This paper reviews four models which might be adapted for greenhouse gas accounting within the vegetable industry, namely: the
- Grains Greenhouse Calculator (DPI Victoria),
- CarboNZero (New Zealand Crown Research Institute),
- FullCAM (Australian Department of Environment and Heritage) and
- APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit).
The selection of these tools was based on the scope and scale of emission accounting; scientific credibility and; suitability for use in Australian agricultural systems. They are also representative of the types of agricultural greenhouse calculators that are available worldwide. Key attributes relating to the design, scope, methodology, operation, availability, and apparent strengths and limitations are described for each tool. Individually, these tools do not appear to be suitable for immediate application in the vegetable industry and investment is required to address apparent scientific, design and operational limitations. However, collectively they capture the key attributes and functions required to develop a vegetable greenhouse accounting calculator.
