Category: A

animal husbandry: The process of breeding and looking after farm animals. Understanding animal husbandry helps farmers manage livestock health, productivity, and welfare.

aerate: To allow air to enter a substance, especially soil or water. Aerating soil improves its structure and fertility, benefiting crop growth for farmers.

anchorage: The ability of plant roots to hold firm in the soil. Understanding anchorage helps farmers manage soil health and crop stability.

agroecology: The ecology of a crop-producing area. Applying agroecology principles helps farmers adopt sustainable practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity.

anaemic: Affected by anaemia. The US spelling is anemic. Understanding anemia helps farmers manage livestock health and prevent productivity losses.

anaerobic digestion: The breakdown of organic material without the presence of oxygen. This process can convert waste into biogas and nutrient-rich slurry, offering farmers a sustainable waste management solution.

anaerobic: Not needing oxygen for existence. Compare aerobic. Understanding anaerobic processes helps farmers manage waste and soil health.

adsorbable: Referring to a gas or vapor which is able to bond with a solid when it touches its surface. Knowing about adsorbable substances aids farmers in soil and environmental management.

acetonaemia: A disease affecting cows, caused by ketone bodies accumulating. The animal loses appetite and the smell of acetone affects the breath, urine, and milk. Early diagnosis and treatment of acetonaemia are essential to prevent severe health impacts and loss of productivity in dairy herds.

aggregate: A mass of soil and rock particles stuck together. Managing soil aggregates is important for farmers to maintain soil structure and fertility for crop production.