It is intended as a guide for do-it-yourselfers as well as part of the operating method for the Soil Carbon Challenge. It is also the first guide that attempts to understand and accommodate the variety of purposes or objectives people have in measuring soil carbon. Up to now, soil carbon measurement has been treated almost exclusively as a technical issue. But the main sources of risk and uncertainty in achieving the objectives are social, having to do with beliefs and attitudes.
Based on published literature and experience, this method outlines how to establish fixed plots, take samples, get them analyzed with the dry combustion method, and make calculations from the results.
Though targeted primarily at those who want to show possibility, and get feedback for their management, the guide should be helpful for those who wish to quantify carbon tonnage for "offsets" or research projects as well. How and what you measure, as well as the sources of uncertainty, depend on your purpose.
Measuring carbon change means establishing and measuring baseline plots, and then remeasuring them after 3 - 5 years or so.
Depending on the intensity and depths needed, I can establish and measure 4 baseline plots for US$1000 plus travel. Contact Peter (info at soilcarboncoalition dot org) for details.
Soil Carbon Coalition is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization