Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Deer Commission for Scotland: An association in Scotland which advises on best practices in wild deer management. Abbr DCS. Farmers involved in deer farming or managing land with wild deer populations should follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by the DCS. Implementing best practices in deer management can improve herd health, reduce disease risk, and enhance the sustainability of deer populations.
domesticate: To breed wild animals so that they become tame and can fill human needs or to breed wild plants, selecting the best strains so that they become useful for food or decoration. Domestication has led to the development of many farm animals and crops that are essential for modern agriculture.
dog: A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. Dogs can serve various roles on a farm, including herding livestock, guarding property, and providing companionship. Proper training and care are essential for farm dogs to ensure they are healthy and effective in their roles.
deintensified farming: Farming which was formerly intensive, using chemical fertilizers to increase production, but has now become extensive. Extensification. Deintensified farming focuses on sustainable practices and reduced chemical inputs. Farmers should adopt practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and integrated pest management to enhance soil health and productivity. Understanding the principles of deintensified farming can help farmers transition to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
dipterous: Referring to an insect such as a fly with two wings. Managing dipterous insects involves implementing proper pest control measures and monitoring techniques. Farmers should use integrated pest management practices to reduce the impact of dipterous insects on crops and livestock. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of dipterous insects will aid in developing effective pest management strategies.
dag: A tuft of dirty wool round the tail of a sheep. Regularly removing dags (a process called dagging) is essential for maintaining sheep hygiene and preventing flystrike, a condition where flies lay eggs in the dirty wool, leading to maggot infestations. Keeping sheep clean reduces the risk of disease and improves wool quality.
Dartmoor: A breed of large moorland sheep, white-faced with black spots, and a long curly fleece. Dartmoor sheep are known for their resilience and quality fleece. Farmers raising Dartmoor sheep should focus on proper grazing management, regular shearing, and health monitoring to maintain flock productivity. Marketing the unique characteristics of Dartmoor wool can attract premium buyers.
dietary: Referring to diet. Dietary practices are crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should ensure that animals receive a balanced and nutritious diet, tailored to their specific needs. Working with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop proper dietary plans will help optimize animal health and farm productivity.
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane: Full form of DDT, an insecticide that was formerly used especially against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. It is now banned in many countries because of its toxicity and ability to accumulate in the environment. Formula: C14H9Cl5. Farmers should be aware of the historical use and current ban on DDT to avoid environmental contamination and legal issues. Understanding alternative pest control methods will help manage pests effectively while complying with regulations and protecting the environment.
deflector plate: An attachment in a slurry spreader which spreads the slurry over a wide area. Using a deflector plate in slurry spreading can improve the distribution of nutrients and reduce environmental impact. Farmers should ensure proper calibration and maintenance of slurry spreaders to achieve uniform application. Understanding the nutrient content of slurry and matching it to crop needs can enhance soil fertility and crop growth.
disintegrate: To break up into small parts. Proper management of disintegration processes is important for maintaining soil health and preventing pollution. Farmers should implement practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and proper waste management to enhance disintegration and nutrient cycling. Understanding the factors contributing to disintegration will aid in developing effective management strategies.
diploid: Referring to an organism that has two matched sets of chromosomes in a cell nucleus, one set from each parent. NOTE: Each species has a characteristic diploid number of chromosomes. Understanding diploid organisms is important for managing breeding and genetic improvement programs. Farmers should work with geneticists and breeders to develop effective breeding strategies that enhance the productivity and resilience of their livestock and crops. Knowledge of genetics will aid in optimizing breeding programs and improving farm performance.
disconnect: To take a device to pieces to look at the components. Proper disconnection practices are important for maintaining equipment and ensuring safety. Farmers should use appropriate techniques and tools for disconnection and follow manufacturer guidelines. Understanding the benefits and applications of proper disconnection will aid in effective equipment maintenance and farm operations.
dry farming: A system of extensive agriculture, producing crops in areas of limited rainfall without using irrigation. Dry farming relies on moisture-conserving techniques and drought-tolerant crops to produce yields in arid regions.
digestion: The process by which food is broken down and converted into elements which can be absorbed by the body. The conversion of organic matter into simpler chemical compounds, as in the production of biogas from manure. Bacterial digestion. Understanding the process of digestion is important for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop balanced and nutritious diets that promote optimal digestion. Implementing proper dietary and waste management practices will enhance the well-being and performance of livestock.
dung: Solid waste excreta from animals, especially cattle, often used as fertilizer. In some areas of the world, dried dung is used as a cooking fuel, which has the effect of preventing the dung from being returned to the soil and leads to depletion of soil nutrients. Proper management of dung is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting sustainable agriculture.
dry matter: The matter remaining in a biological sample or in animal feed after the water content has been removed. Abbr DM. Dry matter is a critical measure for evaluating the nutritional content of animal feed.
digestibility coefficient: The proportion of food digested and not excreted, shown as a percentage of the total food eaten. Understanding the digestibility coefficient is important for evaluating the nutritional value of animal diets. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop highly digestible and nutritious diets for their livestock. Implementing proper dietary practices will enhance the productivity and welfare of livestock.
distance: The amount of space between two points. Understanding distance is important for planning farm operations, planting, and irrigation. Farmers should use appropriate tools and techniques to measure distances accurately and optimize farm layout. Understanding the benefits of accurate distance measurement will aid in effective farm management and productivity.
dual-purpose breed: A breed of livestock that is used for two purposes, such as milk and meat production. Utilizing dual-purpose breeds can increase farm efficiency and profitability.
digestibility value: The amount of digestible organic matter in the dry matter of plants. Abbr D value. Understanding the digestibility value is important for evaluating the nutritional value of animal diets. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop highly digestible and nutritious diets for their livestock. Implementing proper dietary practices will enhance the productivity and welfare of livestock.
detritivore: An organism which feeds on dead organic matter and breaks it down into simple chemicals, e.g., a fungus or bacterium. Also called detrivore, scavenger. Detritivores play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should encourage the presence of detritivores in their soil through practices like adding organic matter, reducing chemical inputs, and maintaining soil moisture. Healthy populations of detritivores can improve soil structure, fertility, and plant growth.
digestible organic matter: An organic substance which can be processed to produce biogas, e.g., manure. Abbr DOM. Managing digestible organic matter is important for nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should implement composting and anaerobic digestion practices to process organic matter and produce valuable biogas and compost. Understanding the benefits and processes of digestible organic matter will aid in effective waste management and soil fertility improvement.
defoliant: A type of herbicide which makes the leaves fall off plants. Defoliants can be used to manage weeds or prepare crops for harvest. Farmers should use defoliants carefully, following label instructions and safety guidelines. Understanding the impact of defoliants on crops and the environment will help in selecting the right product and application method. Monitoring weather conditions and timing applications can enhance the effectiveness of defoliants.
dehiscent: Referring to seed pods, fruit, or capsules which burst open to allow the seeds or spores to scatter. Compare indehiscent. Farmers should manage dehiscent crops by monitoring their growth stages and implementing timely harvesting practices. Understanding the characteristics of dehiscent plants can help in planning cultivation and harvesting schedules to optimize seed collection and minimize losses.
dosing gun: A device used to give an animal medicine in the form of pellets. The pellet is forced into the back of the animals throat. Dosing guns are essential tools in livestock management, allowing for quick and accurate delivery of medications, vaccinations, or supplements to animals.
domestication: The action of domesticating wild animals or plants. This process has transformed agriculture by enabling the cultivation of crops and breeding of animals that provide food, labor, and other resources necessary for human societies.
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.
dill: A common aromatic herb (Anethum graveolens) used in cooking and in medicine. Growing dill can provide a valuable income stream for farmers and enhance culinary and medicinal offerings. Farmers should focus on proper soil preparation, planting, and harvesting techniques to cultivate high-quality dill. Understanding the market demands and applications of dill will aid in effective production and marketing strategies.
deer farming: The commercial farming of deer to be sold as venison. Deer farming can be a profitable venture for farmers. Proper management of deer, including nutrition, health care, and breeding, is essential for producing high-quality venison. Farmers should also focus on marketing strategies to promote venison as a premium product and explore value-added opportunities such as processed meat products.
Dutch barn: A type of farmyard building used for storage of hay, loose or baled, corn crops, and agricultural implements. The older types of Dutch barn were built of iron with no enclosing side walls. Modern designs incorporate precast concrete, asbestos-cement sheeting with curved roofs. The sides may be partly or completely covered. Dutch barns provide essential storage for farm products and equipment, protecting them from the elements.
desalination: The removal of salt from a substance such as sea water or soil. Proper desalination techniques are essential for improving water and soil quality in saline environments. Farmers should implement desalination methods to enhance the productivity of saline soils and water sources. Understanding the processes and applications of desalination can aid in managing saline conditions and optimizing agricultural production.
Dalesbred: A local sheep of the Swaledale type. It has a white spot on either side of a black face, with a grey muzzle, and provides a long coarse fleece. Farmers raising Dalesbred sheep should focus on wool quality and animal health. Regular shearing, parasite control, and balanced nutrition are key to maintaining the productivity and profitability of the flock. The unique fleece of Dalesbred sheep can also be marketed to niche wool buyers for premium prices.
doctor: A person who has a degree in medicine and practices as a physician. Understanding the role of doctors is important for managing human health and well-being. Farmers should work with medical professionals to ensure the health and safety of farm workers. Understanding the importance of healthcare and medical support will aid in promoting a healthy and productive farm environment.
doctor: A person who has a degree in medicine and practices as a physician. Understanding the role of doctors is important for managing human health and well-being. Farmers should work with medical professionals to ensure the health and safety of farm workers. Understanding the importance of healthcare and medical support will aid in promoting a healthy and productive farm environment.
deforest: To cut down forest trees from an area for commercial purposes or to make arable land. Deforestation has significant environmental impacts, including loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and climate change. Farmers should adopt sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry, reforestation, and conservation tillage, to mitigate the effects of deforestation. Promoting sustainable farming practices can enhance long-term productivity and environmental health.
denitrification: The releasing of nitrogen from nitrates in the soil by the action of bacteria. Managing denitrification is important for maintaining soil fertility and preventing nitrogen loss. Farmers should implement practices like cover cropping, proper fertilization, and soil management to reduce denitrification. Understanding the processes and factors influencing denitrification can help optimize nitrogen use efficiency and improve crop productivity.
double flower: A flower with two series of petals as opposed to a single flower. Double flowers are often more visually appealing and can enhance the aesthetic value of gardens and landscapes.
disposition: The natural behavior or temperament of an animal. Understanding the disposition of livestock is important for effective handling and management. Farmers should consider the temperament of their animals when developing handling and care practices. Understanding the factors influencing disposition will aid in improving animal welfare and farm productivity.
dextrose: A simple sugar found in fruit and also extracted from corn starch. Dextrose is commonly used as a sweetener and in food processing. Farmers producing crops high in dextrose, such as corn, should focus on proper cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques to maximize yield and quality. Understanding the market demands for dextrose can help optimize production and marketing strategies.
deep-litter: A system of using straw, wood shavings, sawdust, or peat moss for bedding poultry or cattle. COMMENT: For poultry, an inch of well-composted horse manure is laid down first, on which wood shavings, peat moss, or cut straw are placed. The litter is changed after each crop of birds. Deep litter also has value as manure. For cattle, straw, shavings, and sawdust form a deep litter. Warmth is given off as faeces in the litter ferment, and additions of fresh litter can be made on top of the old. Deep-litter systems can improve animal welfare and farm hygiene. Farmers should manage deep litter by regularly adding fresh material and monitoring moisture levels to prevent the buildup of harmful pathogens. The resulting composted litter can be used as a valuable fertilizer, enhancing soil health and reducing waste.
Doyenne du Comice: A variety of dessert pear, originating in France. The fruit are very round and mature slowly. Doyenne du Comice pears are prized for their sweet flavor and juicy texture.
discourage: To try to stop someone from doing something by making it difficult or unpleasant. Discouraging certain behaviors or practices may be necessary for maintaining farm productivity and safety. Farmers should establish clear rules and guidelines for farm operations and ensure that all workers follow them. Implementing proper training and supervision practices will aid in maintaining discipline and achieving farm goals.
dead-in-shell: Referring to chicks which die in the egg because they cannot break out, or can only break part of the way out of the shell. Farmers should monitor incubation conditions to reduce the incidence of dead-in-shell chicks. Maintaining proper temperature, humidity, and ventilation in incubators will improve hatch rates and ensure healthier chicks. Regularly inspecting and adjusting equipment can prevent losses and improve overall productivity.
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