Dr Smith said her five-year study in the Namoi catchment from Boggabri to Walgett showed the capacity of the vegetation, particularly in riparian zones, to sequester large volumes of carbon.

Her research measured above-ground growth rates, biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration by river red gums in a range of ages, stand densities, canopy conditions and landscape positions.

“Carbon sequestration in native vegetation provides a way for growers to achieve a carbon-neutral operation, as carbon sequestration in crops alone is unlikely to offset emissions from crop and livestock production,” Dr Smith said.

“We have shown through two case studies [on Wee Waa and Narrabri properties] that cotton farms can be carbon-neutral when carbon sequestration by on-farm native vegetation, particularly riparian vegetation, is factored into the equation.”

The work highlights the contribution well-managed riparian woodlands make to sequestering significant amounts of carbon, helping offset emissions from farming practices and received support from the Australian government.

CottonInfo natural resources technical specialist Stacey Vogel said the capacity of native vegetation to sequester large amounts of carbon highlighted the importance and value of riparian areas on farms.

“This is just another service that a healthy riparian area with big, old river red gums, coolabahs and other woody vegetation is providing to a cotton farm,” she said.

“In addition to carbon sequestration, these riparian areas are also providing things like integrated pest management through natural pest control, erosion control, water control and a whole range of services.

“It is another value added to a cotton farm by having healthy riparian areas.”

For more information, visit www.cottoninfo.com.au