Measuring, Monitoring, and Verifying Soil Carbon Stocks and Changes in Soil Carbon Stocks for Carbon Markets

 

Soil carbon (C) sequestration is a scientifically recognized method of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to help combat global climate change[1].� Because of the multiple co-benefits of soil C, it is referred to as �charismatic C.�� Soil C (organic matter) content is an indicator of soil health, fertility, and ecological functioning.� Farmers have tested soils for soil organic matter and C content for many decades as a measure of soil health and to determine fertilizer needs.� Numerous scientifically sound methods exist to measure soil C,[2] and a suite of robust, cost-effective technologies are in development.� Cost-effective, accurate, rapid means of measuring, monitoring and verifying changes in soil C can prepare the agricultural sector to participate in C markets through the sale of �charismatic C� credits.

 

Protocols needed for Agricultural Participation in C Markets

A standardized, science-based protocol to measure, monitor, and verify soil carbon content and changes in content is necessary for emerging C markets.� A standardized protocol, based on scientifically sound soil sampling techniques, modeling, and remote sensing technologies will establish minimal parameters to verify increases in soil C, providing necessary certainty for C markets.� Practice-based estimates of awarding C credits are highly economical, but may not guarantee the level of confidence, per ton of C sequestered, that standardized science-based protocols can ensure.�

 

CASMGS has a proven record of scientific research and results showing the impacts of various management practices on soil C, and on soil C measurement methodologies.� CASMGS is uniquely qualified to develop a protocol and to update it as policies, technologies, and C markets as they warrant.

 

A Nationwide Soil C Network (NSCN)

CASMGS proposes the design and development of a nationwide soil C sampling network based on the USDA National Resources Inventory (NRI).� The NSCN will link existing models and point data on soil C, and corroborate and link the data to allow scaling up and scaling down (aggregation and disaggregation).� This will allow national inventory data to be linked and corroborated against actual point data at the field and farm level.� The NSCN will speed development of accurate, economical soil C measurement methodologies and aid in updates to standardized protocols.�

 

 

 

CASMGS FACTS

 

CASMGS� members have developed, tested and maintain the world�s and the country�s premier tools for measuring, monitoring, and verifying soil C and changes in soil C stocks, and methodologies for state-based assessments of soil C stocks, and C markets.�

 

  • Century model � used for U.S. and other country�s national inventories, etc.

 

  • COMET-VR

 

  • EPIC model

 

  • State-based assessments (IN, NE)

 

�Classical� Soil C Measurement Technology

  • The �gold standard� for soil C measurement involves taking �core� samples of soil from the test site, and processing it in a laboratory with either wet or dry combustion to measure total C.�

 

Some Cutting-Edge Technologies for C Measurement and Monitoring

  • Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS):� rapid, non-invasive/non-destructive, portable or stationary platform; works at local and large field scales; can operate in scanning mode. Based on gamma-ray spectroscopy from neutrons directed into soil, causing elastic collisions and scattering of neutrons.
  • Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS):� rapid, �person-portable�, field-deployable, high-resolution technology, uses a 1-mm spot laser beam focused on a pressed soil sample, which emits a spectrum with soil C data.�
  • Mid Infra-Red Spectroscopy (MIDR):� rapid, portable, with scanning capabilities; can be used in the field.� Irradiates soil samples with mid-infrared radiation and collects the reflected radiation.�
  • Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIR):� an in-situ technique, beams near-infrared light into soil, where it is absorbed by molecular vibrations which are recorded and measured.� The instrument can be affixed on tillage equipment.�
  • Pyrolytic Molecular Beam Mass Spectroscopy (py-MBMS):� a rapid, transportable (not suitable for field use) technology, can detect and differentiate between new and old C; complimentary to other measurement technologies.�

 


[1] IPCC, 2001.�

[2] IPCC Special Report:� Land Use, Land-use Change and Forestry, World Meteorological Organization and United Nations Environmental Program, 2000.�