This module provides procedures for calibration, validation, and verification of empirical or process-based models used to estimate soil organic carbon stock change and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes with application of VM0042 Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management. It provides a standardized approach to test model performance as an optional component of GHG emission reduction and removal quantification in a VM0042 project. Module application results in generation of a Model Validation Report (MVR) which must be assessed by an independent modeling expert (IME) to support independent verification that a model is valid and used appropriately to quantify GHG benefits.
Verra has issued Corrections and Clarifications for VMD0053 Model Calibration, Validation, and Uncertainty Guidance for the Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, v2.0 (PDF) The tracked changes version of the methodology is available under Development History below.This correction is effective immediately and will be incorporated into the next version of the document.
Additional Resources
Development History
VMD0053 Model Calibration, Validation, and Uncertainty Guidance for the Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, v2.0
Status: Active since 30 May 2023
Summary of Changes: Several revisions were made, including:
- Additional guidance on procedures related to different steps of model validation.
- Clarifications on the role of and process for assessment by the independent modeling expert (IME).
- New guidance on minimum qualifications and process to be listed as an IME.
- General improvements, errata and clarifications.
Developer: The revisions were coordinated by Verra in-house experts with technical input from TerraCarbon LLC as well as a range of expert stakeholders.
Dates of Public Consultation: 23 December 2021 to 5 February 2022
Summary of Public Consultation: VMD0053, v2.0 Summary of Public Comments (PDF)
VVB Assessment Report: VM0042 and VMD0053, v2.0 VVB Assessment Report (PDF)
Corrections and Clarifications (Summary): Corrections and clarifications to VMD0053, v2.0 (PDF)
Corrections and clarifications (tracked changes document): Corrections and clarifications to VMD0053, v2.0 – Greenlined (PDF)
VMD0053 Model Calibration, Validation, and Uncertainty Guidance for the Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, v1.0 (PDF)
Status: Active from 19 October 2020 to 29 May 2023
Developer: Indigo Ag Inc., TerraCarbon LLC
Dates of Public Consultation: 5 June 2020 to 5 July 2020
Summary of Public Consultation: VM0042 and VMD0053, v1.0 Summary of Public Comments (PDF)
VVB Assessment Report: VM0042 and VMD0053, v1.0 VVB Assessment Report (PDF)