Analysis of results
Bio-physical analysis
The monitoring strategy in WB4 allows a direct comparison with (normalized) time series of for instance soil moisture or sediment loss. Mostly however, because of the complexity of the processes and the fact there may still be environmental differences between the experimental fields/plots, some form of modelling will be used. Also the sites that focus on a catchment level (such as the forest fire analysis in Portugal) will use catchment based modelling. The models used in this context are:
- Erosion by water: PESERA, LISEM, EUROSEM
- Tillage Erosion: TERON
- Water balance and crop growth: MIKE-SHE, CROWAT, SWAT-WH
Irrigation related problems manifest themselves as salinity of the root zone and groundwater depletion. A comparison of the effect of the technologies on salinity levels is done by an analysis of physical properties, (moisture content, dry bulk density), chemical properties (electrical conductivity, pH, soluble salts and exchangeable cations) and biological parameters (plant growth, yield, quality). For the efficiency of the treatments international standards exist.
One of the main criteria in agricultural sites will be crop production and crop quality performance (annual crops and tree crops).
Socio-economic analysis
Socio-economic analysis can be done by monitoring of the stakeholders activity and yield quantity and quality, added with data on costs (fuel, labour etc) gives the basics for a cost benefit analysis. Also the stakeholders' opinion about the technologies will be very important: is it 'working' and is it feasible, whereby the direct and indirect benefits to the stakeholders are analyzed. A simple cost benefit analysis can be done based on the direct costs (fuel, labour) and direct benefits (such as yield improvement).
A helpful tool here is the so called "local indicators" that have been inventorized in WB3. These are indicators such as vegetation response, colour, dustiness or compaction of the soil, general water moisture status etc.
An important assessment is about the conditions for continuation. This can be specified as a further need for subsidies or external funds to continue a practice and/or the need for other forms of assistance, such as schooling, or for instance technical assistance in implementation. Also marketing facilities can be an important aspect.
The overall impression of the stakeholders is very important: are the technologies acceptable in principle, what is the overall judgement. These evaluations are carried out each year, to ensure a continuation of involvement.
