Category: D

decoupling: The breaking of the link between the amount of money paid to farmers as a subsidy and the amount they produce. Single Payment Scheme. Decoupling policies can impact farm income and production decisions. Farmers should stay informed about subsidy programs and their requirements to maximize financial support. Understanding decoupling can help farmers plan their production more strategically, focusing on sustainability and market demands rather than subsidy-driven production.

discomfort: A mild form of pain or a feeling of unease. Proper management of discomfort in livestock involves identifying the cause, providing appropriate care, and implementing preventive measures. Farmers should work with veterinarians to ensure the health and welfare of their animals. Understanding the factors contributing to discomfort will aid in developing effective management strategies.

damp off: To die from a fungus infection that spreads in warm damp conditions and attacks the roots and lower stems of seedlings. Damping off is a common cause of seedling loss in greenhouses and nurseries. Farmers can prevent damping off by using sterilized soil, avoiding overwatering, and ensuring proper ventilation. Fungicide treatments and proper spacing of seedlings can also help reduce the risk of this disease.

distill: To purify a liquid by heating it so that it becomes a gas and then condensing it to form a pure liquid again. Distillation is an important process for producing high-quality products like essential oils and spirits. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective distillation. Understanding the benefits and applications of distillation will aid in optimizing production and product quality.

decay: A process by which tissues become rotten and decompose, caused by the action of microorganisms and oxygen. Proper management of decaying organic matter is important for farmers to maintain soil health and prevent the spread of diseases. Composting is an effective way to recycle decaying material into valuable nutrients for crops. Farmers should monitor and manage decay processes to enhance soil fertility and reduce waste.

dry feeding: The feeding of meal to animals without the addition of water. This may cause problems with pigs and poultry. Ensuring proper hydration and balanced nutrition is essential for the health and productivity of livestock.

dead stock: A comprehensive term for all implements, tools, appliances, and machines used on a farm. It can also include seed, fertilizer, and feeding stuffs. Managing dead stock effectively involves regular maintenance, proper storage, and inventory management. Farmers should keep detailed records of their equipment and supplies to ensure they are in good working condition and available when needed. This practice can help reduce downtime and improve farm efficiency.

drum: The cylinder of a combine harvester that rotates and has rasp-like beater bars that thresh the grain. The drum is a critical component of the combine harvester, ensuring efficient separation of grain from the stalks.

dried grass: Grass that has been artificially dried and is used as an animal feed of high nutritional value. Dried grass provides essential nutrients to livestock, especially during periods when fresh forage is not available.

dichotomous branching: A pattern of plant growth that develops when a growing point forks into two points that later divide into two. Understanding dichotomous branching is important for managing plant growth and development. Farmers should use proper pruning and training techniques to optimize branching patterns and improve crop yields. Knowledge of plant growth patterns can aid in effective cultivation and management practices.

divide: To separate or allocate something into parts or sections. Managing the division of land, resources, or tasks is important for effective farm operations. Farmers should use appropriate planning and management techniques for efficient division. Understanding the benefits and applications of proper division will aid in effective farm management and productivity.

dysentery: An infection and inflammation of the colon causing bleeding and diarrhea. Managing dysentery involves ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene to prevent the spread of infection among livestock and humans.

deciduous: Referring to trees that shed all their leaves in one season. Beech, oak, and other deciduous trees. Deciduous trees can be beneficial in agroforestry systems, providing seasonal shade and organic matter. Farmers can integrate deciduous trees into their land management plans to improve biodiversity, soil health, and microclimate regulation. Understanding the growth patterns and benefits of deciduous trees can help optimize their use in farming systems.

dunes: An area of sand blown by the wind into small hills and ridges, which may have plants growing on them. Managing dunes involves preventing soil erosion and promoting the growth of vegetation to stabilize the sand.

Dutch elm disease: A fungal disease that kills elm trees, caused by Ceratocystis ulmi and spread by a bark beetle. Managing Dutch elm disease involves monitoring tree health, removing infected trees, and preventing the spread of the bark beetle.

dry pluck: The process of removing the feathers when the bird is dry, so avoiding harming the skin. Dry plucking is a method used in poultry processing to ensure the quality of the meat.

diversity: The variety of different species, genetic variation, or ecological complexity in an area. Promoting diversity is important for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience. Farmers should implement practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and habitat conservation to enhance diversity. Understanding the benefits of diversity will aid in sustainable land management and farm productivity.

dairy: Relating to the production and processing of milk and milk products. Effective dairy farming practices ensure high-quality milk production and animal welfare.

Danish red: A dual-purpose breed of cattle, originating in Jutland, Denmark. Danish Red cattle are valued for their milk and meat production. Farmers interested in dual-purpose breeds can benefit from the hardiness and productivity of Danish Red cattle. Proper feeding, regular health check-ups, and good breeding practices will ensure high yields and profitability.

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.

Dorset Down: A medium-sized down breed of sheep with a brown face and wool growing over the forehead. It provides a good-quality fine stringy fleece. Dorset Downs are valued for their meat and wool production, requiring proper care and management to ensure their health and productivity.

down: The small soft feathers of a young bird or soft feathers below the outer feathers in some adult birds. Down is highly valued for its insulating properties and is used in clothing and bedding products.

doe: A female deer, goat, rabbit, or hare. Does are important in breeding programs and require proper care to ensure successful reproduction and the health of their offspring. Farmers should monitor their nutrition, health, and birthing conditions.

die back: To be affected by the death of a branch or shoot. Roses may die back after pruning in frosty weather. Managing die back involves identifying the cause and implementing proper pruning, disease control, and care practices. Farmers and gardeners should monitor plants for signs of die back and take corrective actions to maintain plant health and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to die back will aid in developing effective management strategies.

double lows: Varieties of oilseed rape with low erucic acid and glucosinolate contents. These varieties are valued for their improved nutritional profile and reduced toxicity, making them suitable for animal feed and human consumption.

Dorset Horn: A breed of sheep in the south-west of England, both rams and ewes of which have long curly horns. It produces a fine white clear wool and is unique among British breeds in that it can lamb at any time of the year. Proper breeding and management practices can maximize their productivity.

diffuse water pollution: Water pollution which is caused by several small sources such as runoff from farms. Managing diffuse water pollution involves implementing practices like buffer strips, cover cropping, and proper nutrient management. Farmers should adopt measures to reduce runoff and prevent contaminants from entering water bodies. Understanding the sources and impacts of diffuse water pollution will aid in developing effective water management strategies.

degrade: To reduce the quality of something. For example, the land has been degraded through overgrazing. Ozone may worsen nutrient leaching by degrading the water-resistant coating on pine needles. To make a chemical compound decompose into its elements. Farmers should implement sustainable land management practices to prevent degradation. Reducing overgrazing, managing irrigation, and using cover crops can help maintain soil quality and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to degradation will aid in developing effective conservation strategies.

deep ploughing: Ploughing very deep into the soil, used when reclaiming previously virgin land for agricultural purposes. Deep ploughing can improve soil structure and root penetration for crops. Farmers should consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of deep ploughing, such as soil erosion and disturbance of soil life. Implementing deep ploughing as part of a broader soil management plan can optimize its benefits while minimizing negative impacts.

disease: A condition caused by infection or by a defect of the body. Managing disease involves implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular health monitoring. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective disease management plans and prevent outbreaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of diseases will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.

desalinate: To remove salt from a substance such as sea water or soil. Desalination is important for improving water quality and soil health in saline environments. Farmers should use appropriate desalination techniques to enhance the productivity of saline soils and water sources. Understanding the methods and benefits of desalination can help in managing saline conditions effectively.

defoliation: The loss of leaves from a plant, especially as the result of using a herbicide or because of disease or other stress. Managing defoliation involves identifying the cause and taking corrective measures. Farmers should implement integrated pest management practices, use disease-resistant varieties, and ensure proper nutrition to reduce the risk of defoliation. Understanding the factors contributing to defoliation can help in developing effective prevention and control strategies.

drought stress: A lack of growth caused by drought. Drought stress can reduce crop yields and affect plant health. Farmers can mitigate drought stress by using irrigation, mulching, and selecting drought-tolerant crop varieties.

dump box: A large hopper on wheels with a floor conveyor that receives silage from trailers and from which the crop is discharged into the silo. Dump boxes help streamline the process of storing silage, ensuring it is efficiently collected and stored.

depress: To make a price lower. Overproduction of some items in the EU may depress the price level in the open market. Farmers should monitor market trends and manage production to avoid overproduction and price depression. Diversifying income sources and exploring value-added products can help stabilize farm income. Understanding market dynamics will aid in making informed production and marketing decisions.

doa: Abbreviation for dead on arrival. Managing the health and welfare of livestock during transportation involves implementing proper handling, monitoring, and care practices. Farmers should work with veterinarians and transportation experts to ensure that animals arrive in good health. Understanding the factors contributing to DOA will aid in developing effective management strategies and improving animal welfare.

dapple: Rounded patches of color, especially on a horse. Dappled horses are often sought after for their unique appearance. Farmers and breeders can market dappled horses to enthusiasts and buyers looking for aesthetically pleasing animals. Proper grooming and care will enhance the appearance of dappled horses, increasing their market value.

dairy cows: Cows and heifers kept for milk production and for rearing calves to replace older cows in a dairy herd. Effective management of dairy cows involves balanced nutrition, regular health check-ups, and proper milking practices. Implementing these practices can lead to higher milk yields, better cow health, and increased profitability. Farmers should also focus on genetic selection to breed cows that are more efficient milk producers.

D value: Abbreviation for digestibility value, the amount of digestible organic matter in the dry matter of plants. Understanding D value helps farmers evaluate the nutritional quality of animal feed and make informed decisions about feeding practices.

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.

disinfestation: The process of removing harmful organisms such as insects or rodents from a place or an object. Proper disinfestation practices are essential for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing pest outbreaks. Farmers should use appropriate methods and techniques for effective disinfestation. Understanding the benefits and applications of disinfestation will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive farm environment.

duck: A bird reared for both egg and meat production. The male is a ‘drake’. Ducks are versatile poultry that can be raised for various purposes, including egg production, meat, and pest control.

diet: The amount and type of food eaten. COMMENT: Animal welfare codes lay down rules about the quality of diet that should be provided for animals or birds to ensure their good health and welfare. Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining livestock health and productivity. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop proper feeding plans and ensure that animals receive the necessary nutrients. Understanding the dietary requirements of different livestock species will aid in effective feed management.

dietary fibre: Same as roughage. COMMENT: Dietary fibre is found in cereals, nuts, fruit, and some green vegetables. It is believed to be necessary to help digestion and to avoid developing constipation, obesity, and appendicitis. Providing dietary fiber is important for maintaining the digestive health of livestock. Farmers should include adequate roughage in the diets of their animals to promote proper digestion and overall health. Understanding the sources and benefits of dietary fiber will aid in effective feed management.

dehair: To remove hard hairs from fine goat fibers such as angora. Proper dehairing techniques are essential for producing high-quality fibers. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and methods to dehair goat fibers, ensuring minimal damage and maximum yield. Understanding the market demands for dehaired fibers can help farmers optimize their processing and marketing strategies.

down-calver: A cow or heifer about to calve. Managing down-calvers involves ensuring they have a safe and comfortable environment for giving birth and monitoring their health closely.

day-nettle: Same as common hemp nettle. Common hemp nettle can be a weed in crops and pastures. Farmers should monitor for its presence and use appropriate weed control methods to prevent it from spreading. Integrated pest management and herbicide use can help manage common hemp nettle, protecting crop health and yields.

dairy herd: A herd of dairy cows. Managing a dairy herd involves regular monitoring of cow health, production levels, and reproductive status. Implementing herd management software can help farmers keep detailed records and make informed decisions. Regular veterinary care, balanced diets, and good housing conditions are essential for maintaining a healthy and productive dairy herd.

dairy followers: Young dairy cattle, intended to replace older cows in due course. Proper rearing of dairy followers is crucial for the sustainability of a dairy farm. Ensuring they receive adequate nutrition, vaccinations, and care will prepare them for productive milking in the future. Farmers should track the growth and health of these animals to identify potential issues early and ensure a smooth transition into the milking herd.

dairy products: Foods prepared from milk, e.g., butter, cream, cheese, or yoghurt. Diversifying into dairy product production can add value to milk and increase farm income. Understanding the processing techniques and market demands for products like cheese, butter, and yoghurt can help farmers tap into niche markets and improve profitability. Farmers should also consider quality control and branding to differentiate their products in the market.