A framework and toolset for standardizing agroecosystem indicators. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCord, Sarah E.; Brehm, Joseph R.; Burnett, Sarah H.; Dietrich, Chris; Edwards, Brandon; Metz, Loretta J.; Hernandez Narvaez, Mariano; Pierson, Fred; Ramirez, Kelly S.; Stauffer, Nelson G.; Webb, Nicholas P.; Tweedie, Craig E.
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 144(2023)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Monitoring -- Ecosystem attributes -- Software -- Informatics -- Grazing lands; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109511
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Highlights: Standard indicators and measurements are key to cross-scale agroecosystem assessments. Inconsistencies in indicator calculations produce discrepancies in meaning. A framework for producing standard indicators from measurements is presented. Abstract: S tandard indicators and measurements are key to cross-scale agroecosystem assessments. While the need to standardize indicators is broadly recognized, inconsistencies in indicator calculations from common measurements may yield discrepancies in indicator meaning and consequently reduce the accuracy of agroecosystem assessments. Here we present a framework that provides a mechanism for standardizing indicator vegetation and ground cover calculations across datasets and agroecosystems yet also provides flexibility for local or process-specific indicators. This framework, demonstrated in an R package terradactyl, 1) harmonizes standardized agroecosystem measurements into analysis-friendly datasets, 2) produces a standard, yet flexible indicator calculation approach, 3) aggregates indicators into commonly used sets of indicators or data models. This paper provides a workflow that can be applied across agroecosystem measurements and indicators globally to produce scale-able indicators that are relevant for land managers, conservation planners, and policymakers alike.