gas emission and carbon co-benefits of on-farm irrigation dams

Irrigation farms within the Murray Darling Basin are highly productive, providing $11 billion/yr to the national economy. These farms contain a sophisticated network of farm dams and water channels, which are critical for ensuring water availability when farmers need it most. Irrigation farm dams may provide other services besides water security due to their wetland-like characteristics, including the potential to store carbon and reduce emissions. This study will investigate whether farm dams may offer a feasible option for carbon farming by managing existing irrigation infrastructure, such as farm dams and their surrounding vegetation, for emission and environmental co-benefits. We will carry out on-farm research of farm dam areas in Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, the third largest irrigation region in Australia, and will include a diversity of irrigation farming industries. Findings from this project will help to identify achievable strategies for farmers and stakeholders to utilise this undervalued on-farm resource for emission offsets.