Category: D

dietetic: Referring to diet. Dietetic practices are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should ensure that animals receive a balanced and nutritious diet, tailored to their specific needs. Working with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop proper dietetic plans will help optimize animal health and farm productivity.

divest: To sell or dispose of assets or interests. Managing divestment involves making informed decisions about selling or disposing of farm assets. Farmers should consider market trends, financial goals, and operational needs when planning divestment. Understanding the benefits and impacts of divestment will aid in effective farm management and financial planning.

domestic livestock: Pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and other animals which are kept by human beings. These animals are crucial for food production, labor, and other agricultural activities. Proper management practices ensure their health and productivity.

digest: To break down food and convert it into elements which can be absorbed by the body. To use bacteria to process waste, especially organic waste such as manure, in order to produce biogas. 55% of UK sewage sludge is digested. Wastes from food processing plants can be anaerobically digested. Digesting organic matter is essential for nutrient cycling and soil health. Farmers should implement composting and anaerobic digestion practices to process waste and produce valuable biogas and compost. Understanding the benefits and processes of digestion will aid in effective waste management and soil fertility improvement.

dispose: To get rid of something such as waste. Proper disposal practices are important for maintaining farm hygiene and preventing pollution. Farmers should implement appropriate waste management techniques to dispose of waste safely and effectively. Understanding the benefits and applications of proper disposal will aid in maintaining a healthy and productive farm environment.

dog: A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. Dogs can serve various roles on a farm, including herding livestock, guarding property, and providing companionship. Proper training and care are essential for farm dogs to ensure they are healthy and effective in their roles.

dyke: A long wall of earth built to keep water out or a ditch for drainage. Dyke pond farming is a system of organic agriculture combining crop growing on the dykes that surround ponds in which fish are bred. It is common in China. Proper management of dykes is essential for controlling water levels and preventing flooding.

digging stick: One of the earliest agricultural implements, still used in areas where shifting cultivation is practiced. The stick has a sharpened end, sometimes with a metal tip, and is used to dig holes to plant crops. Using a digging stick can be an effective method for small-scale farming and shifting cultivation. Farmers should understand the proper techniques for using a digging stick to achieve successful crop establishment. Implementing traditional and sustainable farming practices can enhance productivity and resilience.

drag harrow: A heavy type of harrow used in the preparation of seedbeds. Drag harrows help break up soil clumps and create a smooth surface for planting.

double cropping: A type of multi-cropping, taking more than one crop off a piece of land in one year. Double cropping can increase farm productivity and profitability by maximizing the use of land resources. Farmers must plan carefully to ensure soil fertility and moisture levels are maintained for multiple crops.