Carbon farming: Are soil carbon certificates a suitable tool for climate change mitigation?

Paul, Carsten; Bartkowski, Bartosz; Dönmez, Cenk; Don, Axel; Mayer, Stefanie; Steffens, Markus; Weigl, Sebastian; Wiesmeier, Martin; Wolf, André; Helming, Katharina

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117142

Cited by 78 publications

(52 citation statements)

References 74 publications

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“…The most recent IPCC report (IPCC, 2022) substantiated this trend by proposing SOC sequestration in agricultural soils as the third most potent option to support climate change mitigation working towards a 2030 timeline. As a result, voluntary carbon markets are rapidly expanding, and the majority rely on SOC simulation models for verification (Oldfield et al, 2022; Paul et al, 2023). This puts tremendous pressure on simulation models, which are now expected to provide the foundation for a reliable global carbon credit generation system.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Direct measurements are the most reliable method but are costly and time consuming for large areas. Remote‐sensing is a potentially cost‐effective way to monitor SOC over large areas in the topsoil, but precise estimations require specific conditions (bare soil conditions, low water content, uniform SOC content through the plough layer) and no studies to date have successfully detected SOC changes at the field scale (Paul et al, 2023). While simulation models are the cheapest and the most readily available option, they can result in large uncertainties if not appropriately applied.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Matching this societal demand, public and private sectors are seizing the opportunity to promote soil management for SOC sequestration by paying farmers per tons of CO 2 sequestered (or not emitted) in initiatives often referred to as 'carbon farming' (Paul et al, 2023). These initiatives allow farmers to register their fields with commercial certificate providers who certify the increase in SOC stocks.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These initiatives allow farmers to register their fields with commercial certificate providers who certify the increase in SOC stocks. These certificates can then be sold as voluntary emission offsets on carbon markets, with schemes already existing at least in Europe, the United States and Australia (Paul et al, 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…monitoring SOC) after a change in land management practices is indeed a condition without which the achievement of the desired outcome (SOC sequestration) cannot be guaranteed. As summarized by Paul et al (2023), three options exist for monitoring of SOC stocks, including: (1) direct measurements, (2) remote-sensing and (3) simulation models. Direct measurements are the most reliable method but are costly and time consuming for large areas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

The challenge of selecting an appropriate soil organic carbon simulation model: A comprehensive global review and validation assessment

Garsia,

Moinet,

Vazquez

et al. 2023

Global Change Biology

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Promotion of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration as a potential solution to support climate change mitigation as well as more sustainable farming systems is rising steeply. As a result, voluntary carbon markets are rapidly expanding in which farmers get paid per tons of carbon dioxide sequestered. This market relies on protocols using simulation models to certify that increases in SOC stocks do indeed occur and generate tradable carbon credits. This puts tremendous pressure on SOC simulation models, which are now expected to provide the foundation for a reliable global carbon credit generation system. There exist an incredibly large number SOC simulation models which vary considerably in their applicability and sensitivity. This confronts practitioners and certificate providers with the critical challenge of selecting the models that are appropriate to the specific conditions in which they will be applied. Model validation and the context of said validation define the boundaries of applicability of the model, and are critical therefore to model selection. To date, however, guidelines for model selection are lacking. In this review, we present a comprehensive review of existing SOC models and a classification of their validation contexts. We found that most models are not validated (71%), and out of those validated, validation contexts are overall limited. Validation studies so far largely focus on the global north. Therefore, countries of the global south, the least emitting countries that are already facing the most drastic consequences of climate change, are the most poorly supported. In addition, we found a general lack of clear reporting, numerous flaws in model performance evaluation, and a poor overall coverage of land use types across countries and pedoclimatic conditions. We conclude that, to date, SOC simulation does not represent an adequate tool for globally ensuring effectiveness of SOC sequestration effort and ensuring reliable carbon crediting.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The challenge of selecting an appropriate soil organic carbon simulation model: A comprehensive global review and validation assessment

Garsia,

Moinet,

Vazquez

et al. 2023

Global Change Biology

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Soil carbon offset markets are not a just climate solution

Saifuddin,

Abramoff,

Foster

et al. 2024

Frontiers in Ecol & Environ

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There is growing interest in enhancing soil carbon sequestration (SCS) as a climate mitigation strategy, including neutralizing atmospheric emissions from fossil‐fuel combustion through the development of soil carbon offset markets. Several studies have focused on refining estimates of the magnitude of potential SCS or on developing methods for soil carbon quantification in markets. We call on scientists and policy makers to resist assimilating soils into carbon offset markets due to not only fundamental flaws in the logic of these markets to reach climate neutrality but also environmental justice concerns. Here, we first highlight how carbon offset markets rely on an inappropriate substitution of inert fossil carbon with dynamic stocks of soil carbon. We then note the failure of these markets to account for intersecting anthropogenic perturbations to the carbon cycle, including the soil carbon debt and ongoing agricultural emissions. Next, we invite scientists to consider soil functions beyond productivity and profitability. Finally, we describe and support historical opposition to offset markets by environmental justice advocates. We encourage scientists to consider how their research and communications can promote diverse soil functions and just climate‐change mitigation.

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A belowground perspective on the nexus between biodiversity change, climate change, and human well‐being

Eisenhauer,

Frank,

Weigelt

et al. 2024

J of Sust Agri & Env

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Soil is central to the complex interplay among biodiversity, climate, and society. This paper examines the interconnectedness of soil biodiversity, climate change, and societal impacts, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated solutions. Human‐induced biodiversity loss and climate change intensify environmental degradation, threatening human well‐being. Soils, rich in biodiversity and vital for ecosystem function regulation, are highly vulnerable to these pressures, affecting nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and resilience. Soil also crucially regulates climate, influencing energy, water cycles, and carbon storage. Yet, climate change poses significant challenges to soil health and carbon dynamics, amplifying global warming. Integrated approaches are essential, including sustainable land management, policy interventions, technological innovations, and societal engagement. Practices like agroforestry and organic farming improve soil health and mitigate climate impacts. Effective policies and governance are crucial for promoting sustainable practices and soil conservation. Recent technologies aid in monitoring soil biodiversity and implementing sustainable land management. Societal engagement, through education and collective action, is vital for environmental stewardship. By prioritizing interdisciplinary research and addressing key frontiers, scientists can advance understanding of the soil biodiversity–climate change–society nexus, informing strategies for environmental sustainability and social equity.

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Carbon farming: Are soil carbon certificates a suitable tool for climate change mitigation?

Cited by 78 publications

References 74 publications

The challenge of selecting an appropriate soil organic carbon simulation model: A comprehensive global review and validation assessment

The challenge of selecting an appropriate soil organic carbon simulation model: A comprehensive global review and validation assessment

Soil carbon offset markets are not a just climate solution

A belowground perspective on the nexus between biodiversity change, climate change, and human well‐being

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