April 3, 2025
C

Cross-Pollination

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

Cross-Pollination: Cross-pollination noun the pollination of a flower with pollen from another plant of the same species. Compare self-pollination (NOTE: The pollen goes from the anther of one plant to the stigma of another.) COMMENT: Cross-pollination, like cross-fertilization and cross-breeding, avoids inbreeding, which may weaken the species. Some plants are self-fertile (i.e. they are able to fertilize themselves) and do not need pollinators, but most benefit from cross-fertilization and cross-pollination. Engaging in cross-pollination practices supports genetic diversity and crop improvement.

S

Spore

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

spore: the microscopic reproductive body of fungi, bacteria, and some non-flowering plants such as ferns. COMMENT: Spores are produced by plants such as ferns or by algae and fungi. They are microscopic and float in the air or water until they find a resting place where they can germinate. Managing spores helps farmers prevent disease outbreaks and ensure healthy crop growth, supporting productivity and quality.

T

Towbar

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

towbar: A strong bar at the back of a car or tractor, to which another vehicle can be attached to be pulled along. Proper use and maintenance of towbars can improve safety and efficiency in farm logistics.

H

Heather

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

heather: A plant (Calluna vulgaris) found on acid soils, common in upland areas. It is used by game birds such as grouse for cover and food. Managing heather growth can support game bird populations and provide grazing for livestock.

D

Drop

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

drop: A small amount of liquid that falls. In agriculture, drops can refer to the fall of immature fruit or the process of giving birth in livestock. Proper management of fruit trees and livestock can minimize losses and ensure healthy production.

P

Potassium

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

potassium: A soft metallic element, essential to biological life. Helpful content: Potassium is a critical nutrient for plant and animal health. Adequate potassium levels in soil and feed improve crop yields and livestock health, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

S

Scraper

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

scraper: A steel-framed attachment for a tractor. It has a rubber scraping edge, and is used for heavy duty work, clearing slurry from farmyards. Farmers benefit from using scrapers to maintain clean and hygienic farmyards.

Dictionary

Soil Surface Sealing

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

The process by which the soil surface becomes hard and compacted, reducing water infiltration and seedling emergence. Soil surface sealing can be caused by heavy rainfall, irrigation, and soil management practices. For example, using cover crops and organic matter to reduce soil surface sealing and improve soil health for crop production.

H

Herd Health

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

herd health: The welfare of a herd of cattle taken as a whole, particularly regarding the spread of infectious diseases. Ensuring herd health through proper veterinary care and management practices maximizes productivity and prevents disease outbreaks.

P

Pan

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

pan: 1. A wide shallow pot for growing seeds 2. A hard cemented layer of soil, impervious to drainage, lying below the surface. It is formed by the deposition of iron compounds or by ploughing at the same depth every year. Pan may be broken up by using a subsoiler. Proper seed germination and soil management improve plant growth and crop yields.

N

Nitrify

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

nitrify: verb to convert nitrogen or nitrogen compounds into nitrates. Nitrification is essential for making nitrogen available to plants. Farmers can benefit from understanding the factors that influence nitrification, such as soil pH, temperature, and moisture. Implementing practices that support nitrification, like maintaining balanced soil conditions and avoiding compaction, ensures optimal nitrogen availability for crops. This leads to improved plant health, higher yields, and sustainable farming practices.

D

Deforestation

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

deforestation: The cutting down of forest trees for commercial purposes or to make arable or pasture land. Deforestation should be managed carefully to balance agricultural needs with environmental conservation. Farmers can implement practices like selective logging, reforestation, and sustainable land use planning to reduce the negative impacts of deforestation. Understanding the ecological and economic consequences of deforestation will help in making informed land management decisions.

N

Nectar

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

nectar: a sweet sugary liquid produced by flowers, which attracts birds or insects which pollinate the flowers. Nectar is crucial for attracting pollinators like bees, which play a vital role in the pollination of many crops. Farmers can benefit from encouraging the presence of nectar-producing plants on their farms to support pollinator populations. This enhances pollination efficiency, leading to higher fruit and seed set, improved crop yields, and better quality produce. Supporting pollinators also promotes biodiversity and ecological health, contributing to sustainable farming practices.

E

Extract

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

extract: 1. To take something out of somewhere. Vanilla essence is extracted from an orchid. 2. To produce a substance from another. Coconut oil is extracted from copra. Understanding extraction processes helps farmers produce value-added products and increase income.

N

Nettle

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

nettle: a plant, especially one of the genus Urtica, which possesses stinging hairs. Nettle, despite being a nuisance weed, has potential benefits for farmers. It can be used as a nutritious feed for livestock, a source of natural fibers, and a habitat for beneficial insects. Farmers can benefit from managing nettle growth to harness its positive attributes while minimizing its impact on crops. Understanding the ecological role of nettles can help integrate them into a sustainable farming system, promoting biodiversity and resource efficiency.

W

Weevil

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

weevil: A kind of beetle which feeds on grain, nuts, fruit, and leaves. The larvae of grain beetles feed on the stored grain where they also pupate. Managing weevil infestations can prevent crop losses and protect stored produce.

R

Redwater

Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.by Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

redwater: A parasitic disease of cattle transmitted by the common tick. The affected animal becomes very dull, feverish, salivates freely, and often staggers and falls. The acute form of the disease is often fatal. Managing redwater is crucial for maintaining cattle health and farm productivity.