Browsing by Subject "Carbon farming"

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How effective and efficient is the generation of nature-based carbon removal quantified according to the regulation on carbon removal and carbon farming certification? An evaluation based on the example of a hypothetical agroforestry system in Baden-Württemberg
(2025) Geier, Cecilia Roxanne; Angenendt, Elisabeth; Bahrs, Enno; Sponagel, Christian
Nature-based carbon removal (CR) could play a key role in achieving climate neutrality but it does face quantification challenges. This study evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of CR quantification under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, using Baden-Württemberg (Germany) as a case study. We designed a hypothetical agroforestry system for valuable timber production compliant with the CRCF requirements, modelling potential GHG emission reductions and the benefit-potential ratio (share of the CRCF-compliant net CR benefit within the total GHG emission mitigation potential). The results revealed a significant shortfall between the total GHG mitigation potential (350 kt CO2eq) and the actual net CR benefit (205 kt CO2eq), representing only 5 % of BW’s agricultural emissions. The benefit-potential ratio was at most 59 %, with abatement costs ranging from €59 to €153 t CO2eq-1. Conservative estimates to improve reliability further lowered the ratio to 24 %, pushing costs to €244 t CO2eq-1. While agroforestry does manifest regional CR generation potential, it is unlikely to contribute significantly to large-scale CR under the current CRCF framework, as both flaws within its quantification base and the inherent properties of nature-based CR limit its effectiveness. Although transferability is restricted by focusing on valuable timber production in BW, our results highlighted the need for harmonized emission factors, system boundary definitions (particularly indirect land use change), and a clear distinction between CR (e.g., from carbon sequestration in soils) and reduced soil emissions. We advocate balancing the use of agroforestry with more durable CR strategies and imposing caps on nature-based CR contributions to ensure robust climate action.
Monitoring soil carbon in smallholder carbon projects: insights from Kenya
(2024) Okoli, Adaugo O.; Birkenberg, Athena; Okoli, Adaugo O.; Department of Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development, Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute of Agricultural Science in the Tropics, University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 43, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Birkenberg, Athena; Department of Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development, Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute of Agricultural Science in the Tropics, University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 43, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
Voluntary carbon market schemes facilitate funding for projects promoting sustainable land management practices to sequester carbon in natural sinks such as biomass and soil, while also supporting agricultural production. The effectiveness of VCM schemes relies on accurate measurement mechanisms that can directly attribute carbon accumulation to project activities. However, measuring carbon sequestration in soils has proven to be difficult and costly, especially in fragmented smallholdings predominant in global agriculture. The cost and accuracy limitations of current methods to monitor soil organic carbon (SOC) limit the participation of smallholder farmers in global carbon markets, where they could potentially be compensated for adopting sustainable farming practices that provide ecosystem benefits. This study evaluates nine different approaches for SOC accounting in smallholder agricultural projects. The approaches involve the use of proximal and remote sensing, along with process models. Our evaluation centres on stakeholder requirements for the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification system, using the criteria of accuracy, level of standardisation, costs, adoptability, and the advancement of community benefits. By analysing these criteria, we highlight opportunities and challenges associated with each approach, presenting suggestions to enhance their applicability for smallholder SOC accounting. The contextual foundation of the research is a case study on the Western Kenya Soil Carbon Project. Remote sensing shows promise in reducing costs for direct and modelling-based carbon measurement. While it is already being used in certain carbon market applications, transparency is vital for broader integration. This demands collaborative work and investment in infrastructure like spectral libraries and user-friendly tools. Balancing community benefits against the detached nature of remote techniques is essential. Enhancing information access aids farmers, boosting income through improved soil and crop productivity, even with remote monitoring. Handheld sensors can involve smallholders, given consistent protocols. Engaging the community in monitoring can cut project costs, enhance agricultural capabilities, and generate extra income.