Gold Standard Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)
Framework Methodology
Methodology Overview
The Gold Standard Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Framework Methodology (Version 1.0, published January 2020) presents requirements to quantify changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil organic carbon stocks through the adoption of improved agricultural practices. This methodology is applicable for a broad range of activities, from small-scale, low-tech land use to industrialized, large-scale land management.
Approach 1: Requires on-site measurements to directly document baseline and project SOC stocks.
Approach 2: Uses peer-reviewed publications to quantify SOC stock levels.
Approach 3: Applies default factors to estimate SOC changes, relating to the IPCC Guidelines.
（1）Shall not be on wetlands or forest land.
（2）Managed cropping systems must have been in place for at least 5 years prior to project implementation.
（1）Spatial Boundary: Encompasses impacts of activities under the project owner's control.
（2）Temporal Boundary: Crediting periods shall be between 5-20 years.
（3）Carbon Pools: Focuses entirely on benefits from increase of soil carbon (soil organic carbon pool only).
（4）Greenhouse Gases: Primary GHG monitored is CO₂ (additional gases may be required in Activity Modules).
（1）Avoidance of emissions
（2）Sequestration of carbon in the soil
1. Key Features
2. Applicability Conditions
3. Project Boundaries
4. Sustainable Development Goals
5. Development Team
Three Quantification Approaches:
Geographic Scope: Projects are eligible in all countries (SOC Activity Modules may limit geographic applicability).
The primary SDG targeted by this Framework Methodology is SDG 13 (Climate Action), achieved through:
This methodology was developed by TREES Consulting.
Project Area Requirements:
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