Guidelines for Model Selection and Application: How to Choose and Use the Right Tools

This practice abstract provides guidance on selecting and applying models for greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and soil organic carbon (SOC) assessments.

The ClieNFarms project highlights that no single model is suitable for all situations. Tool selection should consider the assessment objective, scale, stakeholder requirements, data availability and data quality. Different approaches range from IPCC Tier 1 and Tier 2 methods to more complex Tier 3 process-based models.

The abstract emphasises that data quality is often more important than model complexity. While Tier 1 and Tier 2 approaches are useful for broad assessments and decision support, Tier 3 models are more suitable for detailed analyses, MRV systems and carbon certification when supported by measurements and expert interpretation.