AEPAT: Software for Assessing Agronomic and Environmental Performance of Management Practices in Long-Term Agroecosystem Experiments

Authors

Mark A. Liebig, Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory
Martin E. Miller, University of Houston
Gary E. Varvel, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
John W. Doran, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jon D. Hanson, Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory

Date of this Version

2-27-2003

Comments

Published in Agron. J. 96:109–115 (2004). Copyright American Society of Agronomy

Abstract

Approaches to assess the effects of management practices on agro-ecosystem functions are needed. This paper describes a computer program designed to assess the relative sustainability of management practices using agronomic and environmental data. The program, entitled AgroEcosystem Performance Assessment Tool (AEPAT), utilizes performance-based index methodology to derive a relative ranking of agroecosystem performance among management practices for functions and indicators included in the procedure. The program is organized into eight major steps: Introduction, Input Files, Assign Indicators to Functions, Describe Indicators, Assign Weights, Select Output File, Calculate Agroecosystem Performance Scores, and Save Agro-ecosystem Project. Help windows as well as a tutorial are provided within the program to assist users through each step. Users must keep in mind the assumptions and drawbacks inherent to performance-based indices while using AEPAT. Additionally, the program requires data on many indicators to provide useful information on agroecosystem performance. Therefore, its use is intended primarily for clientele conducting long-term agroecosystem experiments.