December 18, 2024
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Site

site: a geographically defined area whose extent is clearly marked. Properly managing farm sites ensures efficient use of land resources, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and optimal crop and livestock production.

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Seedbox

seedbox: 1. A box in which seeds can be planted for cultivation in a greenhouse 2. The part of the plant head which contains the seeds. Farmers benefit from using seedboxes for controlled seed germination and growth.

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Spermatozoon

spermatozoon: a mature male sex cell that is capable of fertilising an ovum. COMMENT: A spermatozoon is very small and comprises a head, neck and very long tail. It can swim by moving its tail from side to side. Proper management of reproduction in livestock ensures healthy breeding programs and improves productivity.

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Stress

stress: a condition where an outside influence changes the composition or functioning of something; a state of anxiety or strain that can affect an animal’s health. Properly managing stress in livestock ensures health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

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Soya Bean

soya bean: 1. a bean from a soya plant 2. same as soya. COMMENT: Soya beans are very rich in protein and apart from direct human consumption are used for their oil and as livestock feed. After the oil has been extracted, the residue is used as a high-protein feedingstuff. Other by-products are soya bean milk and soy sauce, both widely used in China and Japan. Soya beans are widely grown in China, where they are the most important food legume, in Brazil, and in the USA. Growing soya beans provides farmers with a versatile crop for multiple markets, enhancing farm income and sustainability.

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Sire

sire: the male parent of an animal; a male animal selected for breeding. Understanding the role of a sire in breeding programs is crucial for farmers aiming to improve livestock genetics, health, and productivity.

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Southdown

Southdown: the smallest of the Down breeds of sheep. It has a compact body and a dense fleece of high-quality short wool. The Southdown is an early maturing breed and produces meat of high quality. Raising Southdown sheep provides farmers with a high-quality meat and wool breed, supporting farm profitability.

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Soil Horizon

soil horizon: a layer of soil that is of a different colour or texture from other layers. (NOTE: There are four soil horizons: the A horizon or topsoil containing humus; the B horizon or subsoil containing minerals leached from the topsoil and little organic matter; the C horizon or weathered rock; and the D horizon or bedrock.) Understanding soil horizons helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

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Soil Classification

soil classification: in soil surveys, the classification of soils into groups with broadly similar characteristics. COMMENT: Soils are classified according to the areas of the world in which they are found, according to the types of minerals they contain or according to the stage of development they have reached. All forms of soil classification are artificial, however, as soils vary in three dimensions and in time. Therefore, no clear boundaries exist between soil types. Understanding soil classification helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

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SMR

SMR: abbreviation Statutory Management Requirement. Understanding Statutory Management Requirements ensures farmers comply with regulations, protecting their eligibility for government payments and subsidies.

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Sloe

sloe: the wild plum Prunus spinosa. Also called blackthorn. Cultivating sloe provides farmers with a resilient crop for hedgerows and wildlife habitats, supporting biodiversity and sustainable farming.

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Swill

swill: waste food from kitchens, formerly used for pig feeding but banned after the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001. Understanding and adhering to regulations on swill use ensures livestock health and biosecurity, supporting farm productivity.

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Stigma

stigma: the part of a flower’s female reproductive organ that receives the pollen grains. (NOTE: It is generally located at the tip of the style.) Understanding the structure and function of stigmas helps farmers manage plant reproduction and optimize yields.

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Synthetic Pyrethroid

synthetic pyrethroid: a chemical compound used as an insecticide, similar to a pyrethroid but manufactured artificially. Understanding and using synthetic pyrethroids effectively supports pest control and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

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Saturate

saturate: To fill something with the maximum amount of a liquid that can be absorbed. Nitrates leached from forest soils, showing that the soils are saturated with nitrogen. Farmers benefit from understanding saturation to manage irrigation and prevent waterlogging or nutrient leaching.