Category: N

navel-ill: a disease of young livestock, especially newborn calves, kids, and lambs. It causes abscesses at the navel and swellings in some joints. Also known as joint-ill. Managing and preventing navel-ill is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of young livestock. Farmers can benefit from implementing good hygiene practices, proper navel care, and timely medical interventions to reduce the incidence of navel-ill. Ensuring healthy livestock from birth leads to better growth rates, improved animal welfare, and higher overall farm profitability.

neck collar: a leather band put around the neck of a horse or cow, to hold the animal in a stall. Neck collars are used to restrain and manage livestock safely and humanely. Proper use of neck collars can help prevent injuries, ensure animal comfort, and facilitate routine tasks like feeding, milking, or veterinary care. Farmers can benefit from using well-designed neck collars that fit properly and are made from durable materials. This ensures effective livestock management, improves animal welfare, and enhances overall farm productivity.

nitrogen compound: a substance such as a fertilizer containing mostly nitrogen with other elements. Nitrogen compounds are essential for providing plants with the nitrogen they need for growth and development. Farmers can benefit from using nitrogen compounds in their fertilization programs to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. Understanding the different types of nitrogen compounds and their release patterns helps farmers make informed decisions about fertilizer application, ensuring optimal nutrient availability for crops and minimizing environmental impact.

neutral: adjective referring to the state of being neither acid nor alkali. pH 7 is neutral. Maintaining neutral soil pH is crucial for optimal crop growth and nutrient availability. Farmers can benefit from regularly testing soil pH and applying amendments like lime or sulfur to maintain neutral conditions. Proper soil pH management improves crop health, enhances nutrient uptake, and increases yields. Understanding soil chemistry helps farmers make informed decisions about fertilization and soil management, supporting sustainable and productive farming practices.

NAC: abbreviation for National Agricultural Centre. The NAC is a central hub for agricultural research, education, and events, including the annual Royal Show. Farmers can access the latest innovations, best practices, and emerging technologies through NAC’s programs and events. This knowledge can help them improve their farming techniques, increase efficiency, and adopt sustainable practices. Networking opportunities at the NAC can also connect farmers with industry experts, researchers, and fellow farmers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing that can drive farm success.

nip bar: a bar fitted to moving mechanisms to prevent parts of the body from being drawn into the machine. Safety devices like nip bars are essential for protecting farm workers from injuries while operating machinery. Farmers can benefit from installing and maintaining nip bars on equipment, ensuring a safer working environment. Understanding and following safety protocols reduce the risk of accidents, enhance worker well-being, and contribute to a more productive and efficient farming operation.

non-EU: adjective not in the EU. Understanding the regulatory and market differences between EU and non-EU countries helps farmers navigate international trade and export opportunities. Farmers can benefit from staying informed about trade agreements, tariffs, and import/export requirements to access new markets and expand their business. Knowledge of non-EU trade dynamics supports strategic decision-making and enhances farm profitability by leveraging global market opportunities.

Norfolk rotation: a system for farming, using arable farming for fodder crops, and involving the temporary sowing of grass and clover. The Norfolk rotation system, introduced in the early 18th century, provided a well-balanced method for building up and maintaining soil fertility, controlling weeds and pests, and providing continuous employment and profitability. Farmers can benefit from adopting the principles of the Norfolk rotation to enhance soil health, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and promote sustainable farming practices. Implementing crop rotation systems supports long-term productivity and environmental stewardship.

nodule: a small lump found on the roots of leguminous plants such as peas which contains bacteria that can convert nitrogen from the air into nitrogen compounds. Nodules are essential for nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil with natural nitrogen and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Farmers can benefit from understanding the role of nodules in leguminous plants and incorporating these plants into their crop rotations. This practice enhances soil fertility, supports sustainable farming, and reduces input costs. Promoting nitrogen fixation through nodules ensures long-term soil health and farm productivity.

nitrogen fertiliser: a fertilizer containing mainly nitrogen, e.g., ammonium nitrate. Nitrogen fertilizers are essential for providing crops with the nitrogen needed for growth and development. Farmers can benefit from understanding the different types of nitrogen fertilizers and their application methods to optimize nutrient availability. Proper use of nitrogen fertilizers enhances crop productivity, improves soil fertility, and supports sustainable farming practices. Balancing nitrogen application with crop needs and environmental considerations helps maximize yields and minimize environmental impact.