Methodology for Cultivated Halophyte Systems

The proposed methodology applies to project activities involving the cultivation of halophytic plant species on saline soils to generate measurable soil organic carbon (SOC) removals. The project activity consists of establishing and managing cultivated halophyte systems—such as Salicornia—using seawater or other saline water sources, implementing structured irrigation, repeated cropping cycles, and agronomic practices that enhance belowground biomass production. SOC removals are achieved primarily through repeated biomass inputs into the soil, where root turnover and residual biomass increase carbon stocks relative to unmanaged saline soils, which typically exhibit minimal or no carbon accumulation.

On April 1, 2026,, the development of this methodology was rejected per the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process (PDF) due to the following reasons:

• Available resources, including funding, Verra staff time, and external expertise, are limited.
• Does not satisfy the following criteria as fully as other methodology ideas:
  1. are broadly applicable (i.e., cover the range of potential technologies, processes, and geographical regions that may apply to related projects);