Effective monitoring of agriculture: a response

作者：Sachs Jeffrey D^*; Remans Roseline; Smukler Sean M; Winowiecki Leigh; Andelman Sandy J; Cassman Kenneth G; Castle David; DeFries Ruth; Denning Glenn; Fanzo Jessica; Jackson Louise E; Leemans Rik; Lehmann Johannes; Milder Jeffrey C; Naeem Shahid; Nziguheba Generose; Palm Cheryl A; Pingali Prabhu L; Reganold John P; Richter Daniel D; Scherr Sara J; Sircely Jason; Sullivan Clare; Tomich Thomas P; Sanchez Pedro A

来源：Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 2012, 14(3): 738-742.

DOI：10.1039/c2em10584e

The development of effective agricultural monitoring networks is essential to track, anticipate and manage changes in the social, economic and environmental aspects of agriculture. We welcome the perspective of Lindenmayer and Likens (J. Environ. Monit., 2011, 13, 1559) as published in the Journal of Environmental Monitoring on our earlier paper, %26quot;Monitoring the World%26apos;s Agriculture%26quot; (Sachs et al., Nature, 2010, 466, 558-560). In this response, we address their three main critiques labeled as %26apos;the passive approach%26apos;, %26apos;the problem with uniform metrics%26apos; and %26apos;the problem with composite metrics%26apos;. We expand on specific research questions at the core of the network design, on the distinction between key universal and site-specific metrics to detect change over time and across scales, and on the need for composite metrics in decision-making. We believe that simultaneously measuring indicators of the three pillars of sustainability (environmentally sound, social responsible and economically viable) in an effectively integrated monitoring system will ultimately allow scientists and land managers alike to find solutions to the most pressing problems facing global food security.

• 出版日期2012-3
• 单位UC Davis