Burrow
burrow: A hole or tunnel dug by an animal. Managing burrows supports pest control and protects crop health.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
broody hen: A hen that is inclined to sit on eggs to hatch them. Using broody hens supports natural incubation and chick rearing.
bioaccumulation: The accumulation of substances like toxic chemicals in increasing amounts up the food chain. Managing bioaccumulation helps prevent contamination of crops and livestock.
bastard fallow: Land left fallow between harvesting and sowing, usually ploughed to control weeds. This practice helps rejuvenate soil and prepare it for the next crop cycle.
Belted Galloway: A breed of beef cattle with a distinctive white belt around the body. Raising Belted Galloways provides high-quality beef and unique breed characteristics for marketing.
brood patch: A bare area on the belly of birds, used to transfer heat to eggs. Understanding bird anatomy, such as brood patches, supports effective poultry management.
botanical garden: A garden dedicated to the collection, cultivation, and display of a wide range of plants. Botanical gardens provide resources for farmers to learn about diverse plant species and cultivation techniques.
bean aphid: A small, oval-bodied, black or dark green fly that colonizes plants and causes wilting. Implementing integrated pest management controls bean aphids and protects crops.
bacterial pea blight: A notifiable fungal disease attacking pea plants. Early detection and management of bacterial pea blight are critical to prevent crop loss and protect farm productivity.
biological control: The control of pests using natural predators and processes. Implementing biological control methods reduces chemical use and promotes sustainable farming.
black band disease: A disease of sugarcane caused by the fungus Ceratocystis paradoxa. Early detection and treatment of black band disease prevent crop losses and maintain sugarcane health.
blunt plow: A plow with a blunt edge used for shallow tillage. Using blunt plows helps manage soil structure and reduce erosion.
brackish water: Water that has more salinity than freshwater but less than seawater. Understanding water quality is important for managing irrigation and aquaculture systems effectively.
basic slag: Calcium phosphate produced as waste from blast furnaces, used as a fertilizer. Using basic slag improves soil fertility and provides essential nutrients to crops.
Berkankamp scale: A scale used to describe growth stages in oilseed rape crops. Using growth scales like Berkankamp helps farmers optimize crop management and yield.
bioreactor: A vessel in which biological reactions are carried out, especially for waste treatment or production of biological products. Utilizing bioreactors can enhance waste management and production efficiency on farms.
broomstick: A long stick traditionally used for sweeping. Using broomsticks for farm tasks supports cleanliness and organization.
brussels sprouts: A vegetable in the cabbage family. Growing brussels sprouts provides nutritious food and valuable crops for fresh markets and processing.
break crop: A crop grown to interrupt the continuous cultivation of another crop, helping to control pests and diseases. Using break crops in rotations can improve soil health and crop productivity.
branding iron: A tool used to apply a brand to livestock. Using branding irons ensures clear and permanent identification marks on animals.