New Research: Direct Measurements Can Reduce Uncertainty in Soil Carbon Credit Markets

A recent study co-authored by Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture Scientific Leadership Team member and Yale School of the Environment Professor Mark Bradford demonstrates that directly measuring soil carbon changes over time can significantly enhance the reliability of soil carbon credit markets. By employing a “measure and remeasure” approach across extensive agricultural areas, the research provides concrete evidence of carbon storage resulting from climate-smart practices, such as cover cropping and reduced tillage. This method not only boosts confidence in carbon credits but also aids in verifying greenhouse gas accounting for national emissions reporting. The study emphasizes the feasibility of large-scale direct measurements, offering a practical solution to the challenges of soil carbon verification.