Category: O

organic conversion: The process of converting from conventional agriculture to organic production. Organic conversion involves adopting practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Farmers can benefit from financial support and technical guidance during organic conversion to achieve certification and improve marketability.

open countryside: An area of country without many trees or high mountains. Managing open countryside effectively can enhance biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing conservation practices and sustainable land use strategies to improve the ecological value and productivity of open countryside.

Organic Farming Scheme: A former support scheme which gave payments for organic farmers wanting to increase their production, now administered under the Organic Entry Level Stewardship scheme. Abbr OFS. The OFS supports farmers in transitioning to and maintaining organic farming practices by providing financial assistance. Participating in the OFS can help farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve soil health, and meet the growing market demand for organic products.

outbreeding: Breeding between individuals that are not related. Outbreeding can enhance genetic diversity and improve livestock health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from implementing outbreeding strategies to strengthen their herds and flocks.

Orpington: A breed of poultry. Raising Orpington chickens can provide farmers with high-quality meat and eggs. Understanding the breed’s characteristics and care requirements can enhance farm profitability and product quality.

overwinter: Spending winter in a particular place, such as livestock overwintering on southern plains. Managing overwintering practices is crucial for maintaining livestock health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from providing adequate shelter, nutrition, and care during the winter months to ensure animal welfare and performance.

oasthouse: A building containing a kiln for drying hops. Oasthouses are essential in hop production for brewing. Farmers growing hops can benefit from maintaining oasthouses to ensure high-quality drying, which preserves the hops’ flavor and aroma, leading to better-quality beer production.

overcultivated: Referring to land that has been too intensively cultivated and has reduced fertility. Managing overcultivated land involves practices that restore soil health, such as adding organic matter and reducing tillage. Farmers can benefit from understanding the impact of overcultivation and adopting sustainable soil management techniques.

oarweed: A common seaweed (Laminaria digitata) used as food and fertilizer. Oarweed can be harvested and used as a natural fertilizer, rich in nutrients that enhance soil fertility and crop yields. It can also be used as livestock feed, providing essential minerals and vitamins.

oasis effect: The loss of water from an irrigated area due to hot dry air coming from an unirrigated area nearby. Understanding and mitigating the oasis effect is crucial for efficient water management in irrigation. Farmers can benefit from using windbreaks or adjusting irrigation schedules to reduce water loss and improve crop hydration.