Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
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.
desiccant: A substance which dries something. A type of herbicide which makes leaves wither and die. Desiccants can be used to manage moisture levels in storage or as herbicides in crop management. Farmers should use desiccants carefully, following label instructions and safety guidelines. Understanding the applications and impact of desiccants can help in selecting the right product and application method for specific needs.
dobro: A type of guitar with a metal resonator instead of a wooden soundboard. While not directly related to farming, understanding traditional and cultural practices like playing the dobro can provide valuable insights into rural life. Farmers should engage with cultural activities to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of rural heritage. Understanding the significance of cultural practices will aid in promoting community engagement and resilience.
dairying: An agricultural system which involves the production of milk and other dairy products from cows kept on special farms. Successful dairying requires knowledge of cow physiology, milking techniques, and dairy product processing. Farmers should invest in quality milking equipment and ensure strict hygiene standards to produce high-quality milk. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies can enhance dairy farm efficiency and sustainability.
DARD: Abbreviation for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Farmers should be aware of the resources and support provided by DARD, including grants, advisory services, and regulations. Utilizing these resources can help improve farm practices, comply with regulations, and access funding opportunities.
digester: A device that produces gas such as methane from refuse. Digesters can be used to process organic waste and produce biogas and compost. Farmers should consider installing digesters to manage waste and generate renewable energy. Understanding the operation and benefits of digesters will aid in effective waste management and energy production on the farm.
dried fruit: Fruit that has been dehydrated to preserve it for later use. Dried fruit retains most of its nutritional value and can be a convenient snack or ingredient in various recipes.
degressivity: A proposed reduction in the amount of subsidies paid under the CAP. This proposal was rejected as a method of keeping the CAP budget under control. Understanding subsidy policies and their impacts on farm income is important for financial planning. Farmers should stay informed about changes in subsidy programs and explore alternative income sources to ensure economic stability. Adapting to policy changes and diversifying farm activities can mitigate the effects of reduced subsidies.
Douglas fir: A North American softwood tree widely planted throughout the world, producing strong timber. Latin name: Pseudotsuga menziesii. Douglas firs are valued for their timber quality and are used in construction, furniture making, and paper production.
definite inflorescence: A type of inflorescence in which the main stem ends in a flower and stops growing when the flower is produced. Compare indefinite inflorescence. Understanding plant growth patterns, such as definite inflorescence, can help farmers manage crops more effectively. Knowledge of inflorescence types can aid in pruning, training, and optimizing flowering and fruiting in crops. Proper management of flowering can lead to higher yields and better quality produce.
dunging passage: A passage at the back of a cow shed, into which dung can be washed with water. Dunging passages help maintain cleanliness and hygiene in livestock housing, preventing the buildup of waste.
dessert fruit: Fruit which are sweet and can be eaten raw, as opposed to being cooked. Dessert fruits are valuable for fresh consumption and can provide a profitable income stream for farmers. Proper cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling techniques are essential for maintaining the quality of dessert fruits. Understanding market demands and consumer preferences can help farmers optimize their production and marketing strategies for dessert fruits.
dry period: In cattle, a period of six to eight weeks between lactations when a cow is rested from giving milk. Properly managing the dry period is crucial for the health and productivity of dairy cows, allowing them to recover and prepare for the next lactation.
denatured wheat: Wheat which has been stained to make it unusable for human consumption. Denaturing wheat can prevent it from entering the food supply chain and ensure its use in animal feed or other non-food applications. Farmers and processors should use proper techniques and follow regulations for denaturing wheat. Understanding the market and regulatory requirements for denatured wheat can help optimize its use and management.
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