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Making soil carbon credits work for climate change mitigation.

Making soil carbon credits work for climate change mitigation.

Authors :
Mitchell, Elaine
Takeda, Naoya
Grace, Liam
Grace, Peter
Day, Ken
Ahmadi, Sahar
Badgery, Warwick
Cowie, Annette
Simmons, Aaron
Eckard, Richard
Harrison, Matthew Tom
Parton, William
Wilson, Brian
Orgill, Susan
Viscarra Rossel, Raphael A.
Pannell, David
Stanley, Paige
Deane, Felicity
Rowlings, David
Source :
Carbon Management; Dec2024, Vol. 15 Issue 1, p1-18, 18p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

In 2023, the Australian Government issued ∼250,000 soil carbon credits following a measurement period characterised by high rainfall (Decile 10). The inferred soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration rates during this period, ranging from ∼2 to 8 t C ha<superscript>−</superscript>¹ yr<superscript>−</superscript>¹, significantly exceed rates reported in Australian scientific studies (∼0.1 to 1.2 t C ha<superscript>−</superscript>¹ yr<superscript>−</superscript>¹). Our analysis, incorporating SOC and biomass measurements alongside remote sensing of NDVI, reveals that these SOC gains were largely attributable to above-average rainfall rather than project interventions. Moreover, these gains were not sustained when rainfall returned to average levels, raising concerns about the durability of credited sequestration and its additionality beyond natural climatic variability. Our findings demonstrate that current safeguards within the Soil Carbon Method—such as withholding 25% of credits during the first measurement period—are likely insufficient to account for climatic variability. To strengthen the integrity of the carbon crediting system, we recommend extending the minimum measurement period for credit issuance to at least five years. Additionally, governments should establish science-based 'reasonable bounds' for expected long-term SOC gains from management practices to sense-check reported outcomes. These measures will ensure that credited SOC sequestration is more closely tied to management-driven outcomes rather than short-term climate-driven fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17583004
Volume :
15
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Carbon Management
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
181659926
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2024.2430780