Measurement, Reporting, and Verification of Agricultural and Livestock Emissions: A Combined Systematic and Bibliometric Review

Summary

This combined bibliometric and systematic review examined global research on measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) techniques for agricultural and livestock GHG emissions across a 35-year timeframe. Four MRV approach categories were identified as widely adopted: inventory techniques (IPCC Tiers), project/product-level accounting (LCA, carbon footprint protocols), measurement and modelling approaches (chambers, remote sensing, AI/ML), and governance frameworks (UNFCCC, PAS 2050). The evidence suggests MRV techniques facilitate uptake of low-carbon practices, though significant data gaps and regional inconsistencies limit generalisability.

Regional applicability

The review draws on global research, so findings apply broadly to United Kingdom agricultural policy and practice. The identification of four MRV technique categories is directly relevant to UK farm emissions reporting under UK Climate Change Committee requirements and farm carbon auditing schemes. However, the authors highlight limited data availability as a key barrier, which may affect UK implementation of standardised MRV approaches across heterogeneous farming systems.

Key measures

Bibliometric analysis of 5,340 studies (1990–2025); systematic review of 100 studies (2020–2025); categorisation of MRV techniques; data on GHG emission reductions; adoption barriers and data gaps

Outcomes reported

The study identified four major MRV technique categories adopted globally for quantifying agricultural and livestock GHG emissions, and examined their effectiveness in promoting low-carbon practices. The review revealed that MRV approaches showed lower emissions from mixed cropping in agriculture and variable livestock emissions based on feeding stage and diet type.

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