Month: December 2012

silage: Food for cattle formed of grass and other green plants, cut and stored in silos. Silage is made by fermenting a crop with a high moisture content under anaerobic conditions. It may be made from a variety of crops, the most common being grass and maize, although grass and clover mixtures, green cereals, kale, root tops, sugar beet pulp and potatoes can also be used. Trials indicate that very high-quality grass silage can be fed to adult pigs. Farmers benefit from producing silage for high-quality livestock feed and efficient forage management.

The cultivation of cotton plants for their fiber, used in textile production. Cotton farming includes planting, managing pests, and harvesting cotton bolls. For example, a cotton farm might supply raw cotton to textile mills.

genomic: Relating to a genome. Genomic research aids in understanding the genetic basis of traits and diseases, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about breeding and management practices.

terra rossa: A red soil that develops over limestone, found in Spain, Southern France, and Southern Italy. Knowing about terra rossa can help farmers select appropriate crops and manage soil health in these regions.

monocropping: the practice of growing one type of crop on the same piece of land at the same time. Compare mixed cropping. Understanding monocropping can help farmers manage crop production more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

Land Agent: A land agent is a person employed to run a farm or an estate on behalf of the owner. Land agents can provide expertise in managing farm operations, improving efficiency and profitability.

wood ash: Wood ash is the ash from burnt wood, a source of potash. Farmers can use wood ash as a natural fertilizer to improve soil fertility and crop yields.

scaly leg: A disease affecting the legs of poultry, caused by a mite which burrows under the leg scales causing considerable itching. Large hard scales develop on the unfeathered parts of the legs. Farmers benefit from treating scaly leg to ensure poultry health and productivity.

Light Leaf Spot: Light leaf spot is a disease (Pyrenopeziza brassicae) which affects oilseed rape, causing light green or pale areas to appear on the leaves. Managing light leaf spot through disease prevention and control measures can protect oilseed rape crops and improve yields.

geese: Plural of goose. Geese are important for meat and egg production, and their grazing habits can help manage pastureland.