Category: M

Middle White: a breed of white pig which comes from a cross between the Large White and the Small White. It is short and compact with long upright ears and a turned-up snout. It is now a rare breed. Raising Middle White pigs can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in rare breeds and specialty pork.

Monilia: a genus of fungi which causes brown rot of fruit such as apples and pears. Understanding and managing Monilia infestations can help farmers protect their fruit crops and ensure better yields.

MSG: abbreviation monosodium glutamate. Understanding the uses and effects of monosodium glutamate can help farmers manage food production and marketability more effectively.

mast swine: a German term for a fattening pig. Understanding the growth requirements and management of mast swine can help farmers optimize their pig production, leading to better yields and profitability.

mineral: an inorganic solid substance with a characteristic chemical composition that occurs naturally. The names of many minerals end with the suffix -ite. The most important minerals required by the body are: calcium (found in cheese, milk and green vegetables) which helps the growth of bones and encourages blood clotting; iron (found in bread and liver) which helps produce red blood cells; phosphorus (found in bread and fish) which helps in the growth of bones and the metabolism of fats; and iodine (found in fish) which is essential to the functioning of the thyroid gland. Understanding the role of minerals in soil and livestock nutrition can help farmers prevent deficiencies and ensure better crop and animal health and productivity.

Mutual: mutual benefiting both partners. Understanding mutual relationships can help farmers optimize their collaborations and partnerships, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

mor: slowly decaying humus found in acid soil in areas of high rainfall. Compare moder, mull. Understanding the role of mor in soil health can help farmers manage soil fertility more effectively, ensuring better crop yields.

may: a popular name for hawthorn, a common plant for making hedges. Growing may can provide farmers with valuable hedging material, contributing to better farm boundaries and environmental sustainability.

market garden: a place for the commercial cultivation of plants, usually vegetables, soft fruit, salad crops and flowers, found near a large urban centre that provides a steady outlet for the sale of its produce. Operating a market garden can provide farmers with a reliable source of income, particularly in areas with high demand for fresh produce.

microbial insecticide: an insecticide based on fungal, bacterial or other microorganisms that are pathogens of insects, or their toxins, e.g. the fungus Verticillium lecanii is used to control whitefly in glasshouses. Understanding the uses and effects of microbial insecticides can help farmers manage pest infestations more effectively, ensuring better crop health and yields.