Category: D

dry rot: A fungal disease causing rot in wood, potatoes, or fruit. Managing dry rot involves removing affected materials and improving ventilation and moisture control to prevent further spread.

draught control system: A system of preventing damage to an implement such as a harrow as it is being pulled through the soil. When the draught reaches a set level, the implement is automatically raised out of the soil. This system helps protect equipment and improve efficiency.

day-old chick: A chick up to 24 hours old, sent from a breeder or hatchery to a buyer. Proper care and management of day-old chicks are crucial for poultry farmers. Ensuring a warm, clean environment and providing appropriate feed and water will help chicks grow healthy and strong. Monitoring their health and implementing biosecurity measures will reduce the risk of disease and mortality.

dispersion: The scattering of seeds over a wide area. Understanding seed dispersion is important for managing plant populations and optimizing crop yields. Farmers should implement proper planting and management practices to achieve desired dispersion patterns. Understanding the benefits and applications of dispersion will aid in effective crop establishment and growth.

drawbar power: The power available to pull an implement, as opposed to the brake horsepower of a tractor. Under field conditions, not all brake horsepower will be available to pull implements, because some of it is needed to make the tractor itself move forwards and overcome the resistance of the bearings and the soil on the wheels. Understanding drawbar power helps farmers select the right equipment for their tractors.

distemper: An infectious disease affecting dogs, cats, and some other animals, causing fever, respiratory, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Managing distemper involves implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular health monitoring. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective disease management plans and prevent outbreaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of distemper will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.

Dutch harrow: An implement with a metal or wooden frame, with heavy tine bars almost at right angles to the direction of travel. The tines loosen the soil, and the heavy bars level the surface. Also called float. Dutch harrows are used in soil preparation to create a smooth seedbed for planting.

dew: Drops of condensed moisture left on surfaces overnight in cool places. Dew can provide a valuable source of moisture for plants in arid regions. Farmers should consider the role of dew in their irrigation management and monitor its impact on crop health. Understanding the benefits of dew can help optimize water use and improve plant growth.

dental: Referring to teeth. Dental health is important for livestock to ensure proper feeding and nutrition. Farmers should regularly inspect and care for the teeth of their animals to prevent dental issues and maintain overall health. Working with veterinarians to develop dental care routines can improve animal welfare and productivity.

diet formulation: The combining of different types of feedstuffs or nutrients to form a healthy and balanced diet for an animal. Probably the most likely area for reform was diet formulation, and with feed accounting for 70 percent of production costs, it was essential to examine management practices such as phase feeding to more precisely tailor feed inputs to requirements. [Farming News]. Proper diet formulation is crucial for optimizing the health and productivity of livestock. Farmers should work with veterinarians and nutritionists to develop balanced and cost-effective diets for their animals. Understanding the principles of diet formulation will aid in efficient feed management and improved farm profitability.