5. Counting Deep Soil Carbon

Problem: A Soil Carbon methodology that is blocked by 30cm depth requirement of the National Accounts, allows no access to the carbon below 30cm. Carbon is commonly distributed 33% in the top 10cms, 33% in the 10-30cm profile, and 33% below. (Soils Officer, CWCMA) Practical solution 1: use the increase below 30cm as “conservativism” buffer, to avoid reducing payment to grower. Practical solution 2: develop a global voluntary market methodology branded with reference to quality assurance by 30-100cm security buffer (ie. conservativeness buffer). Practical solution 3: The Government can claim use of these additional tonnages to meet its target.