Category: A

agriculture: The cultivation of land, including horticulture, fruit growing, crop and seed growing, dairy farming, and livestock breeding. Understanding the various aspects of agriculture helps farmers manage their operations effectively and sustainably.

alien: Same as exotic. Managing alien species is important for farmers to prevent ecological disruption and protect native biodiversity.

Adjusted Eurospec Average: Formerly, the average price for pigs. It was replaced in 2003 by the Deadweight Average Pig Price. Abbr AESA. Understanding market prices helps farmers make informed decisions about livestock sales.

agronomist: A person who studies the cultivation of crops and provides advice to farmers. Farmers benefit from the expertise of agronomists to optimize crop production and soil management.

alluvial: Referring to alluvium. Understanding alluvial soils helps farmers manage soil fertility and crop production in riverine areas.

Advisory Committee on Pesticides: A statutory body set up under the UK Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 to advise on all matters relating to the control of pesticides. Abbr ACP. Farmers benefit from ACP advice on safe and effective pesticide use.

acid soil: Soil which has a pH value of 6 or less. Farming tends to make the soil more acid, but most farm crops will not grow well if the soil is very acid. This can be cured by applying one of the materials commonly used for adding lime, such as ground chalk or limestone. Understanding soil pH management helps farmers maintain healthy soil for optimal crop production.

agglutination: A process in which cells come together to form clumps. For example, agglutination takes place when bacterial cells are in the presence of serum or affects blood cells when blood of different types is mixed. Knowing about agglutination helps farmers manage animal health and diagnose diseases.

additive: A chemical which is added to food to improve its appearance or to keep it fresh. Farmers need to understand the role and regulations of additives in animal feed and food production.

Agricultural and Food Research Council: Formerly, a council established to organize and provide funds for agricultural and food research. It was replaced by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council in 1993. Abbr AFRC. Farmers benefit from research funded by councils like AFRC to improve their practices and productivity.