Month: May 2016

water abstraction: The diversion or removal of water from any surface or underground source for some purpose, such as for irrigation. Managing water abstraction can ensure sustainable water use and improve irrigation efficiency.

thinnings: Small plants removed to let others grow more strongly. Utilizing thinnings can minimize waste and improve overall crop management.

Field-Grown: Referring to a crop grown in a field as opposed to in a greenhouse. Field-grown crops often have different management requirements and benefits compared to greenhouse-grown crops.

vagal indigestion: A disease of livestock due to malfunction of the vagus nerve which controls the activity of the stomach and intestines. Managing vagal indigestion can improve animal health and digestion, ensuring better nutrient absorption and productivity.

The practice of feeding young animals milk or milk replacer using a bottle. Bottle feeding is often necessary for orphaned or weak calves. For example, bottle feeding calves to ensure they receive adequate nutrition and care.

Calving Interval: The period of time between one calving and the next. Managing calving intervals is essential for optimizing reproductive efficiency and milk production in dairy herds.

orange: The fruit of the Citrus aurantium, a native tree of China, whose nutritional value is due mainly to its high vitamin C content. Oranges are a high-value crop with strong market demand. Farmers can benefit from growing oranges by understanding best practices for cultivation, pest control, and marketing to maximize profitability and product quality.

The movement and exchange of nutrients within an ecosystem, including their uptake by plants, consumption by animals, and decomposition. Nutrient cycling is essential for maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem health. For example, incorporating crop residues into the soil to recycle nutrients and support future crop growth.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A colorless, odorless, non-flammable atmospheric gas used in photosynthesis and given off in aerobic respiration. Managing carbon dioxide levels in greenhouses and fields supports healthy plant growth and mitigates climate change impacts.

Belgian Blue: A dual-purpose breed of cattle resulting from crossing Friesians and Shorthorns. Raising Belgian Blues provides both meat and milk, enhancing farm productivity.