CARBON-RO: An Earth Observation framework For Carbon Sequestration Monitoring (EO4CSM)

The EO4CSM project aims to develop a methodology that can improve the national monitoring of carbon (C) sequestration of agricultural soils for the Netherlands. The methodology is based on a dynamic carbon turnover model, RothC, that will be coupled with Earth Observation (EO) data at parcel level, which provides accurate and up to date information on vegetation cover, crop status and crop management practices.

The methodology exploits the strengths of both the RothC model and the EO information:

• The RothC carbon model is relatively simple, easy to use and requires little input data, is widely used and scientifically acknowledged.
• The proposed EO-based parcel level grassland and cropland markers are simple indicators and relatively easy to derive from high-resolution satellite imagery, BUT are highly relevant for the monitoring of carbon sequestration, which include: monthly vegetation cover, presence of cover crops, grassland renewal activities, and crop production information at parcel level. 
• The grassland and cropland markers provide much more realistic, more accurate and up to date information and at a higher resolution than most of the national data sources currently used in the national carbon monitoring strategies. 
• Together, the model and EO information make it possible to monitor at parcel level and a national scale.

This project is carried out by Wouter Meijninger, Jan Peter Lesschen, Chantal Hendriks, Allard de Wit, Gerbert Roerink and Johnny te Roller (Teams: Earth Observation and Environmental Informatics & Sustainable Soil Management)

More information of the EO4CSM project the results for 2022 can be found here.