Methodology
Welcome to the NCS App methodology documentation for the Biodiversity Carbon Farming Index (BCFI) and the resulting Total Expected Impact Value (TEIV). This guide outlines the standard steps for using the NCS App to assess and value nature‑positive farming projects based on their BCFI score.
1. Overview
The BCFI aggregates key indicators of soil health, biodiversity, and carbon performance into a single index at parcel or farm level. This index is then translated into a TEIV per hectare by monetising multiple impact channels, including expected crop yield and price stability, flood and erosion prevention, carbon emission prevention and sequestration, ecosystem services, reduced input costs, water regulation, and the nutrient value of increased soil organic matter.
A live implementation of the BCFI–TEIV logic is available in our current Marketplace Prototype (MPV):
→ https://ncs-seller-app.hub-int.eox.at/
2. Getting Started
2.1 Platform Access
- Use the NCS App to create and manage NCS assets that are valued via the BCFI and TEIV methodology.
- Go to The App
- Register for an account or log in with existing credentials.
- Navigate to your project or parcel dashboard to begin entering farm and management data that will feed into the BCFI calculation.
2.2 Data Preparation
To calculate a robust BCFI and TEIV, prepare the necessary biophysical and management data for each parcel. Typical inputs include crop type and rotation, yield history, soil organic matter, erosion and flood risk context, management practices, input use, and landscape features (e.g., hedgerows, buffer strips).
Ensure all entries are complete, consistent, and correctly geo‑referenced, as these values drive the parametric translation into yield stability, carbon factors, ecosystem service values, and soil nutrient value per hectare.
3. Methodological Steps
3.1 Data Upload
Within the NCS App, project data are captured through guided forms rather than manual file uploads, but follow a similar structured process.
- Open the relevant project or parcel.
- Enter or update the required farm, soil, and management parameters.
- Save and confirm all inputs so they can be used in the BCFI computation.
3.2 BCFI and TEIV Calculation
Once data are saved, the NCS App computes a BCFI score based on normalised and weighted indicators of soil health, biodiversity, and carbon performance.
The BCFI then serves as the main driver in parametric valuation functions for each TEIV component, such as:
- Expected crop yield and price (e.g., cereals around 6,800–7,000 kg/ha with higher BCFI linked to more stable yields)
- Avoided damages from floods and erosion
- Carbon emission prevention and sequestration (e.g., around 1.5 t CO₂/ha at indicative EU ETS price levels)
- Ecosystem services (pollination, pest control, resilience)
- Reduced input costs over a 10‑year horizon
- Water regulation
- The nutrient value of additional soil organic matter (e.g., about €2,050/ha per extra 1% SOM)
These components are summed into a transparent TEIV per hectare for each asset.
3.3 Results & Insights
After calculation, the NCS App displays the BCFI score and the corresponding TEIV per hectare, broken down into its main components where applicable.
Users can review how changes in management practices or soil condition would influence BCFI and TEIV over time, and can use this information to design, compare, and communicate nature‑positive farming strategies.
A more extensive explanation of the underlying assumptions, ranges, and data sources for the BCFI and TEIV is available in the “ECOSYS Consultation Paper”.
4. Best Practices
When applying the BCFI–TEIV methodology:
- Ensure input data are as complete and accurate as possible, and document any assumptions used for missing values.
- Revisit and update key parameters (yields, SOM, management practices) regularly to reflect actual performance over time and to refine expected impact values.
- Use the TEIV not only as a static number, but as a dynamic reference to guide long‑term soil, biodiversity, and carbon management decisions.
5. Support
For questions on the implementation of the BCFI or interpretation of TEIV outputs within NCS App, please reach out via your usual NCS project support channels.
Detailed methodological background, including formulas and literature references, is provided in the “Detailed description” document linked above.
6. Disclaimer
This platform and its content have been developed as part of the ESA Business Applications BASS Demonstration Project GeoFusion (ESA Contract), co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). More information:
https://business.esa.int/projects/geofusion
Demo & Indicative Data Only
All financial values, BCFI scores, TEIV/TEV figures, biodiversity indicators, and impact valuations displayed within this platform are based on indicative, illustrative dummy data generated for demonstration purposes only.
They do not represent actual financial advice, certified ecological assessments, or verified nature credit values. No reliance should be placed on these figures for investment, credit, or compliance decisions.
Agricultural Parcel Data
Parcel boundaries and land-use information displayed are sourced from official IACS (Integrated Administration and Control System) paying agency datasets, made available through public institutional channels for research and demonstration purposes. These data are used solely to illustrate the technical capabilities of the GeoFusion platform and do not imply any commercial relationship with the respective data owners or farmers.
Intellectual Property
The GeoFusion platform, its underlying methodology (including the BCFI framework and TEIV calculation logic), algorithms, and visual outputs are the intellectual property of the project consortium.
Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of any platform content without prior written consent is prohibited.
No Liability
The project consortium, including Pro-Natur, EOX IT Services GmbH, and affiliated partners, accepts no liability for decisions made on the basis of data, scores, or outputs displayed within this demonstration platform.