October 8, 2024
Q

Quicklime

quicklime: A calcium compound made from burnt limestone, used in the composition of cement and in many industrial processes. Quicklime is valuable for soil stabilization and pH adjustment in agriculture, helping farmers improve soil conditions for optimal crop growth.

P

Plant

plant: An organism containing chlorophyll with which it carries out photosynthesis. Helpful content: Understanding plant biology is fundamental for successful farming. Knowledge of how plants grow and reproduce helps farmers optimize cultivation practices, leading to healthier crops and higher yields.

D

D value

D value: Abbreviation for digestibility value, the amount of digestible organic matter in the dry matter of plants. Understanding D value helps farmers evaluate the nutritional quality of animal feed and make informed decisions about feeding practices.

C

Complications

Complications: Complications plural noun secondary medical problems developing as part of an existing medical condition The patient may develop complications after surgery. Managing complications involves providing proper veterinary care and monitoring animal health.

F

Field Pansy

Field Pansy: A widespread flower (Viola arvensis) increasingly found in winter crops, especially cereals. Also called corn pansy, love-in-idleness, cats’ faces. Managing field pansies helps maintain crop health and biodiversity.

P

Paraquat

paraquat: A herbicide that destroys a wide range of plants by killing their foliage and becomes inert on contact with the soil. It is poisonous to mammals, including humans. Using herbicides responsibly helps in effective weed management while minimizing environmental impact.

V

Vitamin C

vitamin C: A vitamin which is soluble in water and is found in fresh fruit, especially oranges and lemons, raw vegetables, and liver. Adequate vitamin C intake can improve immune function and overall health in livestock.

D

Deflocculation

deflocculation: A state in which clay particles repel each other instead of sticking together. Deflocculation may occur when clays are worked in a wet condition or if the soil becomes saline. Managing soil structure and salinity is crucial for preventing deflocculation. Farmers should implement practices like gypsum application, proper irrigation management, and organic matter addition to maintain soil structure and fertility. Understanding soil properties can help farmers choose appropriate management strategies.

G

Gene

gene: A unit of DNA on a chromosome which governs the synthesis of one protein and may combine with other genes to determine a particular characteristic. Understanding genetics helps in selective breeding for desirable traits in crops and livestock.

P

Point Of Lay

point of lay: A term referring to pullets that are approaching the time when they will lay their first eggs. Helpful content: Managing pullets at the point of lay is essential for maximizing egg production. Providing optimal nutrition and housing conditions during this stage can lead to higher egg yields and better flock health.

D

Disinfestation

disinfestation: The process of removing harmful organisms such as insects or rodents from a place or an object. Proper disinfestation practices are essential for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing pest outbreaks. Farmers should use appropriate methods and techniques for effective disinfestation. Understanding the benefits and applications of disinfestation will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive farm environment.

P

Protein Efficiency Ratio

protein efficiency ratio: A measure of the nutritional value of proteins carried out on young growing animals. The protein efficiency ratio is defined as the gain in weight per gram of protein eaten. Abbr PER. Helpful content: Using protein efficiency ratios helps farmers evaluate and improve feed formulations. This ensures that animals receive adequate nutrition for optimal growth and production.

C

Chilli

Chilli: Same as chilli pepper, or a very pungent spice or sauce made from ground chilli peppers and other ingredients. Growing chillies provides a specialty crop for culinary use, enhancing farm product diversity and income.

C

Certify

Certify: To give official approval to something or state officially that something is what it claims to be. Achieving certification demonstrates compliance with industry standards and enhances farm credibility.

A

Actinomycosis

actinomycosis: A disease of cattle and pigs, where the animal is infected with bacteria which form abscesses in the mouth and lungs. Also called lumpy jaw. Early diagnosis and treatment of actinomycosis are crucial for preventing severe health issues in livestock.

H

Hampshire

Hampshire: An American breed of black-haired pig with white markings. It is similar to the British Saddleback which has black skin and a white saddle. Raising Hampshire pigs can provide farmers with a robust breed known for its meat quality and adaptability.

T

Testis

testis: One of two male sex glands in the scrotum, producing sperm. In mammals, including humans, the paired testes also secrete sex hormones. The plural of testis is testes. Proper management of testis health in livestock can improve reproductive performance and productivity.

S

Silo

silo: A large container for storing grain or silage. There are many different types of silo. Some are pits dug into the ground, others are forms of surface clamp, while built silos are towers which may be either top- or bottom-loaded and are built of wood, concrete or steel. Farmers benefit from using silos for efficient and controlled grain and silage storage.

D

Duck

duck: A bird reared for both egg and meat production. The male is a ‘drake’. Ducks are versatile poultry that can be raised for various purposes, including egg production, meat, and pest control.

P

Potting Compost

potting compost: A mixture usually of soil and fibrous matter used to fill containers in which plants are grown. Helpful content: Using high-quality potting compost provides essential nutrients and support for plant growth. Farmers can improve seedling health and transplant success by selecting appropriate compost mixtures.