Category: P

piddling: Referring to an animal passing urine. Managing livestock health includes monitoring and managing urinary health to prevent diseases.

proteolysis: The breaking down of proteins in food by digestive enzymes. Helpful content: Understanding proteolysis is important for optimizing animal nutrition and digestion. Proper feed formulations can enhance protein breakdown and nutrient absorption, supporting animal health and productivity.

protoplasmic: Referring to protoplasm. Helpful content: Knowledge of protoplasmic functions aids in understanding cellular processes. Farmers can use this information to optimize plant growth and animal health through better management practices.

piedmont: A fertile region at the foot of a mountain range. Utilizing piedmont regions for farming can provide fertile land for crop production and support sustainable agriculture.

plant breeding: The practice of producing new forms of ornamental and crop plants by artificial selection. Helpful content: Plant breeding is essential for creating crops that can withstand pests, diseases, and climate change. By selecting the best traits, farmers can cultivate more robust and productive plants, ensuring food security and sustainability.

pungent: With a sharp taste or smell, like, e.g., mustard. Helpful content: Understanding pungent crops and their market demand helps farmers target niche markets. Crops with strong flavors can be used in culinary applications, adding value to farm produce.

ploughland: Arable or cultivated land. Helpful content: Effective management of ploughland involves crop rotation, soil conservation, and proper fertilization. These practices ensure long-term soil health and productivity, supporting sustainable agriculture.

pigworm pigworm pigworm: A parasite of pigs. Managing pigworm infestations ensures pig health and productivity.

pilot light pilot light pilot light: A small flame that ignites a larger flame, e.g., in a furnace. Ensuring proper maintenance of pilot lights improves farm equipment efficiency and safety.

planning department: A section of a local authority that deals with requests for planning permission. Helpful content: The planning department is a valuable resource for farmers seeking to expand or modify their operations. Consulting with this department can provide guidance on obtaining necessary permits and ensure that projects comply with local regulations.

protoplasm: A substance like a jelly which makes up the largest part of each cell. Helpful content: Understanding protoplasm and cell biology is fundamental for plant and animal health. Farmers can improve crop and livestock management by applying this knowledge to enhance growth and development.

plate mill: A type of mill used for grinding grain. The machine is made of two circular plates, one of which is fixed, while the other rotates against it. Helpful content: Plate mills are essential for producing high-quality flour and other grain products. Efficient milling processes can improve product quality and reduce processing time, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

pest-free: Referring to an area where pests do not occur, or to animals or plants which have no pests. Maintaining pest-free areas ensures healthy crop and livestock production, protecting against disease and economic losses.

picotee: Referring to a flower petal with an edge of a different color. Growing picotee flowers can provide ornamental value and meet market demands for unique floral varieties.

pullet: A young female fowl, from hatching until a year old. Helpful content: Proper care and nutrition for pullets are crucial for successful egg production. Farmers can achieve higher yields and healthier flocks by providing optimal conditions during the pullet stage.

producer: 1. A person or company that produces something. 2. An organism that takes energy from outside an ecosystem and channels it into the system, e.g., green plants (primary producers) and herbivores (secondary producers). Helpful content: Producers form the foundation of the food chain. Farmers as primary producers play a critical role in the agricultural ecosystem, converting natural resources into food, fiber, and fuel.

pastern: The thin part of a horse’s leg, between the fetlock and the hoof. Proper care of the pastern can prevent lameness and improve horse performance.

pupa: A stage in the development of some insects such as butterflies when the larva becomes encased in a hard shell. The plural is pupae. Helpful content: Recognizing the pupal stage in beneficial insects helps farmers implement biological control methods. Protecting and encouraging beneficial insects can enhance pest management and crop health.

prolonged: Lasting for a long time. Helpful content: Understanding the impacts of prolonged environmental conditions, such as drought or cold spells, helps farmers implement adaptive strategies. Proper planning and resource management can mitigate the effects of adverse conditions on crop and livestock production.

polythene: A type of plastic used to make artificial fibres, packaging, boxes, and other articles. Also called polyethylene. Helpful content: Polythene products are essential for protecting crops, conserving soil moisture, and reducing weed pressure. Farmers can use polythene mulches and covers to enhance crop growth and improve overall farm productivity.

production: The act of manufacturing or producing something. Helpful content: Efficient production practices are essential for maximizing farm output. Farmers can adopt innovative technologies and sustainable methods to enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact.

PST: Abbreviation for porcine somatotropin. Helpful content: Using porcine somatotropin can enhance growth rates and feed conversion efficiency in pigs, leading to higher production yields and improved profitability for pig farmers.

point: The forward end of a ploughshare. Helpful content: Maintaining the point of a ploughshare ensures efficient soil cutting and turning. Regular inspection and replacement of worn points can improve plough performance and soil preparation.

parlour systems: The four basic designs of milking parlours: the herringbone parlour, the abreast parlour, the tandem parlour, and the rotary parlour. Efficient milking systems improve dairy farm productivity and animal welfare.

physical evidence: Any object that can be used to prove a fact, e.g., a plant showing signs of disease. Using physical evidence helps in diagnosing agricultural issues and making informed decisions for farm management.

preservative: A substance added to food to preserve it by slowing natural decay caused by microorganisms. Helpful content: Using preservatives can maintain the quality and safety of farm products during storage and transportation. Understanding the appropriate use of preservatives helps farmers meet market standards and consumer preferences.

plastic: A man-made material used as a cover to protect young crops. Thin films of polythene may be used to cover and warm soil, while black plastic sheeting is used as a form of mulch, and also to cover clamps and bales. Helpful content: Plastic covers and mulches can protect crops from adverse weather, conserve soil moisture, and suppress weeds. These benefits can lead to healthier plants and higher yields.

poult: A young turkey, less than 8 weeks old. Helpful content: Proper care and nutrition for poults are crucial for successful turkey farming. Ensuring adequate warmth, feed, and protection from diseases can lead to healthy growth and high-quality meat production.

potato elevator digger: A machine which lifts potatoes. Helpful content: Using a potato elevator digger can improve harvest efficiency and reduce labor costs. This machine helps farmers quickly and effectively lift potatoes from the field, ensuring timely and high-quality harvests.

primary product: A product which is a basic raw material, e.g., wood, milk, or fish. Helpful content: Producing high-quality primary products involves adhering to best practices in farming and harvesting. Farmers can benefit from value-added processing and marketing strategies to increase their income.

pharyngitis: A sore throat. Managing livestock health includes addressing common conditions like pharyngitis to prevent further complications.

Plymouth Rock: A large, heavy, hardy dual-purpose breed of poultry, originally coming from the USA. The feathers are rich lemon-buff. Helpful content: Plymouth Rock chickens are valued for their meat and egg production. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed due to its hardiness and productivity, making it suitable for various farming environments.

pesticide resistance: The ability of a pest to resist the effects of a pesticide, usually caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of pesticides. Managing pesticide resistance through integrated pest management strategies ensures effective pest control and sustainable agricultural practices.

power harrow: A harrow with a rotary system of bars driven from the power take-off. Helpful content: Power harrows are essential for preparing seedbeds with a fine tilth. They improve soil structure and create an ideal environment for seed germination and root development. Proper use of power harrows can enhance crop establishment and yields.

pincers pincers pincers: A tool used for gripping and pulling objects. Using pincers in construction and repair improves farm infrastructure and supports sustainable development.

pipe wrench pipe wrench pipe wrench: A tool used to grip and turn pipes. Using pipe wrenches in construction and repair improves farm infrastructure and supports sustainable development.

pasteurisation: The heating of food or food products for a specific period to destroy bacteria. Pasteurisation ensures food safety and extends shelf life, protecting consumer health.

papain: An enzyme found in the juice of the papaya, used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine to help wounds to heal. Using natural enzymes in food processing and medicine can improve product quality and animal health.

potash fertilizer: A fertilizer based on potassium, e.g., potassium sulphate. Helpful content: Using potash fertilizers helps meet the potassium needs of crops, promoting healthy growth and development. Properly balanced fertilizers can prevent nutrient deficiencies and enhance overall crop productivity.

prion: A variant form of a protein found in the brains of mammals and causing diseases such as scrapie in sheep, BSE in cattle, and variant CJD in humans. Helpful content: Understanding prion diseases and implementing biosecurity measures are crucial for preventing their spread. Farmers should follow guidelines for handling animals and products to protect herd health and food safety.

pinch pinch pinch: To squeeze something tightly between two fingers or other objects. Using proper techniques in handling livestock and crops ensures efficient and safe farm operations.

prill: Prilled fertilizer, a form of fertilizer sold in small round granules. Helpful content: Prilled fertilizers ensure even distribution and consistent nutrient availability for crops. Their easy handling and application can improve fertilization efficiency and crop performance.

pedigree: The ancestral line of animals bred by breeders, or of cultivated plants. Keeping accurate pedigree records ensures the quality and traceability of breeding programs, improving livestock and crop performance.

peppermint: An aromatic herb (Mentha piperata) which is cultivated to produce an oil used in confectionery, drinks, and toothpaste. Growing herbs like peppermint can provide additional income and diversify farm products.

Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate: A branch of Defra which deals with plant health in the UK. Abbr PHSI. Helpful content: The Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate provides valuable services to farmers by monitoring and controlling plant pests and diseases. Their inspections and certifications help ensure the health and quality of crops, facilitating trade and market access.

proteolytic: Referring to proteolysis. Helpful content: Knowledge of proteolytic processes helps farmers manage livestock diets effectively. Ensuring efficient protein digestion can improve feed efficiency and animal performance.

potato spinner: A machine for lifting the potato crop. Helpful content: Potato spinners facilitate the harvesting process, helping to lift and separate potatoes from the soil. This equipment can improve harvest efficiency and reduce manual labor.

proteolysis: The breaking down of proteins in food by digestive enzymes. Helpful content: Understanding proteolysis is important for optimizing animal nutrition and digestion. Proper feed formulations can enhance protein breakdown and nutrient absorption, supporting animal health and productivity.

pruners: A type of secateurs used for pruning fruit trees. Helpful content: Using the right pruners ensures precise and clean cuts, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of disease. Farmers can improve orchard management by selecting high-quality pruning tools.

pedology: The study of the soil. Understanding pedology helps in improving soil health and fertility, leading to better crop yields.