Sustainability assessment. An adaptive low-input tool applied to the management of agroecosystems in México.

• A gap was found on adaptive sustainability assessment tools for the local context. • Conventional (CS) and alternative (AS) maize management systems were assessed. • AS (soil conservation, −50% chemical inputs) scored higher in 15 of 18 indicators. • Positive results are not sufficient to ensure replication mainly due to uncertainty. • The SALT proved to be suitable for local contexts with limited resources. Agriculture is a key sector in going towards sustainability. It works as a hub between social, institutional, economic and environmental dimensions. An international recognition has risen on how efforts must be directed to sustainable agriculture if current challenges of soil degradation, climate change and population growth are to be overcome. This is translated in the need for means to assess and evaluate progress (or the lack of) towards sustainable agriculture. Although literature on assessment methods for the matter is abundant, a research gap is found on tools suitable to the local context in developing countries like Mexico, where data and skills availability greatly contrast between regions and municipalities. Aiming to bridge this gap, the Sustainability assessment Adaptive and Low-input Tool (SALT) is presented. Conducted analysis focused on contrasting two crop management systems in western Mexico: conventional, the most common in the region; and alternative, relative to farmers transitioning towards sustainable agriculture. A four-step process was followed: 1) substitute indicators were derived on field through participatory workshops, interviews and field trips; 2) analyzing the impact of maize management systems in the region and determining factors that can trigger tangible changes on the behavior of the system; 3) integrating this analysis and a sustainability framework to build up the SALT; 4) application of the tool and interpretation of the results. Sustainability is constantly evolving as an approach, but must keep strengthening practical aspects. Therefore, assessment tools should be tailored to allow an adaptive application and interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]