Author: April Kingsman

eyespot: A disease of cereals (Cercosporella herpotrichoides), which causes lesions to form on the stem surface and gray mold inside the stem. Compare sharp eyespot. Managing eyespot disease helps farmers protect crop health and yield.

reservoir: An artificial or natural area of water, used for storing water for domestic or industrial use. Managing reservoirs ensures a reliable water supply for farm irrigation and other agricultural needs.

dicotyledon: A plant with seeds that have a cotyledon with two parts. Dicotyledons form the largest group of plants. Compare monocotyledon. Farmers should understand the characteristics and growth requirements of dicotyledons to manage crops effectively. Proper soil preparation, irrigation, and pest management are essential for successful cultivation of dicotyledons. Knowledge of plant types can aid in crop rotation and disease prevention.

A place where beehives are kept for honey production. Apiaries can be small, backyard setups or large commercial operations. For example, a beekeeper might maintain an apiary with several hives to produce honey for sale.

dystrophic: Referring to a pond or lake that contains very acidic brown water, lacks oxygen, and is unable to support much plant or animal life because of excessive humus content. Managing dystrophic conditions involves monitoring water quality and implementing measures to improve oxygen levels and reduce acidity.

plane tree: A common temperate deciduous hardwood tree, frequently grown in towns because of its resistance to air pollution. Helpful content: Plane trees can be beneficial for agroforestry systems, providing shade and acting as windbreaks. Their resistance to pollution makes them suitable for urban and peri-urban farming environments.

Commodity Exchange: Commodity exchange noun a place where commodities are bought and sold. Engaging in commodity exchanges provides opportunities for price discovery and risk management.

ecological efficiency: A measurement of how much energy is used at different stages in the food chain or at different trophic levels. Understanding ecological efficiency helps farmers optimize resource use and improve sustainability.

Irish Moiled: A rare breed of medium-sized dual-purpose cattle. The animals have a distinctive white back strip. Helps farmers choose and manage rare cattle breeds.

Farmyard Manure: Manure formed of cattle excreta mixed with straw, used as a fertilizer. Abbr FYM. Proper use of farmyard manure improves soil fertility and reduces waste.