Module for quantifying organic carbon stocks using digital soil mapping: calibration, validation, and uncertainty estimation

VM0042, v2.0 specifies that additional guidance is required to use remote-sensing informed methods for quantifying soil organic carbon stocks (SOC).

The proposed tool provides guidance for the development, calibration, and validation of data-driven modeling methods to estimate SOC stocks in a spatially explicit manner, including model uncertainty estimations and deductions. The tool allows for using a wide range of remote sensing technologies, geospatial data, and statistical methods demonstrated through peer review to predict organic carbon content in the soil. The tool is intended to be used along with VM0042 Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, v2.0, and potentially other methodologies that quantify SOC stocks in agricultural lands.

The proposed tool was submitted by Perennial Climate Inc. (opens on external site) and is currently at “Step 3: Draft Methodology Development” of the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process, 4.3 (PDF).

Stakeholders interested in collaborating during methodology development or developing projects that this methodology might enable are encouraged to contact methodologies@verra.org. Please include the Methodology Development ID# CN0137 in the subject line.

Verra is advancing the development of a tool that utilizes digital soil mapping technology to quantify soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. The Module for Quantifying Organic Carbon Stocks Using Digital Soil Mapping: Calibration, Validation, and Uncertainty Estimation (methodology development ID# CN0137) is primarily intended for use with VM0042 Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, v2.0 in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.

SOC quantification using digital soil mapping technology, which leverages soil sampling, remote sensing, and other environmental data sources to map SOC at high resolution, is critical to reducing the costs associated with the implementation and scaling up of Agricultural Land Management (ALM) projects. Compared with traditional soil sampling methods, digital soil mapping allows for broader spatial coverage, improved spatial resolution and precision, and increased cost-effectiveness, among other benefits. By progressing with the development of this tool, Verra aims to provide the market with an innovative, robust approach to quantifying SOC stock changes.

Perennial Climate Inc. (external) is leading on the development of this tool. As a next step, Perennial will convene a multidisciplinary working group to support the development of the draft tool, per Step 3 of the Methodology Development Review Process, v4.3 (PDF). The group will assess the tool’s scientific credibility, practical applications, and technological readiness for implementation in the VCS Program. The working group will consist of project proponents, validation/verification bodies (VVBs), and scientists from the private and public sectors. A Verra representative will participate as an observer. Participation in the working group is by invitation only, and selections have already been made. Verra will provide feedback on the draft tool during the review phase, in accordance with Section 3 of the Methodology Development and Review Process, v4.3 (PDF).