Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
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.
disjointed: Not connected in any way. Managing disjointed operations involves implementing proper planning and coordination practices. Farmers should ensure that all aspects of their operations are connected and aligned to achieve farm goals. Understanding the benefits of integrated management will aid in effective farm operations and productivity.
dietetic: Referring to diet. Dietetic practices are essential 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 dietetic plans will help optimize animal health and farm productivity.
divest: To sell or dispose of assets or interests. Managing divestment involves making informed decisions about selling or disposing of farm assets. Farmers should consider market trends, financial goals, and operational needs when planning divestment. Understanding the benefits and impacts of divestment will aid in effective farm management and financial planning.
domestic livestock: Pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and other animals which are kept by human beings. These animals are crucial for food production, labor, and other agricultural activities. Proper management practices ensure their health and productivity.
digest: To break down food and convert it into elements which can be absorbed by the body. To use bacteria to process waste, especially organic waste such as manure, in order to produce biogas. 55% of UK sewage sludge is digested. Wastes from food processing plants can be anaerobically digested. Digesting organic matter is essential for nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should implement composting and anaerobic digestion practices to process waste and produce valuable biogas and compost. Understanding the benefits and processes of digestion will aid in effective waste management and soil fertility improvement.
dispose: To get rid of something such as waste. Proper disposal practices are important for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing pollution. Farmers should implement appropriate waste management techniques to dispose of waste safely and effectively. Understanding the benefits and applications of proper disposal will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive farm environment.
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.
dyke: A long wall of earth built to keep water out or a ditch for drainage. Dyke pond farming is a system of organic agriculture combining crop growing on the dykes that surround ponds in which fish are bred. It is common in China. Proper management of dykes is essential for controlling water levels and preventing flooding.
digging stick: One of the earliest agricultural implements, still used in areas where shifting cultivation is practiced. The stick has a sharpened end, sometimes with a metal tip, and is used to dig holes to plant crops. Using a digging stick can be an effective method for small-scale farming and shifting cultivation. Farmers should understand the proper techniques for using a digging stick to achieve successful crop establishment. Implementing traditional and sustainable farming practices can enhance productivity and resilience.
drag harrow: A heavy type of harrow used in the preparation of seedbeds. Drag harrows help break up soil clumps and create a smooth surface for planting.
double cropping: A type of multi-cropping, taking more than one crop off a piece of land in one year. Double cropping can increase farm productivity and profitability by maximizing the use of land resources. Farmers must plan carefully to ensure soil fertility and moisture levels are maintained for multiple crops.
dwarf bean: A term used for French or kidney beans, which make a bushy plant as opposed to runner beans which climb. Dwarf beans are popular in home gardens and commercial agriculture for their ease of cultivation and versatility in cooking.
domestic animal: An animal such as a dog or cat which lives with human beings as a pet or an animal such as a pig or goat which is kept by human beings for food or other uses. Farmers must ensure that domestic animals are well-fed, sheltered, and receive regular veterinary care.
drill coulter: A coulter that makes a furrow for sowing seed. Drill coulters are essential for precision planting, helping to create uniform seed rows and improve crop establishment.
deer-stalking: The hunting of deer in the wild. Deer-stalking requires skills in tracking, shooting, and understanding deer behavior. Farmers and landowners offering deer-stalking experiences should ensure that hunters are trained and follow ethical hunting practices. Providing guided hunts and ensuring sustainable deer populations can create a positive reputation and attract more clients.
Dairy Shorthorn: A dual-purpose breed of cattle; the color may be red, white, or red and white. Dairy Shorthorns are known for their hardiness and good milk yield. Farmers interested in dual-purpose breeds should consider the Dairy Shorthorn for its versatility. Proper management, including balanced feeding and regular health check-ups, can optimize both milk and meat production from these cattle.
dirigible: The first form of airship, which was steered using a rudder. While dirigibles are not commonly used in modern agriculture, understanding the history of agricultural innovations can provide valuable insights. Farmers should stay informed about emerging technologies and innovations that can improve farm operations. Engaging with agricultural research and development can help identify new opportunities and enhance productivity.
discharge: The amount of water flowing from a river or from an irrigation system. Managing water discharge is important for maintaining soil health and preventing erosion. Farmers should implement proper irrigation management practices to optimize water use and reduce runoff. Understanding the factors influencing water discharge will aid in effective water management and crop production.
do: To act or perform an action. Effective farm management involves planning, coordinating, and performing various tasks. Farmers should develop clear plans and schedules to ensure that all necessary actions are completed efficiently. Understanding the importance of proactive and organized action will aid in achieving farm goals and productivity.
dry matter intake: The amount of feed that an animal consumes or requires, discounting its water content. Abbr DMI. Understanding dry matter intake helps farmers ensure their animals receive the necessary nutrients for growth and production.
disperse: To spread something over an area. Dispersing seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides properly is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective dispersal. Understanding the benefits and applications of dispersal will aid in effective crop and soil management.
double suckling: A method of raising beef calves where a second calf is placed with the cows own calf and allowed to suckle. This practice can improve the growth rates of calves and optimize the use of maternal resources.
DCS: Abbreviation for Deer Commission for Scotland. Farmers involved in deer farming should be aware of the regulations and best practices promoted by the DCS. Following these guidelines will help ensure sustainable and ethical deer farming practices, contributing to the health and productivity of the herd.
diterpenoid: A type of compound derived from diterpenes, found in plants and fungi. Understanding diterpenoids is important for managing plant health and developing pest control strategies. Farmers should work with plant scientists to explore the benefits and applications of diterpenoids. Understanding the properties and functions of diterpenoids will aid in effective crop management and pest control.
domesticated: Referring to a wild animal that has been trained to live near a house and not be frightened of human beings or a species that was formerly wild but has been selectively bred to fill human needs. Domesticated animals and plants are vital to agricultural productivity and sustainability.
drought order: Legislation that permits water companies to place restrictions on the use of water for a specific period when there is a drought. Understanding and complying with drought orders can help farmers manage water usage during dry periods.
drench: A method of applying a liquid medicine by passing it into the stomach through a tube. Drenching is commonly used in livestock management to administer medications for internal parasites or other conditions. Proper technique and dosages are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
dairy farming: Keeping cows for milk production. Efficient dairy farming practices can lead to higher milk production and better farm profitability. Farmers should focus on maintaining cow health, optimizing feeding regimes, and utilizing modern milking equipment. Regularly updating skills and knowledge through training and extension services can help farmers adapt to changing market conditions and environmental challenges.
deep-rooted: Referring to a plant with long roots which go deep into the soil. Compare surface-rooting. Deep-rooted plants can improve soil structure, enhance water infiltration, and access nutrients from deeper soil layers. Farmers should include deep-rooted crops in their rotation to improve soil health and resilience. These plants can also help in managing soil erosion and maintaining soil moisture levels during dry periods.
dispersive soil: A type of soil in which the particles separate when the soil is wet, leading to erosion. Managing dispersive soils involves implementing proper soil conservation practices and erosion control measures. Farmers should use techniques like cover cropping, mulching, and proper irrigation management to reduce soil erosion. Understanding the characteristics of dispersive soils will aid in developing effective management strategies.
definitive host: A host on which a parasite settles permanently. Farmers should be aware of definitive hosts in their livestock to manage parasitic infections. Regular deworming, proper hygiene, and monitoring of animal health can help control parasites and prevent them from establishing permanent hosts. Working with veterinarians to develop effective parasite management plans is essential for maintaining livestock health.
dwarfing rootstock: A plant that is normally low-growing, causing the plant grafted onto it to grow smaller than it would otherwise. Dwarfing rootstocks are used in fruit tree cultivation to control tree size and improve fruit production and management.
deforestation: The cutting down of forest trees for commercial purposes or to make arable or pasture land. Deforestation should be managed carefully to balance agricultural needs with environmental conservation. Farmers can implement practices like selective logging, reforestation, and sustainable land use planning to reduce the negative impacts of deforestation. Understanding the ecological and economic consequences of deforestation will help in making informed land management decisions.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: The UK government department responsible for farming, the environment, animal welfare, and rural development in England and Wales. Abbr Defra. Farmers should engage with Defra to access resources, support, and guidance on sustainable farming practices. Utilizing Defra’s programs can enhance farm productivity, environmental stewardship, and compliance with regulations. Staying informed about Defra initiatives will help farmers adopt best practices and benefit from available opportunities.
Dogs Trust: A UK charity that campaigns for the welfare of dogs. Dogs Trust provides resources, adoption services, and educational programs to promote responsible dog ownership. Farmers can benefit from the charity’s guidance on dog care and training.
dispersed: Referring to plants which are spread widely. Managing dispersed plant populations involves implementing proper land use planning and management practices. Farmers should consider the unique challenges and opportunities of dispersed plant populations and develop strategies to optimize their use. Understanding the factors contributing to dispersal will aid in effective land management and crop production.
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