Category: P

peri-urban: On the edge of a built-up area. Managing peri-urban areas can provide opportunities for urban agriculture and enhance food security in cities.

polytunnel: A cover for growing plants, like a large greenhouse, made of a rounded plastic roof attached to semi-circular supports. Helpful content: Polytunnels extend the growing season, protect crops from adverse weather, and improve plant growth conditions. Farmers can use polytunnels to increase yield and quality of produce, especially in regions with challenging climates.

proximate analysis: A method of chemical analysis used on animal feedingstuffs, which measures the amounts of ash, crude fibre, crude protein, ether extract, moisture content, and nitrogen-free extract. Helpful content: Proximate analysis provides valuable information on feed composition. Farmers can use this data to formulate balanced diets and improve feed efficiency for livestock.

parrot mouth: A malformation of the upper jaw of horses, preventing proper mastication. The condition prevents the horse from grazing. Early detection and management of congenital issues like parrot mouth improve animal welfare and productivity.

pecan: A North American tree (Carya illinoensis) which produces sweet nuts that are eaten as dessert nuts and used in many forms of confectionery. Growing pecans provides a valuable nut crop that meets market demand and can be sold fresh or processed.

pasture: Grass or other plants grown for feeding grazing animals. Managing pastures effectively ensures adequate nutrition for livestock and maintains soil health.

porcine somatotropin: A hormone administered to feeder pigs, which has been shown to increase feed efficiency, the ratio of lean meat to carcass weight, and market weight. Abbr PST. 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.

plum pox: A viral disease affecting plums, damsons, and peaches. The fruit has dark blotches, ripens prematurely, and is often sour. Helpful content: Early detection and management of plum pox are crucial to prevent crop losses. Farmers should implement integrated pest management strategies to control the spread of this disease and maintain orchard productivity.

perpetual-flowering: Referring to a variety of plant which bears flowers more or less all year round. Growing perpetual-flowering plants ensures continuous flower production, meeting market demands for ornamental plants.

pinion pinion pinion: The outer part of a bird’s wing. Understanding animal anatomy aids in managing livestock health and preventing injuries.

pastoral: 1. Referring to agriculture based on grazing animals 2. Referring to land available for pasture. Pastoral farming can be sustainable and improve soil health through natural grazing.

porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome: A viral disease of pigs which leads to fertility and breathing problems, as well as to high mortality rates in piglets. Abbr PRRS. Helpful content: Controlling PRRS involves implementing strict biosecurity measures and vaccination programs. Early detection and intervention can reduce the spread of the disease and improve herd productivity.

pulsator: The part of a milking machine which causes the suction action and release of the milk from the udder. Helpful content: Proper maintenance and calibration of pulsators ensure efficient milking and animal comfort. Farmers can enhance milk production and quality by optimizing milking equipment performance.

pesticide residue: The amount of pesticide that remains on a crop after it has been applied. Monitoring and managing pesticide residues ensures food safety and compliance with health regulations.

ping-pong ping-pong ping-pong: A game played with a small ball and paddles. Providing recreational activities like ping-pong improves farm worker morale and well-being.

phosphate: A chemical salt containing phosphorus, used as fertilizer. Using phosphates in fertilizers ensures proper plant nutrition and enhances crop yields.

plough: An agricultural implement used to turn over the surface of the soil in order to cultivate crops. Helpful content: Ploughing is a fundamental practice in preparing land for planting. It helps break up soil, incorporate organic matter, and control weeds, creating an optimal environment for crop growth.

phytochemistry: The science of chemical processes in plants. Research in phytochemistry contributes to the development of effective plant protection and improvement strategies.

post: A solid wooden or concrete pole, placed in a hole in the ground, and used to support a fence or a gate. Helpful content: Proper installation and maintenance of posts are essential for farm infrastructure. Durable and well-placed posts ensure the stability of fences and gates, enhancing farm security and management.

pH scale: A measure of acidity or alkalinity. Managing soil and water pH levels ensures optimal growing conditions for crops and healthy environments for livestock.

pen: A small enclosure for animals or poultry. Verb to enclose animals such as sheep in a pen. Properly designed pens ensure animal welfare and easy management.

potash: Any potassium salt. Helpful content: Potash is a vital nutrient for plant growth, helping with water regulation, enzyme activation, and photosynthesis. Proper application of potash fertilizers can enhance crop yields and improve soil fertility.

pale leaf spot: White spots that form on the leaves of clover plants due to potash deficiency. Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies in plants can prevent yield losses and maintain healthy crops.

parasiticide: A substance that kills parasites. Using parasiticides helps maintain the health and productivity of crops and livestock.

porcine spongiform encephalopathy: A brain disease which has been induced in pigs experimentally. Abbr PSE. Helpful content: Understanding and preventing PSE is important for maintaining pig health and ensuring food safety. Research and biosecurity measures can help mitigate the risk of this disease in pig populations.

pomegranate: A semi-tropical tree (Punica granatum) native to Asia, but now cultivated widely. The fruit are round and yellow, with masses of seeds surrounded by sweet red flesh. Helpful content: Pomegranates are valued for their health benefits and market potential. Farmers can benefit from growing this crop by implementing best practices for cultivation, pest control, and post-harvest handling to ensure high-quality fruit.

precision drill: A seed drill which sows the seed separately at set intervals in the soil. Helpful content: Precision drills ensure accurate seed placement, leading to uniform crop stands and efficient use of resources. This technology can enhance yields and reduce seed wastage, benefiting overall farm productivity.

picker: A person who picks crops, e.g., a fruit picker, grape picker, cotton picker. Employing skilled pickers ensures efficient and high-quality harvests, improving farm productivity.

plant food ratio: The ratio of nitrogen to phosphate and potash in a fertilizer. Helpful content: Knowing the plant food ratio is vital for farmers to provide balanced nutrition to their crops. Proper fertilization based on this ratio can enhance plant growth, improve yields, and prevent nutrient deficiencies.

prolactin: A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production. Helpful content: Prolactin is crucial for lactation in dairy animals. Managing prolactin levels through nutrition and health care can optimize milk production and improve dairy farm profitability.

planning permission: An official agreement allowing a person or company to plan new buildings on empty land or to alter existing buildings. Helpful content: Obtaining planning permission is a critical step for farmers undertaking new construction or major renovations. This approval ensures that projects are legally sanctioned and compliant with zoning laws.

power take-off: A mechanism providing power to drive field machines from a tractor. Abbr p.t.o. Helpful content: The power take-off is a critical component for operating various farm machinery. Understanding its use and maintenance ensures efficient operation of equipment like mowers, balers, and harvesters, improving farm productivity.

plantain: A name given to various types of banana, used for cooking and brewing. It has a lower sugar content than dessert bananas. Helpful content: Plantains are a versatile crop that can provide additional income for farmers. They are used in a variety of culinary dishes and can be processed into products like chips and flour, expanding market opportunities.

pectin: A sticky mixture of various polysaccharides found in plant cell walls. Pectin is used in food processing, especially in making jams and jellies, providing added value to fruit crops.

pelleted seed: A seed coated with clay to produce pellets of uniform size and density. Pelleting is done to make the sowing of very fine seed easier. Using pelleted seeds ensures uniform planting and better crop establishment.

PEG: Abbreviation production entitlement guarantee. Understanding agricultural policies like PEG helps farmers navigate subsidy systems and optimize farm income.

potato harvester: A machine which lifts the crop onto a sorting platform, where up to six pickers sort the potatoes from soil and stones. The potatoes are then raised onto a trailer. Helpful content: Potato harvesters streamline the harvesting process, increasing efficiency and reducing labor requirements. Proper use and maintenance of these machines can enhance productivity and ensure high-quality produce.

pale soft exudative muscle: A condition where an animal’s meat becomes pale and lacks firmness. Abbr PSE. Managing livestock stress and diet can prevent this condition, ensuring better meat quality.

pesticide: A chemical used to kill or control pests. Using pesticides correctly helps protect crops from damage while minimizing environmental impact.

pink-eye pink-eye pink-eye: A disease of cattle and other animals, causing redness and discharge from the eye. Managing livestock health includes monitoring and treating diseases like pink-eye to prevent complications.

pigpen: A small enclosure for pigs. Properly designed pigpens ensure animal welfare and easy management, improving farm productivity.

Policy Commission on Farming and Food: The Curry Report. Helpful content: The Policy Commission on Farming and Food provides recommendations for sustainable agriculture practices. Farmers can benefit from these guidelines to improve farm management, increase productivity, and enhance environmental stewardship.

photoperiod: The number of hours of light in each 24-hour period. Managing photoperiods in crop production can enhance flowering and fruiting, leading to better yields.

plant passport: Passport for plants. Helpful content: Plant passports are essential for tracking the movement of plants and ensuring they are free from pests and diseases. This certification helps farmers comply with regulations and maintain the health of their crops during transportation and trade.

Poaceae: The grasses, which is a very large family of plants including bamboo and cereals such as wheat and maize. Former name Gramineae. Helpful content: Understanding the Poaceae family is essential for farmers growing cereal crops. Knowledge of grass biology and growth patterns can help optimize crop management and improve yields.

pot-bound plant: A plant which is in a pot that is too small and which its roots fill. Helpful content: Managing pot-bound plants involves timely repotting and ensuring adequate space for root growth. Proper care can promote healthier plants and better growth in controlled environments.

pillory pillory pillory: A device used for public punishment. Ensuring farm security includes using structures like pillories to protect resources and prevent theft.

Penicillium: The genus of fungus from which penicillin is derived. Understanding the origins of antibiotics aids in effective disease management in agriculture.

post-harvest: The period after crops are harvested, focusing on storage, processing, and marketing. Effective post-harvest management ensures the quality and value of agricultural products.

parturition: The act of giving birth to offspring, when the fetus leaves the uterus, called by different names according to the animal. Calving, farrowing, foaling, lambing. Understanding parturition helps in managing livestock breeding and ensuring healthy births.