Category: P

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.

petrol: A fuel for vehicles such as tractors. Compare diesel. Ensuring a reliable supply of petrol supports farm operations and machinery maintenance.

particle size distribution: A way of measuring the composition of soil, which can be used in planning irrigation and crop arrangement. Knowing soil composition helps in selecting appropriate crops and irrigation practices.

piece rate: The amount of money paid to workers according to the amount of work done, rather than on an hourly or daily basis. Implementing piece rate systems can improve worker productivity and farm efficiency.

ploughshare: A heavy metal blade of a plough, which cuts the bottom of the furrow. Helpful content: Maintaining sharp and properly aligned ploughshares ensures efficient soil cutting and turning. This leads to better seedbed preparation and improved crop establishment.

PYO: Abbreviation for pick-your-own. Helpful content: Pick-your-own operations can provide additional revenue streams and attract customers to farms. Farmers can enhance customer engagement and profitability by offering pick-your-own experiences.

pharmaceutical: 1. An industrial chemical used to make medicines 2. Referring to the manufacture of medicines. Using pharmaceuticals in veterinary medicine ensures the health and well-being of livestock.

parasitise, parasitize: To live as a parasite on another organism. Sheep are parasitised by flukes. Understanding parasitic relationships aids in effective pest and disease management.

phosphorus: A vital nutrient for plant growth, often applied as a fertilizer. Proper management of phosphorus is essential for healthy crops and soil fertility.

protected cropping: Protected cultivation, the growing of crops under some form of protection, e.g., in greenhouses or under polythene sheeting. Helpful content: Protected cropping extends growing seasons and improves plant growth conditions. Farmers can increase yields and quality by using greenhouses, tunnels, or other protective structures.

PMWS: A disease causing wasting, paleness, and diarrhea in pigs between 6 and 14 weeks old, often fatal. Full form post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome. Helpful content: Understanding PMWS and implementing biosecurity measures can help pig farmers prevent outbreaks and reduce losses. Early intervention and proper management are key to controlling this disease.

pepsin: An enzyme in the stomach which breaks down the proteins in food. Understanding digestive enzymes like pepsin helps in improving animal nutrition and health.

persistence: The ability of a plant to continue growing year after year. Selecting persistent plant varieties ensures long-term crop production and reduces the need for frequent replanting.

peptic: Referring to digestion or to the digestive system. Knowledge of digestive processes aids in formulating effective animal feeds and improving livestock health.

pastureland: Land covered with grass or other small plants, used by farmers as a feeding place for animals. Maintaining pastureland can enhance biodiversity and provide sustainable forage for livestock.

put to: To bring a female animal to be impregnated by a male. Helpful content: Proper timing and management of breeding are essential for maximizing reproductive success. Farmers can improve herd fertility and productivity by ensuring optimal breeding conditions.

peaty: Containing peat. Peaty soil, peaty water. Understanding soil types like peaty soil aids in selecting appropriate crops and soil management practices.

pod: A container for several seeds, e.g., a pea pod or bean pod. Helpful content: Understanding pod development and harvesting techniques is important for legume farmers. Proper timing and methods can maximize yield and ensure high-quality produce.

Panicum: The Latin name for millet. Millet is a drought-resistant crop that provides valuable grain, contributing to food security.

processed meats: Meat products such as bacon, sausages, etc. Helpful content: Producing processed meats requires knowledge of food safety, quality control, and market preferences. Farmers can diversify their product offerings and increase profitability by developing high-quality processed meat products.