Farm diagnosis methods and indicators: overview and special cases applied to the evaluation of phytosanitary practices

Abstract

Since the later eighties, the taking into account of environmental preservation in farming has made necessary the use of environment tools and ways of assessing farming systems. Farm assessment diagnosis based on indicators are one of the answers to the issue. In this perspective way, 17 methods taking into account the environment issue reduced to a farm scale have been registered and compared. All those methods are based on indicators and are presented according to the elements analysed (environmental, economic and social issues). A second part of this research is directly oriented to develop assessment methods who target environmental impact of pesticides. 17 other and more specific methods based on pesticide indicators have been identified, analysed and compared; this analysis being based on bibliographical survey.