Can Current Earth Observation Technologies Provide Useful Information on Soil Organic Carbon Stocks for Environmental Land Management Policy?

Earth Observation (EO) techniques could offer a more cost-effective and rapid approach for reliable monitoring, reporting, verification (MRV) of soil organic carbon (SOC). Here, we analyse the available published literature to assess whether it may be possible estimate SOC using data from sensors mounted on satellites airborne systems. This is complemented with research series semi-structured interviews experts in health policy areas understand level accuracy that acceptable MRV approaches SOC. We also perform cost-accuracy analysis approaches, including use EO techniques, assessment context new UK Environmental Land Management scheme. summarise state-of-the-art identify 3 themes 25 key suggestions concerns expert interviews. Notably, over three-quarters respondents considered ‘validation accuracy’ 90% or better would required EO-based as an effective system monitoring reporting stocks. The revealed combination technology situ sampling has potential reliable, estimating at local scale (4 ha), although several challenges remain. conclude by proposing framework collates integrates seven criteria multiple sources appropriate scales.