Aepat

Abstract

Approaches to assess the effects of management practices on agroecosystem 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 Agroecosystem 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.