Methodology for Enhanced Rock Weathering on Agricultural Lands

The proposed methodology will enable project activities that implement enhanced rock weathering (ERW) on agricultural lands through the application of finely ground silicate rock (e.g., basalt) to croplands and grasslands to accelerate natural weathering processes and increase long-term carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal. The accounting framework is expected to include sourcing, processing, transporting, and applying rock material, as well as monitoring soil, climatic, and management conditions to quantify net GHG removals. The methodology will be designed to be globally applicable across diverse agricultural systems, provided that site-specific conditions (e.g., soil properties, climate, and management practices) meet defined applicability criteria.

As of Q2 2026, Verra considers the scientific and R&D state of the art for enhanced rock weathering to be insufficiently mature, with significant uncertainties in quantification, durability, and field-scale performance. These limitations currently preclude the level of robustness, conservativeness, and verifiability required for the development of a credible voluntary carbon market methodology. Verra continues monitoring scientific advances in this field.

• This methodology was initiated by Verra under an older version of the the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process (MDRP) (PDF).
• In December 2024, the proposed methodology was put on hold.
• In March 2026, Verra reassessed the priority of methodologies under development and decided to keep this proposal on hold.
• Verra will reassess whether to resume the development of this methodology in Q1 2027.

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 M0287 in the subject line.