Author: April Kingsman

trafficability: The ability of soil to take machinery or stock without significant soil damage. It is related to the soil water content. Monitoring and managing trafficability can prevent soil compaction and enhance crop growth.

Clumping: The gathering together of a large number of things in a mass. Understanding clumping behavior in plants or animals helps farmers manage crops and livestock effectively.

nutritious: adjective (of food) containing the elements needed to nourish plants and animals, e.g., a diet of nutritious food. Nutritious foods support the health and productivity of both humans and livestock. Farmers can benefit from growing and producing nutritious crops and feed to meet market demands and improve animal performance. Understanding the nutritional requirements of crops and livestock helps optimize production practices and diet formulation, ensuring optimal growth and health. Providing nutritious options supports sustainable farming, enhances marketability, and increases farm profitability.

The practice of allowing livestock to graze on pastures during the summer months when forage is abundant. Summer grazing helps reduce feed costs and support animal health. For instance, rotating cattle through different pastures during the summer to optimize forage use.

hawthorn: A small tree (Crataegus monogyna) with spiny shoots, used for hedges around grazing areas. Planting hawthorn hedges can provide natural barriers, improve biodiversity, and offer forage for wildlife.

Community: Community noun a group of different organisms which live together in an area the plant community on the sand dunes. Understanding community dynamics helps manage ecosystems and biodiversity.

Farrowing Fever: A disease of pigs caused by inflammation of the womb. Pigs suffer high temperatures and loss of appetite. Also called MMA. Early detection and treatment of farrowing fever are crucial for maintaining pig health and productivity.

injurious weed: A weed which causes damage to crops or livestock, e.g. ragwort or creeping thistle. Helps farmers identify and manage harmful weeds.

spinach beet: a plant similar to sugar beet, but grown for its leaves which are cooked in the same way as spinach. Growing spinach beet provides farmers with a versatile crop for fresh and processed markets, enhancing farm income and sustainability.

Lodgepole Pine: Lodgepole pine is a slow-growing tree which thrives on poor soil and is used as a pioneer crop (Pinus contorta). Growing lodgepole pine can provide farmers with a sustainable source of timber and improve soil health.