Bluegrass
bluegrass: A type of grass used for lawns, pastures, and hay. Managing bluegrass supports healthy pastures and high-quality forage production.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
bitter pit: A disorder in apples caused by calcium deficiency. Addressing bitter pit through proper nutrition improves apple quality and marketability.
biodynamic agriculture: A holistic view of agriculture that considers a farm as a self-contained evolving organism. Practicing biodynamic agriculture promotes sustainability and harmony with nature.
buffer strip: A strip of vegetation planted between fields to reduce erosion and runoff. Implementing buffer strips supports soil conservation and water quality.
bacterial pneumonia: Pneumonia caused by bacterial infection, notably by pneumococcus. Farmers need to recognize symptoms early and administer proper veterinary care to prevent outbreaks in their herds.
Beaumont period: A period of 48 hours with temperatures above 10°C and relative humidity above 75%, likely indicating potato blight. Farmers should monitor weather conditions and apply preventive treatments during Beaumont periods.
biopolymer: A naturally occurring polymer, such as proteins or polysaccharides. Using biopolymers in farming, such as biodegradable mulches, supports sustainable practices.
bedding plants: Small annual flower plants used for bedding out. Growing and selling bedding plants can diversify farm income.
broad beans: A type of large-seeded legume. Growing broad beans provides nutritious food and improves soil health through nitrogen fixation.
boysenberry: A large, dark berry that is a cross between a raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. Growing boysenberries provides unique fruit for fresh markets and processing.
breech birth: A birth in which the baby is delivered buttocks or feet first. Managing breech births in livestock ensures safe delivery and reduces complications.
big bale silage: Silage stored in big bales. This method ensures high-quality forage preservation and reduces spoilage.
black bean aphid: A small black aphid that infests beans and other plants. Implementing integrated pest management controls black bean aphids and protects crops.
bird table: A platform for feeding birds. Providing bird tables supports farm biodiversity and helps control insect pests.
best practice: The most effective method of achieving an objective or completing a task. Implementing best practices improves farm efficiency and sustainability.
bioremediation: The use of living organisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area. Implementing bioremediation techniques helps farmers manage soil and water quality.
broad spectrum: A term describing pesticides that are effective against a wide range of pests. Using broad-spectrum pesticides supports comprehensive pest management but requires careful application to avoid non-target effects.
basal area: The area covered by the trunks of trees or stems of plants. Knowing the basal area helps farmers manage forest density and optimize timber production.
bird cherry-oat aphid: A pest of cereals that spreads viruses. Monitoring and controlling bird cherry-oat aphids protects cereal crops from disease.
blister mite: A small mite that infests plants, causing blister-like galls. Managing blister mites through integrated pest management protects crop yields.
Biodiversity Action Plan: A detailed scheme to maintain the biodiversity of a specific area. Implementing BAPs helps farmers protect and enhance biodiversity on their land.
blue tongue: A viral disease of ruminants spread by biting midges. Vaccinating against blue tongue protects livestock health and prevents outbreaks.
bacteria bed: A filter bed of rough stone used in the final stage of sewage treatment. Implementing a bacteria bed on the farm can help in environmentally friendly waste management and nutrient recycling.
Berkshire Knot: A local breed of sheep crossed with Southdown to develop the Hampshire Down breed. Understanding breed development helps farmers select and manage sheep for desired traits.