Author: April Kingsman

byte: A unit of digital information. Understanding digital terms like bytes supports farm technology and data management.

persimmon: A native tree (Diospyros kaki) of Japan and China, which produces reddish-orange fruit, similar in appearance to tomatoes. The fruits are eaten either as dessert or may be cooked; they are very rich in vitamins. Growing persimmons provides a valuable fruit crop that meets market demand and offers nutritional benefits.

degradation: The decomposition of a chemical compound into its elements. Managing degradation processes is important for maintaining soil health and preventing pollution. Farmers should implement practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and proper waste management to enhance degradation and nutrient cycling. Monitoring soil health and adjusting management practices will ensure sustainable and productive farming systems.

elt: A young sow. (NOTE: This is not a common word.) Understanding terminology like “elt” helps farmers communicate effectively about livestock.

International Cocoa Organization: An international organization set up to stabilize the international market in cocoa by holding buffer stocks to offset seasonal differences in production quantities. Abbr ICCO. Supports cocoa farmers’ livelihoods.

support energy: the total energy expenditure necessary for the production of plant and animal agricultural foodstuffs. Properly managing support energy ensures efficient resource use and sustainability in agricultural production.

soil fertility: the potential capacity of soil to support plant growth based on its content of nitrogen and other nutrients. Managing soil fertility ensures healthy crop growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

malting: the process by which barley grain is soaked in water, then sprouted on a floor to produce an enzyme. It is then dried in a kiln and the roots and shoots are removed to leave the malt grains. Understanding the malting process can help farmers produce high-quality barley, leading to better marketability and income.

The layer of fat covering an animal’s muscles, affecting meat quality and yield. Fat cover is assessed to determine market readiness and processing efficiency. For example, monitoring fat cover in cattle to optimize meat quality and minimize waste.

sideland: A strip of land left at the side of a field during ploughing. It may be ploughed up with the headlands. Farmers benefit from managing sideland for efficient land use and crop rotation.