Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
denudation: The process of making land or rock bare by cutting down trees or by erosion. Managing denudation involves implementing soil conservation practices and reforestation. Farmers should adopt measures like cover cropping, terracing, and contour plowing to reduce soil erosion and maintain land productivity. Understanding the causes and impacts of denudation can help develop effective land management strategies.
dehusk: To remove the husk from seeds such as corn. Proper dehusking techniques are important for processing seeds and improving their quality. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and methods to dehusk seeds efficiently. Understanding market demands and processing requirements will help farmers optimize their operations and enhance the value of their products.
desert: An area of land with very little rainfall, arid soil, and little or no vegetation. COMMENT: A desert will be formed in areas where rainfall is less than 25 cm per annum whether the region is hot or cold. About 30% of all the land surface of the Earth is desert or in the process of becoming desert. The spread of desert conditions in arid and semi-arid regions is caused not only by climatic conditions but also by human pressures. So overgrazing of pasture and the clearing of forest for fuel and for cultivation both lead to the loss of organic material, a reduction in rainfall by evaporation, and soil erosion. Understanding desert environments and the factors contributing to desertification is important for sustainable land management. Farmers should implement practices like agroforestry, soil conservation, and water management to combat desertification and improve land productivity. Exploring sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions can enhance resilience and food security.
diarrhoea: A condition where an animal frequently passes liquid feces. Also called scouring. Managing diarrhea in livestock involves identifying the cause, providing proper hydration, and implementing appropriate treatments. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective management plans for preventing and treating diarrhea. Understanding the factors contributing to diarrhea will help maintain animal health and productivity.
descending aorta: The second section of the aorta as it turns downwards. Understanding animal anatomy, including the descending aorta, is important for livestock health and veterinary care. Farmers should work with veterinarians to monitor the health of their animals and address any cardiovascular issues promptly. Knowledge of animal anatomy can improve health management and disease prevention.
drying off: A gradual reduction in the quantity of milk taken from a cow to make it stop lactating. Properly managing the drying-off process helps maintain the health of the cow and prepares her for the next lactation period.
decomposer: An organism which feeds on dead organic matter and breaks it down into simple chemicals, e.g., a fungus or bacterium. Decomposers play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should encourage the presence of decomposers in their soil through practices like adding organic matter, reducing chemical inputs, and maintaining soil moisture. Healthy populations of decomposers can improve soil structure, fertility, and plant growth.
disinfect: To remove harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi from a place or an object by cleaning it with a disinfectant. Proper disinfection practices are essential for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing disease outbreaks. Farmers should use appropriate disinfectants and techniques for effective disinfection. Understanding the benefits and applications of disinfection will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive farm environment.
distaff: The female side of a family, referring to a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning. Understanding traditional farming practices and tools like the distaff can provide valuable insights into the history and culture of agriculture. Farmers should stay informed about traditional and modern techniques to improve their operations. Engaging with agricultural history can enhance knowledge and appreciation of farming practices.
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.
defoliate: To make the leaves fall off a plant, especially by using a herbicide or as the result of disease or other stress. Defoliation can be a management tool or a sign of plant stress. Farmers should monitor crops for signs of disease or environmental stress and take appropriate actions to mitigate defoliation. Using defoliants judiciously can help manage crop canopies and improve harvest efficiency. Regular scouting and timely interventions will ensure healthy crop growth and productivity.
dewlap: A fold of loose skin hanging from the throat of cattle. Dewlaps can be an indicator of breed characteristics and health status. Farmers should monitor the health and hygiene of dewlaps to prevent infections and ensure animal welfare. Proper care and management practices will contribute to the overall health and productivity of livestock.
dehiscence: The sudden bursting of a seed pod, fruit, or capsule when it is ripe, allowing the seeds or spores to scatter. Managing dehiscence involves understanding plant growth patterns and optimizing harvest timing. Farmers should monitor crops closely and use appropriate techniques to collect seeds and maximize yields. Knowledge of dehiscence can also aid in breeding programs and crop improvement efforts.
digestibility trial: A test to measure the digestibility of a known food by recording the weight of food eaten and then excreted. Conducting digestibility trials is important for evaluating the nutritional value of animal diets. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to perform digestibility trials and develop balanced and nutritious diets for their livestock. Understanding the results of digestibility trials will aid in effective feed management and improved farm productivity.
digestive enzymes: Enzymes which speed up the process of digestion. Providing digestive enzymes can improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption in livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to include digestive enzymes in animal diets as needed. Understanding the benefits and applications of digestive enzymes will aid in effective feed management and improved farm productivity.
digestible: Able to be digested. Glucose is an easily digestible form of sugar. Providing digestible nutrients is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure that animal diets are highly digestible and promote optimal health. Understanding the importance of digestible nutrients will aid in effective feed management and improved farm productivity.
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.
disinfectant: A substance which removes harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi from a place or an object by cleaning it. Proper use of disinfectants is essential for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing disease outbreaks. Farmers should select the appropriate disinfectant for their needs and use it according to label instructions. Understanding the benefits and applications of disinfectants will aid in effective disease management and improved farm productivity.
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.
deficiency payment: Payment made to a producer when the price for a commodity at the market does not reach a preset guaranteed price. Deficiency payments can provide financial stability for farmers during periods of low market prices. Farmers should stay informed about eligibility requirements and application processes for deficiency payments to take advantage of this support. Understanding market trends and diversifying income sources can also help mitigate the impact of low prices.
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.
dieback: A fungal disease of some plants which kills shoots or branches. A gradual dying of trees starting at the ends of branches. Half the trees in the forest are showing signs of dieback. COMMENT: There are many theories explaining the environmental cause of dieback. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone have all been suggested as causes, as well as acidification of the soil or acid rain on leaves. Managing dieback involves implementing proper disease control, monitoring, and care practices. Farmers and foresters should identify the cause of dieback and take corrective actions to maintain tree health. Understanding the environmental factors contributing to dieback will aid in developing effective management strategies.
dioecious: Referring to a plant species in which male and female flowers occur on different individuals. Monoecious. Understanding dioecious plant species is important for managing pollination and fruit production. Farmers should implement proper planting and pollination practices to ensure successful crop yields. Knowledge of plant reproductive systems will aid in effective cultivation and management practices.
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.
disinfection: The removal of harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi from a place or an object by cleaning it with a disinfectant. Proper disinfection practices are essential for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing disease outbreaks. Farmers should implement regular disinfection routines and use appropriate techniques for effective disinfection. Understanding the benefits and applications of disinfection will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive farm environment.
discus: The method used to identify the structure of a species. Understanding discus methods is important for identifying species and managing soil health. Farmers should work with soil scientists and agronomists to perform accurate soil analysis and make informed decisions about soil management. Understanding the benefits and applications of discus methods will aid in effective soil management and crop production.
diversion: The practice of changing the direction of water flow for irrigation or drainage. Managing water diversion is important for optimizing water use and preventing soil erosion. Farmers should use appropriate techniques and equipment for effective diversion. Understanding the benefits and applications of diversion will aid in effective water management and crop production.
dicotyledon: A plant with seeds that have a cotyledon with two parts. Dicotyledons form the largest group of plants. Compare monocotyledon. Farmers should understand the characteristics and growth requirements of dicotyledons to manage crops effectively. Proper soil preparation, irrigation, and pest management are essential for successful cultivation of dicotyledons. Knowledge of plant types can aid in crop rotation and disease prevention.
dystrophic: Referring to a pond or lake that contains very acidic brown water, lacks oxygen, and is unable to support much plant or animal life because of excessive humus content. Managing dystrophic conditions involves monitoring water quality and implementing measures to improve oxygen levels and reduce acidity.
digger: A type of plough body with a short, sharply curved moldboard. Diggers are used for deep ploughing, especially to prepare for root crops or for land reclamation. Using diggers can improve soil preparation and root penetration for crops. Farmers should select the appropriate type of digger for their needs and use it properly to achieve optimal soil conditions. Understanding the benefits and applications of diggers will aid in effective soil management and crop establishment.
denaturing: The process of staining wheat grain with a dye to make it unusable for human consumption. Denatured grain may be used as animal feed. Farmers should implement proper techniques for denaturing grain to ensure it is not used for human consumption. Understanding the benefits and applications of denatured grain can help farmers manage surplus or low-quality produce effectively.
dominance: A state where one species in a community is more abundant than others or the priority for food and reproductive mates that one animal has over another in a group. In genetics, dominance refers to the characteristic of a gene form (allele) that leads to the trait it controls being shown in any individual carrying it. Understanding dominance helps farmers manage breeding programs and animal behavior.
Devon: A breed of fine-boned dual-purpose cattle. North and South Devons are dark red, and belong to a type of red cattle bred for centuries in England. They thrive on pasture which would not be sufficient for larger breeds, and provide both meat and milk. (NOTE: They are commonly known as Red Rubies.) Farmers raising Devon cattle should focus on proper grazing management, health monitoring, and breeding practices to maintain herd productivity. Marketing the unique characteristics of Devon cattle, such as their hardiness and dual-purpose nature, can attract buyers and enhance farm profitability.
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.
derris: A powdered insecticide extracted from the root of a tropical plant, used against fleas, lice, and aphids. Rotenone. Farmers should use derris carefully, following label instructions and safety guidelines, to manage pests effectively. Understanding the impact of derris on crops, livestock, and the environment will help in selecting the right product and application method. Monitoring pest populations and integrating other control methods can enhance pest management.
disinfectant footbath: A disinfectant solution through which animals, e.g., cattle, have to walk to clean their feet and to remove diseases such as foot rot. Using disinfectant footbaths is important for maintaining hoof health and preventing disease in livestock. Farmers should ensure proper construction, maintenance, and use of footbaths for effective disinfection. Understanding the benefits and applications of disinfectant footbaths will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive herd.
dissolution: The process of dissolving or breaking down. Proper management of dissolution 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 dissolution and nutrient cycling. Understanding the factors contributing to dissolution will aid in developing effective management strategies.
dandelion: A yellow weed (Taraxacum officinale) found in grassland and also sometimes eaten as salad. While often considered a weed, dandelions have culinary and medicinal uses. Farmers can harvest dandelions for sale in niche markets or for personal use. Additionally, understanding weed management practices can help maintain pasture and crop health, ensuring optimal growth conditions for desired plants.
distribution: The spreading of something over an area. Proper distribution of seeds, fertilizer, or pesticides is important for achieving uniform application and optimal results. Farmers should use appropriate equipment and techniques for effective distribution. Understanding the benefits and applications of distribution will aid in effective crop and soil management.
downy mildew: A disease (Peronospora brassica) that causes white bloom on the undersurface of leaves, most damaging to Brassica seedlings. Managing downy mildew involves using resistant plant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and applying appropriate fungicides.
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