Here’s a comprehensive, course-ready module on MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) for agarwood carbon projects, suitable for your Sustainable Agarwood Plantation Management & Carbon Farming Course, manuals, and Oud Academia / CI-ASASE SOPs.
MRV (Measurement, Reporting, Verification) for Agarwood Carbon Projects
1. Introduction
MRV is the backbone of carbon credit projects, ensuring that carbon sequestration claims are accurate, verifiable, and credible.
- Measurement (M): Collect data on carbon stocks
- Reporting (R): Document findings and project performance
- Verification (V): Independent confirmation by third-party auditors
In agarwood plantations, MRV covers biomass, soil carbon, resin contribution, and deadwood.
2. Measurement (Sampling & Inventory)
A. Sampling Plots
- Permanent sample plots (PSPs): Standard method for plantation carbon assessment
- Typical sizes: 20×20 m or 25×25 m, depending on tree density
- Plot placement:
- Representative of the plantation’s species composition, age, and management practices
- Random or stratified random sampling to avoid bias
B. Data Collected per Tree
| Parameter | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DBH (Diameter at Breast Height, 1.3 m) | Estimate aboveground biomass |
| Tree height | Combined with DBH for allometric equations |
| Resin induction / heartwood density | Adjusts biomass and carbon stock |
| Tree health | Ensures long-term carbon permanence |
| Survival rate | Determines plantation success |
C. Biomass Estimation
- Apply species-specific allometric equations
- Calculate aboveground, belowground, and resin-adjusted biomass
- Use destructive sampling for calibration if feasible
3. Soil Carbon Measurement
- Sample soil at 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm depths
- Measure:
- Bulk density
- Soil organic carbon (SOC) %
- Moisture content
- Collect composite samples per plot to reduce variability
4. Deadwood & Litter Assessment
- Measure fallen branches, pruned biomass, leaves
- Apply decay factors to estimate long-term carbon contribution
- Mulched residues contribute to soil carbon over time
5. Remote Sensing & GIS
- Satellite imagery and drones can complement field plots:
- Estimate tree canopy cover
- Detect plantation growth, mortality, and stress
- Map spatial variability for accurate carbon modeling
- Useful for large-scale plantations or verification audits
6. Reporting
- Compile field data, remote sensing, and biomass calculations
- Include:
- Project baseline carbon stock
- Annual carbon accumulation / sequestration rates
- Inventory of biomass, soil, resin, and deadwood
- Standard formats: Excel sheets, GIS maps, MRV reports
- Include metadata: plot IDs, GPS coordinates, sampling dates
7. Verification
- Third-party auditors check:
- Accuracy of field measurements
- Application of allometric equations
- Proper documentation and traceability
- Adherence to carbon standard methodology (e.g., Verra VM0047)
- Sampling & measurement protocols must comply with standardized carbon accounting practices
8. MRV Frequency
| Component | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Aboveground biomass | Annual or biennial |
| Soil carbon | Every 2–3 years |
| Deadwood & litter | Annually |
| Remote sensing imagery | Annual |
| Full verification audit | Every 5 years or per credit issuance cycle |
9. Integration with Plantation Management
- Link MRV plots with tree IDs, inoculation points, and harvest cycles
- Digital tracking enables:
- Carbon credits calculation
- ESG reporting
- Yield and ROI projections
- Ensures traceability of resin, wood, and carbon
10. Key Takeaways
- MRV ensures accuracy, transparency, and credibility of carbon credits
- Combines field sampling, soil analysis, deadwood inventory, and remote sensing
- Requires systematic reporting and independent verification
- Integration with resin induction, pruning, and organic management enhances sequestration and ESG value
Optional Next Deliverables
- 🌱 Step-by-step MRV SOP for agarwood plantations
- 📊 Sample inventory sheet for field plots and biomass calculation
- 🧾 MRV logbook template with soil, biomass, and resin data
- 🗺 Field-to-remote sensing workflow diagram
- 📘 Farmer-friendly infographic: MRV cycle for carbon credits
I can prepare a ready-to-use MRV SOP + logbook template with plots, remote sensing integration, and carbon calculation workflow, tailored for Oud Academia / CI-ASASE plantations, next.
Do you want me to create that?