April 7, 2025

Soil Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by soil organisms and processes, including nutrient cycling, water filtration, and carbon sequestration. Soil ecosystem services are essential for sustainable agriculture and environmental health. For example, maintaining soil biodiversity to enhance ecosystem services and support productive farming systems.

Rangeland

Land used primarily for grazing livestock and wildlife, typically characterized by natural vegetation such as grasses and shrubs. Rangelands provide forage for animals and habitat for wildlife. For example, managing rangelands to support cattle grazing and wildlife conservation.

Structure

The physical form and arrangement of bones and muscles in livestock, affecting their movement and function. Structure is an important trait in judging livestock quality. For example, evaluating the structure of cattle to select animals with desirable conformation traits.

Soil Food Web

The complex network of interactions between soil organisms, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and plants. The soil food web plays a critical role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health. For example, promoting a healthy soil food web through reduced chemical use and organic farming practices to support sustainable agriculture.

Wax

A natural substance produced by bees and other organisms, used in various applications such as candle making, food coating, and cosmetics. Bee wax is a common type of wax harvested from beehives. For example, collecting bee wax from hives to produce natural candles and skincare products.

Tile Drainage

A subsurface drainage system that uses perforated pipes to remove excess water from the soil. Tile drainage helps prevent waterlogging and improve soil conditions for crop growth. For example, installing tile drainage in a field to enhance soil drainage and support healthy plant growth.

Seasonal Feeding

Adjusting livestock diets based on the season and availability of forage and feed. Seasonal feeding helps ensure animals receive adequate nutrition year-round. For example, supplementing cattle diets with hay during the winter and relying on pasture during the summer.

Soil Leaching

The process by which dissolved substances, such as nutrients and chemicals, are washed out of the soil by water movement. Soil leaching can result in nutrient loss and groundwater contamination. For example, managing soil leaching through proper irrigation and fertilization practices to protect soil health and water quality.

Tagging

The practice of attaching identification tags to livestock, usually on the ear, for management and record-keeping purposes. Tagging helps track individual animals’ health and production records. For example, using ear tags to identify and monitor each cow in a herd.

Plant Genetics

The study of genes and heredity in plants, focusing on how genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next. Plant genetics helps improve crop breeding and biotechnology. For instance, using genetic markers to identify desirable traits in crops and develop new varieties.

Soil Bacteria

Microscopic organisms that live in the soil and play a key role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health. Soil bacteria help improve soil fertility and support plant growth. For example, encouraging beneficial soil bacteria through organic farming practices to enhance soil health and crop productivity.