March 8, 2025
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Competition

Competition: Competition noun the struggle for limited resources such as food, light, or a mate, occurring between organisms of the same or different species. Understanding competition helps manage ecosystems and improve biodiversity.

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Renewable

renewable: Referring to something that can be replaced or can renew itself by regrowing, reforming, or breeding. Utilizing renewable resources supports sustainable farming practices and reduces environmental impact.

Plant Nutrition

The study of how plants obtain and use nutrients for growth and development. Plant nutrition includes understanding nutrient uptake, transport, and metabolism. For example, analyzing soil nutrient levels to determine the appropriate fertilizer application for optimal crop growth.

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Row Crop

row crop: A crop planted in rows wide enough to allow cultivators between the rows. Most farm crops are drilled in rows, in preference to broadcasting. Managing row crops supports efficient cultivation and weed control.

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Soilage

soilage: green forage crops that are cut and carried to feed animals grazing on unproductive pastures, in order to supplement their diets. Crops commonly used for soilage are clovers and lucerne. Using soilage supports livestock nutrition, ensuring adequate feed supply and promoting healthy growth and productivity.

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Green Claim

green claim: A green claim is any text, symbols, or graphics on food packaging that tells the consumer about its environmental impact. Meeting green claim standards helps farmers market eco-friendly products and meet consumer demand.

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Loose Smut

Loose Smut: Loose smut is a fungus (Ustilago nuda) affecting wheat and barley. Masses of black spores collect on the diseased heads; the spores are dispersed in the wind, and only a bare stalk is left. Managing loose smut through disease prevention and control measures can protect wheat and barley crops and improve yields.

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Doddle

doddle: An easy task. Understanding the concept of a doddle can provide valuable insights into simplifying farm tasks and operations. Farmers should identify and implement strategies to make tasks easier and more efficient. Understanding the benefits of simplifying tasks will aid in improving productivity and reducing labor costs.

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Subsoil

subsoil: a layer of soil under the topsoil. COMMENT: The subsoil contains little organic matter but chemical substances from the topsoil leach into it. Properly managing subsoil ensures healthy root growth and soil fertility, supporting productive agriculture.

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Carbon Footprint

carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by human activities, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents. Reducing the carbon footprint of farming operations can contribute to environmental sustainability.

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Cook Chill

Cook Chill: Cook chill, cook freeze noun a method of preparing food for preserving, where the food is cooked to a certain temperature and then chilled or frozen. Using cook chill methods extends the shelf life of prepared foods and maintains quality.

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Lay

Lay: To lay means to produce an egg. A layer is a flat area of a substance under or over another area. In geological formations, layers of rock are called strata; layers of soil are called horizons. Understanding laying patterns in poultry can improve egg production efficiency.

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Ryeland

Ryeland: A rare breed of sheep. It is a medium-sized animal, white faced and without horns. The sheep has a very symmetrical shape and a thick growth of wool. Raising Ryeland sheep helps farmers preserve rare breeds and produce high-quality wool and meat.

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Gastric Juices

gastric juices: Mixture of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, intrinsic factor, and mucus secreted by the cells of the lining membrane of the stomach to help the digestion of food. Understanding gastric juices is crucial for optimizing animal nutrition and health.

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Slurry

slurry: liquid or semi-liquid waste from animals, stored in tanks or lagoons and treated to be used as fertiliser. Proper management of slurry provides a valuable resource for soil fertility, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers and promoting sustainable farming practices.

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Environmental Management

environmental management: The idea of humans interacting with the environment in a responsible and ethically sound way, without sacrificing productivity. Guidelines or practices which support this aim. Adopting environmental management practices helps farmers balance productivity with sustainability.

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Ig

Ig: Immunoglobulin – a protein produced by specific white blood cells that acts as an antibody in immune responses. Abbr Ig. Important for livestock health and disease management.

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Dipping

dipping: The process of plunging an animal in a chemical solution to remove ticks, etc. COMMENT: Sheep are dipped to eradicate parasites such as lice and ticks, and to prevent sheep scab. Dipping varies from region to region according to custom, breed, and climate. Dipping may be ordered by Defra to control outbreaks of disease, and in certain cases, it has to be witnessed by a local authority inspector. Proper dipping practices are essential for managing external parasites and maintaining animal health. Farmers should use appropriate techniques and follow safety guidelines for effective dipping. Understanding the benefits and applications of dipping will aid in effective parasite management and improved livestock welfare.

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Rill

rill: A very narrow stream; a small channel eroded in soil by rainwater. It can be removed during ordinary cultivation. Managing rills helps farmers control soil erosion and maintain field productivity.

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Quince

quince: A small tree (Cydonia vulgaris) native of western Asia, the hard pear-shaped sour fruit of which are rich in pectin and used to make jellies and other preserves. Growing quince can provide farmers with a unique fruit crop that appeals to niche markets and adds diversity to their farming operations.