Author: April Kingsman

grafting: The process of joining two plants together so that they grow as one. Grafting can improve plant health, increase yields, and produce new plant varieties.

The practice of regularly inspecting crops and livestock for signs of pests and their damage. Pest monitoring helps farmers make informed decisions about pest control methods. For example, conducting regular field inspections to detect early signs of pest infestations in a crop.

brown earth: A type of fertile soil rich in organic matter. Managing brown earth soils supports high crop productivity and sustainable farming practices.

alpine pastures: Grass fields in high mountains which are used by cattle farmers in the summer. Managing alpine pastures helps farmers optimize grazing resources and maintain livestock health.

Capon: A castrated edible cockerel, often treated with a sex-inhibiting hormone to increase weight gain. Raising capons provides high-quality meat and can be a profitable addition to poultry operations.

Fauna: The wild animals and birds that live naturally in a specific area. Compare flora. Protecting fauna supports biodiversity and ecological balance on farms.

monera: same as prokaryote. Understanding the role and characteristics of prokaryotes can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

anaplasmosis: An infectious disease of cattle, characterized by anemia. Understanding and managing anaplasmosis helps farmers protect the health and productivity of their herds.

partial drought: In the UK, a period of at least 29 consecutive days when the mean rainfall does not exceed 2.54mm. Monitoring and managing drought conditions helps in planning irrigation and ensuring crop survival.

terrace cultivation: Hill slopes cut to form terraced fields which rise in steps one above the other and are cultivated, often with the aid of irrigation. Implementing terrace cultivation can increase arable land area and improve water management, supporting sustainable farming practices.