Category: N

non-food crops: plural noun crops which are grown for purposes other than producing food, such as to provide renewable energy or chemicals. Non-food crops offer farmers opportunities to diversify their production and tap into emerging markets for bioenergy, industrial raw materials, and pharmaceuticals. By growing non-food crops, farmers can reduce dependency on traditional food markets, enhance income stability, and contribute to sustainable development. Understanding market demand and production requirements for non-food crops helps farmers make informed decisions and optimize their farming operations.

novel crop: a non-traditional crop, e.g., miscanthus grown as an energy crop or evening primrose grown for supply to the pharmaceutical industry. Growing novel crops offers farmers opportunities to diversify their production and tap into emerging markets. By cultivating non-traditional crops, farmers can reduce dependency on conventional markets, explore new revenue streams, and enhance farm resilience. Understanding the specific requirements and market potential of novel crops helps farmers make informed decisions and optimize their farming operations.

neck rot: a disease affecting bulb onions during storage. The onions become soft and begin to rot from the stem downwards. Managing neck rot is essential for maintaining the quality and marketability of stored onions. Farmers can benefit from implementing proper storage practices, such as controlling temperature and humidity, to prevent the onset of neck rot. Regular monitoring and the use of resistant varieties can also reduce losses. Effective management of neck rot ensures higher product quality, reduces waste, and improves profitability for onion producers.

nitrate: 1. an ion with the formula NO3. 2. a chemical compound containing the nitrate ion, e.g., sodium nitrate. 3. a natural constituent of plants. Beets, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli can contain up to 1mg/kg. Nitrates are a source of nitrogen for plants, essential for their growth and development. Farmers can benefit from understanding the role of nitrates in plant nutrition and applying nitrate fertilizers appropriately. Proper nitrate management ensures optimal crop growth, improves yields, and reduces the risk of environmental pollution from excess nitrates.

Northern Dairy Shorthorn: a dairy breed of cattle, which comes from the old Teeswater cattle, with perhaps a little Ayrshire blood. It is now established as a pure breed. The most popular color is light roan, but red, white, and mixtures of shades are found. The animals are thrifty, hardy, and suitable for harsh upland conditions. The Northern Dairy Shorthorn breed is valued for its adaptability, hardiness, and milk production in challenging environments. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed to produce high-quality milk and maintain resilient herds. Understanding the breed’s specific care and management needs helps optimize production and enhance farm profitability.

nematode: a type of roundworm, some of which, e.g., hookworms, are parasites of animals while others, e.g., root knot and cyst nematodes, live in the roots or stems of plants. Nematodes can pose serious threats to both crops and livestock. Farmers can benefit from regular monitoring and early detection of nematode infestations. Implementing management practices such as crop rotation, resistant varieties, and biological controls can help mitigate the impact of nematodes. Effective nematode management ensures healthier crops and animals, leading to improved farm productivity and profitability.

new chemicals: plural noun the chemicals that were not listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances between January 1971 and September 1981. Compare existing chemicals. Staying informed about new chemicals and their regulatory status helps farmers make safe and effective choices for pest control, fertilization, and other farm operations. Understanding the properties and potential risks of new chemicals ensures responsible use, protecting both crops and the environment. Farmers can benefit from adopting innovative chemical solutions that enhance productivity while maintaining safety and compliance with regulations.

nurse crop: a crop grown to give protection to young plants of a perennial crop which is being established. Nurse crops provide shade and act as windbreaks. Growing nurse crops can protect young perennial plants, such as trees or vines, from harsh environmental conditions and promote their establishment. Farmers can benefit from using nurse crops to improve seedling survival rates, enhance soil health, and reduce erosion. Understanding the selection and management of nurse crops helps optimize crop establishment and long-term productivity. Implementing nurse crop practices supports sustainable farming and resource conservation.

NNR: abbreviation for National Nature Reserve. National Nature Reserves protect vital ecosystems and biodiversity, which can benefit farmers by supporting pollinators, natural pest control, and soil health. Farmers near NNRs can adopt conservation practices that complement the reserve’s goals, enhancing their land’s ecological value and sustainability. Collaborating with NNRs can also provide farmers with opportunities for eco-tourism and educational activities, diversifying their income streams.

nucleus: the central body in a cell, containing DNA and RNA, and controlling the function and characteristics of the cell. Understanding cell biology, including the role of the nucleus, helps farmers and researchers develop better breeding and crop improvement strategies. Knowledge of genetic principles and cellular functions can lead to advancements in plant and animal breeding, improving productivity, disease resistance, and overall farm performance. Farmers can benefit from adopting new technologies and practices based on cellular and genetic research to enhance their operations and sustainability.