right or wrong way to evaluate an agroecosystem. It is important to identify all actors in a holon before beginning the analysis. When an analyst accepts the task of analyzing the agroecosystem, first and foremost, it must be approached as to incorporate all elements involved and should derive questions that should be answered. Questions such as: What defining factors (holons and contexts) determine the present configuration of the agroecosystem? How does one quantify the sustainability of the farm holon (economic, social, political, ecological and/or other)? How does the farmer or farm family perceive an agroecosystem? What is the farmer doing now, and how do those practices or actions affect the viability of the agroecosystem? Can the farmer maintain his livelihood continuing with current practices? What does the farmer value and where do those values come from? Will the farmer consider alternative farm configurations? These are the types of questions an analyst could consider. There are no preset questions to ask, and usually more questions are derived than answered. However, the most important task an analysts can do, is to start the analysis with an open mind and under no presumptions about what is and is not sustainable for the farm holon. Analysis types J. Visser of Dordt College uses a diagram, "Wealth Creation Wheel" to emphasize and account for the parameters of developing a thorough analysis. His diagram is more emphasized on economics; however, it is a useful tool to reference when starting to analyze an agroecosystem. His interest is to create a functioning wheel which will roll when all parameters are met equally. If one parameter is not functioning in context with the other parameters, then the wheel will be out of balance and ineffective, thus unsustainable. When referring to an agroecosystem, if one parameter is out of balance, this could lead to an unproductive cropping season and loss of income and/or livelihood. See also Agriculture | Agroecology | agroecosystem | Agronomy | Applied ecology | Ecology | Ecology of contexts | Environmental Economics | Holon (philosophy) | Political Science | Sociology | Soil Science | Sustainable Agriculture | Rural Sociology | References Further reading Ahl, V. & Allen, T. F. H. (1996) Hierarchy Theory: A Vision, Vocabulary, and Epistemology. Columbia University Press, New York. Allen, T. F. H. & Starr, T. B. (1982) Hierarchy: Perspectives for Ecological Complexity. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Allen, T. F. H. Tainter,