Category: N

nitrogen: a chemical element that is the main component of air and an essential part of protein. It is essential to biological life. Nitrogen is taken into the body by digesting protein-rich foods. Excess nitrogen is excreted in urine. When the intake of nitrogen and the excretion rate are equal, the body is in nitrogen balance or protein balance. Nitrogen is supplied to the soil by fertilizers, organic matter, nodule bacteria on legumes, and by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil. Proper nitrogen management is critical for optimizing crop growth and productivity. Farmers can benefit from understanding nitrogen’s role in plant nutrition and adopting practices that ensure efficient nitrogen use. This includes regular soil testing, using nitrogen-efficient crop varieties, and applying fertilizers at the right time and rate. Effective nitrogen management improves crop yields, reduces environmental impact, and enhances farm profitability.

National Office of Animal Health: NOAH is an organization that represents the British animal medicines industry. Abbr NOAH. The National Office of Animal Health provides farmers with information on veterinary medicines and best practices for animal health management. By staying informed through NOAH, farmers can ensure their livestock receive effective treatments, prevent disease outbreaks, and maintain high animal welfare standards. Access to reliable veterinary products and guidance helps improve livestock productivity, health, and farm profitability.

nanny goat: a female goat. Nanny goats are essential in goat farming for milk production and breeding purposes. They provide a reliable source of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, which can be sold directly or processed into value-added products. Effective management of nanny goats, including proper nutrition, healthcare, and breeding practices, can enhance milk yield and quality. This contributes to increased farm income and sustainability. Additionally, goats are excellent foragers and can help manage vegetation and improve soil health through their grazing habits.

nightshade: a plant of the family Solanaceae which, if eaten by stock, are likely to cause sickness or death. Managing nightshade and other toxic plants is crucial for protecting livestock health. Farmers can benefit from regular monitoring and removal of nightshade from pastures and feed sources. Educating farm workers about the identification and risks of toxic plants ensures prompt action and reduces the risk of poisoning. Effective management practices lead to healthier livestock and safer farming environments.

net blotch: a fungal disease of barley, with dark brown blotches affecting the leaves. Managing net blotch is essential for maintaining healthy barley crops and ensuring high yields. Farmers can benefit from implementing integrated disease management practices, such as crop rotation, resistant varieties, and timely fungicide applications. Regular monitoring and early detection of net blotch can help minimize its impact, reducing crop losses and improving profitability. Effective disease management supports sustainable barley production and enhances overall farm productivity.

nutrient: a substance that an organism needs to allow it to grow, thrive, and reproduce, e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or sulfur. Plants obtain their nutrients from the soil, while humans and other animals obtain them from their food, including plants. Proper nutrient management is essential for optimizing crop growth, health, and productivity. Farmers can benefit from understanding the specific nutrient requirements of their crops and implementing balanced fertilization practices. Regular soil testing, using organic amendments, and precision nutrient application help ensure optimal nutrient availability, enhance yields, and reduce environmental impact. Effective nutrient management supports sustainable farming practices and improves overall farm profitability.

nurse cow: a cow used to suckle the calves of others. Nurse cows play a vital role in raising orphaned or multiple calves, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and care. Farmers can benefit from using nurse cows to support calf growth and development, reducing the need for artificial feeding. Proper management of nurse cows helps improve calf health, reduce labor costs, and enhance overall farm productivity. Understanding the care and management of nurse cows supports effective livestock rearing practices.

New Hampshire Red: a breed of poultry with red plumage, lighter in weight than Rhode Island Red. New Hampshire Reds are mainly kept as layers, producing brownish-tinted eggs. New Hampshire Red chickens are valued for their egg-laying abilities and adaptability to various farming conditions. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed to diversify their poultry operations, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality eggs. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and management needs helps optimize production, improve animal welfare, and enhance farm profitability.

new wood: growth made during the current year. Managing new wood growth in orchards and vineyards is essential for maintaining plant health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from regular pruning practices that encourage healthy new wood development, improve air circulation, and enhance fruit quality. Proper management of new wood supports vigorous growth, higher yields, and better crop quality, contributing to the overall success of the farming operation.

nutrient management: the practice of applying fertilizers and other soil amendments in the correct amounts and at the correct time to optimize plant growth while minimizing environmental impact. Effective nutrient management is crucial for maintaining soil fertility, optimizing crop yields, and reducing environmental impact. Farmers can benefit from implementing nutrient management plans that include regular soil testing, balanced fertilization, and precision application techniques. Understanding crop nutrient requirements and timing ensures efficient nutrient use, enhances productivity, and promotes sustainable farming practices. Adopting nutrient management strategies supports long-term soil health and farm profitability.