Environmental Defense Fund | Source | Download |
Agriculture impacts climate change through greenhouse gas emissions and land use changes but also holds potential for mitigation through soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. Investment in SOC credits is increasing, yet there is an urgent need to evaluate and standardize SOC measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols to ensure high-quality credits that accurately reflect net atmospheric carbon sequestration.
Key Findings
- Protocol Variability: A review of 12 SOC MRV protocols reveals significant differences in quantification approaches: some use soil sampling, others combine sampling with modeling, or rely solely on modeling and remote sensing. Inconsistencies in estimating SOC and net GHG reductions can undermine the credibility and comparability of credits.
- Quantification Challenges: Current protocols focus on practices like cover crops and reduced tillage but lack comprehensive data on SOC accrual across different practices and locations. Reliance on models and infrequent soil sampling introduces uncertainty in SOC estimates.
- Structural Issues: Protocols vary in addressing additionality, leakage, reversals, and permanence, impacting the reliability of credits. Variations in protocol standards hinder the use of SOC credits for meeting nationally determined contributions (NDCs) or emissions offsets.
Recommendations
- Standardize Protocols: Validate and compare SOC sequestration estimates across protocols to ensure consistency.
- Scale Aggregation: Define and utilize appropriate scales for aggregation to reduce costs and manage risks.
- Enhance Data: Develop open-access datasets for improved model calibration and baseline determination.
- Invest in Technology: Support advancements in MRV technology to improve accuracy and scalability.
Conclusion: To effectively harness SOC sequestration for climate mitigation, it's crucial to address protocol inconsistencies, enhance research, and invest in technological advancements. These steps will ensure that SOC credits contribute meaningfully to climate goals while supporting farmers and agricultural sustainability.
