Table 2 Study quality criteria

1

Does the study provide a comparison ofperformance

of alternative methods? If YES, it is a comparative study. If NO, it is a single

method study.

FOR COMPARATIVE STUDIES ONLY

1.1

Is the comparator method used appropriate? (e.g., used in context

where it was originally developed for use with regard to spatial

scale,land use, etc.)[the question does not preclude use of

innovative methods applied in a new field]

1.2

Were the alternative methods applied to thesame location?

(excluding chronosequence studies for carbon stock changes)

1.3

Were the alternative methods applied within a reasonable time

frame? (e.g., month, growing season)

FOR ALL STUDIES

2.

Are the accuracy and precision statistics (e.g., means, variances)

of methods provided?

3.

Does the study report on other variables that may have influenced

the accuracy, precision, validity or repeatability of the methods?

FURTHER CRITERIA FOR STUDIES SCORING "YES" FOR QUESTIONS 1-3

4.

Are the locations for measurements clearly identified?

5.

Are all data points included in the analyses?