Month: December 2011

zucchini: Zucchini is a term for courgettes, harvested at an immature stage. Farmers can grow zucchini to meet market demand for fresh, versatile vegetables.

Cambridge Roller: A heavy roller with a ribbed surface, consisting of a number of heavy iron wheels or rings, each with a ridge about 4 cm high. Using a Cambridge roller provides an excellent seedbed for grass and clover seeds, promoting healthy germination and growth.

herb: A plant that is used to add flavor in cooking or has medicinal properties. Growing herbs can diversify farm products and provide additional income streams.

intercropping: The growing of crops with different characteristics and requirements on the same area of land at the same time. Helps farmers optimize land use and manage crop diversity.

ecotax: A tax that is used to encourage people to change from an activity that damages the environment or to encourage activities with beneficial environmental effects. Also called environmental tax. Ecotaxes can incentivize farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

patent flour: A very fine good-quality wheat flour. Producing high-quality flour can meet market demands and improve profitability for grain farmers.

A group of cows that are managed together for breeding and production purposes. The cowherd is the foundation of a cattle breeding program. For instance, a cowherd may consist of various breeds selected for specific traits.

Ley: A ley is 1. a field in which crops are grown in rotation with periods when the field is sown with grass for pasture. Leys are an essential part of organic farming. 2. land which has been sown to grass for a time. Utilizing leys in crop rotation can improve soil health and fertility.

twist: A disease of cereals and grasses which causes malformation of the leaves and stalks due to the growth of internal fungus. This may prevent the ear emerging from its sheath (Dilophospora alopecuri). Recognizing and managing twist can prevent crop losses and improve yield.

swampy: referring to land that is permanently wet. Properly managing swampy lands ensures biodiversity and ecological balance, supporting sustainable land use and agricultural productivity.