Category: P

plantation: 1. An estate, especially in the tropics, on which large-scale production of cash crops takes place. 2. An area of land planted with trees for commercial purposes. Also called plantation forest. Helpful content: Plantations can be a significant source of income for farmers, especially in tropical regions. They allow for the cultivation of high-value crops like cocoa, coffee, and rubber. Sustainable management practices can enhance productivity and environmental health.

pathogenic: Able to cause or produce a disease. Managing pathogenic organisms helps in preventing and controlling diseases in agriculture.

pasture management: The control of pasture by grazing, cutting, reseeding, and similar techniques. Effective pasture management improves forage quality and ensures sustainable grazing practices.

protease: A digestive enzyme which breaks down proteins. Helpful content: Understanding the role of protease in digestion helps farmers formulate balanced diets for livestock. Ensuring proper enzyme activity can enhance nutrient absorption and animal health.

photosynthesis: The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water. Understanding photosynthesis helps farmers optimize growing conditions for their crops.

parasitism: A state in which one organism, the parasite, lives on or inside another organism, the host, and derives its nourishment and other needs from it. Managing parasitism in crops and livestock is vital for preventing economic losses.

Polwarth: An Australian breed of sheep (from Lincoln and Merino) which gives fine wool. Helpful content: Polwarth sheep are known for their high-quality wool and adaptability to various climates. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed due to its dual-purpose nature, providing both meat and wool, and its suitability for different farming conditions.

PMR: Abbreviation for partly mixed ration. Helpful content: Using a partly mixed ration can improve feed efficiency and animal performance on dairy and livestock farms. This feeding strategy ensures that animals receive balanced nutrition, leading to better health and productivity.

primaries: The main feathers on a bird’s wing. Also called flight feathers. Helpful content: Understanding the function and health of primary feathers is important for poultry farmers. Proper feather management can enhance bird welfare and productivity, especially in egg-laying and meat production.

pannage: 1. Pasturage for pigs in a wood or forest 2. The corn and beech mast on which pigs feed. Utilizing natural resources for pig grazing can reduce feed costs and improve forest management.

pear: A pome fruit of the genus Pyrus used for dessert fruit, cooking, or for fermenting to make perry. In the UK, William’s Bon Chretien, Conference, and Doyenne du Comice are popular dessert varieties, while William’s is also commonly used for canning. Growing pears provides a valuable fruit crop that can be sold fresh, processed, or used in beverages.

pod up: To begin to develop pods. Helpful content: Monitoring the podding stage of crops like beans and peas is crucial for timely harvesting. Farmers can optimize yields and quality by tracking this developmental stage and adjusting management practices accordingly.

press: To crush fruit or seeds to extract juice or oil. Helpful content: Pressing is a critical step in producing high-quality juices, oils, and other products. Farmers can improve product quality and efficiency by using appropriate pressing techniques and equipment.

peatland: An area of land covered with peat bog. Managing peatlands sustainably helps in conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

poultryman: A farm worker who looks after and raises poultry. Helpful content: Skilled poultrymen are vital for successful poultry operations. Their expertise in bird care, feeding, and disease management can significantly impact productivity and flock health.

partition: A moveable wall that divides a room, e.g., a partition in a stable. Using partitions can improve space management and animal welfare in farm buildings.

potato clamp: A heap of stored potatoes covered with straw and earth. Helpful content: Proper storage of potatoes in clamps helps maintain their quality and reduce spoilage. This traditional method can be cost-effective and efficient for small-scale farmers.

primary productivity: The amount of organic matter produced in a specific area over a specific period, e.g., the yield of a crop during a growing season. Helpful content: Measuring primary productivity helps farmers evaluate crop performance and make informed management decisions. Improving primary productivity through soil health, water management, and crop selection can enhance farm profitability.

pile crop pile crop pile crop: A crop that is grown in a pile, e.g., potatoes. Managing pile crops efficiently improves yields and meets market demands.

potential transpiration: The calculated amount of water taken up from the soil and transpired through the leaves of plants. The amount varies according to the climate and weather conditions. Helpful content: Understanding potential transpiration helps farmers manage irrigation effectively. Accurate water management can optimize crop growth, reduce water waste, and enhance overall farm sustainability.

pollen beetle: A pest of Brassica, which makes buds wither. The beetle feeds on buds and flower parts. Helpful content: Managing pollen beetle infestations is crucial for protecting Brassica crops. Integrated pest management strategies can reduce damage and ensure healthy crop development.

pipeline pipeline pipeline: A long, continuous pipe used to transport liquids or gases. Using pipelines in irrigation and drainage systems improves water management and supports sustainable agriculture.

pest control: The management of pests in crops or livestock, usually by chemical or biological means. Implementing effective pest control measures ensures healthy crop and livestock production, reducing economic losses.

persistent weed: A weed that is difficult to remove, even with herbicides. Effective management of persistent weeds is essential for protecting crop yields and reducing competition for resources.

PSD: Abbreviation for Pesticides Safety Directorate. Helpful content: The Pesticides Safety Directorate provides guidelines and regulations for safe pesticide use. Farmers can protect their crops and the environment by following these recommendations and ensuring compliance.

pimento pimento pimento: A type of sweet pepper. Growing and processing pimentos provides valuable spice and vegetable crops that meet market demand.

plane tree: A common temperate deciduous hardwood tree, frequently grown in towns because of its resistance to air pollution. Helpful content: Plane trees can be beneficial for agroforestry systems, providing shade and acting as windbreaks. Their resistance to pollution makes them suitable for urban and peri-urban farming environments.

phytopathology: The scientific study of plant diseases. Understanding plant diseases through phytopathology aids in developing effective management strategies and improving crop health.

pre-emergent herbicide: A herbicide such as paraquat which is used to clear weeds before the crop leaves have emerged. Helpful content: Using pre-emergent herbicides effectively helps manage weed populations early in the growing season. This practice supports healthier crop development and can reduce the need for post-emergent herbicide applications.

potato cyst nematode: A pest found in most soils that have grown potatoes. The eggs hatch in the spring, and the larvae invade the roots. The leaves of the plant eventually yellow and are stunted. Helpful content: Managing potato cyst nematode involves crop rotation, resistant varieties, and soil treatments. Effective control measures can protect potato crops and ensure better yields.

pigtail pigtail: A twisted lock of hair tied in a knot. Managing livestock health includes monitoring and managing hair and skin health to prevent diseases.

plant hormones: Hormones such as auxin which particularly affect plant growth. They are more accurately called ‘plant growth substances’. Helpful content: Understanding plant hormones can help farmers manipulate plant growth for better yield and quality. For instance, applying auxins can promote rooting in cuttings, leading to successful plant propagation.

pause: A rest period in a bird’s laying cycle. Understanding rest periods helps in managing poultry production and ensuring consistent egg supply.

podsolisation: The process by which a podsol forms. Helpful content: Understanding podsolisation helps farmers recognize soil formation processes and implement practices to improve soil health. Proper management can mitigate the negative effects of podsolisation on crop growth.

parsley piert: A common weed (Aphanes arvensis) affecting winter cereals. Also called lamb’s foot. Effective weed management ensures healthy crop growth and higher yields.

phase: A particular stage in a process. Managing different phases of crop and livestock production ensures efficient and successful farming practices.

pony-trekking: A recreational activity where people hire ponies to ride along country paths, now sometimes organized from farms as a form of diversification. Helpful content: Offering pony-trekking can diversify farm income and attract tourists. This activity promotes rural tourism, provides additional revenue streams, and allows farmers to showcase their landscapes and agricultural practices.

packhouse: A building used for grading, cleaning, and packing produce on a farm before it is sent to the customer. Ensuring produce is properly graded, cleaned, and packed helps farmers maintain high standards and reduce waste, leading to better market prices and customer satisfaction.

phlebitis: An inflammation of the veins. Managing health conditions like phlebitis ensures the well-being of livestock and prevents complications.

permeability: 1. The ability of a rock to allow water to pass through it 2. The ability of a membrane to allow fluid or chemical substances to pass through it. Knowing soil permeability aids in planning drainage and irrigation systems, improving water management.

produce: To make something using materials contained within itself or taken from the outside world. Helpful content: Producing high-quality agricultural products involves understanding plant and animal biology, soil health, and market demands. Farmers can optimize their production processes to achieve better yields and higher quality outputs.

primary industry: An industry dealing with raw materials such as coal, food, farm produce, or wood. Helpful content: The primary industry forms the backbone of agricultural economies. Farmers engaged in primary production need to adopt efficient practices and innovations to remain competitive and sustainable.

post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome: Full form of PMWS. Helpful content: Managing PMWS involves implementing biosecurity measures and providing supportive care to affected pigs. Early detection and proper management can reduce the impact of this disease on pig herds.

Parthenais: A breed of cattle originating in France. It produces calves for a suckler herd and is known for easy calving and high growth rate. Selecting cattle breeds like Parthenais improves herd productivity and reduces calving complications.

progeny test: The evaluation of the breeding value of an animal or plant variety by examining the performance of its progeny. Helpful content: Progeny testing provides valuable insights into genetic traits and breeding potential. Farmers can use this information to make informed decisions about breeding programs and improve herd or crop quality.

pupate: To move from the larval to the pupal stage. Helpful content: Monitoring insect pupation helps farmers predict pest emergence and plan control measures. This knowledge is crucial for integrated pest management and minimizing crop damage.

plough to plate: Same as farm to fork. Helpful content: The plough to plate concept emphasizes the importance of every step in the food production chain, from cultivation to consumption. Understanding this process helps farmers ensure food safety, quality, and traceability, meeting consumer expectations.

poll: The top of an animal’s head. Helpful content: Understanding animal anatomy, such as the poll, is important for livestock handling and care. Proper handling techniques can reduce stress and injury, leading to healthier animals and better productivity.

peat-free: Referring to material such as compost that does not contain peat. Using peat-free materials supports sustainable horticulture and reduces the impact on peat bog ecosystems.

poach: 1. To catch animals, birds, or fish illegally on someone else’s property. 2. To trample the ground in wet weather. Heavy soils such as clays are particularly susceptible to poaching. Helpful content: Preventing poaching and managing soil compaction are important for sustainable farm management. Implementing proper land use practices can protect wildlife and maintain soil health.