The decision tree for estimating methane emissions from rice production outlines the steps that Parties should follow (see Figure 4.9 in the IPCC Good Practice Guidance).

The main features of this decision tree are:

• If there is no rice cultivated then the Party should report “not occurring” (NO).
• If methane from rice production is not a key category, emissions can be estimated using default emission factors and, where possible, scaling factors for variables such as the water regime and organic amendments.
• If methane from rice production is a key category, emission estimates should consider data from each cropping region, multiple crops, and different water management regimes and organic fertilization practices.  Country-specific emission factors, or scaling factors for water management, organic amendments and soil type, should be used.