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IPCC Tier 2 methodology – Assessing agriculture’s carbon footprint

What is the significance of IPCC Tier 2 methodology in the context of agriculture and its application in the precision-oriented Agrecalc calculator? Dr Rachael Ramsey explains the complex science.

As global concern over climate change intensifies, agriculture has come under increasing scrutiny for its significant contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions:

  • Enteric fermentation: Microbes in the stomachs of ruminant livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, produce methane during digestion.
  • Manure management: Improper handling and storage of livestock manure can lead to methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
  • Synthetic fertiliser use: The application of nitrogen-based fertilisers releases nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.
  • Land use changes: Deforestation and land conversion for agriculture release stored carbon into the atmosphere.

To estimate emissions from agriculture and other sectors accurately, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has developed a comprehensive methodology to estimate GHG emissions and removals accurately.

IPCC tier 2 methodology: unveiling the essence

The guidelines from the IPCC are a foundational reference for GHG measurement, reporting and verification (MRV). Most recently the IPCC has issued 2019 Refinement guidance to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, which reflects new scientific knowledge for emission factors, GHG accounting methodologies and technological advancements.

The IPCC guidelines provide methods to estimate emissions (or emissions removals) for each GHG in mass units are include different levels of methodological complexity, called ‘Tiers’. Normally there are three IPCC Tiers, with each ascending Tier representing a greater level of complexity.

ipcc tier 2 methodology
Figure 1. Tier methodological complexity. Source: Booysen et al., 2018*

Tiers 2 and 3 are often referred to as “higher Tier” methods and are generally considered more accurate than Tier 1 default, as they are more specific to the area in which they are used.

IPCC Tier 2 methodology adopts a more site-specific and detailed assessment of factors influencing emissions. It considers a wide range of variables such as local climatic conditions, soil properties, livestock types, and management practices, resulting in more precise estimations. This level of detail allows policymakers, researchers, and farmers to make informed decisions about emission reduction strategies and the overall sustainability of agricultural practices.

Tier 3 contains the highest level of detail, but requires robust underlying scientific data – applying a Tier 3 approach requires that adequate amounts of this validated data is available to develop, apply and evaluate this approach.

Agrecalc's utilisation of IPCC Tier 2 methodology ensures that emission estimations are far more accurate than those generated using simpler approaches. By adopting a tiered approach, the calculator improves the resolution of emissions inventories and helps farmers identify emission hotspots more accurately.

Dr Rachael Ramsey, Agrecalc Head of Science and Research

Agrecalc is paving the way to precision by applying IPCC Tier 2 methodology

Agrecalc is an innovative tool designed to calculate and manage the carbon footprint of agricultural operations. Using the robustness of IPCC Tier 2 methodology, Agrecalc takes the assessment of GHG emissions to a new level of precision and accuracy.

  • Customised input parameters: Agrecalc allows farmers to input specific data relevant to their farm. This includes details about livestock species, feed composition, fertiliser application rates, and tillage practices, among others. By collecting this data, the calculator tailors its emission estimates according to the unique characteristics of the farm.
  • Localised climate and soil data: Agrecalc integrates localised climate data to account for regional variations in temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors. For the UK, we adhere to the UK GHG inventory which uses specific data for UK climate conditions and soils.
  • Precision in emission estimations: Agrecalc’s utilisation of IPCC Tier 2 methodology ensures that emission estimations are far more accurate than those generated using simpler approaches. By adopting a tiered approach, the calculator improves the resolution of emissions inventories and helps farmers identify emission hotspots more accurately.
  • Real-time feedback and recommendations: not only does Agrecalc calculate emissions, but also provides farmers with valuable insights on how to reduce their carbon footprint. The calculator suggests mitigation options, such as manure management techniques, optimised fertiliser application, and livestock feed adjustments, to lower emissions effectively.

Agrecalc requires users to provide precise data on agricultural activities, ensuring that emissions are calculated based on specific farm practices rather than generalised assumptions.

Dr Rachael Ramsey, Agrecalc Head of Science and Research

Application of IPCC Tier 2 Methodology in Agrecalc

Agrecalc’s application of IPCC Tier 2 methodology aligns with the key principles of this advanced approach:

  • Detailed activity data: Agrecalc requires users to provide precise data on agricultural activities, ensuring that emissions are calculated based on specific farm practices rather than generalised assumptions.
  • Emission factors: Agrecalc employs the latest emission factor guidance from IPCC, which are updated regularly to reflect advancements in scientific knowledge. This ensures that the calculator’s emissions estimates remain up-to-date and reliable.
  • Consistency and transparency: IPCC Tier 1 / 2 / 3 methodology emphasises transparency in data sources and calculations. Agrecalc adheres to this principle by providing users with clear explanations of the methodology and data sources used in its calculations.

Understanding and managing GHG from agriculture is of paramount importance to mitigate climate change. IPCC Tier 2 methodology, with its site-specific and detailed approach, offers a valuable framework for accurately assessing emissions in the agricultural sector. Agrecalc further enhances the precision of emission calculations by applying this methodology to tailor its estimates to the unique characteristics of individual farms.

By empowering farmers with real-time feedback and sustainable practices, Agrecalc contributes to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

*Reference: Booysen, J.; Booysen, W.  and Kleingeld, M.: A risk management strategy to identify and prioritise factors affecting industry’s carbon tax liability. S. Afr. J. Ind. Eng. [online]. 2018, vol.29, n.3 [cited  2023-08-04], pp.26-39.

Picture of Dr Rachael Ramsey

Dr Rachael Ramsey

Head of Science and Research for Agrecalc. Experienced project manager and agroecologist working in terrestrial ecosystems with an emphasis on assessing the impact of management activities on ecosystem functioning and ecological processes to include GHG emissions, soil cycling (carbon, nitrogen), species diversity and soil health and microbial activity.

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