Month: November 2014

Cull: Cull noun 1. killing a certain number of living animals to keep the population under control or to remove excess animals from a herd or flock deer cull, dairy cow cull the act of killing a certain number of deer or dairy cows 2. an animal that has been separated from the herd or flock and killed, usually because it is old or of poor quality verb to reduce the numbers of wild animals by killing them in a controlled way Deer may have to be culled each year to control the numbers on the hills. COMMENT: In the management of large wild animals without predators, such as herds of deer in Europe, it is usual to kill some mature animals each year to prevent a large population forming and overgrazing the pasture. Without culling, the population would seriously damage their environment and in the end die back from starvation. In the management of dairy cattle, animals are culled from herds to eradicate disease. Managing culls supports livestock health and population control.

holly: An evergreen tree (Ilex aquifolium) producing hard white timber. Growing holly can provide valuable timber and ornamental products for farmers.

The practices and strategies used to maintain and improve the health and fertility of soil, essential for sustainable agriculture. For example, implementing soil health management techniques to enhance crop productivity and reduce environmental impact.

sepal: A part of the calyx of a flower, usually green and sometimes hairy. Farmers benefit from understanding sepals for better flower and crop management.

short-day plant: A plant that flowers as the days get shorter in the autumn, e.g. a chrysanthemum. Compare long-day plant. Farmers benefit from understanding short-day plants for effective crop planning and management.

absorption: The process of taking in water, dissolved minerals, and other nutrients across cell membranes. Effective absorption is crucial for the healthy growth of crops.

Comb: Comb noun the red fleshy crest on a fowl. Managing fowl health includes monitoring the condition of the comb.

isolation: The process of keeping infected animals away from others. Helps farmers manage disease control in livestock.

establishment: 1. The germination and emergence of seedlings. There was a good crop establishment. 2. A period when a newly seeded sward is becoming established. Successful establishment is crucial for farmers to ensure healthy crop growth and yield.

pasture: Grass or other plants grown for feeding grazing animals. Managing pastures effectively ensures adequate nutrition for livestock and maintains soil health.