October 10, 2024
N

Nodule

nodule: a small lump found on the roots of leguminous plants such as peas which contains bacteria that can convert nitrogen from the air into nitrogen compounds. Nodules are essential for nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil with natural nitrogen and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Farmers can benefit from understanding the role of nodules in leguminous plants and incorporating these plants into their crop rotations. This practice enhances soil fertility, supports sustainable farming, and reduces input costs. Promoting nitrogen fixation through nodules ensures long-term soil health and farm productivity.

W

Weatings

weatings: A by-product of milling wheat, made up of brans of various particle sizes and varying amounts of attached endosperm, which is used as a feedingstuff. Also called wheatings. Using weatings as feed can provide a nutritious and cost-effective option for livestock.

A

Afterbirth

afterbirth: The remains of the placenta pushed out of the uterus of the dam at the birth of a young animal. Also called cleansing. Proper management of afterbirth is important for the health of the dam and newborn in livestock farming.

L

Lettuce

Lettuce: Lettuce is a salad vegetable (Lactuca sativa) which comes in a variety of forms and leaf textures. The commonest are cos lettuce, cabbage lettuce, crisphead, and loose-leaved lettuces. Cabbage lettuces have roundish heads, while cos lettuces have longer leaves and are more upright. Growing different varieties of lettuce can provide farmers with a diverse and marketable crop.

Soil Porosity

The measure of the volume of pores or spaces within the soil, which affects water retention, drainage, and root growth. Soil porosity is influenced by factors such as soil texture, structure, and organic matter content. For example, enhancing soil porosity through conservation tillage and organic matter addition to support healthy plant growth and optimize water use efficiency.

A

Agriculture

agriculture: The cultivation of land, including horticulture, fruit growing, crop and seed growing, dairy farming, and livestock breeding. Understanding the various aspects of agriculture helps farmers manage their operations effectively and sustainably.

C

Cesspool

Cesspool: A tank for household sewage, constructed in the ground near a house not connected to the main drainage system. Managing cesspools involves regular maintenance to prevent contamination and ensure environmental safety.

W

Wild

wild: Wild refers to animals or plants that are not domesticated or cultivated. Understanding wild species is important for farmers to manage their land effectively, preserving biodiversity and preventing potential damage from wild animals.

H

Herdmark

herdmark: A unique marker assigned to each herd of pigs by Defra and used to identify the animals when being moved from the farm. Using herdmarks ensures traceability and compliance with animal movement regulations.

I

Internal Laying

internal laying: A condition in hens caused by a fault in the oviduct, which results in the yolks not being passed along the oviduct for covering with membranes and shell. Helps farmers identify and manage reproductive issues in poultry.

P

Plough

plough: An agricultural implement used to turn over the surface of the soil in order to cultivate crops. Helpful content: Ploughing is a fundamental practice in preparing land for planting. It helps break up soil, incorporate organic matter, and control weeds, creating an optimal environment for crop growth.

S

Stigma

stigma: the part of a flower’s female reproductive organ that receives the pollen grains. (NOTE: It is generally located at the tip of the style.) Understanding the structure and function of stigmas helps farmers manage plant reproduction and optimize yields.