EnHANCE
EnMAP Hyperspectral data for Advancing Numerical soil organic Carbon Estimation
Accurate SOC assessment is essential for transparent MRV activities and informed agricultural decisions. However, the small magnitude of SOC change and the high cost of soil sampling make robust, scalable monitoring difficult.
EnHANCE (EnMAP Hyperspectral data for Advancing Numerical soil organic Carbon Estimation) brings together FERN.Lab at GFZ and the Berlin-based carbon farming start-up Seqana to explore the potential of hyperspectral data for soil carbon monitoring. Today’s carbon market and agricultural decision tools rely predominantly on multispectral satellite data, EnHANCE investigates how higher spectral resolution of the EnMAP mission (and future missions like CHIME) can significantly improve the accuracy, robustness and spatial detail of SOC estimates. The project will compare existing multispectral SOC models with newly developed hyperspectral approaches, integrates advanced preprocessing and data-fusion methods, and evaluates the practical value of hyperspectral information for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems.
By combining FERN.Lab’s expertise in hyperspectral data processing with Seqana’s operational AI-based SOC modelling platform, EnHANCE aims to deliver validated methods that strengthen carbon market integrity and support regenerative agriculture. The project’s outcomes will enable more reliable SOC maps, reduced model uncertainty, and improved detection of small but meaningful soil carbon changes—ultimately helping farmers, carbon project developers and policymakers to make better-informed decisions that benefit climate mitigation, soil health and sustainable land management.
