You have 0 items in your cart
Since the turn of the century, investigating the feasibility of sequestering carbon using soil as a sink has become a prime focus and an essential part of combating climate change. Carbon programs like Verra and BCarbon offer opportunities for landowners to earn “carbon credits” by increasing soil carbon stocks. Understanding carbon stocks is the first step to successfully participating in these programs.
Understanding Carbon Stocks and Their Importance
Soil carbon stocks refer to the amount of carbon stored in the soil. This is primarily as soil organic carbon (SOC) and, in alkaline soils, as inorganic carbon. Healthy soils with high organic matter content and good structure generally have higher carbon stocks. Higher carbon stocks play a critical role in both soil fertility and climate change mitigation.
Carbon credits are a market-based tool that incentivizes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Each carbon credit represents one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or equivalent gases reduced or removed from the atmosphere. These credits are generated through projects like reforestation, renewable energy, or soil carbon sequestration promoted by soil health practices.
Healthy soils act as significant carbon sinks. Practices that improve soil health and enhance carbon sequestration include:
- reduced tillage
- cover cropping
- and organic amendments.
These practices:
- improve soil structure
- increase microbial activity
- and boost organic matter content.
All contributing to higher carbon stocks.
Once verified by third-party organizations, carbon credits can be sold in either compliance markets, where companies must offset their emissions, or voluntary markets, where businesses or individuals choose to offset their carbon footprint. This system encourages sustainability by providing financial rewards to projects that lower emissions while helping companies meet carbon neutrality goals.
Participating in carbon stock programs offers significant benefits for those who do and don’t participate:
- Landowners can earn carbon credits, which can be sold on carbon markets, providing a financial return for sustainable land management practices.
- Enhancing soil carbon stocks contributes to climate change mitigation and promotes sustainable land management.
- Practices that boost carbon stocks also improve soil health, leading to better crop yields, enhanced water retention, and greater resilience against climate variability.
Eligibility and Participation
Carbon stock programs like Verra and BCarbon are open to landowners, farmers, and ranchers who manage agricultural lands, rangelands, or forests.
Verra, originally known as the Voluntary Carbon Standard Association, was established to provide a robust standard for voluntary carbon markets. In 2018, the organization rebranded as Verra and expanded its focus beyond carbon offsets to other environmental and social benefits, including sustainable development. Its Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the most widely used carbon crediting program globally, has been active since 2007.
BCarbon, a newer initiative founded by scientists at Rice University in Texas, launched in 2020 with a focus on soil carbon sequestration as a key strategy to combat climate change. The program is designed to be accessible to U.S. farmers and landowners, particularly in agricultural and ranching contexts.
To qualify, participants must demonstrate a commitment to implementing or maintaining practices that increase soil carbon sequestration, such as cover cropping, no-till farming, or reforestation.
Understanding carbon stocks is the first step in embarking on a carbon sequestration journey, next up sampling!
