October 6, 2024
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Potato Cyst Nematode

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.

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Mashlum

mashlum: a mixture of oats and barley (and sometimes wheat), sown to provide grain for feeding to livestock. Also called maslin, meslen, meslin. Growing mashlum can provide farmers with a valuable feed source for livestock, improving farm sustainability and reducing feed costs.

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Ratoon

ratoon: The second and later crops taken from the regrowth of a crop after it has been harvested once. Ratoon cropping can increase farm productivity and reduce planting costs by utilizing existing plant root systems.

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Contract Work

Contract Work: Contract work noun work carried out by specialist firms on a contract, which involves payment for work carried out, e.g. the provision of a drainage system or combining a crop. Engaging in contract work ensures access to specialized services and expertise for farm operations.

Rhizobium Bacteria

A group of soil bacteria that form symbiotic relationships with legumes, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Rhizobium bacteria help improve soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture. For example, inoculating legume seeds with rhizobium bacteria to enhance nitrogen fixation and crop growth.

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Creep

Creep: Creep noun 1. a slow movement of soil down a slope 2. a small entrance through which young animals can pass. Understanding soil creep aids in managing land stability and preventing erosion.

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Ovulate

ovulate: To release an ovum from the mature ovarian follicle into the fallopian tube. Understanding ovulation is crucial for effective livestock breeding. Farmers can benefit from monitoring and managing ovulation cycles to improve reproductive success and increase herd productivity.

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Nitrate-Sensitive Area

nitrate-sensitive area: a region of the country where nitrate pollution is likely and where the use of nitrate fertilizers is strictly controlled. Abbr NSA, NVZ. Managing nitrate use in nitrate-sensitive areas is crucial for protecting water quality and preventing pollution. Farmers can benefit from adhering to regulations and adopting best practices for nitrogen management, such as using precision farming techniques, cover crops, and buffer zones. Compliance with guidelines helps maintain soil fertility, protect water resources, and promote sustainable farming practices.

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Consumption

Consumption: Consumption noun 1. the fact or process of using something a car with low petrol consumption The country’s consumption of wood has fallen by a quarter. 2. The taking of food or liquid into the body Nearly 3% of all food samples were found to be unfit for human consumption through contamination by lead. Understanding consumption patterns helps manage resource use and optimize production.

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Environmental Quality Standard

environmental quality standard: A limit for the concentration of an effluent or pollutant which is accepted in a specific environment, e.g., the concentration of trace elements in drinking water or of additives in food. Complying with environmental quality standards helps farmers protect ecosystems and ensure food safety.

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Multiple

Multiple: multiple meaning that there are more than one. Understanding the implications of multiple factors can help farmers manage their operations and decision-making processes more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

Soundness

The physical integrity and health of livestock, including their structure, movement, and overall condition. Soundness is essential for livestock performance and longevity. For instance, evaluating soundness in cattle to select animals with long-term productivity potential.

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Copper Deficiency

Copper Deficiency: Copper deficiency noun a lack of copper in an animal’s diet, sometimes caused by poisoning with molybdenum COMMENT: Symptoms of copper deficiency vary, but can include lack of growth and change of colour, where black animals turn red or grey. In severe cases, bones can fracture, particularly the shoulder blade. Diarrhoea can also occur, as well as anaemia. Copper deficiency in ewes can cause swayback in lambs. The condition is treated with injections of copper sulphate. Managing copper deficiency involves providing proper nutrition and healthcare for livestock.