Evidence ladders for assessing stable soil carbon

Short answer

No single test can certify stable soil carbon. Credible assessment requires multiple methods, matched to the strength of the claim being made. An evidence ladder prevents over-interpretation and protects credibility.

What this page helps you understand or avoid

This page helps readers understand why responsible claims rely on layers of evidence, not single metrics.

Why this matters in practice

As materials move from development to scrutiny, the burden of evidence increases. Misaligned claims undermine trust.

What this question actually is

The question is not “which test proves stability?” It is “what level of evidence is appropriate for this claim?”

What it is often confused with

• Certification by proxy
• One-test validation
• Universal indicators

What the evidence and constraints show

Different methods capture different carbon pools. No method alone describes the full system.

Where this sits within the wider BHC framework

Evidence is matched to claim strength, progressing from functional indicators to rigorous analytical methods as required.

Summary

Stable carbon assessment is cumulative, not singular. Claims must rise only as far as the evidence allows.