Month: December 2014

bio-: A prefix referring to living organisms. Farmers should be familiar with bio-related terms to understand biological processes and innovations in agriculture.

beetroot: A salad vegetable with a bright red root. Growing beetroot provides nutritious vegetables for fresh markets and processing.

afforestation: The planting of trees in an area or as a crop. This practice can improve soil quality, prevent erosion, and contribute to sustainable land management.

Land Reform: Land reform is a government policy of splitting up agricultural land and dividing it up between those people who do not own any land. Land reform policies can increase access to land and promote equitable agricultural development.

Wyandotte: Wyandotte refers to a breed of chicken known for good egg and meat production. Farmers can benefit from raising Wyandottes to diversify poultry products and improve farm income.

subsistence: the condition of managing to live on the smallest amount of resources including food needed to stay alive. Properly managing subsistence farming ensures food security and basic livelihoods for farmers.

allelopathy: The release by one plant of a chemical substance that restricts the germination or growth of another plant. Managing allelopathic interactions helps farmers optimize crop rotations and soil health.

migrant: an animal or bird that moves from one place to another according to the season. Understanding migration patterns can help farmers manage livestock and crop production more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

Cross: Cross verb to produce a new form of plant or animal from two different breeds, varieties, or species They crossed two strains of rice to produce a new strain which is highly resistant to disease. noun 1. an act of crossing two plants or animals made a cross between two strains of cattle 2. a new form of plant or animal bred from two different breeds, varieties, or species. Engaging in crossbreeding practices supports genetic diversity and crop or livestock improvement.

tractor vaporising oil: A fuel formerly used in many tractors, now replaced by diesel oil. Abbr TVO. Understanding historical fuel use can provide insights into modern agricultural practices and equipment evolution.