Category: D

doe: A female deer, goat, rabbit, or hare. Does are important in breeding programs and require proper care to ensure successful reproduction and the health of their offspring. Farmers should monitor their nutrition, health, and birthing conditions.

die back: To be affected by the death of a branch or shoot. Roses may die back after pruning in frosty weather. Managing die back involves identifying the cause and implementing proper pruning, disease control, and care practices. Farmers and gardeners should monitor plants for signs of die back and take corrective actions to maintain plant health and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to die back will aid in developing effective management strategies.

double lows: Varieties of oilseed rape with low erucic acid and glucosinolate contents. These varieties are valued for their improved nutritional profile and reduced toxicity, making them suitable for animal feed and human consumption.

Dorset Horn: A breed of sheep in the south-west of England, both rams and ewes of which have long curly horns. It produces a fine white clear wool and is unique among British breeds in that it can lamb at any time of the year. Proper breeding and management practices can maximize their productivity.

diffuse water pollution: Water pollution which is caused by several small sources such as runoff from farms. Managing diffuse water pollution involves implementing practices like buffer strips, cover cropping, and proper nutrient management. Farmers should adopt measures to reduce runoff and prevent contaminants from entering water bodies. Understanding the sources and impacts of diffuse water pollution will aid in developing effective water management strategies.

degrade: To reduce the quality of something. For example, the land has been degraded through overgrazing. Ozone may worsen nutrient leaching by degrading the water-resistant coating on pine needles. To make a chemical compound decompose into its elements. Farmers should implement sustainable land management practices to prevent degradation. Reducing overgrazing, managing irrigation, and using cover crops can help maintain soil quality and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to degradation will aid in developing effective conservation strategies.

deep ploughing: Ploughing very deep into the soil, used when reclaiming previously virgin land for agricultural purposes. Deep ploughing can improve soil structure and root penetration for crops. Farmers should consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of deep ploughing, such as soil erosion and disturbance of soil life. Implementing deep ploughing as part of a broader soil management plan can optimize its benefits while minimizing negative impacts.

disease: A condition caused by infection or by a defect of the body. Managing disease 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 diseases will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.

desalinate: To remove salt from a substance such as sea water or soil. Desalination is important for improving water quality and soil health in saline environments. Farmers should use appropriate desalination techniques to enhance the productivity of saline soils and water sources. Understanding the methods and benefits of desalination can help in managing saline conditions effectively.

defoliation: The loss of leaves from a plant, especially as the result of using a herbicide or because of disease or other stress. Managing defoliation involves identifying the cause and taking corrective measures. Farmers should implement integrated pest management practices, use disease-resistant varieties, and ensure proper nutrition to reduce the risk of defoliation. Understanding the factors contributing to defoliation can help in developing effective prevention and control strategies.