Clay
Clay: A type of heavy non-porous soil made of fine silicate particles. Managing clay soils involves using appropriate amendments to improve fertility and support healthy crop growth.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Cyanocobalamin: Cyanocobalamin /sa??n??k??bæl? m?n/ noun vitamin B12. Understanding cyanocobalamin aids in managing livestock nutrition and health.
soil contamination: the presence of chemical or biological elements which affect the soils natural function. Preventing soil contamination ensures healthy crop growth and protects the environment, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Methods used to identify individual calves, including ear tags, tattoos, and electronic identification. Proper identification is essential for management and record-keeping. For example, tagging and recording each calf at birth to track growth and health.
monosodium glutamate: a form of glutamate, used as a flavour enhancer in food. Abbr MSG. Understanding the uses and effects of monosodium glutamate can help farmers manage food production and marketability more effectively.
Beltsville: A breed of large turkey with white feathers. Raising Beltsville turkeys can meet market demands for meat and enhance farm diversity.
Veterinary Surveillance Strategy: A 10-year initiative by Defra to monitor animal diseases in farms, so that the information can be used to plan future health and welfare practices. The VSS helps in early disease detection and effective management, protecting livestock health.
The ears of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef ears for culinary and specialty markets.
Farmer-Controlled Business: A farm owned and controlled by the farmer who also manages the land. These businesses often adopt long-term, proactive approaches to marketing and return value to members through innovative contracts.
multi-seeding: machinery which sows many different types of seed at once. Understanding the techniques and applications of multi-seeding can help farmers optimize their crop production and improve yields and sustainability.
The practices and strategies used to care for and manage poultry, including feeding, health care, and housing. For example, implementing poultry farm management practices to ensure high productivity and healthy birds.
germ: A microorganism that causes a disease, e.g., a virus or bacterium (informal). A part of an organism that develops into a new organism. The central part of a seed, formed of the embryo. It contains valuable nutrients. Wheatgerm. Knowledge of germs and their effects is essential for preventing and managing diseases in crops and livestock, ensuring farm productivity and health.
Linking Environment and Farming: Linking Environment and Farming is the full form of LEAF. Partnering with organizations like LEAF can enhance sustainable farming practices and public engagement.
renewable resource: A natural resource that replaces itself unless overused, e.g. animal or plant life, fresh water, or wind energy. Managing renewable resources sustainably ensures long-term farm productivity and environmental health.
dwarfing rootstock: A plant that is normally low-growing, causing the plant grafted onto it to grow smaller than it would otherwise. Dwarfing rootstocks are used in fruit tree cultivation to control tree size and improve fruit production and management.
selective herbicide: A weedkiller which is designed to kill only plants with specific characteristics and not others. Farmers benefit from using selective herbicides to control weeds without harming crops.
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.
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.
alternative technology: The use of traditional techniques and equipment and materials that are available locally for agriculture, manufacturing, and other processes. Adopting alternative technologies helps farmers improve sustainability and reduce costs.
A cut of beef obtained from the diaphragm muscle, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when marinated. Skirt steak is commonly used for fajitas and stir-fries. For example, producing skirt steak for grilling and Mexican-inspired dishes.
porcine coronavirus type 2: Full form of PCV2. Helpful content: Recognizing and managing PCV2 is essential for maintaining the health of pig herds. Implementing biosecurity measures and vaccination programs can reduce the impact of this virus and prevent economic losses.
American bison: Same as bison. Raising American bison provides farmers with valuable livestock for meat and conservation purposes.
heat stress: Distress and discomfort suffered by an animal because it is too hot. Managing heat stress through proper shelter and hydration ensures the health and productivity of livestock.
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE): An organization that advocates for rural preservation and sustainable development. Engaging with organizations like CPRE helps farmers stay informed about and involved in rural conservation efforts.
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.
short-grain rice: Varieties of rice with short grains, grown in cooler climates such as Japan. Farmers benefit from growing short-grain rice for its market demand and suitability to specific climates.
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.
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.
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.
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.