Author: April Kingsman

genetic manipulation: Same as genetic modification. Genetic manipulation techniques enable the development of crops and livestock with enhanced characteristics, aiding farmers in achieving higher efficiency and sustainability.

vegetative: Referring to plants. Maintaining vegetative cover can enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion, supporting sustainable farming practices.

decumbent: Referring to plant stems which lie on the surface of the soil for part of their length, but turn upwards at the end. Decumbent plants can be useful in ground cover and erosion control. Farmers should consider incorporating decumbent plants into their cropping systems to protect soil, reduce weed pressure, and improve biodiversity. Proper management and selection of decumbent species can enhance their benefits in agricultural landscapes.

brackish water: Water that has more salinity than freshwater but less than seawater. Understanding water quality is important for managing irrigation and aquaculture systems effectively.

bacon: Cured meat from the back and sides of a pig. Knowledge of the curing process allows farmers to produce high-quality bacon, adding value to their pork products.

Calf Diphtheria: A disease affecting the mouth and throat of a calf. Preventing and treating calf diphtheria involves maintaining good hygiene and providing appropriate veterinary care to ensure the health of young livestock.

Curative Fungicide: Curative fungicide /kj??r?t?v f??g?sa?d/ noun a fungicide that is applied to plants once they have been infected with a fungus rather than as a preventative measure. Utilizing curative fungicides protects crops from fungal diseases.

VMD: Abbreviation for Veterinary Medicines Directorate. The VMD ensures the safe and effective use of veterinary medicines, protecting animal health.

spading machine: a machine which uses rotating digger blades to cultivate compacted topsoil and dig out pans created by other cultivators. Using spading machines improves soil aeration and structure, promoting healthy root growth and better crop yields.

nitrogen fixation: the process by which nitrogen in the air is converted by bacteria in some plant roots into nitrogen compounds. When the plants die, the nitrogen is released into the soil and acts as a fertilizer. Nitrogen fixation is a natural process that enriches soil with essential nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Farmers can benefit from incorporating nitrogen-fixing plants like legumes into their crop rotations. This practice improves soil fertility, supports sustainable nutrient management, and enhances crop yields. Understanding nitrogen fixation helps farmers optimize crop planning and soil health management, contributing to long-term farm productivity.