April 26, 2025

Soil Rehabilitation

The process of restoring degraded soil to improve its health, fertility, and productivity. Soil rehabilitation involves practices such as soil amendments, erosion control, and re-vegetation. For example, implementing soil rehabilitation measures to restore degraded farmland and support sustainable agricultural production.

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Mode Of Action

mode of action: the way in which a pesticide acts. For example, organophosphorous compounds disrupt the nerve impulses in insects. Understanding the mode of action of pesticides can help farmers manage pest control more effectively, ensuring better crop health and yields.

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Soft Wheat

soft wheat: wheat containing grains which, when milled, break down in a random manner. Soft wheats have less protein than hard wheats and have poor milling qualities. Growing soft wheat provides farmers with a crop suitable for specific market demands, such as pastry and cake flours.

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FAC

FAC: Abbreviation for Food Advisory Committee. This committee provides guidance on food safety and standards, ensuring that farmers’ products meet regulatory requirements and are safe for consumption, thereby protecting public health and enhancing marketability.

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Air Layering

air layering: A method of propagation where a stem is partially cut, then surrounded with damp moss, which is tied securely to the stem. Roots will grow from the cut at the point where it is in contact with the moss. Using air layering helps farmers propagate plants efficiently.

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Fair Trade

Fair Trade: An international system where food companies agree to pay producers in developing countries a fair price for their products. Fair trade practices support sustainable farming, fair wages, and ethical production, benefiting small-scale farmers and promoting global equity.

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Mixed Cropping

mixed cropping: the practice of growing more than one type of plant on the same piece of land at the same time. Opposite monocropping. Understanding mixed cropping can help farmers optimize their crop production and improve soil health and biodiversity.

Soil Aeration

The process of improving soil structure by creating air spaces within the soil. Soil aeration enhances root growth, water infiltration, and nutrient uptake. For example, using a mechanical aerator to improve soil aeration in a compacted pasture and support healthy forage growth.

Soil Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by soil organisms and processes, including nutrient cycling, water filtration, and carbon sequestration. Soil ecosystem services are essential for sustainable agriculture and environmental health. For example, maintaining soil biodiversity to enhance ecosystem services and support productive farming systems.

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Salination

salination: A process by which the salt concentration of soil or water increases, especially as a result of irrigation in hot climates. Also called salinisation. Farmers benefit from understanding and managing salination to prevent soil degradation and maintain crop productivity.

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Club Root

Club Root: A fungal disease (Plasmodiophora brassicae) affecting brassicas, causing swelling and distortion of roots. Managing club root involves using resistant crop varieties and appropriate fungicides to protect plants and ensure healthy growth.

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Double Cropping

double cropping: A type of multi-cropping, taking more than one crop off a piece of land in one year. Double cropping can increase farm productivity and profitability by maximizing the use of land resources. Farmers must plan carefully to ensure soil fertility and moisture levels are maintained for multiple crops.

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Pitch Pole

pitch pole: A harrow with double-ended tines. Helpful content: Using a pitch pole can significantly improve soil aeration and preparation, leading to better crop yields. By breaking up the soil more effectively, it helps roots to penetrate deeper, promoting healthier and more robust plant growth.

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Spread

spread: to put something such as manure, fertiliser, or mulch on an area of ground. Properly spreading agricultural inputs ensures even distribution and optimal benefits, supporting healthy crop growth and better yields.

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Potato

potato: A tuber of Solanum tuberosum, one of the most important starchy root crops. Helpful content: Potatoes are a versatile and high-yield crop that can be grown in various climates. Understanding proper cultivation techniques, pest management, and storage methods can help farmers achieve high productivity and profitability.

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Import

import: 1. To introduce new things from elsewhere. 2. To buy crops or produce in foreign countries and bring them back into the home country. They import dates from North Africa. Knowledge of imports helps farmers diversify their produce and meet market demands.

Rangeland

Land used primarily for grazing livestock and wildlife, typically characterized by natural vegetation such as grasses and shrubs. Rangelands provide forage for animals and habitat for wildlife. For example, managing rangelands to support cattle grazing and wildlife conservation.