Category: L

Linuron: Linuron is a residual herbicide which acts in the soil. Managing herbicides like linuron can help farmers control weeds and protect crops.

lactation: The period during which a female mammal produces milk following birth. Managing lactation is crucial for optimizing milk production and ensuring the health of both mother and offspring.

Linch Pin: A linch pin is a pin used to lock an implement onto the three-point linkage at the rear of a tractor. Using linch pins can enhance the safety and efficiency of attaching implements to tractors.

Land Classification: Land classification is the classification of land into categories, according to its value for a broad land use type. In England and Wales, the Defra classification map has five main grades, between Grade 1 (completely suitable for agriculture) and Grade 5 (land with severe limitations, because of its soil, relief, or climate). Knowing land classification assists farmers in optimizing land use and adhering to agricultural policies.

Lambing Sickness: Lambing sickness is a bacterial disease of sheep picked up from the soil, which can cause rapid death. Managing lambing sickness through vaccination and proper hygiene can prevent significant losses in sheep flocks.

Linnaean System: Linnaean system is the scientific system of naming organisms devised by the Swedish scientist Carolus Linnaeus (1707–78). Carl von Linné is another form of his name. The Linnaean system (or binomial classification) gives each organism a name made up of two main parts. The first is a generic name referring to the genus to which the organism belongs, and the second is a specific name which refers to the particular species. Organisms are usually identified by using both their generic and specific names, e.g., Homo sapiens (man) and Felix catus (domestic cat). The generic name is written or printed with a capital letter. Both names are usually given in italics, or are underlined if written or typed. Utilizing the Linnaean system can aid in accurate identification and classification of plants and animals on the farm.

Livestock: Livestock refers to cattle and other farm animals which are reared to produce meat, milk, or other products. Livestock production has increased by 5%. Managing livestock effectively can enhance farm productivity and profitability.

Leather: Leather is the skin of an animal, tanned and prepared for use. Utilizing leather from livestock can add value to animal products and diversify farm income.

Lime: Lime is 1. calcium oxide made from burnt limestone, used to spread on soil to reduce acidity and add calcium, 2. a hardwood tree. Genus: Tilia, and 3. a citrus fruit tree, with green fruit similar to, but smaller than, lemons. Latin name: Citrus aurantifolia. To lime means to treat acid soil by spreading lime on it. Utilizing lime can improve soil health and fertility, supporting crop growth.

Leader-Follower System: The leader-follower system is a system of grazing where priority is given to a group of animals (the leaders) and the crop is later grazed by a second group of animals (the followers). So first-year heifers might be followed by second-year heifers. Implementing the leader-follower system can optimize pasture use and improve livestock health.

Lagoon: A lagoon is a pool of water or other liquid. Slurry can be stored in lagoons. Proper management of lagoons can help farmers handle waste products efficiently and prevent environmental contamination.

Lambing Pen: A lambing pen is a pen in which a ewe is kept when giving birth to lambs. Using lambing pens can provide a safe and controlled environment for ewes during lambing, improving outcomes for both mothers and offspring.

Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease of brassicas, where the leaves develop brown and black patches. Managing leaf spot through disease prevention and control measures can protect brassica crops and improve yields.

Low-Input Farming: Low-input farming or lower input farming is a system of farming based on restricted use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Implementing low-input farming practices can support sustainable agriculture and reduce environmental impact.

Lifting Unit: A lifting unit is a pair of wheels or a triangular-shaped share, used on a harvester to lift the roots and pass them to the main elevator. Also called lifter. The roots are lifted by being squeezed out of the ground in between the two wheels. The distance between the two wheels or shares can be adjusted to suit the size of the crop. The wheels should be set quite close together at the bottom when harvesting small roots. The wheels run at an angle to each other so that their rims lie close together when in the soil and farther apart at the top. Using lifting units can enhance the efficiency of harvesting root crops.

Lateral: A lateral is a shoot which branches off from the leader or main branch of a tree or shrub. Managing lateral growth helps farmers optimize fruit and nut tree productivity.

Land Drainage: Land drainage is the process of removing surplus water from land. If surplus water is prevented from moving through the soil and subsoil, it soon fills all the pore spaces in the soil and this will kill or stunt the growing crops. Well-drained land is better aerated, and crops are less likely to be damaged by root-destroying fungi. Aerated soil also warms up more quickly in spring. Plants form deeper and more extensive root systems, grassland is firmer, and disease risk from parasites is reduced. The main methods of draining land are underground pipe drains, mole drains, and ditches. Proper land drainage improves soil health and crop yields.

Lincoln Red: Lincoln Red is a breed of cattle bred from the shorthorn. The animals are deep red in color. The breed was originally dual-purpose, but now is mainly used for crossing with dairy cows to produce beef calves. Raising Lincoln Red cattle can provide farmers with high-quality beef and enhance farm profitability.

Lysimeter: A lysimeter is a device used for measuring the rate of drainage of water through soil and the soluble particles removed in the process. Using lysimeters can aid in effective water management and soil health monitoring.

Locust Bean: Locust bean is the broken-down pods of the carob tree, used as animal feed. Utilizing locust beans can provide a nutritious feed source for livestock.

Liquor: Liquor is a concentrated liquid substance. Rumen liquor, silage liquor. Managing liquor in feed and silage can improve livestock nutrition and fermentation processes.

Leasehold: Leasehold means possessing property on a lease, for a fixed time. To purchase a property leasehold. The property is for sale leasehold. Understanding leasehold arrangements can help farmers secure land and facilities for agricultural use.

Land Reform: Land reform is a government policy of splitting up agricultural land and dividing it up between those people who do not own any land. Land reform policies can increase access to land and promote equitable agricultural development.

Louse: A louse is a small wingless insect that sucks blood and lives on the skin as a parasite on animals and humans. There are several types, the commonest being body louse, crab louse, and head louse. Some diseases can be transmitted by lice. Genus: Pediculus. (NOTE: The plural is lice.) Managing lice infestations through proper pest control measures can protect livestock health and improve farm productivity.

Land Erosion Control: Land erosion control is a method of preventing the soil from being worn away by irrigation, planting, or mulching. Implementing erosion control techniques helps farmers preserve soil quality and prevent land degradation.

Lamina: Lamina refers to 1. (in mammals with hooves) one of several layers of sensitive tissue just inside the hard exterior of the hoof, and 2. the blade of a leaf. Knowledge of lamina helps farmers in both livestock hoof care and plant management.

Leaf Scorch: Leaf scorch is damage done to leaves by severe weather conditions or herbicides. Also called leaf burn. Preventing leaf scorch through proper plant care and protection from extreme weather can ensure healthy crop growth.

Lettuce: Lettuce is a salad vegetable (Lactuca sativa) which comes in a variety of forms and leaf textures. The commonest are cos lettuce, cabbage lettuce, crisphead, and loose-leaved lettuces. Cabbage lettuces have roundish heads, while cos lettuces have longer leaves and are more upright. Growing different varieties of lettuce can provide farmers with a diverse and marketable crop.

LAQM: LAQM stands for local air quality management. Taking steps to improve local air quality can enhance the health and well-being of farm workers and livestock.

Land Manager: A land manager is someone responsible for the condition of land, e.g., a farmer or landowner. Land managers play a crucial role in maintaining farm productivity and environmental health.

Lop: To lop means to cut the branches of a tree. Properly lopping trees can improve tree health and productivity.

LERAP: LERAP stands for Local Environment Risk Assessment for Pesticides. Conducting risk assessments for pesticide use can protect the environment and ensure sustainable farming practices.

Line Breeding: Line breeding is the deliberate crossing or mating of closely related individuals in order to retain characteristics of a common ancestor. The purpose of line breeding is to try to preserve in succeeding generations the mix of genes responsible for a particularly excellent individual specimen. Utilizing line breeding can enhance desirable traits in livestock and improve breeding outcomes.

Llama: A llama is a pack animal in the Andes of South America. It is a ruminant and belongs to the camel family. Raising llamas can diversify farm operations and provide valuable pack animals and fiber.

Love-In-Idleness: Love-in-idleness is the same as field pansy. Understanding plant species like love-in-idleness can aid in effective crop and pasture management.

Leaf Blotch: Leaf blotch is a disease of cereals (Rhynchosporium secalis) where dark grey lesions with dark brown margins occur on the leaves. Managing leaf blotch through disease prevention and control measures can protect cereal crops and improve yields.

Lode: A lode is a deposit of metallic ore. Understanding lodes can aid in resource management and mining activities on the farm.

Lymph: Lymph is a colorless liquid containing white blood cells, which circulates in the body, carrying waste matter away from tissues to the veins. It is an essential part of the body’s defense against infection. Understanding lymph and its role in the immune system can aid in managing livestock health.

Livestock Register: Livestock register is the same as herd register. Keeping a livestock register can aid in tracking animal health and breeding records.

Lice: Lice is the plural of louse. Managing lice infestations through proper pest control measures can protect livestock health and improve farm productivity.

Land Use: Land use refers to the way in which land is used for different purposes such as farming or recreation. A survey of current land use helps farmers plan for diverse and sustainable agricultural practices.

Luing: Luing is a hardy breed of beef cattle, found mainly in North-West Scotland. Raising Luing cattle can provide farmers with resilient and high-quality beef cattle.

Leek: Leek is a hardy winter vegetable (Allium ameloprasum) with a mild onion taste. To produce high-quality leeks, the lower parts of the stems need to be blanched. The stems are used in soups and stews. Growing leeks can provide farmers with a nutritious and versatile crop for market sales.

Long-Day Plant: Long-day plant is a plant that flowers as the days get longer in the spring. Comparing long-day plants with short-day plants can help farmers choose appropriate crops for their climate and growing conditions.

Lambing Season: Lambing season is the period of the year when a flock of ewes produces lambs, usually between December and January. The object is to produce lambs for the market when the price is highest, usually between February and May. Timing lambing season correctly can maximize profits for farmers.

Lamb Dysentery: Lamb dysentery is a bacterial disease which enters the lamb from the pasture. The bacteria infects the land for a very long time. The disease can be avoided by vaccinating the lambs as soon as possible after birth or by vaccinating the ewes before lambing. Understanding and preventing lamb dysentery can save farmers from significant livestock losses.

Locks: Locks are small tufts of wool separated from the fleece during shearing. Properly managing locks can enhance wool quality and processing.

Lehmann System: Lehmann system is a system of pig breeding developed in Germany, where bulk food such as potatoes and fodder beet are fed after a basic ration of meal. Implementing the Lehmann system can optimize pig nutrition and improve breeding outcomes.

Locust: A locust is a flying insect which occurs in subtropical areas, flies in large groups, and eats large amounts of vegetation. Managing locust infestations through pest control measures can protect crops and ensure farm productivity.

layer: A hen kept for egg production. Proper management of layers ensures high egg productivity and bird health.