From humus formation to the soil sample to the CO2e certificate

The destruction of agricultural soils

Europe's soils are exhausted in many places - depleted by decades of overuse, pollutant inputs and industrialised agriculture, which has increasingly displaced organic matter. Rebuilding healthy, humus-rich soils is therefore not an option, but a necessity - for food security, biodiversity and, above all, climate protection. Humus not only acts as a natural sink for CO₂, but also as a biological filter for Detoxification of the soilby binding pollutants and enabling microbial regeneration.

The countermeasure - a new business model

In the "Carbofarm" pilot project, TSHN has developed a standardised, scientifically based model for the Recording, evaluation and certification of these regenerative services developed. It enables farmers to make measurable contributions to CO₂ storage through sustainable soil management - and to recognise these contributions as Nature-based CO₂ certificates to monetise.

This creates a new business model for regenerative agriculture that combines climate impact with income prospects.

Legal and methodological principles

The validation and marketability of this model requires Recognised standards and programmes central. They provide the methodological and legal basis for credible carbon verifications and ensure comparability at international level. At the centre:

• FAO GSOC-MRV Protocol
• ISO 14064-2:2019 (project-based GHG certification)
• Verra VM0042 / Gold Standard SOC Framework
• National systems such as Label Bas Carbone (FR) or EVA (DE)
• TSHN carbon farming pilot project
• EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF)

FAO GSOC MRV Protocol

The GSOC MRV protocol ("Global Soil Organic Carbon - Measurement, Reporting and Verification") of the FAO represents a globally recognised framework for Changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) precise to Measure, document and check - especially in the context of agricultural land. It was developed to support projects of humus-building, climate-effective land use measurable and trustworthy.

Methodological details:

• Stratified sampling according to 5-ha grids or NDVI zones
• SOC analysis according to Walkley-Black or Dumas (dry combustion)
• Conversion to CO₂e via scientifically confirmed formula system

Significance for TSHN

The GSOC MRV protocol is ideally suited as a Reference framework for a TSHN detection model. It allows:

• Scientifically robust, Location-independent applications
• Integration in Digital MRV and tokenisation systems
• Compatibility with ISO 14064-2 and the resulting EU CRCF
• Trust in Investors, farmers and market participants

ISO 14064-2 as a project-based MRV backbone

While the FAO GSOC-MRV protocol provides the scientific framework for soil carbon measurement, ISO 14064-2:2019 defines the project-related requirements for quantifying, monitoring, verifying and reporting greenhouse gas reductions or sequestration. It represents the bridge between agricultural practice and certifiable carbon credits - and is therefore a key standard for carbon farming according to CRCF logic.

Advantages of ISO 14064-2 for TSHN

• Universally applicable - independent of the MRV system used
• Compatible with CRCF methodologies and established standards (Verra, Gold Standard)
• Established Transparency and traceability for investors & buyers
• Basis for Tokenisation & digitalisation of CO₂ services
• Enables integration in Regulated or voluntary CO₂ markets

Application in TSHN projects

The standard allows TSHN a structured implementation:

Verra (VCS) - US standard for CO₂ compensation

Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) is the world's most widely used standard for voluntary climate protection projects. It offers a robust, verifiable framework for Certification and monetisation of CO₂ reduction and extraction projectsincluding agricultural carbon sequestration. TSHN can use existing Verra methods or develop its own. Whilst the Verra standard is a good basis, the Verra group is too focussed on business success and there are structural conflicts of interest that need to be monitored.

Relevant Verra methods for TSHN

• VM0042 - Improved Agricultural Land Management
  → Recognised methodology for humus build-up and soil C sequestration
• VM0004 - Biochar Utilisation
  → For projects that use biochar in the soil
• Modularity & regionalisability:
  → Projects can be customised based on local data and methods

Requirements for projects

• Baseline and additionality check (as for CRCF/ISO)
• MRV system with mandatory documentation
• Validation by independent third parties (VVBs = Validation & Verification Bodies)
• Registration in the public Verra register
• Serialisation of each tonne of CO₂e as a separate digital asset

Significance for TSHN

• Global market accessibility (e.g. for non-EU companies or NGOs)
• Market price stability through established trust
• Possibility of Tokenisation via APIs
• Access via existing methods or co-development with Verra

Gold Standard - The Swiss ethical and social approach

The Gold Standard for the Global Goals was initiated by the WWF and other NGOs. It goes beyond pure carbon effects and requires that every project demonstrable contribution to sustainable development (SDGs) contributes. Gold Standard is particularly suitable for projects with Involvement of farmers, local communities and co-benefits.

Relevant methods

• Soil Organic Carbon Framework Methodology
  → Enables measurement-based + model-based SOC projects with a social focus
• Land-Use & Forestry Module
  → Can be combined with agroforestry, pasture management, afforestation

Requirements

• Strong emphasis on participation, transparency and impact analysis
• MRV must protect the environment and Social impacts include
• Projects must submit a "Theory of Change" and SDG mapping
• Relevance for funding applications and CSR investors

Advantage for TSHN

• High credibility with NGO & CSR investors
• Combination with educational and community components possible
• Ideal for pilot regions with a showcase character

Other relevant European certification bodies

In addition to Verra and Gold Standard, there are regional European initiativeswhich are becoming increasingly important in certain markets - above all due to State proximity, linguistic regionality and pilot programmes.

🇫🇷 Label Bas Carbone (France)

• National C-certificate framework of the French Ministry of the Environment
• Methods and for humus formation, agroforestry, grassland
• National integration in funding programmes
• Projects must be state-recognised methods take place
• High relevance for CRCF compatibility

🇩🇪 Ecosystem Value Association (EVA, Germany)

• Develops a Soil Carbon Standard Methodology for agricultural C-binding
• Integration of remote sensing, sampling & farmer data
• Publicly funded pilot projects (e.g. in Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt)
• Open scientific advisory board and strong connectivity to TSHN

🇨🇭 / 🇩🇪 Carbon Standards International - EBC-C Sink

• Focus on biochar in agriculture and construction
• Certified by the European Biochar Certificate
• Combination with floor effect (sink function) possible
• Good connectivity for TSHN with biochar component

Summarised overview of European systems

The European systems form a reliable and stable basis for the TSHN process, while Verra's regulations play a role in particular for commercialisation.

TSHN process: From the soil sample to CO₂ certification

After a preparation and conception period, the "Carbofarm" pilot project was implemented with 10 regenerative farmers and an area of 500 ha on different soil qualities in the years 2021 to 2023.

These were:

• The individual standards and norms tested for practicality
• Questioning official assumptions and theories of research and teaching
• Observing the effect of compost, compost extract and other organic agents with the naked eye
• The experience regarding detailed measurements of further health data discussed with the individual farmers
• The actual amount of sequestered carbon and consequently sequestered CO2e in the soil is determined.
• And finally, the TSHN measurement and certification process was developed.

The results in terms of carbon yield were overwhelming. While scientists in Europe assume around 2 to 3.5 tonnes per hectare and year, we were able to determine almost 14 tonnes per hectare and year on our lead farm. Other farmers were lower, but sequestered at least 7 tonnes per hectare per year.

The TSHN carbon certification process in detail

The overall result of the pilot project with follow-up work in 2024 was the complete development of the process from the determination of ownership to the sale of the certificate and its cancellation when used as an emissions offset.

Preparation: Ownership & demarcation of usable land

Objective: Legal and area security for certificates

• Cadastral database:
  Document ownership, coordinates, area size.
• Utilisation register / agricultural land register:
  Proof of actual agricultural use - also for leases.
• Stratification with GIS/QGIS:
  • Subdivide utilisation cadastre areas into 5-ha grids
  • NDVI/EO data use for natural floor transitions
  • Each quadrant receives a Unique ID
  • Creation of a Stratification map with sample path and soil classes

Soil sampling & analysis (MRV level 1-2)

• Norms & Standards:
  • FAO GSOC-MRV (Chapter 8.1, Appendix A3-A5)
  • ISO 17025, ISO 11272, ISO 10694 (or national equivalents)
• Procedure:
  • Define rehearsal schedule (depths, number, grid points, target data)
  • Commissioning of accredited samplers (e.g. like ABU Hungary Kft.)
  • Sampling by grid (e.g. 0-30 cm, 5-ha grid points)
  • Analysis in the laboratory - Parameters:
    • Humus content
    • SOC content (according to Walkley-Black)
    • Bulk Density
    • Clay content (for conversion SOC → CO₂)
  • Countersigned Handover protocols between sampler & laboratory
  • Quality control (data traceability, sample ID)

Calculation of the SOC increase and CO₂ sequestration

After FAO GSOC-MRV and IPCC formulae:

• Conversion humus → SOC: humus/1.724
• SOC × bulk density × depth → SOC stock in tonnes/ha
• Difference year X to year X+n → ΔSOC = Sequestration
• Conversion of SOC to CO₂ equivalent: × 3.67

Certificate issuance & serialisation

Structure and parameters for recording:

• Certificate per tonne of CO₂e, unique serial number
• Documented Sequestration per field/quadrant
• Entry in a separate TSHN certificate register:
  • Quantity (tonnes of CO₂e)
  • Project period
  • Buyer (after sale)
  • Status (active, cancelled)
• Deactivation after sale (→ Double utilisation excluded)
• Contractual protection of the transfer rights from the farmer to TSHN

Legal and technical protection

• Contract with farmer:
  • Exclusivity clauseNo secondary utilisation
  • Rights of use of data & certificates at TSHN
  • Insurance buffer against CO2 losses
• Transparent communication & visit cycles
• Integration in TSHN tokenisation possible (e.g. for minting basis)

Connectivity of existing TSHN methodology

The combination of FAO GSOC-MRV, ISO 14064-2 and the Carbofarm pilot structure creates ideal conditions:

• Standardised SOC survey → Directly compatible with CRCF criteria
• Repeatable MRV cycles every 2 years → Sufficient monitoring depth
• Serialisation & register management → Transparency & traceability
• Contractual security with farmers → Ownership & warranty

Advantages for TSHN investors

• Connection to the first regulated CO₂-Withdrawal market in Europe
• Early certifiability = First mover advantage
• Higher Willingness to pay through regulated CRUs compared to voluntary certificates
• Political & social Highly legitimised model

The EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF)

With the CRCF, the European Union is for the first time standardised, legally binding framework for the certification of CO₂ removals before. The aim is to, Nature-based and technological solutions for carbon sequestration - such as humus formation, agroforestry, biochar or direct air capture - in Reliable, verifiable and marketable units (so-called CRUs = Carbon Removal Units). TSHN is positioning itself here as early co-designer and potential player in the implementation.

Overview: What is the CRCF?

• Farewell: EU Parliament, April 2024
• Start of implementation2025 (methods, certifiers, register under construction)
• GoalStandardised, credible certification for CO₂ removals
• Fields of application:
  • Carbon FarmingHumus formation, agroforestry, permanent grassland
  • Durable StorageBiochar, DAC, mineral storage
  • Product-based storagee.g. timber construction products

Requirements for CRCF projects

All CRCF-compliant projects must fulfil the following principles:

• Quantifiability
  → Measurable or modelled net effect on the CO₂ content of the atmosphere
• Additionality
  → Beyond what would have happened without the project anyway (no "business-as-usual")
• Long-term storage
  → Permanence strategy and measures against re-emissions
• Sustainability
  → No negative impact on biodiversity, water, soil or social issues

Development until the system is fully valid

The EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) was finally adopted by the Council of the European Union on 19 November 2024 and entered into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU on 6 December 2024.

The CRCF is a voluntary framework that certifies activities such as permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products. The aim is to facilitate investment in innovative carbon removal technologies and sustainable carbon farming solutions while combating greenwashing.

The CRCF is being implemented step by step:

• 2025-2026Development of specific certification methods by the European Commission, supported by the Expert Group on Carbon Removal.
• Until 2028Establishment of an EU-wide electronic register to ensure transparency and full traceability of certified units.

TSHN can prepare early for the CRCF standards by integrating existing MRV methods (such as FAO GSOC-MRV and ISO 14064-2) and aligning its projects with the upcoming EU certification requirements.

Role of TSHN in the CRCF ecosystem and further development

The Carbofarm pilot result and the first development stage of the TSHN process led to the clear mandate to establish the TSHN Research and Development Company, which will focus on developing methods to further and more reliably increase carbon sequestration.

Three key roles

TSHN can already position itself in three key roles:

In its further development, TSHN relies on a Modular, scalable process architecturethat extends from the field boundary to the blockchain - and at the same time involves farmers, certifiers and buyers alike. The aim is to cooperate and contribute to the detailed development of the EU CRCF catalogue of methods.

The seven process modules of TSHN

Summary & outlook: Decision security and trust through TSHN & EU-CRCF

With the entry into force of the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) on 6 December 2024 and the gradual introduction of standardised methods from 2025, Europe will provide a legally binding framework for nature-based carbon removal for the first time.

TSHN combines this regulation with practical implementation and scientifically sound monitoring - thus creating a trustworthy bridge between agriculture, climate policy and the economy:

• FarmersClear processes, fair participation, long-term sources of income
• ScientistsStandardised measurement methods, data access, field trials
• ConsumersTransparent origin of climate-impacting products
• The companyCO₂ certificates with dual traceability (laboratory & blockchain)
• InvestorsEU-compatible certificates with long-term market validity and proof of impact

Seal of approval for ecosystem services - beyond carbon

TSHN develops a Modular certification modelthat goes beyond pure CO₂ sequestration. Measurable indicators can also be used to visualise and utilise other benefits of regenerative agriculture:

• Humus build-up sealImprovement of soil fertility & water retention capacity
• Biodiversity sealPromotion of flowering areas, hedges, insects
• Water sealIncreased infiltration capacity & retention of rainwater
• Soil decontamination sealDecrease in pesticide/nitrate contamination
• Regeneratively produced productFood with added ecosystem value

These quality seals can be used at product level (e.g. for direct marketing) and project-related (e.g. in regional markets, funding programmes or token ecosystems).

Outlook

TSHN installs trustworthy, EU-compliant system for carbon and ecosystem services on the basis ofthat goes far beyond pure CO₂ compensation. It creates a new economic reality: Farmers are rewarded for regeneration, Investors receive measurable climate benefits with regulatory certaintyand the company benefits from a sustainable agriculture with real proof of effectiveness.