Dictionary of - Agriculture - iWeb

Dictionary of

Agriculture

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Dictionary of

Agriculturethird edition

A & C Black � London

www.acblack.com

First published in Great Britain in 1990, reprinted 1994, 1995Second edition published 1996, reprinted 1997, 1998

This third edition published 2006

A & C Black Publishers Ltd38 Soho Square, London W1D 3HB

© A & C Black Publishers Ltd 2006

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproducedin any form or by any means without the permission of the publishers

A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN-10: 0 7136 7778 3ISBN-13: 978 0 7136 7778 2

eISBN-13: 978-1-4081-0229-9

Text Production and ProofreadingHeather Bateman, Steve Curtis, Katy McAdam

This book is produced using paper that is made from wood grown inmanaged, sustainable forests. It is natural, renewable and recyclable. The

logging and manufacturing processes conform to the environmentalregulations of the country of origin

Text typeset by A & C BlackPrinted in Italy by Rotolito Lombarda

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Preface

This dictionary provides a basic vocabulary of agricultural terms. It is idealfor students of land management, environmental and veterinary sciences,and is a handy reference for those working in the agriculture industries,especially those for whom English is not a first language.

Each headword is explained in clear, straightforward English and quotationsfrom newspapers and specialist magazines show how the words are used incontext. There are also supplements including conversion tables for weightsand measures and a list of world commodity markets.

Thanks are due to Dr Mark Lyne, Department of Science, Agriculture andTechnology, Writtle College and to Dr Stephen Chadd, Course Director atthe Royal Agricultural College, for their help and advice during theproduction of this new edition.

Pronunciation Guide

The following symbols have been used to show the pronunciation of the mainwords in the dictionary.

Stress is indicated by a main stress mark ( � ) and a secondary stress mark ( � ) . Notethat these are only guides, as the stress of the word changes according to its positionin the sentence.

Vowels Consonants� back b buckɑ� harm d deadɒ stop ð otherai type d jumpaυ how f fareaiə hire � goldaυə hour h headɔ� course j yellowɔi annoy k cabe head l leaveeə fair m mixei make n nileυ go ŋ sing�� word p printi� keep r resti happy s saveə about ʃ shopi fit t takeiə near tʃ changeu annual θ theftu� pool v valueυ book w workυə tour x loch� shut measure

z zone

Pronunciation is given only for technical entries. For a full guide to pronunciationof all basic words and phrases, the A & C Black Easier English IntermediateDictionary (0-7475-6989-4, £9.99) is recommended.

AAAAA abbreviation Arboricultural Associa-tionAAPPAAPP abbreviation Average All PigsPriceAAPSAAPS abbreviation Arable AreaPayments SchemeAbandonment of Animals Act 1960Abandonment of Animals Act1960 noun an Act of Parliament whichmade it an offence to leave an animal unat-tended if this was likely to cause distress orpain to the animalabattoirabattoir noun a place where animals areslaughtered and prepared for sale to thepublic as meatabdomenabdomen noun a space in the body situ-ated below or behind the diaphragm andabove or in front of the pelvis, containingthe stomach, intestines, liver and othervital organsAberdeen AngusAberdeen Angus /��bədi�n ��ŋ�əs/noun an early maturing breed of beefcattle, which are naturally hornless andusually black all over. Aberdeen Anguscattle usually have a rather small headedand a long deep body. They are highlyvalued for quality beef.abioticabiotic /�eibai |�ɒtik/ adjective notrelating to a living organism � abioticfactorsabiotic stressabiotic stress noun stress caused byenvironmental factors such as drought orextreme heat or cold, not by biologicalfactorsabiotic stress resistanceabiotic stress resistance nounresistance in organisms to stress arisingfrom non-biological causes such asdroughtabomasal ulcerabomasal ulcer /��bəυmeis(ə)l ��lsə/noun a disease common in both calves andadult cattle. Calves show poor growth andlose appetite. In rare cases, cows may bleedto death.

abomasum

abomasum /��bəυ|�meisəm/ noun thefourth stomach of a ruminant. � omasum,reticulum, rumenabort

abort verb 1. to stop a process or thedevelopment of something before it isfinished, or to stop developing � Theflowers abort and drop off in hot, dryconditions, with no fruit developing. 2. toend a pregnancy in an animal and preventthe birth of young 3. to give birth beforethe usual end of a pregnancy (technical)Also called miscarryabortion

abortion noun a situation when a preg-nancy in a farm animal ends prematurely,generally as the result of a disease or infec-tion (technical)abreast parlour

abreast parlour /ə|�brest �pɑ�lə/ noun atype of milking parlour where the cowsstand side by side with their heads facingaway from the milker. � herringboneparlour, rotary parlourabscess

abscess noun a painful swollen areawhere pus formsabscission

abscission /�b|�siʃ(ə)n/ noun the shed-ding of a leaf or fruit due to the formationof a layer of cells between the leaf or fruitand the rest of the plant (NOTE: It occursnaturally in autumn, e.g. leaf fall, or at anytime of the year in response to stress.)absorb

absorb verb to take something in � Warmair absorbs moisture more easily than coldair. � Salt absorbs moisture from the air.absorption

absorption noun 1. the process of takingin water, dissolved minerals and othernutrients across cell membranes 2. thetaking into the body of substances such asproteins or fats which have been digestedfrom food and enter the bloodstream fromthe stomach and intestines 3. the taking upof one type of substance by another, e.g. ofa liquid by a solid or of a gas by a liquid

Agriculture.fm Page 1 Tuesday, July 11, 2006 12:33 PM

abstract 2abstractabstract /�b |�str�kt/ verb to removewater from a river so that it can be used byindustry, farmers or gardenersabstractionabstraction /�b |�str�kʃən/ noun 1. theremoval of water from a river or othersource for use by industry, farmers orgardeners 2. the removal of somethingsuch as gas, oil, mineral resources or gravelfrom the groundAcaciaAcacia /ə |�keiʃə/ noun a species of treeoften grown for its pretty leaves and blos-somsACAFACAF abbreviation Advisory Committeeon Animal Feedingstuffsacariasisacariasis /��kə|�raiəsis/ noun a skindisease caused by ticks or mitesacaricideacaricide /ə |�k�risaid/ noun a substanceused to kill mites and ticks. Also calledacaridicideacaridacarid /��kərid/ noun a small animalwhich feeds on plants or other animals bypiercing the outer skin and sucking juices,e.g. a mite or tickAcaridaAcarida /ə |�k�ridə/ noun the order ofanimals including mites and ticks. Alsocalled Acarinaacaridicideacaridicide /��kə |�ridisaid/ noun sameas acaricideAcarinaAcarina /��kə |�ri�nə/ noun same asAcaridaACASACAS /�eik�s/ abbreviation Advisory,Conciliation and Arbitration ServiceACCACC abbreviation Agricultural CreditCorporationacceptable daily intakeacceptable daily intake noun thequantity of a substance such as a nutrient,vitamin, additive or pollutant which aperson or animal can safely consume dailyover their lifetime. Abbr ADI

‘A UK wide consultation on the use of thecolourant canthaxanthin in animal feed,used to give farmed salmon its pinkcolour, has been launched by the FoodStandards Agency. Brussels’ ScientificCommittee on Animal Nutrition said:“Some consumers of high levels ofproduce from farmed fish were likely toexceed the acceptable daily intake forcanthaxanthin”.’ [The Grocer]

accessaccess noun 1. a place of entry, or theright of entry, to somewhere 2. the right ofthe public to go onto uncultivated privateland for recreation. � Countryside andRights of Way Actacclimatisationacclimatisation /ə|�klaimətai |

�zeiʃ(ə)n/, acclimatization, acclimation

/��klə |�meiʃ(ə)n/ noun the process ofadapting to a different environment (NOTE:This process is known as acclimatisationif the changes occur naturally and accli-mation if they are produced in laboratoryconditions.)

COMMENT: When an organism such as aplant or animal is acclimatising, it isadapting physically to different environ-mental conditions, such as changes infood supply, temperature or altitude.

accommodation landaccommodation land noun landavailable for short-term tenancyaccreditaccredit /ə|�kredit/ verb to recogniseofficiallyaccredited herdaccredited herd noun a herd of cattleregistered under a scheme as being freefrom Brucellosisaccredited milkaccredited milk noun milk from a herdaccredited as being free from Brucellosisaccumulated temperatureaccumulated temperature noun thenumber of hours during which the temper-ature is above a particular point, taken asthe minimum temperature necessary forgrowing a specific crop (NOTE: In the UK,this is usually taken to be the number ofhours above 6°C.)aceracer /�eisə/ noun a maple or sycamoretree. Genus: Acer.acetonaemiaacetonaemia /ə|�si�təυ |�ni�miə/ noun adisease affecting cows, caused by ketonebodies accumulating. The animal losesappetite and the smell of acetone affectsthe breath, the urine and milk.acetoneacetone noun a colourless liquid that hasa sweetish smell and is flammable, used asa solvent and in the manufacture of organicchemicals. Formula: CH3COCH3.acheneachene /ə|�ki�n/ noun a dry single-seededfruit that does not split open (NOTE:Achenes are produced by plants such asdandelions and sunflowers.)acidacid noun 1. a chemical compoundcontaining hydrogen which dissolves inwater and forms hydrogen ions, or reactswith an alkali to form a salt and water, andturns litmus paper red 2. any bitter juiceacid depositionacid deposition /��sid �depə |�ziʃ(ə)n/noun same as acid rainacid grasslandacid grassland noun a type of vegeta-tion that typically grows on soils that drainfreely and are low in mineral nutrients, andmay also occur on post-industrial sites.The range of plant species found is small. �calcareous grassland


3 activated sludgeacidic

acidic adjective referring to acids � acidicpropertiesacidification

acidification /ə|�sidifi|�keiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process of becoming acid or of makinga substance more acid � Acidification ofthe soil leads to the destruction of someliving organisms.acidify

acidify /ə |�sidifai/ verb to make asubstance more acid, or to become moreacid � Acid rain acidifies the soils andwaters where it falls. � The sulphurreleased from wetlands as sulphate causeslakes to acidify. (NOTE: Feed additives canbe used to acidify animals’ urine, whichmakes them less susceptible to infectionsof the urinary tract.)acidity

acidity noun the proportion of acid in asubstance � The alkaline solution may helpto reduce acidity.

COMMENT: Acidity and alkalinity aremeasured according to the pH scale.pH7 is neutral. Numbers above pH7show alkalinity, while those below showacidity.

acidophilus milk

acidophilus milk /��si |�dɒfiləs �milk/noun a cultured milk made from fresh milkwhich is allowed to go sour in a controlledway. One of the most popular types ofacidophilus milk in Europe is yoghurt.acidosis

acidosis /��si|�dəυsis/ noun an unusu-ally high proportion of acid waste productssuch as urea in the blood, sometimescaused by a metabolic dysfunction (NOTE:As acidity increases the rumen wallbecomes inflamed. The animal dehydratesprogressively, the blood turns more acidicand in extreme cases the animal may die.)acid rain

acid rain noun precipitation such as rainor snow which contains a higher level ofacid than normal. Also called acid deposi-tion, acid precipitation

COMMENT: Acid rain is mainly caused bysulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and otherpollutants being released into the atmos-phere when fossil fuels such as oil orcoal containing sulphur are burnt. Car-bon combines with sulphur trioxide fromsulphur-rich fuel to form particles of anacid substance. The effects of acid rainare primarily felt by wildlife. The water inlakes becomes very clear as fish andmicroscopic animal life are killed. It isbelieved acid rain kills trees, especiallyconifers, making them gradually losetheir leaves and die. Acid rain can alsodamage surfaces such as the stone sur-faces of buildings when it falls on them.

acid soilacid soil noun soil which has a pH valueof 6 or less (NOTE: Farming tends to makethe soil more acid, but most farm crops willnot grow well if the soil is very acid. Thiscan be cured by applying one of the mate-rials commonly used for adding lime, suchas ground chalk or limestone.)ACOSACOS abbreviation Advisory Committeeon Organic StandardsACPACP abbreviation Advisory Committeeon PesticidesACPATACPAT abbreviation Association of Char-tered Physiotherapists in Animal TherapyACP statesACP states /�ei si� �pi� �steits/ � LoméConventionACRACR abbreviation automatic clusterremovalacreacre noun a unit of measurement of landarea, equal to 4840 square yards or 0.4047hectaresACREACRE /�eikə/ abbreviation AdvisoryCommittee on Releases to the Environ-mentacreageacreage /�eikərid�/ noun the area of apiece of land measured in acresacreage allotmentacreage allotment noun a quotasystem operated in the USA, which limitsthe area of land which can be planted witha certain type of cropacreage reduction programmeacreage reduction programmenoun an American federal programmeunder which farmers are only eligible forsubsidies if they reduce the acreage ofcertain crops planted. Abbr ARP (NOTE:The British equivalent is set-aside.)actinobacillosisactinobacillosis /��ktinəυb�si|

�ləυsis/ noun a disease of cattle affectingthe tongue and throat. It also occurs insheep as swellings on the lips, cheeks andjaws. Also called cruels, wooden tongueactinomyceteactinomycete /��ktinəυ|�maisi�t/ nouna bacterium shaped like a rod or filament.Order: Actinomycetales. (NOTE: Someactinomycetes cause diseases whileothers are sources of antibiotics.)actinomycosisactinomycosis /��ktinəυmai |�kəυsis/noun a disease of cattle and pigs, where theanimal is infected with bacteria whichform abscesses in the mouth and lungs.Also called lumpy jawactivateactivate verb to start a process or to makesomething start working � Pressing thisswitch activates the pump.activated sludgeactivated sludge noun solid sewagecontaining active microorganisms and air,


activator 4

mixed with untreated sewage to speed upthe purification processactivatoractivator /��ktiveitə/ noun a substancewhich activates a process � a compost acti-vatoractive ingredientactive ingredient noun the main effec-tive ingredient of something such as anointment or agrochemical, as opposed tothe base substance. Abbr AIactualsactuals /��ktʃuəlz/ plural noun stocks ofcommodities such as cotton or rice whichare available for shipping. Comparefuturesacuteacute adjective 1. referring to a diseasewhich comes on rapidly and can bedangerous � acute mastitis 2. referring to apain which is sharp and intense � acutestomach pain � compare chronicADASADAS /�eid�s/ noun a commercialresearch-based organisation that offerstechnical advice on agricultural, food andenvironmental matters to rural industries.Former name Agricultural Developmentand Advisory Serviceadditiveadditive noun 1. a chemical which isadded to food to improve its appearance orto keep it fresh � The tin of beans containsa number of additives. � These animalfoodstuffs are free from all additives. 2. achemical which is added to something toimprove it � A new fuel additive made fromplants could help reduce energy costs. 3. asubstance which is added to animal feed-ingstuffs to provide antibiotics, mineralsupplements, vitamins or hormonesaddled eggaddled egg /��d(ə)ld e�/ noun a rottenegg, an egg which produces no chickADHACADHAC abbreviation AgriculturalDwelling House Advisory CommitteeADIADI abbreviation acceptable daily intakeadiposeadipose /��dipəυs/ adjective containingor made of fatadipose tissueadipose tissue noun a type of tissuewhere the fibrous parts of cells are replacedby fat when too much food is eatenAdjusted Eurospec AverageAdjusted Eurospec Average /ə|

�d��stid �jυərəυspek ��v(ə)rid�/ nounformerly, the average price for pigs. It wasreplaced in 2003 by the DeadweightAverage Pig Price. Abbr AESAad lib feedingad lib feeding /��d �lib �fi�diŋ/ nounthe unrestricted supply of feed, day andnightadmixtureadmixture /��dmiktʃə/ noun theproportion of a seed crop which is made upof weed seeds or other crop species

ADPADP abbreviation Agricultural Develop-ment ProgrammeADRAADRA abbreviation Animal DiseasesResearch Associationadrenal glandadrenal gland /ə |�dri�n(ə)l �l�nd/ nounone of two endocrine glands at the top ofthe kidneys which produce adrenaline andother hormonesadrenalineadrenaline /ə|�drenəlin/ noun ahormone secreted by the medulla of theadrenal glands which has an effect similarto stimulation of the sympathetic nervoussystem (NOTE: The US term is epine-phrine.)ADSADS abbreviation Agriculture Develop-ment Schemeadsorbadsorb /�d|�zɔ�b/ verb (of a solid) tobond with a gas or vapour which touchesits surfaceadsorbableadsorbable /əd|�zɔ�bəb(ə)l/ adjectivereferring to a gas or vapour which is able tobond with a solid when it touches itssurfaceadsorbentadsorbent /əd|�zɔ�bənt/ adjective ableto adsorb something such as a gas orvapouradulterateadulterate /ə|�d�ltəreit/ verb to reducethe quality of something, such as by addingwater to milkadvanced registeradvanced register noun a book whichrecords breeding performance ofoutstanding livestockadventitiousadventitious /��dvən|�tiʃəs/ adjectivereferring to a root which develops from anode on a plant stem and not from anotherrootAdvisory, Conciliation and Arbitration ServiceAdvisory, Conciliation and Arbi-tration Service noun an organisationwhich advises on employment disputesand rights in the workplace. Abbr ACASAdvisory Committee on Animal FeedingstuffsAdvisory Committee on AnimalFeedingstuffs noun a committee set upby the Food Standards Agency in 1999 toadvise on health and safety in animal feedsand feeding practices. Abbr ACAFAdvisory Committee on Organic StandardsAdvisory Committee on OrganicStandards noun a non-departmentalpublic body set up by the Government toadvise ministers on organic standards.Abbr ACOSAdvisory Committee on PesticidesAdvisory Committee on Pesti-cides noun a statutory body set up underthe UK Food and Environment ProtectionAct 1985 to advise on all matters relatingto the control of pesticides. Abbr ACP


5 agistmentAdvisory Committee on Releases to the EnvironmentAdvisory Committee on Releasesto the Environment noun an inde-pendent advisory committee giving statu-tory advice to UK government ministers onthe risks to human health and the environ-ment from the release and marketing ofgenetically modified organisms (GMOs).It also advises on the release of some non-GM species of plants and animals that arenot native to Great Britain. Abbr ACREAEAAEA abbreviation Agricultural EngineersAssociationAEBCAEBC abbreviation Agriculture, Environ-ment and Biotechnology Commissionaerateaerate /�eəreit/ verb to allow air to entera substance, especially soil or water �Worms play a useful role in aerating thesoil.aerationaeration /eə |�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun the replace-ment of stagnant soil air with fresh air

‘Soil nutrient availability can also beinfluenced by compaction as one of themain effects of compaction is on soilaeration, which can lead to de-nitrification(loss of nitrogen into the atmosphere).’[Arable Farming]COMMENT: The process of aeration of soilis mainly brought about by the move-ment of water into and out of the soil.Rainwater drives out the air and then, asthe water drains away or is used byplants, fresh air is drawn into the soil tofill the spaces. The aeration process isalso assisted by changes in tempera-ture, good drainage, cultivation and opensoil structure. Sandy soils are usuallywell aerated. Clay soils are poorly aer-ated.

aerialaerial adjective referring to somethingwhich exists in the airaerial rootaerial root noun a root of some plants,which hangs above the ground or clings toother plants so that it can take up moisturefrom the airaerobicaerobic adjective needing oxygen for itsexistence or for a biochemical reaction tooccur. Compare anaerobicAESAAESA abbreviation Adjusted EurospecAverageAFBAFB abbreviation American foul broodafforestafforest /ə |�fɒrist/ verb to plant an areawith treesafforestationafforestation /ə|�fɒri |�steiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1.the planting of trees in an area or as a crop� There is likely to be an increase in affor-estation of upland areas if the scheme is

introduced. 2. the planting of trees on landpreviously used for other purposesaflatoxinaflatoxin /��flə|�tɒksin/ noun a toxinproduced by species of the fungusAspergillus, especially Aspergillus flavus,which grows on seeds and nuts and affectsstored grainAfrican swine feverAfrican swine fever /��frikən �swain�fivə/ noun a virus disease which is highlycontagious among pigs. Animals sufferfever and high temperature followed bydeath. In Europe, it occurs in parts ofSpain.AFSAFS abbreviation Assured Food Stand-ardsafterbirthafterbirth /�ɑftəb�θ/ noun the remainsof the placenta pushed out of the uterus ofthe dam at the birth of a young animal.Also called cleansingaftermathaftermath noun grass which growsquickly after cutting for hay, and whichwill provide a second cutagalactiaagalactia /�ei ə |�l�ktiə/ noun a diseaseof pigs, a form of post-farrowing shock.The sow does not secrete milk.agbiotechagbiotech /�� |�baiəυtek/ nounbiotechnology applied to agriculture or anagricultural industryageage noun the number of years duringwhich a person or thing has existed � Thesize varies according to age. � verb to treatflour to make the dough more elastic andwhiteragglutinationagglutination /ə|� luti |�neiʃ(ə)n/ nouna process in which cells come together toform clumps. For example, agglutinationtakes place when bacterial cells are in thepresence of serum or affects blood cellswhen blood of different types is mixed.agglutination testsagglutination tests plural noun 1. teststo identify bacteria 2. tests used to detectBrucellosis in cattleaggregateaggregate noun a mass of soil and rockparticles stuck togetheraggregate measure of supportaggregate measure of supportnoun an index which shows the actualmonetary value of the support given by theGovernment to a sector such as agriculture.Abbr AMSagistagist /ə|�d�ist/ verb to take anotherperson’s livestock to feed on your landagistmentagistment /ə |�d�istmənt/ noun moneypaid for grazing stock on land owned byanother person. The owner of the land isresponsible for the feeding and care of thelivestock.


agitator 6agitatoragitator /��d�iteitə/ noun the part of amachine for harvesting root crops, such aspotatoes, which shakes the earth off thecrop after it has been liftedagrarianagrarian /ə|��reəriən/ adjective referringto matters of land tenure and problemsarising from land ownershipagri-agri- /��ri/ prefix referring to agricultureor to the cultivation or management ofland. � agro-agri-biotechnologyagri-biotechnology noun biotech-nology as applied to agricultureagribusinessagribusiness /��ribiznəs/ noun alarge-scale farming business run along thelines of a conventional company, ofteninvolving the processing, packaging andsale of farm products

‘The Committee of Public Accounts hastold Defra that farm business supportshould be targeted at those enterpriseswhich need it most. This means smallerand intermediate sized farming businessesrun by families and individuals, ratherthan large agribusinesses.’ [FarmersGuardian]

agriculturalagricultural adjective referring tofarmingAgricultural and Food Research CouncilAgricultural and Food ResearchCouncil noun formerly, a council estab-lished to organise and provide funds foragricultural and food research. It wasreplaced by the Biotechnology and Biolog-ical Sciences Research Council in 1993.Abbr AFRCagricultural burningagricultural burning noun the burningof agricultural waste as part of farmingpractice, e.g. stubble burningAgricultural Chemicals Approval SchemeAgricultural Chemicals ApprovalScheme noun a scheme which gaveadvice to farmers on the use and efficiencyof chemicals and which tested chemicalsbefore use by farmers. It was operated bythe Agricultural Chemicals ApprovedOrganisation and was a voluntary schemewhich has now been replaced by the FEPAlegislation. Abbr ACASagricultural depopulationagricultural depopulation/��rik�tʃ(ə)rəl �di�pɒpjυ |�leiʃ(ə)n/noun the fact of people leaving farms tolive and work elsewhereAgricultural Development and Advisory ServiceAgricultural Development andAdvisory Service noun former namefor ADASAgricultural Development ProgrammeAgricultural DevelopmentProgramme noun a plan to improve theagricultural productivity of a community

through training and modernisation ofequipment. Abbr ADPagricultural economistagricultural economist noun a personwho studies the economics of the agricul-tural industryagricultural engineeragricultural engineer noun 1. aperson trained in applying the principles ofscience to farming 2. a person whodesigns, manufactures or repairs farmmachinery and equipmentagricultural engineeringagricultural engineering noun theapplying of the principles of science tofarmingAgricultural Engineers AssociationAgricultural Engineers Associa-tion noun an organisation which protectsthe interests of manufacturers andsuppliers of agricultural machinery in theUK. Abbr AEAagricultural holdingagricultural holding noun a basic unitfor agricultural production, consisting ofall the land and livestock under themanagement of one particular person orgroup of peopleAgricultural Holdings Act 1984Agricultural Holdings Act 1984noun an Act of Parliament which givesprotection to tenants in questions of thefixing of rent and security of tenure. Itmakes provision for tenancies for a lifetime and for short-term lettings.Agricultural Industries ConfederationAgricultural Industries Confedera-tion noun a trade association for suppliersof feed, fertilisers, seeds and grain to theagricultural sector. Abbr AICagriculturalistagriculturalist /��ri|�k�ltʃ(ə)rəlist/noun a person trained in applying the prin-ciples of science to farmingagricultural laboureragricultural labourer noun a personwho does heavy work on a farm, formerlya rural worker with no land, and sometimesstill a worker with a special skill, such asditching or hedgingAgricultural Land TribunalAgricultural Land Tribunal noun acourt established in 1947 to hear appealsagainst decisions affecting owners ortenants of agricultural landAgricultural Mortgage CorporationAgricultural Mortgage Corpora-tion noun a corporation which makesloans available to borrowers on the securityof agricultural land and buildings inEngland and Walesagricultural policyagricultural policy noun the decisionsand commitments that make up a govern-ment’s attitude to and programme for agri-cultureAgricultural RevolutionAgricultural Revolution noun thechanges in agriculture which transformed


7 agrochemicals

Britain’s countryside in the 18th and 19thcenturiesAgricultural Stabilization and Conservation ServiceAgricultural Stabilization andConservation Service noun formerly,a service of the federal Department ofAgriculture which operated the depart-ment’s various schemes throughout theUSA. It was incorporated into the FarmService Agency in 1993. Abbr ASCSAgricultural Wages BoardAgricultural Wages Board noun aboard which fixes minimum wages andholiday entitlements for agriculturalworkers, and deals with terms and condi-tions of their employment. Abbr AWBagricultural wasteagricultural waste noun waste matterproduced on a farm, e.g. plastic containersfor pesticidesAgricultural Waste Stakeholders’ ForumAgricultural Waste Stakeholders’Forum noun a group that includes repre-sentatives of government, farming organi-sations, waste companies and farmsuppliers with the aim of identifying anddealing with issues of waste managementin agricultureagricultureagriculture noun the cultivation of land,including horticulture, fruit growing, cropand seed growing, dairy farming and live-stock breeding

COMMENT: The use of land to raise cropsfor eating first started about 10,000years ago. All plants grown for food havebeen developed over many centuriesfrom wild plants, which have been pro-gressively bred to give the best yields indifferent types of environment. Genesfrom wild plants are likely to be morehardy and resistant to disease, and arestill kept in gene banks to strengthennew cultivated varieties.

Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology CommissionAgriculture, Environment andBiotechnology Commission nounthe UK government advisory body onbiotechnology issues affecting agricultureand the environmentAgriculture Act 1968Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provi-sions) Act 1968 noun an Act of Parlia-ment which defines what constitutes live-stock and makes it an offence to causeunnecessary pain or distress to a farmanimalAgriculture ActsAgriculture Acts plural noun Acts ofParliament, introduced to update legisla-tion affecting agricultural policyAgriculture and Rural Affairs DepartmentAgriculture and Rural AffairsDepartment noun the department of thedevolved Welsh Assembly governmentwhich deals with farming, the environ-

ment, animal welfare and rural develop-ment in Wales. Abbr ARADAgriculture Industry Advisory CommitteeAgriculture Industry AdvisoryCommittee noun the committee thatadvises the Health and Safety Commissionon the protection of people at work andothers from hazards to health and safetyarising within the agricultural and relatedindustries‘Agriculture in the United Kingdom’‘Agriculture in the UnitedKingdom’ noun a review undertakeneach year by the British government,reporting on the state of the agriculturalindustry (NOTE: Formerly called theAnnual Review of Agriculture.)agri-environmental indicatoragri-environmental indicator nounan indicator designed to provide informa-tion on the various ways in which agricul-ture affects the environmentagri-environment schemeagri-environment scheme noun ascheme to give money to farmers topersuade them to adopt land managementpractices that benefit the environment, e.g.the Environmental Stewardship Schemeagri-foodagri-food adjective relating to industrieswhich are involved in the mass production,processing and inspection of food productsmade from agricultural commodities

‘The agri-food industry in Wales isalready growing at a faster rate than in anyother part of the UK with employment inthe Welsh food sector since 1998 showinga 1.7 per cent increase compared to a 5.2per cent fall in the rest of Great Britain.’[Farmers Guardian]

agri-tourismagri-tourism noun a type of tourismwhere visitors can help out on a workingfarm, buy produce from a farm shop or beinvolved in other leisure activities on thefarm’s landagro-agro- /��rəυ/ prefix referring to agricul-ture or to the cultivation or management ofland. � agri-agrobiodiversityagrobiodiversity /��rəυbaiəυdai|

�v��siti/ noun the aspects of biodiversitythat affect agriculture and food production,including within-species, species andecosystem diversityagrochemical industryagrochemical industry/��rəυkemik(ə)l �indəstri/ noun thebranch of industry which produces pesti-cides and fertilisers used on farmsagrochemicalsagrochemicals /��rəυ |�kemik(ə)lz/plural noun pesticides and fertilisers devel-oped for agricultural use


agroclimatology 8agroclimatologyagroclimatology /��rəυklaimə|

�tɒləd�i/ noun the study of climate and itseffect on agricultureagroecologyagroecology /��rəυi|�kɒləd�i/ nounthe ecology of a crop-producing areaagroecosystemagroecosystem /��rəυ|�i�kəυsistəm/noun a community of organisms in a crop-producing areaagroforestryagroforestry /��rəυ |�fɒristri/ noun thegrowing of farm crops and trees together asa farming unitagroindustryagroindustry /��rəυ |�indəstri/ nounan industry dealing with the supply,processing and distribution of farm prod-uctsagronomistagronomist /ə |��rɒnəmist/ noun aperson who studies the cultivation of cropsand provides advice to farmersagronomyagronomy /ə |��rɒnəmi/ noun the scien-tific study of the cultivation of cropsAHDOAHDO abbreviation Animal Health Divi-sional OfficeAHOAHO abbreviation 1. Animal HealthOffice 2. Animal Health OfficerA horizonA horizon noun topsoil. � horizonAIAI1 abbreviation 1. active ingredient 2.artificial inseminationAIAI2 /�ei �ai/ verb to inseminate an animalartificially � Twenty ewes were AI’d.AIACAIAC abbreviation Agriculture IndustryAdvisory CommitteeAICAIC abbreviation Agricultural IndustriesConfederationAI centreAI centre noun a centre which keepsbreeding bulls, boars and rams, and quanti-ties of their semen for use in artificialinseminationair layeringair layering noun a method of propaga-tion where a stem is partially cut, thensurrounded with damp moss, which is tiedsecurely to the stem. Roots will grow fromthe cut at the point where it is in contactwith the moss.air pollutionair pollution noun the contamination ofthe air by substances such as gas or smoke.Also called atmospheric pollution (NOTE:Odour nuisance from livestock units andother farming activities is governed by theEnvironmental Protection Act. The burningof agricultural crop residues is nowbanned.)

‘Several countries, including the US,Brazil and Denmark, have plants up andrunning already and reports suggest theblended fuel produces a higherperformance than pure petrol as well as

significantly reducing air pollution.’[Farmers Weekly]

albinismalbinism /��lbiniz(ə)m/ noun an inher-ited lack of pigmentation in an organism(NOTE: A person or animal with albinismhas unusually white skin and hair.)albinoalbino /�l |�bi�nəυ/ noun an organism thatis unusually white, having little or nopigmentation in its skin, hair or eyesbecause it is deficient in the colouringpigment melaninalbumenalbumen /��lbjυmin/ noun the white ofan egg, containing albuminalbuminalbumin /��lbjυmin/ noun a commonprotein, soluble in water and found in plantand animal tissue and digested in the intes-tinealbumosealbumose /��lbjυməυz/ noun an inter-mediate product in the digestion of proteinALCALC abbreviation agricultural land classi-ficationalderalder /�ɔ�ldə/ noun a hardwood tree in thebirch family. Genus: Alnus. (NOTE: Thewood is resistant to decay in wet condi-tions.)aldosteronealdosterone /�l |�dɒstərəυn/ noun ahormone secreted by the adrenal glandwhich regulates the balance of sodium andpotassium in the body and the amount ofbody fluidaldrinaldrin /�ɔ�ldrin/ noun an organochlorineinsecticide that is banned in the EuropeanUnionaleuronealeurone /��lu�rəυn/ noun a proteinfound in the outer skin of seedsalfalfaalfalfa /�l |�f�lfə/ noun same as lucernealgaealgae plural noun tiny plants living inwater or in moist conditions, which containchlorophyll and have no stems or roots orleaves

COMMENT: Algae grow rapidly in waterwhich is rich in phosphates. When thephosphate level increases, as when fer-tiliser runoff enters the water, the algaemultiply greatly to form enormous float-ing mats (or blooms), blocking out thelight and inhibiting the growth of otherorganisms. When the algae die, theycombine with all the oxygen in the waterso that other organisms suffocate.

algaecidealgaecide /��ld�isaid/ noun same asalgicidealgae poisoningalgae poisoning noun poisoningcaused by toxic substances released whenalgae decomposealgicidealgicide /��ld�isaid/ noun a substanceused to kill algae


9 alpha amylasealienalien adjective same as exotic � A fifth ofthe area of the national park is under alienconifers. � Alien species, introduced bysettlers as domestic animals, have broughtabout the extinction of some endemicspecies. � noun same as exoticalimentary canalalimentary canal /�li |�ment(ə)ri kə|

�n�l/ noun a tube in the body going fromthe mouth to the anus, including the throat,stomach and intestines, through whichfood passes and is digestedalkalialkali noun a substance which reacts withan acid to form a salt and water. It may beeither a soluble base or a solution of a basethat has a pH value of more than 7. (NOTE:The plural is alkalis; an alternative USplural is alkalies.)alkalinealkaline adjective containing more alkalithan acid and having a pH value of morethan 7alkalinityalkalinity /��lkə |�liniti/ noun the amountof alkali in something such as soil, water ora body � Hyperventilation causes fluctu-ating carbon dioxide levels in the blood,resulting in an increase of blood alkalinity.

COMMENT: Alkalinity and acidity aremeasured according to the pH scale.pH7 is neutral, and pH8 and upwards arealkaline. Alkaline solutions are used tocounteract the effects of acid poisoningand also of bee stings.

alkaloidalkaloid /��lkəlɔid/ adjective similar toan alkali � noun one of many poisonoussubstances found in plants, which use themas a defence against herbivores (NOTE:Many alkaloids such as atropine, morphineor quinine are also useful as medicines.)alleleallele /ə|�li�l/ noun one of two or morealternative forms of a gene, situated in thesame area (locus) on paired chromosomesand controlling the inheritance of the samecharacteristicallelopathyallelopathy /��li |�lɒpəθi/ noun therelease by one plant of a chemicalsubstance that restricts the germination orgrowth of another plantallergenallergen noun a substance whichproduces a hypersensitive reaction insomeone. Allergens are usually proteins,and include foods, the hair of animals andpollen from flowers, as well as dust.allergyallergy noun a sensitivity to substancessuch as pollen or dust, which cause a phys-ical reaction � She has an allergy to house-hold dust. � He has a penicillin allergy.alley croppingalley cropping noun the planting ofcrops such as maize or sorghum between

trees (NOTE: The trees help to prevent soilerosion, especially on slopes, and maybenefit soil fertility if the leaves are used asmulch or if the trees are legumes.)AlliumAllium /��liəm/ noun the Latin name fora family of plants including the onion,leek, garlic and chivesallo-allo- /�ləυ/ prefix differentallogamyallogamy /ə |�lɒ�əmi/ noun fertilisationby pollen from different flowers or fromflowers of genetically different plants ofthe same species

COMMENT: Some fruit trees are self-fer-tile, that is, they fertilise themselves withtheir own pollen. Others need pollinatorsthat are usually different cultivars of thesame species.

allograftallograft /��ləυ�rɑ�ft/ noun a graft oftissue from one individual to another of thesame species. Also called homograftallopatricallopatric /��lə |�p�trik/ adjective refer-ring to plants of the same species whichgrow in different parts of the world and sodo not cross-breedallotmentallotment noun a small area of land,owned by a municipality, which is let to aperson called an allotment-holder for thecultivation and production of vegetablesand fruit for the consumption of the holderand his or her familyall-terrain vehicleall-terrain vehicle noun a vehiclewhich can be driven over all types of landsurface. Abbr ATValluvialalluvial /ə |�lu�viəl/ adjective referring toalluviumalluviumalluvium /ə |�lu�viəm/ noun the silt depos-ited by a river or a lakealmalm /ɑ�m/ noun an alpine pasturenormally only grazed in summeralmondalmond noun a small tree (Prunus dulcis)grown for its edible nuts, or an edible nutproduced by this treealmond oilalmond oil noun an oil from almondseed used for toilet preparations and forflavouringalpalp /�lp/ noun a high mountain pasture,above the treelinealpacaalpaca /�l|�p�kə/ noun an animal whichis similar to the llama. A native of theAndes, it is domesticated and reared for itsvery soft and elastic wool.alpha acidsalpha acids /��lfə ��sidz/ noun anumber of related compounds found inhops, which give hops their bitter tastealpha amylasealpha amylase noun an enzyme presentin wheat seed, which changes some starch


alpine pastures 10

to sugar. Excessive amounts can result inloaves of bread with sticky texture.alpine pasturesalpine pastures /��lpain �pɑ�stʃəz/plural noun grass fields in high mountainswhich are used by cattle farmers in thesummeralpine plantsalpine plants plural noun plants whichgrow on high mountains � alpine vegeta-tion grows above the treelinealternate husbandryalternate husbandry noun husbandryin which arable and grassland cultivationare alternated every few yearsalternative technologyalternative technology noun the useof traditional techniques and equipmentand materials that are available locally foragriculture, manufacturing and other proc-essesalveolusalveolus /��lvi |�əυləs, �l |�vi�ələs/ nouna thin-walled air sac that occurs in largenumbers in each lung and allows oxygen toenter and carbon dioxide to leave the bloodAMCAMC abbreviation Agricultural MortgageCorporationAmerican bisonAmerican bison noun � bisonAmerican foul broodAmerican foul brood noun a diseaseaffecting bees that is caused by a bacterialparasite of the Bacillaceae family thatinfests the larvae. Abbr AFBamino acidamino acid noun a chemical compoundwhich is a component of proteins �Proteins are first broken down into aminoacids. � essential amino acid

COMMENT: Amino acids all contain car-bon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, aswell as other elements. Some aminoacids are produced in the body itself, butothers have to be absorbed from food.

ammoniaammonia noun a gas with an unpleasantsmell that is easily soluble in water.Formula: NH3.

COMMENT: Ammonia is released into theatmosphere from animal dung. It has theeffect of neutralising acid rain, but incombination with sulphur dioxide it formsammonium sulphate which damages thegreen leaves of plants.

ammoniacalammoniacal /��mə|�naiək(ə)l/ adjec-tive referring to ammoniaammoniacal nitrogenammoniacal nitrogen noun nitrogenderived from ammoniaammonia treatmentammonia treatment noun a method oftreating straw, using ammonia to make itmore palatable and nutritiousammoniumammonium /ə|�məυniəm/ noun an ionformed from ammonia

ammonium nitrateammonium nitrate noun a popularfertiliser used as top dressing (NOTE: It isavailable in a special prilled or granularform, and can be used both as a straightfertiliser and in compounds.)ammonium phosphateammonium phosphate noun a ferti-liser which can be used straight, but ismore often used in compounds (NOTE:Applications may increase the acidity ofthe soil.)ammonium sulphateammonium sulphate noun a colour-less crystalline solid that is soluble inwater, used as a fertiliser. Formula:(NH4)2SO4. Also called sulphate ofammoniaamniotic fluidamniotic fluid noun the fluid thatsurrounds and protects a foetusamoebaamoeba noun a single-celled organismfound in water, wet soil, or as a parasite ofother organisms (NOTE: The plural isamoebae.)amoebicamoebic adjective referring to anamoeba or amoebaeAMSAMS abbreviation aggregate measure ofsupportamylaseamylase /��mileiz/ noun an enzymewhich converts starch into maltoseanabolic steroidsanabolic steroids /��nəbɒlik�sterɔidz/ plural noun hormones whichencourage growth and muscle buildinganabolismanabolism /� |�n�bəliz(ə)m/ noun theprocess of building up complex chemicalsubstances on the basis of simpler onesanaemiaanaemia noun a condition where thelevel of red blood cells is less than normalor where the haemoglobin is reduced,making it more difficult for the blood tocarry oxygen (NOTE: The US spelling isanemia.)anaemicanaemic /ə |�ni�mik/ adjective affected byanaemia (NOTE: The US spelling isanemic.)anaerobicanaerobic /��nə |�rəυbik/ adjective notneeding oxygen for existence. Compareaerobicanaerobicallyanaerobically /��nə |�rəυbikli/ adverbwithout using oxygen � Slurry is digestedanaerobically by bacteria.anaerobic decompositionanaerobic decomposition noun thebreaking down of organic material bymicroorganisms without the presence ofoxygenanaerobic digesteranaerobic digester noun a digesterthat operates without oxygen � Anaerobicdigesters can be used to convert cattlemanure into gas.


11 animal welfare

COMMENT: Anaerobic digesters for pig,cattle and poultry waste feed the wasteinto a tank where it breaks down biologi-cally without the presence of oxygen togive off large amounts of methane. Thisgas is then used to generate electricity.The remaining slurry can be applieddirectly to the land.

anaerobic digestionanaerobic digestion noun the break-down of organic material without the pres-ence of oxygen, a process which perma-nently removes the unpleasant smell ofmany organic wastes so that they can beused on agricultural landanaerobismanaerobism /��nə |�rəυbiz(ə)m/ noun alack of oxygen such as is found in gleysoilsanaesthesiaanaesthesia /��nəs |�θi�ziə/ noun 1. theloss of the feeling of pain 2. a process thatprevents a person or animal from feelingpain, usually by the use of drugs (NOTE:The US spelling is anesthesia.)analyseanalyse verb 1. to examine something indetail � We analysed the milk yields fromdifferent breeds of cow. 2. to separate asubstance into its parts � The laboratory isanalysing the soil samples. � When thewater sample was analysed it was found tocontain traces of bacteria.analysisanalysis noun 1. the process of exam-ining something in detail 2. the process ofbreaking down a substance into its parts inorder to study them closely � Samples ofmaterial were removed for analysis.

COMMENT: Chemical and electrical meth-ods are used in soil analysis to deter-mine the pH and lime requirements of asoil. Portable testing equipment, usingcolour charts, is sometimes used to testfor pH.

analystanalyst noun 1. a person who examinessamples of substances to find out what theyare made of 2. a person who carries out astudy of a problem � a health and safetyanalystanaplasmosisanaplasmosis /��nəpl�z |�məυsis/noun an infectious disease of cattle, char-acterised by anaemiaanchorageanchorage /��ŋkərid�/ noun the abilityof plant roots to hold firm in the soilAnconaAncona /�ŋ|�kəυnə/ noun a laying breedof chicken, with white tips on blackfeathersAndalusianAndalusian /��ndəlu� |�si�ən/ noun 1. adark red breed of cattle, used both asdraught animals and for beef 2. a layingbreed of chicken with blue feathers

angelicaangelica /�n|�d�elikə/ noun a plant withdark green stems, which are crystallisedwith sugar and used in confectioneryAngelnAngeln /��ŋ�eln/ noun a German dual-purpose breed of cattle, red or brown incolour, with black hoovesangiospermangiosperm /��nd�iəυsp��m/ noun aplant in which the sex organs are carriedwithin flowers and seeds are enclosed in afruit. Compare gymnospermAnglo-NubianAnglo-Nubian /��ŋ�ləυ �nju�biən/noun a hardy breed of goat with high milkyields. It has a brown coat with whitepatches.angoraangora noun 1. a breed of rabbit, bredmainly for its fur 2. a breed of goat, impor-tant as a source of mohair

COMMENT: The original colour was white,but there are now grey, pale brown andother shades. The wool is extremely fine.

AngusAngus /��ŋ�əs/ noun � AberdeenAngusAnimal Diseases Research AssociationAnimal Diseases Research Asso-ciation noun former name for MoredunAnimal Health Act 1981Animal Health Act 1981 noun an Actof Parliament which aimed to control thespread of diseases in farm animals and toset up rules protecting the welfare ofanimals on the farm, in transit and atmarketAnimal Health Act 2002Animal Health Act 2002 noun an Actof Parliament which put into place controlsto deal with outbreaks of diseases such asfoot-and-mouth disease and scrapieAnimal Health Divisional OfficeAnimal Health Divisional Officenoun one of 24 regional branches of theState Veterinary Service. Abbr AHDOAnimal Health OfficerAnimal Health Officer noun anemployee of an Animal Health DivisionalOffice, with veterinary training. Abbr AHOanimal health planninganimal health planning noun an offi-cial set of guidelines for controlling andtreating diseases in farm animalsanimal husbandryanimal husbandry noun the process ofbreeding and looking after farm animalsanimal inspectoranimal inspector, animals inspectornoun an official whose job is to inspectanimals to see if they have notifiablediseases and are being kept in acceptableconditionsanimal welfareanimal welfare noun the idea thatanimals raised on farms should be treatedhumanely and protected from unnecessarypain or distress

‘In his case, the messages abouttraceability and confidence in animal


Animal Welfare Bill 12

welfare and food safety are simple andpositive. Meat for the business comesfrom stock contract reared on a network oflocal farms, fed using mainly homegrowningredients which are then mill-and-mixedfrom a mobile unit visiting the farms.’[Farmers Guardian]

Animal Welfare BillAnimal Welfare Bill noun an Act ofParliament due to come into force in 2006to overhaul laws and regulations on animalwelfareanimal welfare codeanimal welfare code noun � welfarecodeannualannual adjective 1. happening or doneonce a year 2. over a period of one year �noun a plant whose life cycle of germina-tion, flowering and fruiting takes placewithin the period of a year. � biennial,perennial

COMMENT: Typical examples of annualsare wheat and barley, which completetheir life history in one growing season.So, starting from seed, they developroots, stem and leaves, then produceflowers and seed before dying. Plantswhich develop over two years are called‘biennials’ and those which do not die atthe end of the fruiting period are called‘perennials’.

annual meadowgrassannual meadowgrass noun a wide-spread weed (Poa annua) found in allarable and grass cropsannual nettleannual nettle noun same as smallnettleAnnual Review of AgricultureAnnual Review of Agriculture noun� ‘Agriculture in the United Kingdom’annual ringannual ring noun a ring of new woodformed each year in the trunk of a treewhich can easily be seen when the tree iscut down. � dendrochronology. Alsocalled tree ring (NOTE: As a tree grows, thewood formed in the spring has more opencells than that formed in later summer. Thedifference in texture forms the visible rings.In tropical countries, trees grow all the yearround and so do not form rings.)anoestrusanoestrus /�n|�i�strəs/ noun a situationwhere a female animal does not come onheat at the usual timeantennaantenna noun one of a pair of long thinsensors on the heads of insects, crustaceansand some other arthropodsanthelminticanthelmintic /��nθel|�mintik/ noun asubstance such as thiabendazole which isused as a treatment against parasites, as inworming livestock

antheranther /��nθə/ noun the part of thestamen of a flower that produces pollenanthesisanthesis /�n|�θi�sis/ noun the action offlowering, when the anthers emergeanthocyaninanthocyanin /��nθəυ|�saiənin/ noun awater-soluble plant pigment responsiblefor blue, violet and red coloursanthraxanthrax noun a highly infectious, oftenfatal, bacterial disease of mammals, espe-cially cattle and sheep, that is transmissibleto humans and causes skin ulcers (cuta-neous anthrax) or a form of pneumoniawhen inhaled (pulmonary anthrax)

COMMENT: Anthrax is caused by the bac-terium Bacillus anthracis, which is diffi-cult to destroy and can stay in the soiland infect animals. Anthrax can be trans-mitted to humans by touching infectedskin, meat or other parts of an animal(including bone meal used as fertiliser).

antibioticantibiotic noun a drug such as penicillinwhich was originally developed from fungiand which stops the spread of bacteria orfungi � The vet prescribed a course of anti-biotics for the infected animal.

COMMENT: Penicillin is one of the com-monest antibiotics, together with strepto-mycin, tetracycline and erythromycin.Although antibiotics are widely and suc-cessfully used, new forms of bacteriahave developed which are resistant tothem. Antibiotics were formerly used asfeed additives to promote growth, butthis practice has been banned in the EUsince 2006.

antibodyantibody noun a protein which isproduced in the body in response to foreignsubstances such as bacteria or virusesanticaking additiveanticaking additive /��nti |�keikiŋ��ditiv/, anticaking agent noun an addi-tive added to food to prevent it becomingsolid (NOTE: Anticaking additives have theE numbers E530–578.)antifungalantifungal /��nti |�f�ŋ�əl/ adjectivereferring to a substance which kills orcontrols fungiantigenantigen /��ntid�ən/ noun a substance inthe body which makes the body produceantibodies to attack it, e.g. a virus or germantimicrobialantimicrobial /��ntimai|�krəυbiəl/adjective referring to something which iscapable of killing or inhibiting the growthof microorganisms, especially bacteria,fungi or virusesantioxidantantioxidant /��nti|�ɒksid(ə)nt/ noun asubstance which prevents oxidation, usedto prevent materials such as rubber fromdeteriorating and added to processed food


13 appropriate technology

to prevent oil going bad (NOTE: In the EU,antioxidant food additives have numbersE300–321.)antiresistance strategyantiresistance strategy /��ntirə|

�zistəns �str�təd�i/ noun a strategydesigned to prevent pests and weeds fromdeveloping resistance to the chemicalsused to control them, or the loss of diseaseresistance in crop plantsantisepticantiseptic adjective preventing orreducing the growth of harmful microor-ganisms � Wash the wheels of the vehiclewith antiseptic spray to reduce the risk ofinfection. � noun a substance whichprevents germs growing or spreading � Thenurse painted the wound with antiseptic.antiserumantiserum /��nti |�siərəm/ noun a serumtaken from an animal which has developedantibodies to bacteria and formerly used togive temporary immunity to a disease(NOTE: The plural is antisera.)antitoxinantitoxin /��nti|�tɒksin/ noun an anti-body produced by the body to counteract apoison in the bodyantiveninantivenin /��nti|�venəm/, antivenene,antivenom noun a serum which is used tocounteract the poison from snake or insectbitesantlersantlers noun the branched horns of maledeeranusanus noun the opening in the alimentarycanal through which faeces leave the bodyanvilanvil /��nvil/ noun a metal block whichends in a point, has a rounded bottom anda flat top, and on which metal objects suchas horseshoes are madeAONBAONB abbreviation Area of OutstandingNatural Beautyapexapex noun the main growing shoot of aplantaphicideaphicide /�eifisaid/ noun a pesticidedesigned to kill aphids on plantsaphidaphid /�eifid/ noun an insect that suckssap from plants and can multiply veryrapidly, e.g. a greenfly � The aphid popu-lation showed a 19% increase. (NOTE:Aphids are pests of some garden plantssuch as roses and may transmit virusdiseases in crops such as potatoes andsugarbeet.)

COMMENT: Cereal aphids are variousspecies of greenfly. Winged femalesfeed on cereal crops in May and June.The grain aphid causes empty or smallgrain by puncturing the grain as it devel-ops, letting the grain contents seep out.

AphisAphis /�eifis/ noun the genus of insectswhich comprises aphidsapiaristapiarist /�eipiərist/ noun a person whokeeps beesapiaryapiary /�eipiəri/ noun a place where beesare keptapicultureapiculture /�eipik�ltʃə/ noun thehusbandry of bees for honey productionappleapple noun an edible fruit of the appletree (Malus domestica)

COMMENT: The apple is the most impor-tant UK fruit crop, growing mainly in Kentand Worcestershire. In 1957, Englandhad about 26,000 hectares growing des-sert apples, but by 1987, there were lessthan 14,000 hectares. Ninety percent ofall cooking apples grown are Bramleys.In the USA and Canada apples aremainly grown in Washington, Oregon,British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Theapple is also grown extensively in tem-perate regions of Australia, South Africaand South America. Six thousand applevarieties once grew in Britain, and all ofthem are recorded in the UK’s NationalApple Register. Around 2,300 of theseare growing at the National Fruit Trials atBrogdale in Kent. Of the recognisedapple varieties the most important areCox’s Orange Pippin and Golden Deli-cious (dessert varieties) and Bramley’sSeedling (cooking apple). Cider applesare grown mainly in Herefordshire andSomerset in the UK, and in Normandy inFrance.

Apple and Pear Development CouncilApple and Pear DevelopmentCouncil noun a former body providingresearch for apple and pear growers in theUK, part of the Horticultural DevelopmentCouncil from 2003. Abbr APDCapple blossom weevilapple blossom weevil noun an insectwhich attacks apple flower buds, causingno fruit to developapplicationapplication noun 1. a formal request �an application for research funds 2. the actof putting a substance on a surface � Thecrop received two applications of fungi-cide. 3. the act of using something that youalready have, such as an ability or knowl-edge, in order to do something � the appli-cation of knowledge and skills 4. a partic-ular use � This new technology has manyapplications.apportionmentapportionment /ə|�pɔ�ʃ(ə)nmənt/ nounan enclosure of part of common land forprivate farm useappropriate technologyappropriate technology noun a tech-nology that is suited to the local environ-ment, usually involving skills or materials


approved products 14

that are available locally � Biomethanationis an appropriate technology for use inrural areas.approved productsapproved products plural noun chem-icals used in agriculture and approved foruse by the governmentAPRCAPRC abbreviation Apple and PearResearch Councilapricotapricot noun a deciduous tree (Prunusarmeniaca) bearing soft yellow fruit,similar to a small peach, but not as juicyAPRSAPRS abbreviation Association for theProtection of Rural Scotlandaqua-aqua- /�kwə/ prefix water. � aqui-aquacultureaquaculture /��kwək�ltʃə/, aqua-farming /��kwəfɑ�miŋ/ noun same asfish farmingaquaticaquatic adjective referring to wateraqueousaqueous /�eikwiəs, ��kwiəs/ adjectivereferring to a solution made with wateraqueous ammoniaaqueous ammonia noun ammonia insolution, obtained from gas works and as aby-product; sometimes used as a fertiliseraqueous solutionaqueous solution noun a solution of asubstance in wateraqui-aqui- prefix water. � aqua-aquicultureaquiculture /��kwik�ltʃə/ noun sameas fish farmingaquiferaquifer /��kwifə/ noun a mass of porousrock or soil through which water passesand in which water gathersArabArab /��rəb/, Arabian horse noun abreed of horse, especially used for racing(NOTE: Arabian horses are those in whosepedigree there is no other blood thanArabian. Of great antiquity, they are thepurest of the equine races. Nearly everybreed has had an infusion of Arab blood.)Arabis MosaicArabis Mosaic /��rəbis məυ |�zeiik/noun a viral disease which infects a widerange of horticultural crops. Leavesbecome stunted and plants die back.arablearable /��rəb(ə)l/ adjective referring toland on which crops are grown

COMMENT: In 2005 the UK was the 4thlargest producer of cereal and oilseedcrops in the EU, with arable crops repre-senting about 16% of the total agricul-tural output for the country.

Arable Area Payments SchemeArable Area Payments Schemenoun until 2005, a subsidy for growers ofarable crops. Abbr AAPS (NOTE: Nowsuperseded by the Single PaymentScheme.)arable cropsarable crops plural noun crops whichare cultivated on ploughed land. They are

annual crops and include cereals, rootcrops and potatoes.arable farmingarable farming noun the growing ofcrops, as opposed to dairy farming, cattlefarming, etc.arable landarable land noun 1. land suitable forploughing 2. land which has beenploughed and croppedArable Research Institute AssociationArable Research Institute Associ-ation noun a body set up by the Instituteof Arable Crops Research to oversee thedistribution of relevant research to farmers.Abbr ARIAarable soilarable soil noun soil which is able to beused for the cultivation of cropsarable weedarable weed noun a weed that grows onor near land that has been cultivated forcrops, e.g. poppyarachidonic acidarachidonic acid /ə |�r�kidɒnik ��sid/noun an essential fatty acidArachnidaArachnida /ə |�r�knidə/ noun a class ofanimals that have eight legs, e.g. spidersand mites

COMMENT: Arachnids have pincers onthe first pair of legs. Their bodies aredivided into two parts and they have noantennae.

ARADARAD abbreviation Agriculture and RuralAffairs Department (Welsh Assembly)arbor-arbor- /ɑ�bɔ�/ prefix treearboretumarboretum /�ɑ�bə|�ri�təm/ noun a collec-tion of trees from different parts of theworld, grown for scientific study (NOTE:The plural is arboreta.)arboricidearboricide /ɑ�|�bɔ�risaid/ noun a chem-ical substance which kills treesArboricultural AssociationArboricultural Association /�ɑ�bəri |

�k�ltʃ(ə)rəl ə |�səυsieiʃ(ə)n/ noun asociety which promotes the study of arbo-riculture and represents the interests of itsmembers. Abbr AAarboriculturearboriculture /�ɑ�bərik�ltʃə/ noun thestudy of the cultivation of treesarboristarborist /�ɑ�bərist/ noun a person whostudies the cultivation of treesarbovirusarbovirus /�ɑ�bəvairəs/ noun a virustransmitted by blood-sucking insectsArdennesArdennes /ɑ�|�den/ noun a short, hardyFrench breed of horse found in Britainmainly on hill farmsareare /ɑ�/ noun a unit of metric land meas-urement which equals 100 square metresareaarea noun a region of land � The wholearea has been contaminated by waste fromthe power station.


15 AscarisArea of Outstanding Natural BeautyArea of Outstanding NaturalBeauty noun in England and Wales, aregion which is not a National Park butwhich is considered sufficiently attractiveto be preserved from unsympathetic devel-opment. Abbr AONBarea paymentarea payment noun � Arable AreaPayments Schemearenaceousarenaceous /��ri |�neiʃəs/ adjectivesandyarenaceous soilsarenaceous soils plural noun sandysoils, soils which have a high amount ofsand particlesargenteargente /ɑ� |��ɒnt/ noun French breed ofrabbitargillaceousargillaceous /�ɑ�d�i|�leiʃəs/ adjectiveclayeyargillaceous soilsargillaceous soils plural noun soilswith a high amount of clay particlesargininearginine /�ɑ�d�ini�n/ noun an essentialamino acid and a constituent of proteinsARIAARIA /�ɑ�riə/ abbreviation ArableResearch Institute Association (NOTE: Nowcalled the Rothamsted Research Associa-tion (RRA).)aridarid adjective referring to soil which isvery dry, or an area of land which has verylittle rainaridityaridity /ə|�riditi/ noun the state of beingextremely dryarilaril /��ril/ noun an extra covering to theseed, found in certain plantsarkark /ɑ�k/ noun 1. a small hut made ofwood or corrugated metal, used to sheltersows kept outdoors in fields 2. a mobilepoultry house with wire or slatted floors,formerly used to house chickens at nightand in bad weatheraromaticaromatic adjective having a pleasantsmell � noun a substance, plant or chem-ical which has a pleasant smellaromatic herbsaromatic herbs plural noun herbs, suchas rosemary or thyme, which are used togive a particular taste to foodARPARP abbreviation US acreage reductionprogrammearrowrootarrowroot /��rəυru�t/ noun a tropicalplant (Maranta arundinacea) whose tubersyield starch. Used particularly in the prep-aration of invalid foods, since this form ofstarch is easily digested.arsenicarsenic noun a grey semimetallic chem-ical element that forms poisonouscompounds such as arsenic trioxide, whichwas formerly used in some medicines

arsenicalarsenical /ɑ�|�senik(ə)l/ noun a drug orinsecticide which is one of the group ofpoisonous oxides of arsenicarsenidearsenide /�ɑ�sənaid/ noun a compoundof arsenic and a metallic elementarterial drainarterial drain /ɑ� |�tiəriəl drein/ noun amain watercourse which carries waterfrom smaller drains or ditchesartesian wellartesian well /ɑ� |�ti�ziən �wel/ noun awell which has been bored into a confinedaquifer, the hydrostatic pressure usuallybeing strong enough to force the water tothe surfacearthropodarthropod /�ɑ�θrəpɒd/ noun an inverte-brate with jointed limbs, a segmentedbody, and a chitin exoskeleton. Phylum:Arthropoda. (NOTE: Insects, arachnids,centipedes and crustaceans are arthro-pods.)artichokeartichoke noun a vegetable grown as aspecialised crop

COMMENT: There are two types of arti-choke: the globe artichoke, a tall thistle-like plant (the leaves of the head arecooked and eaten), and the Jerusalemartichoke, a tall plant which developstubers like a potato.

artificialartificial adjective made by humans andnot existing naturallyartificial fertiliserartificial fertiliser noun a fertilisermanufactured from chemicals. Also calledchemical fertiliserartificial inseminationartificial insemination noun a methodof breeding livestock by injecting spermfrom specially selected males into females.Abbr AI. Compare multiple ovulation andembryo transferartificial manureartificial manure noun a manufacturedchemical substance used to increase thenutrient level of the soilartificial selectionartificial selection noun the selectionby people of individual animals or plantsfrom which to breed further generationsbecause the animals or plants have usefulcharacteristicsarvensisarvensis /ɑ� |�vensis/ adjective a Latinword meaning ‘of the fields’, used in manygenetic names of plantsasbestosasbestos noun a fibrous mineralsubstance that causes lung disease ifinhaled. It was formerly used as a shieldagainst fire and as an insulating material inmany industrial and construction proc-esses.AscarisAscaris /��skəris/ noun a nematodeworm which infects the small intestine,causing the disease (ascariasis)


Ascochyta 16AscochytaAscochyta /��skəυ |�ʃi�tə/ noun adisease affecting pulses such as peas andbeansascorbic acidascorbic acid /ə |�skɔ�bik ��sid/ nounvitamin Casexualasexual adjective not involving sexualreproductionasexuallyasexually /ei|�sekʃjuəli/ adverb notinvolving sexual intercourse � By takingcuttings it is possible to reproduce plantsasexually.ashash noun 1. a hardwood tree. Genus:Fraxinus. 2. a grey or black powder formedof minerals left after an organic substancehas been burntasparagusasparagus noun a native European plant(Asparagus officinalis) of which the youngshoots (called ‘spears’) are cut when theyare about 25cm long and are eaten as avegetableasparagus peaasparagus pea noun a plant (Lotustetragonolobus) grown in southern Europe,the pods of which are edibleaspectaspect noun a direction in which some-thing faces � a site with a northern aspect(NOTE: It can affect the amount of sunshineand heat absorbed by the soil. In the UK,the temperature of north-facing slopes maybe 1°C lower than on similar slopes facingsouth.)aspenaspen /��spən/ noun a hardwood treewith leaves that tremble in the wind.Genus: Populus.aspergillosisaspergillosis /��sp��d�i|�ləυsis/ nounan infection of the lungs with Aspergillus,a type of fungus which affects parts of therespiratory systemassass noun a long-eared animal of the horsefamily. Used as a draught animal and stillimportant in Mediterranean countries,where it thrives better than the horse onscanty herbage.associationassociation noun 1. a link between twothings � They were looking for an associa-tion between specific chemicals and thedisease. 2. same as biological associa-tionAssociation for the Protection of Rural ScotlandAssociation for the Protection ofRural Scotland noun an independentcharity which promotes the preservation ofScotland’s natural landscapes. Abbr APRSAssociation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal TherapyAssociation of Chartered Physio-therapists in Animal Therapy nouna professional body in the UK representinganimal physiotherapists. Abbr ACPAT

assortive matingassortive mating /ə |�sɔ�tiv �meitiŋ/noun the practice of mating animals thathave a similar appearance. Also calledmating likesassurance schemeassurance scheme noun a set ofvoluntary guidelines that farmers can signup to in order to reassure customers aboutthe quality of their produceAssured Food StandardsAssured Food Standards noun anorganisation which is responsible formanaging the ‘Little Red Tractor’ assur-ance scheme. Abbr AFSAsteraceaeAsteraceae /��stə|�r�siai/ plural noun acommon and very large family of plantswith flat flowers that consist of manyflorets arranged around a central structure.Former name Compositaeasthmaasthma noun a lung condition character-ised by narrowing of the bronchial tubes, inwhich the muscles go into spasm and theperson has difficulty breathing. � occupa-tional asthmaasulamasulam /��sjuləm/ noun a herbicideused around trees and fruit bushesatavismatavism /��təviz(ə)m/ noun the reap-pearance of a genetically controlled featurein an organism after it has been absent forseveral generations, usually as a result ofan accidental recombination of genesatmospheric lifetimeatmospheric lifetime noun same aslifetimeatmospheric pollutionatmospheric pollution noun same asair pollutionatrazineatrazine /��trəzi�n/ noun a herbicidethat kills germinating seedlings, used espe-cially on maize cropsatriumatrium /�eitriəm/ noun one of the twoupper chambers in the heart. Compareventricleatrophic rhinitisatrophic rhinitis /� |�trɒfik rai |�naitis/noun a bacterial disease of young pigscausing inflammation of the nasalpassages, which can cause deformity of thesnoutatropineatropine /��trəpi�n/ noun a poisonousplant compound (alkaloid), found inAtropa belladonna, that affects heart rateand is used medically to relax musclesattachmentattachment noun a device which can beattached to a machine, e.g. a straw chopperwhich can be attached to a combineharvesterattenuated strainsattenuated strains /ə|�tenjueitid�streinz/ plural noun pathogenic microor-ganisms, mainly bacteria and viruses,which have lost their virulence


17 aviary systemattested areaattested area /ə|�testid �eəriə/ noun anarea declared to be free from a specificanimal disease

COMMENT: In 1960, the whole of the UKwas declared an attested area, sincebovine tuberculosis had by then beenalmost completely eradicated from allherds of cattle.

attested herdattested herd noun a herd tested andfound to be free of bovine tuberculosisattractantattractant /ə|�tr�ktənt/ noun a chemicalthat attracts an organism. � pheromoneATVATV abbreviation all-terrain vehicleaubergineaubergine noun a purple fruit of theeggplant (Solanum melongena), used as avegetable. A native of tropical Asia, it issometimes called by its Indian name‘brinjal’.AubracAubrac /�ɔ�br�k/ noun a rare breed ofcattle from southern France. The animalsare light yellow or brown in colour and areused for draught, milk and meat.auctionauction noun the selling of goods wherepeople offer bids, and the item is sold to theperson who makes the highest offer � verbto sell at an auctionauctioneerauctioneer noun a person who conductsan auctionaugerauger /�ɔ��ə/ noun 1. a tool for boringholes, made up of a long shank with acutting edge and a screw point. Soil augersare used to obtain samples of soil for anal-ysis. 2. a device on a combine harvester(shaped like a large screw) which carriesthe grain up into the grain tankAujeszky’s diseaseAujeszky’s disease /əυ |�jeski�z di|

�zi�z/ noun a virus disease of animals,characterised by intense itching. Thedisease is most serious in young pigs, andoften leads to death. A notifiable disease.auricleauricle /�ɔ�rik(ə)l/ noun 1. an ear-shapedpart in each upper chamber of the heart 2.a part of a grass plant found at the base ofa leafAustralorpAustralorp /�ɒstrəlɔ�p/ noun anAustralian breed of chicken; the birds areblack with red combsauto-auto- /ɔ�təυ/ prefix 1. automatic or auto-mated 2. selfautogamyautogamy /ɔ�|�tɒ�əmi/ noun pollinationwith pollen from the same flowerautomatic cluster removalautomatic cluster removal noun theautomatic removal of the cluster of themilking machine from the udder at the endof milking. Abbr ACR

automatic pick-up hitchautomatic pick-up hitch noun amechanism on a tractor, operated by thehydraulic system, which allows the driverto hitch up to a trailer without leaving thedriving seatautomationautomation noun the use of machineryto save manual labour

COMMENT: Automation has considerablyreduced the labour involved in dairying.It has now been adopted almost every-where for the milking process (removingthe cluster of the milking machine at theend of milking is done automatically) andfor the making of conserved fodder.

autotrophautotroph /�ɔ�tətrɒf/, autotrophicorganism /�ɔ�tətrɒfik �ɔ��əniz(ə)m/noun an organism which manufactures itsown organic constituents from inorganicmaterials, e.g. a bacterium or green plant.Compare chemotroph, heterotrophautumn flyautumn fly noun an irritating non-bitingfly (Musca autumnalis)auxinauxin /�ɔ�kzin/ noun a plant hormone thatencourages or suppresses tissue growth(NOTE: Some herbicides act as syntheticauxins by upsetting the balance of theplant’s growth.)available wateravailable water noun water which canbe taken up by the plant rootsavailable water capacityavailable water capacity noun theamount of water held by a soil between theamounts at field capacity and wilting point.Abbr AWCAvenaAvena /ə |�vi�nə/ noun the Latin name forthe oat familyAverage All Pigs PriceAverage All Pigs Price nounformerly, the average price for pigs, calcu-lated each week and used in contracts forpayment. It has now been replaced by theDeadweight Adjusted Pig Price. AbbrAAPPAvesAves /�eivi�z/ noun the class thatcomprises birdsavianavian /�eiviən/ adjective relating to birdsavian fluavian flu noun a type of influenza thataffects birds and can infect humans. Alsocalled bird fluaviaryaviary /�eiviəri/ noun a cage or largeenclosure for birdsaviary systemaviary system noun a poultry housingsystem using a deep litter house with extraraised areas inside it for the birds to feed,roost and exercise in

‘Improving welfare was the key reasonwhy Robert and Ethel Chapman becamethe first Scottish egg producer to invest in


avocado 18

the new enriched aviary system. It consistsof birds housed in groups of 60 in largecages containing a nesting area, scratchingarea and perches in addition to drinkersand feeders.’ [Farmers Weekly]

avocadoavocado noun a pear-shaped green fruitof a tree (Persea americana) which isnative of South and Central America and iscultivated in Israel, Spain, the USA andelsewhere. The fruit has a high protein andfat content, making it very nutritious andan important food crop.away-going cropaway-going crop noun a crop sown bya tenant farmer before leaving the farm atthe end of his tenancy. He is permitted toreturn and harvest the crop and remove it.AWBAWB abbreviation Agricultural WagesBoardAWCAWC abbreviation available watercapacityawnawn /ɔ�n/ noun the tip of a leaf which endsin a spine; in cereals awns are attached tothe grains, and in barley each grain has aparticularly long awn

axilaxil /��ksil/ noun the angle between a leafor branch and the stem from which it growsaxillaryaxillary /�k|�siləri/ adjective referring toan axilaxillary budaxillary bud noun a bud in the anglebetween a leaf and the main stem,producing a side shoot, as in the case oftomatoesAylesburyAylesbury /�eilzbəri/ noun a heavy tablebreed of duck, with white feathersAyrshireAyrshire /�eəʃə/ noun a breed of dairycow, originating in South-West Scotland. Itis deep and broad at the hips and narrow atthe shoulders. It was the main rival to theFriesian as a milk producer. It is hardy, andwhite and brown in colour.AzaroleAzarole /��zə|�rəυl/ noun a small tree(Crataegus azarolus) bearing fruit whichare used for making jellies. It is a native ofthe Mediterranean area.azotobacterazotobacter /ə |�zəυtəυb�ktə/ noun anitrogen-fixing bacterium belonging to agroup found in soil


BBB symbol boronBAABAA abbreviation British AgrochemicalsAssociationBaars irrigatorBaars irrigator /�bɑ�z �iri�eitə/ noun aflexible hose with sixteen folding sprin-klers, used for irrigatingbaby beefbaby beef noun meat from cattle slaugh-tered around 12 months of agebacillarybacillary /bə|�siləri/ adjective referring toa bacillusbacillary white diarrhoeabacillary white diarrhoea noun anacute, infectious and highly fatal disease ofchicks, caused by Salmonella pullorumbacillusbacillus /bə|�siləs/ noun a bacteriumshaped like a rod (NOTE: The plural isbacilli.)backback verb (of the wind) to change direc-tion, anticlockwise in the northern hemi-sphere and clockwise in the southern hemi-sphere. Opposite veerback bandback band noun a band of rope or chainover a cart saddle, to keep the shafts upbackboardbackboard /�b�kbɔ�d/ noun a board atthe back of a cartbackcrossingbackcrossing /�b�kkrɒsiŋ/ nounbreeding a crossbred offspring back to oneof its parents, usually a purebredback endback end noun late autumnbackgroundbackground noun a set of conditionswhich are always present in the environ-ment, but are less obvious or less importantthan othersbaconbacon noun the cured back and sides of apig; bacon may be green or smoked

COMMENT: Bacon is cured in brine forseveral days. Some bacon is alsosmoked by hanging in smoke, whichimproves its taste. Unsmoked bacon isalso known as ‘green’ bacon.

baconerbaconer /�beik(ə)nə/ noun a pig bredand reared for bacon

bacteriabacteria plural noun very small organ-isms, invisible except through a micro-scope, belonging to a large group, some ofwhich help in the decomposition of organicmatter, some of which are permanently inthe intestines of animals and can breakdown food tissue and some of which causedisease (NOTE: The singular is bacterium.)

COMMENT: Bacteria can be shaped likerods (bacilli), like balls (cocci) or have aspiral form (such as spirochaetes). Bac-teria, especially bacilli and spirochaetes,can move and reproduce very rapidly.

bacteria bedbacteria bed noun a filter bed of roughstone, forming the last stage in the treat-ment of sewagebacterialbacterial adjective referring to or causedby bacteria � a bacterial diseasebacterial cankerbacterial canker noun a diseaseaffecting the plant genus Prunus. Stems ofthe plant swell and exude a light browngum and can cause browning of foliage(Pseudomonas morsprunorum).bacterial digestionbacterial digestion noun the processby which bacteria break down organicmatter such as sewage and slurrybacterial pea blightbacterial pea blight noun a fungaldisease attacking peas. It is a notifiabledisease.bacterial pneumoniabacterial pneumonia noun a form ofpneumonia caused by pneumococcusbacteriophagebacteriophage /b�k |�tiəriəfeid�/ nouna virus that affects bacteriabadgerbadger noun a white-faced grey-coatedcarnivore (NOTE: Badgers are harmless asfar as crops are concerned and useful asthey kill insects, slugs and mice, but therehave been calls for a cull of badgers asthey are thought to be responsible for thespread of bovine tuberculosis.)badlandsbadlands /�b�dl�ndz/ plural noun areasof land which are or have become unsuit-able for agriculture


bag 20bagbag noun the udder of a cow � verb to cutwheat with a sicklebagassebagasse /b� |��s/ noun fibres left aftersugar cane has been crushedBAGMABAGMA /�b��mə/ abbreviation BritishAgricultural and Garden Machinery Asso-ciationBagotBagot /�b��ət/ noun a rare breed of goatwith long hair, usually with black head,neck and shoulders and the rest of the bodywhite. Both sexes have horns.bailbail noun 1. a bar separating horses in ashed 2. a milking shed which can be movedfrom place to placebailiffbailiff noun a person employed to managea farm on behalf of the ownerbaitbait noun feed of hay and oats for horsesbait plantbait plant noun a plant which is grownnear to or among a crop in order to attractpests or infections to it rather than havingthem affect the crop itself

‘The advantage of using weeds such as fathen and chickweed is that they are in situfor a number of months acting as baitplants compared with soil testing, whichrelies on the nematodes being in the soilprofile at the time of sampling.’ [FarmersWeekly]

bakebake verb to cook food such as bread orcakes in an ovenbakersbakers /�beikəz/ plural noun large pota-toes selected to be cooked in an oven asbaked potatoesBakewell, Sir Robert Bakewell, Sir Robert (1735–95)/�beikwel/ an important Leicestershirefarmer whose experiments on longhorncattle showed that the way to achieve rapidimprovement in stock was by carefullycontrolled inbreeding. He also originatedthe improved Leicester sheep.baking powderbaking powder /�beikiŋ �paυdə/ nounpowder formed of dry acid which reactswith water to produce carbon dioxide, andso aerate doughbaking qualitybaking quality noun the ability of flourto retain carbon dioxide bubbles until it hasbecome hardbalancebalance noun 1. a state in which twosides are equal or in proportion 2. a state inwhich proportions of substances arecorrect � to maintain a healthy balance ofvitamins in the dietbalanced dietbalanced diet noun a diet whichprovides all the nutrients needed in thecorrect proportions

balance of naturebalance of nature noun a popularconcept that relative numbers of differentorganisms living in the same ecosystemmay remain more or less constant withouthuman interference � to disturb thebalance of nature to make a change to theenvironment which has the effect ofputting some organisms at a disadvantagecompared with othersbalancerbalancer noun a food supplement whichis given to livestock to counteract the lackof any nutrients in their normal dietbald facedbald faced adjective referring to ananimal with white on the facebalebale noun 1. a package of hay or straw,square, round or rectangular in shape,usually tied with twine 2. a standard packfor cotton � verb to take loose straw, grassor hay and press it into balesbale busterbale buster noun a machine forunrolling big bales of straw, hay and silage,for bedding and feedingbale loaderbale loader noun an attachment to thefront loader arms of a tractor, which allowsit to lift bales onto a trailer or into a barnbalerbaler /�beilə/ noun a machine that picksup loose hay or straw and compresses itinto bales of even size and weight, and thenties them with twine. The completed bale isdropped onto the ground at the back of thebaler.baler twinebaler twine noun a cord used to tie bales,now often made of rot-proof polypro-pylenebale sledgebale sledge noun a sledge pulled behinda baler to collect the finished balesbale wrapperbale wrapper noun a machine mountedon a tractor used to wrap film around a baleballingballing /�bɔ�liŋ/ noun the dosing of largeranimals, by rolling the drug into a ballwhich is then swallowedballing gunballing gun noun an instrument used toforce balls of drugs down the throats ofanimalsbamboobamboo noun a plant (Bambusavulgaris) growing mainly in temperate andsubtropical regions of China, Japan andKoreaBampton NottBampton Nott /�b�mptən �nɒt/ nounan ancient breed of sheep, the ancestor ofthe Devon LongwoolBANCBANC abbreviation British Association ofNature Conservationistsbandband noun 1. a strip or loop of fabric,metal or plastic 2. a narrow area that isdifferent in colour from other areas


21 basic slagbandingbanding /�b�ndiŋ/ noun the placing ofgreasebands round the trunks of fruit treesto trap insectsband sprayerband sprayer noun a crop sprayer thatapplies chemicals in narrow strips, mostlyused with precision seedersbanebane /bein/ noun same as liver flukebantambantam /�b�ntəm/ noun a small breed ofdomestic fowl, most kinds being about halfthe size and weight of the common fowlBAPBAP abbreviation Biodiversity ActionPlanbarbanbarban /�bɑ�bən/ noun a herbicideformerly used on many varieties of winterwheat and barley to control wild oats butno longer approved in the UKbar codebar code noun data represented as aseries of printed stripes of varying widths

COMMENT: Bar codes are found on mostgoods and their packages. The widthand position of the stripes can be recog-nised by the reader and give informationabout the goods, such as price, stockquantities, etc. Many packaged foods,even fresh foods, are bar-coded to allowquicker data capture in the supermarket.

barebare adjective referring to land which hasno plants growing on itbarebackbareback /�beəb�k/ adjective riding anunsaddled horsebare fallowbare fallow noun land left fallow andploughed several times during the courseof a year, the aim being to get rid of weedsbarkbark noun the outer layer of a tree trunk orbranchbarkingbarking /�bɑ�kiŋ/ noun the process ofremoving the bark of a tree, such as whencork is harvested from cork oaksbarleybarley noun a cereal crop used as animalfeed and for making malt for beer orwhisky. Latin name: Hordeum sativum.

COMMENT: Barley is widely grown innorthern temperate countries, with thelargest production in Germany andFrance. It is an important arable crop inthe UK. The grain is mainly used for live-stock feeding and for malting. It is rarelyused for making flour.

barley powdery mildewbarley powdery mildew noun �

powdery mildewbarley yellow dwarf virusbarley yellow dwarf virus noun avirus spread by aphids, which causes poorroot development in barley plants. Red andyellow colour changes occur in leaves andyields are much reduced. Abbr BYDV

barnbarn noun a farm building used forstoring hay or grain. In the USA, barns arealso used for keeping animals.barn-dried haybarn-dried hay noun hay dried indoorsby blowing air through it. It is usually morenutritious than field-dried hay.BarnevelderBarnevelder /�bɑ�nveldə/ noun a breedof fowlbar pigbar pig noun same as barrowbar pointbar point noun a spring-loaded type of aplough body, useful when boulders occurbelow the surface of the land beingploughedbarrenbarren /�b�rən/ adjective 1. unable tosupport plant or animal life � a sparse andbarren landscape at high altitude 2. unableto reproducebarren bromebarren brome /�b�rən brəυm/ noun awidespread weed (Bromus sterilis) whichaffects winter cerealsbarrenerbarrener /�b�rənə/ noun a femaleanimal unable to produce youngBarrosaBarrosa /bə|�rəυsə/ noun a breed ofcattle found in northern Portugal and usedboth for draught and for meat. The animalsare reddish-brown with large curved horns.barrowbarrow /�b�rəυ/ noun a male pig aftercastration, while a suckler or weanerbasal areabasal area /�beis(ə)l eəriə/ noun thearea covered by the trunks of trees or stemsof plantsbasal metabolic ratebasal metabolic rate noun the amountof energy used by a body in exchangingoxygen and carbon dioxide when at rest.Abbr BMR (NOTE: It is a measure of theenergy needed to keep the body func-tioning and the temperature normal.)basal metabolismbasal metabolism noun energy usedby a body at rest, i.e. energy needed to keepthe body functioning and the temperaturenormal. This can be calculated while ananimal is in a state of complete rest byobserving the amount of heat given out orthe amount of oxygen taken in andretained.BASCBASC abbreviation British Associationfor Shooting and Conservationbasicbasic adjective relating to a chemicalwhich reacts with an acid to form a saltbasic pricebasic price noun a support price fixedeach year by the EU for certain fruit andvegetablesbasic slagbasic slag noun calcium phosphate,produced as waste from blast furnaces andformerly used as a fertiliser because of itsphosphate content


basidiomycotes 22basidiomycotesbasidiomycotes /bə |�sidiəυ |

�maikəυts/ plural noun a large group offungi, including mushrooms and toad-stoolsbasilbasil noun an aromatic herb (Ocimumbasilicum), used in cooking, particularlywith fishbasin irrigationbasin irrigation noun a form of irriga-tion where the water is trapped in basinssurrounded by low mud walls, as in ricepaddiesBASISBASIS /�beisis/ noun a scheme for regis-tering distributors of chemicals used toprotect crops, so that dangerous chemicalsare stored and used correctly. Full formBritish Agrochemicals StandardsInspection Schemebasmatibasmati /b�z|�mɑ�ti/ noun a commonvariety of long-grain ricebastard fallowbastard fallow noun land left fallow forthe time between harvesting and sowing,usually ploughed to control weedsbatch dryingbatch drying noun a process for dryingbales of hay in batches. Bales are placed ona platform and heated air is blown upbetween the bales.batterybattery noun a large number of smallcages, usually arranged in rows one abovethe other, in which many birds or animals,especially chickens, are keptbattery farmingbattery farming noun a system offarming where many birds, especiallychickens, or animals are kept in smallcagesbattery henbattery hen noun a hen that is reared andkept in a battery, along with many others,for egg productionbaulkbaulk noun a narrow strip of land leftunploughed to mark the boundary betweenfields (NOTE: also written balk)baybay noun 1. a stall in a stable 2. a horse ofa reddish-brown colourBBBB abbreviation big baleBBSBBS abbreviation big bale silageBBSRCBBSRC noun an organisation whichprovides funding for research into biotech-nology and areas such as livestockbreeding, crop productivity and agricul-tural sustainability. Full form Biotech-nology and Biological SciencesResearch CouncilBCMSBCMS abbreviation British Cattle Move-ment ServiceBCPCBCPC noun an organisation whichpromotes the development, use and under-standing of sustainable crop production

practices. Former name British CropProtection CouncilBDFABDFA abbreviation British Deer FarmersAssociationBDMBDM abbreviation Bleu du Mainebeakbeak noun hard parts forming the mouthof a bird. Also called billbeak trimmingbeak trimming noun cutting off a bird’sbeak to prevent injury to other birds bypecking, especially when they are kept inclose conditions (NOTE: Some beak trim-ming may be required to prevent birdsbeing injured by aggressive pecking, butthere are strict guidelines set out in theanimal welfare code to ensure that theprocess is undertaken in a humane way.)

‘Speaking in London last week at thelaunch of FAWC’s annual review, DrPotter said a multi-disciplinary approachis required for further research to preventmutilations. A priority issue is beaktrimming in laying hens, turkeys andbroiler breeder males.’ [FarmersGuardian]

beambeam noun the main frame of a plough, towhich the parts that cut into the soil areattachedbeanbean noun one of various varieties oflegumes with edible seeds

COMMENT: Bacteria on the roots of beancrops can fix nitrogen and crops follow-ing will benefit from the nitrogen left inthe soil by the beans. Beans normallyhave a single square hollow stem bear-ing a large number of compound bluish-green leaves. Black and white flowersappear in spring, developing into greenpods. The main types of beans are fieldbeans (Vicia faba), used for stock feed-ing, or for producing broad beans, whichare the immature seeds used for humanconsumption. Field beans are usuallygrown as a break crop. Winter beans aresown in October and spring beans inFebruary/March. Spring beans includetick beans (with small seeds), minorbeans (very small seeds, used to feedracing pigeons) and horse beans (largeseeds).

bean aphidbean aphid noun a very small, oval-bodied, black or dark green fly (Aphisfabae) that colonises plants in summer andmakes them wilt. Also called blackflybean stem rotbean stem rot noun a fungus disease ofbeansbeastingsbeastings /�bi�stiŋz/ noun same ascolostrum


23 beltbeatersbeaters /�bi�təz/ plural noun 1. steel barson the drum of a combine harvester 2.people who rouse game in hunting orshootingBeaumont periodBeaumont period /�bəυmɒnt�piəriəd/ noun a period of 48 hours duringwhich temperatures do not fall below 10°C(50°F) and relative humidity remainsabove 75%. Potato blight is likely to occurwithin 21 days of this, though sprayingmay prevent the blight from appearing.beckbeck noun a mountain streambedbed noun a specially planted area of land,e.g. an asparagus bed, flower bed or astrawberry bedbedded setbedded set noun a young hop plantrooted from a cuttingbeddingbedding noun 1. materials such as straw,shavings or sand, used as litter for animalsto lie on 2. the act of planting out smallflower plants into a flower bedbedding plantsbedding plants plural noun smallannual flower plants which are used forbedding outbed outbed out verb to plant a flower bed withplants, especially in such a way as to give adecorative effectbeebee noun a flying insect with a hairy body(NOTE: Bees pollinate some types of plant.)beechbeech noun a common temperate hard-wood tree. Genus: Fagus.beefbeef noun meat of bull or cowbeefalobeefalo /�bi�fələυ/ noun an Americanbreed of cattle, brown in colour. It isderived from crossing bison, Charolais andHereford breeds.Beef Assurance SchemeBeef Assurance Scheme noun ascheme allowing farmers to register estab-lished herds of cattle which have never hada case of BSE, so that older cattle from thisherd are exempted from the 30 month ruleand can be slaughtered and sold for food. �OCDSbeef bullbeef bull noun a bull reared to producebeefbeef cowbeef cow noun a cow kept for rearingcalves for beef productionbeef shorthornbeef shorthorn noun a compact short-legged breed of beef cattle; the colour maybe red, red and white, white or roanBeef Special Premium SchemeBeef Special Premium Schemenoun until 2005, a subsidy for producers ofmale cattle (NOTE: Now superseded by theSingle Payments Scheme.)beef valuebeef value noun the value of an animal,calculated by assessing its genetic back-

ground for a history of good growth andcarcass conformationbeehivebeehive noun a structure for housing acolony of bees, containing the frames inwhich bees store honeybeekeeperbeekeeper /�bi�ki�pə/ noun a personwho keeps bees for honeybeerbeer noun an alcoholic drink made byfermenting malted barley with large quan-tities of waterbeetbeet noun 1. a plant with a succulent root,a source of sugar 2. US same as beetrootbeet cyst nematodebeet cyst nematode noun a type ofnematode which causes white cysts on theroots of beetsbeet flea beetlebeet flea beetle noun a sugar beet pest(Chaetocnema concinna)beetlebeetle noun an insect with hard covers onits wings. Order: Coleoptera.beetle bankbeetle bank noun an uncultivated ridgeleft in the middle of large fields for insectsand spiders which survive there duringwinter and then spread rapidly into thecrop in the following spring to eat pestssuch as aphids

‘Plan and establish your beetle banks atthe same time and in the same way asbuffer strips and field corners, setting-upthe ground in the autumn but leavingsowing until the spring for the bestpossible seedbed cleaning and grassestablishment.’ [Arable Farming]

beetrootbeetroot noun a salad vegetable with abright red rootbeggarybeggary /�be�əri/ noun same ascommon fumitoryBEICBEIC abbreviation British Egg IndustryCouncilBelgian BlueBelgian Blue /�beld�ən �blu�/ noun adual-purpose breed of cattle, the result ofcrossing Friesians and Shorthorns withnative Belgian stock. The animals arecoloured blue and white.Belgian hareBelgian hare noun a breed of rabbitBelgian Heavy DraughtBelgian Heavy Draught noun a breedof horse of great weight and traction powerbelladonnabelladonna /�belə|�dɒnə/ noun same asdeadly nightshadebellwetherbellwether /�belweðə/ noun a sheepwith a bell hung round its neck, whichleads a flockbellybelly noun the underside of an animalbeltbelt verb to clean out a sheep’s fleece withshears


belt drive 24belt drivebelt drive noun the transmission ofpower from an engine or electric motor toanother machine, by means of a beltBelted GallowayBelted Galloway /�beltid ��ləwei/noun a breed of beef cattle, coloured blackwith a white belt round the body. Theanimals are long-haired with a denseundercoat. It is a medium-sized polledbreed used for cross-breeding with WhiteShorthorn bulls to produce blue-greysuckler cows.BeltsvilleBeltsville /�beltsvil/ noun a breed oflarge turkey, with white feathersbenazolinbenazolin /bə |�n�zəli�n/ noun a herbi-cide formerly used for controlling broad-leaved weeds but no longer approved in theUKbeneficial insectbeneficial insect noun an insect whichis encouraged to live on or near farmland tohelp control pests or for pollinationbennetbennet /�benit/ noun same as bentbenomylbenomyl /�benəmi�l/ noun a fungicideformerly used against eyespot in cerealsbut no longer approved for use in the UKbentbent noun 1. stiff-stemmed grasses of thegenus Agrostis, found in hill pastures andtolerant of poor conditions. Also calledbennet 2. old dry stalks of dead grassbenzene hexachloridebenzene hexachloride /�benzi�n�heksə|�klɔ�raid/ noun the active ingre-dient of the pesticide lindane, which wasbanned from use in the UK from 2001Berkankamp scaleBerkankamp scale /�beəkənk�mpskeil/ noun a scale used to describe thegrowth stages in oilseed rape cropBerkshireBerkshire /�bɑ�kʃə/ noun a breed ofsmall pig, dark coloured with a compactbody, short head and prick ears. The snout,feet and tail are white.Berkshire KnotBerkshire Knot noun a local breed ofsheep crossed with Southdown to developthe Hampshire Down breedBerrichon du CherBerrichon du Cher /�beriʃɒn dυ �ʃeə/noun a French breed of sheep, nowimported into the UKberryberry noun a small fleshy fruit withseveral seeds, e.g. a tomato or a grapebest-before datebest-before date noun a date stampedon foodstuffs sold in supermarkets, whichis the last date when the food is guaranteedto be in good condition. Compare sell-bydatebest linear unbiased predictionbest linear unbiased predictionnoun full form of BLUP

best practicebest practice noun the most effective orefficient method of achieving an objectiveor completing a task

‘The National Register of SprayerOperators (NRoSO) was established forthose committed to adopting best practicein both handling and applying pesticides.Some 21,500 members account for 80% ofthe arable area.’ [Arable Farming]

Beulah speckle faceBeulah speckle face /�bju�lə�spek(ə)l �feis/ noun a breed of sheepwhich has a black and white speckled faceand is native to the hills of WalesBFREPABFREPA abbreviation British Free RangeEgg Producers AssociationBFSSBFSS abbreviation British Field SportsSocietyBGHBGH abbreviation bovine growthhormoneBGSBGS abbreviation British GrasslandSocietyBHCBHC abbreviation benzene hexachlorideB horizonB horizon noun the subsoil. � horizonbhpbhp abbreviation brake horsepowerbiblebible noun a name given to the omasum,the third stomach of ruminantsbidbid noun an offer to buy something at acertain pricebidderbidder /�bidə/ noun a person who makesa bid at an auctionbiddybiddy /�bidi/ noun a popular name for ahenbidentbident /�baidənt/ noun a two-year-oldsheepbiennialbiennial adjective happening every twoyears � noun a plant that completes its lifecycle over a period of two years. � annual,perennial

COMMENT: Biennial plants spend the firstyear producing roots, stem and leaves.In the following year the flowering stemand seeds are produced, after which theplant dies. Sugar beet and swedes aretypical biennials, although they aregrown as annuals, and are harvested atthe end of their first year when the rootsare fully developed.

biffinbiffin /�bifin/ noun a variety of cookingapplebifoliatebifoliate /bai|�fəυliət/ adjective referringto a plant which has two leaves onlybig balebig bale noun a large bale, weighingfrom 600 to 900 kilos. Abbr BB

COMMENT: There are two types of bigbale, the round and the rectangular. Thebaling is slower with the round bale, but


25 biodynamic agriculture

the completed bale is more weatherproofand can be safely left out in the field forlonger periods of time. One of the mainadvantages of the big baler is that thenumber of bales per hectare is very low.This makes handling from the field to thebarn very much simpler, provided theright equipment is used.

big bale silagebig bale silage noun silage stored in bigbales. Abbr BBSbig budbig bud noun the swelling of blackcur-rant buds caused by gall mitesbiggbigg /bi�/ noun four-rowed barleybilharziabilharzia /bil|�hɑ�tsiə/ noun 1. a flat-worm which enters the bloodstream frominfected water and causes schistosomiasis.Genus: Schistosoma. 2. same as schisto-somiasisbilharziasisbilharziasis /�bilhɑ� |�tsaiəsis/ nounsame as schistosomiasisbillbill noun same as beakbillhookbillhook /�bilhυk/ noun a cutting imple-ment with a curved blade, used for trim-ming hedgesbilly goatbilly goat /�bili �əυt/ noun a male goatbinbin noun a large container for storage, e.g.a maize bin or a bin for holding wool in ashearing shed � The grain is kept in largestorage bins.bindbind verb to cut corn and tie it together insheavesbinderbinder noun a machine formerly used tocut and bind corn, drawn by a tractor. It hasnow been replaced by the combineharvester.bindweedbindweed /�baindwi�d/ noun a peren-nial weed with creeping roots, whichclimbs by twisting round other plants. �

black bindweed, field bindweedbinebine /bain/ noun 1. a new shoot of a hopplant which is twisted round the strings upwhich it will start to grow 2. the stem of aclimbing plant such as the runner beanbingbing /biŋ/ noun a feed passagebinomial classificationbinomial classification noun thescientific system of naming organismsdevised by the Swedish scientist CarolusLinnaeus (1707–78)

COMMENT: The Linnaean system of bino-mial classification gives each organism aname made up of two Latin words. Thefirst is a generic name referring to thegenus to which the organism belongs,and the second is a specific name refer-ring to the particular species. Organismsare usually identified by using both theirgeneric and specific names, e.g. Homo

sapiens (human), Felis catus (domesticcat) and Sequoia sempervirens (red-wood). A third name can be added togive a subspecies. The generic name iswritten or printed with a capital letter andthe specific name with a lowercase let-ter. Both names are usually given in ital-ics or are underlined if written or typed.

bio-bio- /baiəυ/ prefix referring to livingorganismsbioaccumulationbioaccumulation /�baiəυəkju�mju� |

�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun the accumulation ofsubstances such as toxic chemicals inincreasing amounts up the food chainbiochemical oxygen demandbiochemical oxygen demand nounsame as biological oxygen demandbiocidebiocide /�baiəυsaid/ noun a substancethat kills living organisms � Biocides usedin agriculture run off into lakes and rivers.� The biological effect of biocides insurface waters can be very harmful.biocide pollutionbiocide pollution noun pollution oflakes and rivers caused by the runoff fromfields of herbicides and other biocides usedin agriculturebiocontrolbiocontrol /�baiəυkən |�trəυl/ nounsame as biological controlbiodegradablebiodegradable adjective referring tosomething which is easily decomposed byorganisms such as bacteria or by naturalprocesses such as the effect of sunlight orthe sea � Organochlorines are not biode-gradable and enter the food chain easily.biodiversitybiodiversity noun the range of species,subspecies or communities in a specifichabitat such as a rainforest or a meadow.Also called biological diversity

‘Modern intensive farming is probably themain cause of declining biodiversity in thecountryside.’[Delivering the evidence. Defra’s Scienceand Innovation Strategy 2003–06]

Biodiversity Action PlanBiodiversity Action Plan noun adetailed scheme to maintain the biologicaldiversity of a specific area. Abbr BAPbiodiversity indicatorbiodiversity indicator noun a factorthat allows change in the environment overtime to be assessed. Also called bioindi-catorbiodynamic agriculturebiodynamic agriculture/�baiəυdain�mik ��rik�ltʃə/ noun aview of agriculture based on a holistic andspiritual understanding of nature andhumans’ role in it, which considers a farmas a self-contained evolving organism,relying on home-produced feeds and


bioenergy 26

manures with external inputs kept to aminimumbioenergybioenergy /�baiəυ |�enəd�i/ noun energyproduced from biomassbioethanolbioethanol /�baiəυ |�eθənɒl/ noun a fuelfor internal-combustion engines that ismade by fermenting biological material toproduce alcohol (NOTE: Typically 5–10%bioethanol is added to petrol.)

‘In less than a lifetime we are returning togrowing crops for energy. Crops grownfor the production of biodiesel andbioethanol have a particularly importantrole in the Government’s pledge to reducecarbon emissions.’ [Arable Farming]

biofuelbiofuel /�baiəυfju�əl/ noun a fuelproduced from organic domestic waste orother sources such as plants (NOTE:Coppiced willow is sometimes grown forbiofuel.)biogasbiogas /�baiəυ��s/ noun a mixture ofmethane and carbon dioxide producedfrom fermenting waste such as animaldung � Farm biogas systems may beuneconomic unless there is a constantdemand for heat. � The use of biogassystems in rural areas of developing coun-tries is increasing.

‘The Green Fuels Challenge was launchedby the Government in 2000 to stimulatethe development of low-emission fuels. Itoffers duty concessions to the mostpromising alternative fuels such as LPG,bio-diesel and compressed natural gas.Further research on methanol, biogas andhydrogen under a pilot project schemewould qualify for either a reduction orexemption from tax.’ [UK: EnvironmentNews]

bioindicatorbioindicator /�baiəυ |�indikeitə/ nounsame as biodiversity indicatorbioinsecticidebioinsecticide /�baiəυin |�sektisaid/noun an insecticide developed from naturalplant toxins, e.g. pyrethrum. � microbialinsecticidebiological associationbiological association noun a groupof organisms living together in a large area,forming a stable communitybiological controlbiological control noun the control ofpests by using predators and natural proc-esses to remove them. Also called biocon-trol

COMMENT: Biological control of insectsinvolves using bacteria, viruses, para-sites and predators to destroy theinsects. Plants can be controlled by her-bivorous animals such as cattle.

biological diversitybiological diversity noun same asbiodiversitybiological magnificationbiological magnification noun sameas bioaccumulationbiological massbiological mass noun same asbiomassbiological oxygen demandbiological oxygen demand noun ameasure of the amount of pollution inwater, shown by the amount of oxygenneeded to oxidise the polluting substances.Abbr BOD

COMMENT: Diluted sewage passed intorivers contains dissolved oxygen, whichis utilised by bacteria as they oxidise thepollutants in the sewage. The oxygen isreplaced by oxygen from the air. Dilutedsewage should not absorb more than 20ppm of dissolved oxygen.

biological pesticidebiological pesticide noun same asbiopesticidebiologybiology noun the study of living organ-ismsbiomagnificationbiomagnification /�baiəυm��nifi |

�keiʃ(ə)n/ noun same as bioaccumulationbiomarkerbiomarker /�baiəυ|�mɑ�kə/ noun adistinctive indicator of a biological orbiochemical process, e.g. a chemicalwhose occurrence shows the presence of adiseasebiomassbiomass /�baiəυm�s/ noun 1. the sumof all living organisms in a given area or ata given trophic level, usually expressed interms of living or dry mass 2. organicmatter used to produce energy (NOTE:Willow and miscanthus are grown asbiomass for fuel.)

COMMENT: About 2,500 million people,half the world’s population, rely on bio-mass for virtually all their cooking, heat-ing and lighting. Most of these peoplelive in rural areas of developing coun-tries. There are many environmentalbenefits from using biomass for energy.They include: less climate change, lowerlevels of acid rain, less pressure on land-fill sites, new wildlife habitats andenhanced biodiversity, and improvedwoodland management.

biomethanationbiomethanation /�baiəυmeθə|

�neiʃ(ə)n/ noun a system of producingbiogas for use as fuel

‘Biomethanation is attractive for use inrural areas for several reasons: it is ananaerobic digestion process, which is thesimplest, safest way that has been foundfor treating human excreta and animalmanure.’ [Appropriate Technology]


27 bitbiopesticidebiopesticide /�baiəυ|�pestisaid/ noun apesticide produced from biological sourcessuch as plant toxins that occur naturally. �

microbial insecticideCOMMENT: Biopesticides have the advan-tage that they do not harm the environ-ment as they are easily inactivated andbroken down by sunlight. This is, how-ever, a practical disadvantage for afarmer who uses them, since they maynot be as efficient in controlling pests asartificial chemical pesticides, which arepersistent but difficult to control.

bioremediationbioremediation /�baiəυrimi�di|

�eiʃ(ə)n/ noun the use of organisms suchas bacteria to remove environmentalpollutants from soil, water or gases (NOTE:Bioremediation is used to clean upcontaminated land and oil spills.)biosecuritybiosecurity /�baiəυsi |�kjυəriti/ nounthe management of the risks to animal,plant and human health posed by pests anddiseases

‘Given the difficulties with a badger cull,the scientists agreed that efforts shouldfocus instead on reducing cattle-to-cattletransmission through pre-movementtesting and improving biosecurity onfarms to prevent infection by badgers.’[Farmers Weekly]

biosolidsbiosolids /�baiəυ |�sɒlidz/ plural noun anutrient-rich organic material, solid orsemi-solid before processing, that isderived from sewage as a product of waste-water treatment and used as a fertiliserbiotechnologybiotechnology noun the use of biolog-ical processes in industrial production, e.g.the use of yeasts in making beer, bread oryoghurt. � genetic modification

COMMENT: Biotechnology offers greatpotential to increase farm production andfood processing efficiency, to lower foodcosts, to enhance food quality and safetyand to increase international competi-tiveness.

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research CouncilBiotechnology and BiologicalSciences Research Council nounfull form of BBSRCbirchbirch noun a common hardwood treefound in northern temperate zones. Genus:Betula.birdbird noun a warm-blooded animal that haswings, feathers and a beak and lays eggs

‘Birds are sensitive to even small climatechanges. For instance the North AtlanticOscillation – the Atlantic’s version of ElNiño – has subtle effects on weather.

These go unnoticed by most humans, butresearch shows that as the oscillationwaxes and wanes, populations of larks andsandpipers rise and fall. (Climate Change,UK farmland birds and the globalgreenhouse. RSPB 2001)’COMMENT: All birds are members of theclass Aves. They have feathers and theirforelimbs have developed into wings,though not all birds are able to fly. Birdsare closely related to reptiles, and havescales on their legs. Some birds, forexample rooks, pigeons and pheasants,can cause very serious damage tocrops: various controls can be used suchas shooting, scarecrows and destructionof nests. Birds also destroy many pests,for example wireworms, leatherjacketsand caterpillars. Some birds such aschickens are farmed for food.

bird flubird flu noun same as avian flubird havenbird haven noun same as bird sanc-tuarybird reservebird reserve noun same as bird sanc-tuarybird sanctuarybird sanctuary noun a place wherebirds can breed and live in a protected envi-ronmentBirds DirectiveBirds Directive noun a European Uniondirective relating to the conservation of allspecies of naturally occurring wild birdsbirdseedbirdseed /�b��dsi�d/ noun same asgroundselbird’s-eyebird’s-eye noun same as ivy-leavedspeedwellbirdsfoot trefoilbirdsfoot trefoil /�b��dzfυt �tri�fɔil/noun a plant with small yellow flowers,grown for fodderbiscuit-making qualitybiscuit-making quality noun a qualityin certain types of grain, especially hard-wheat grain, which produces a weak flour,with the effect that the dough does not risewhen cookedbisonbison noun US a type of large cattlefound in North America, now largelyrestricted to protected areas because ofhunting. Also called buffalo

COMMENT: The European bison (Bosbonasus) is now only found in zoos andsome reserves. The American bison(Bos bison) is still found in reserves inthe USA and Canada. Both are verylarge animals with massive heads andshoulders, and coats of short curlybrown hair.

bitbit noun the metal part of a bridle, placedin a horse’s mouth to give the rider controlover the animal


bite 28bitebite noun grazingbitterbitter adjective referring to somethingwhich has a sharp taste, and is not sweetbitter pitbitter pit noun a disease of applesblack bentblack bent noun a grassweed plant(Agrostis gigantea) which affects cerealsblackberryblackberry noun a soft black fruit of thebrambleblack bindweedblack bindweed noun a common weed(Bilderdykia convolvulus) which is wide-spread in spring arable cropsblackcurrantblackcurrant noun a soft fruit (Ribes)grown for its small black berries, used alsoin making soft drinksblack diseaseblack disease noun a liver disease ofsheep and cattle, rarely found in pigs andhorsesblack dotblack dot noun a fungal disease of pota-toes that covers the skin with tiny blackspots, of importance only in washed waretubersblack earthblack earth noun same as chernozemblack eye beanblack eye bean, blackeyed bean nouna common name for the cow pea (Vignaunguiculata) in the USA and West Indiesblackfaceblackface /�bl�kfeis/, blackfacedsheep noun one of several breeds of sheepwith black faces, e.g. the Scottish Black-face or the SuffolkBlackface mountainBlackface mountain noun a commonbreed of sheep found in Irelandblackflyblackfly /�bl�kflai/ noun 1. same asbean aphid 2. a very small, oval-bodied,black or dark green flyblackgrassblackgrass /�bl�k�rɑ�s/ noun a weed(Alopecurus myosuroides) which is wide-spread among winter cereals, especially onheavy soils. In some cases it can beresistant to a wide range of herbicides.Also called slender foxtailblack grouseblack grouse noun � grouseblackheadblackhead /�bl�khed/ noun a commonand fatal disease of young turkeysblacklegblackleg /�bl�kle�/ noun 1. a bacterialdisease of potatoes, affecting the base ofthe stem which turns black and rots 2. abacterial disease of sheep and cattle. Itcauses swellings containing gas on theshoulders, neck and thigh, and can causedeath within 24 hours of the appearance ofthe symptoms.Black LeghornBlack Leghorn noun one of the severalvarieties of leghorn chicken. The breed isblack all over, with a large red single comb.It has yellow legs and flesh and lays whiteeggs.

black mouldblack mould noun a fungus growth oncereals (Cladosporium herbarum)black mustardblack mustard noun a variety of rape(Brassica nigra) sown in spring andharvested by combine in August. The oiland powder from the seeds are importantingredients of table mustard.black rustblack rust noun a disease of cereals(Puccinia graminis)black scurfblack scurf noun a disease of potatoes,caused by the Rhizoctonia solani fungus.Symptoms include raised black patches onthe surface of tubers.Blacksided TrondheimBlacksided Trondheim /�bl�ksaidid�trɒndhaim/ noun a Norwegian breed ofpolled cattle. The animals are small andwhite, with black patches.blacksmithblacksmith noun a person who makesthings, especially horseshoes, fromwrought ironblack spotblack spot noun a fungal disease thatattacks plants, causing black spots toappear on the leavesblack teablack tea noun tea where the leaveswither and are then allowed to ferment in adry place before drying and crushingblackthornblackthorn /�bl�kθɔ�n/ noun same assloeBlack Welsh mountainBlack Welsh mountain noun a breedof sheep with dark brown wool. Acompletely black strain has been isolatedin separate flocks to supply the specialistdemand for black wool.BLADBLAD abbreviation bovine leucocyteadhesion deficiencybladeblade noun 1. a thin flat leaf, e.g. a leaf ofa grass, iris or daffodil 2. the sharp flatcutting part of a knife, mowing machine,etcblanchblanch /blɑ�ntʃ/ verb 1. to make plantswhite by covering them up (NOTE: Celery isblanched either by putting dark tubesround the stems or by earthing the plantsup.) 2. to partly cook vegetables by puttingthem in boiling water for a short time. Thisis done before preserving.blastblast noun same as bloatblast freezingblast freezing noun a method of quick-freezing oddly-shaped food, by subjectingit to a blast of freezing airbleachbleach verb to make something whiter orlighter in colour, or to become whiter orlighter in colourbleatbleat noun a sound made by a sheep orgoat � The ewes seem to be able to recog-nise the bleat of their own lambs. � verb (of


29 Blue-faced Leicester

a sheep or goat) to make the typical soundof a sheep or goat. Compare grunt, low,neighBlenheim orangeBlenheim orange /�blenəm �ɒrind�/noun an apple which ripens late in season;the skin is golden in colourBleu du MaineBleu du Maine /�bl�� dυ �mein/ noun abreed of sheep, originating in France andintroduced into the UK to produce cross-bred ewes with good conformation. AbbrBDMblightblight noun a disease caused by differentfungi, that rapidly destroys a plant or plantpart � verb to ruin or spoil the environment� The landscape was blighted by open-castmining.blind gutblind gut noun same as caecumblind quarterblind quarter noun a nonfunctionaludder, usually of sheepblinkersblinkers /�bliŋkəz/ noun a head-coveringwith leather eyeshields which allows ahorse to see only what is in front of itbloatbloat /bləυt/ noun the swelling of a cow’srumen due to a buildup of gas from lucerneand clovers which is unable to escape, ordue to an obstruction in the oesophagus.The gas presses on the diaphragm and theanimal may die of asphyxiation.BlondeBlonde /blɒnd/, Blonde d’Aquitaine/�blɒnd �d�kiten/ noun a breed of cattle,originating in Southwest France and nowestablished in Britain, which produceslarge calves which develop into good beefanimals. The colour varies from off-whiteto light brown.bloodblood noun the red liquid that is pumpedby the heart around an animal’s body

COMMENT: Blood is formed of red andwhite corpuscles, platelets and plasma.It circulates round the body, going fromthe heart and lungs along arteries andreturning to the heart through veins. As itmoves round the body it takes oxygen tothe tissues and removes waste materialfrom them. Blood also carries hormonesproduced by glands to the variousorgans that need them.

bloodlinebloodline /�bl�dlain/ noun a generalterm used to describe the relationshipbetween animals and their ancestors, suchas the pedigree line in a flock or herd

‘While pedigree Holstein breeders willcontinue to utilise superior provenbloodlines, commercial milk producersnow have a unique opportunity to assesstheir own breeding goals following the

results of several cross-breeding trials.’[Dairy Farmer]

bloodmealbloodmeal /�bl�dmi�l/ noun a protein-rich feedstuffblood sportsblood sports plural noun sport in thecountryside involving the killing ofanimals such as foxes and haresbloodstockbloodstock /�bl�dstɒk/ noun a collec-tive term for thoroughbred horsesbloodstreambloodstream noun blood as it passesround the bodyblood suckerblood sucker noun an insect or parasitewhich sucks blood from an animalblood typingblood typing noun a method of classi-fying the blood group of an animal andestablishing parentage from thisbloombloom noun 1. a flower � The blooms onthe orchids have been ruined by frost. �tree in bloom, field in bloom a tree orfield covered with flowers 2. a powderysubstance on the surface of a fruit such asgrapes. Bloom is in fact a form of yeast. 3.a fine hairy covering on some fruit such aspeaches � verb to flower � The plantblooms at night. � Some cacti only bloomonce every seven years.blossomblossom noun a flower or flowers whichcome before an edible fruit, e.g. appleblossom or cherry blossom � trees inblossom trees covered with flowers � verbto open into flowerblotchblotch noun � leaf blotch, net blotchblower unitblower unit noun the part of an agricul-tural machine which blows out wasteblowflyblowfly /�bləυflai/ noun a name for anumber of species of fly such as Lucilacuprina, which deposit their eggs in flesh.Also called meat fly (NOTE: A sheep whichhas been attacked by blowfly is said to beblown.)blueberryblueberry noun a wild plant (Vaccinium)now cultivated for its blue berriesbluebottlebluebottle /�blu� |�bɒt(ə)l/ noun a two-winged fly, whose maggots live in decom-posing flesh, but are sometimes also foundon living sheepblue crossblue cross noun a term used for blue andwhite pigs, usually produced by crossingsaddleback and landrace breedsblue-earblue-ear noun same as porcine repro-ductive respiratory syndromeBlue-faced LeicesterBlue-faced Leicester /�blu� feist�lestə/ noun a middle-sized longwoolbreed of sheep, with dense curly fleece.The ram is excellent for crossing with


Blue grey 30

smaller types of ewe. It is the sire of the‘mule’ and the so-called ‘Welsh mule’.Blue greyBlue grey noun a crossbred type ofcattle, resulting from mating a white short-horn bull with a Galloway cowblue noseblue nose noun a disease affectinghorsesblue tongueblue tongue noun a viral disease ofcattle, sheep and goats. It is a notifiabledisease.BLUPBLUP /bl�p/ noun a system under whichpedigree information about animals is usedto assess how successful a breedingprogramme involving them might be. Fullform best linear unbiased prediction

‘Since 1986, the majority of modernbreeding programmes have adoptedBLUP to estimate breeding value. Morerecent alternative methods which selectfor or against particular sequences ofDNA, using markers, may or may not beused in conjunction with estimates ofbreeding value.’ [Pig Farming]

BMRBMR abbreviation basal metabolic rateboarboar noun a male uncastrated pigboardboard noun the floor of a shearing shedboardingboarding /�bɔ�diŋ/ noun the practice oftilting a plough towards the ploughed landso as to increase the pressure on the mould-boardsBOATBOAT abbreviation byway open to alltrafficbobby calfbobby calf /�bɒbi kɑ�f/ noun anunwanted male calf in extreme dairybreeds, such as the Channel Island breedsbocagebocage /bɒ|�kɑ��/ noun a type of rurallandscape with small fields, hedges andtreesBODBOD abbreviation biological oxygendemand � The main aim of sewage treat-ment is to reduce the BOD of the liquid.bogbog noun 1. soft wet land, usually withmoss growing on it, which does notdecompose, but forms a thick layer of acidpeat (NOTE: The mosses that grow on bogslive on the nutrients that fall in rain.) 2. anarea of bogboggyboggy /�bɒ�i/ adjective soft and wet likea bogboglandbogland /�bɒ�l�nd/ noun an area of bogboilboil verb 1. to heat a liquid until it reachesa temperature at which it changes into gas2. to reach boiling point � Water boils at100°C.

boiling fowlboiling fowl /�bɔiliŋ faυl/, boiler/�bɔilə/ noun a hen sold for its meat, whenno longer used for layingbolebole /bəυl/ noun the wide base of a treetrunkbollboll /bəυl/ noun a seed pod of the cottonor flax plantboll numberboll number noun the number of bollsper cotton plantboltbolt verb 1. (of a vegetable) to produceflowers and seeds too early, as in the caseof beetroot or lettuce 2. (of biennial plants)to behave as an annual

COMMENT: Bolting occurs as a responseto low temperatures and results in theplant failing to build up food reserves inthe root, so producing seed in its firstyear. Bolting is highly undesirable inmany plants, especially in the sugarbeet, where the roots become woodyand have a low sugar content.

bolterbolter /�bəυltə/ noun a plant which growstoo fast, producing a low seed yieldboltingbolting noun the production of seed tooearly, especially in dry conditionsbolusbolus /�bəυləs/ noun a ball of partlydigested food regurgitated by ruminantsBon ChretienBon Chretien /�bɒn �kretien/ noun acommon type of pearbondingbonding noun an important time when anewly-born young animal becomes ‘tied’to its mother in the period just after birth.The young animal then begins to imitate itsmother and learn from her.bonebone noun one of the calcified pieces ofconnective tissue which make up the skel-eton, e.g. a leg bone

COMMENT: Bones are formed of a hardouter layer (compact bone) which ismade up of a series of layers of tissue(Haversian systems) and a softer innerpart (cancellous bone or spongy bone)which contains bone marrow.

bonemealbonemeal /�bəυnmi�l/ noun a fertilisermade of ground bones or horns, reduced toa fine powderboostboost noun an instrument for markingsheep, usually with hot tar, often bearingthe owner’s initialsbootboot noun a characteristic swelling in thestem of a cereal plant, produced as thedeveloping ear moves up the stemborageborage /�bɒrid�/ noun a herb used as anoilseed break cropBordeaux mixtureBordeaux mixture /bɔ� |�dəυ �mikstʃə/noun a mixture of copper sulphate, lime


31 bowel

and water, used to spray on plants toprevent infection by fungiborder diseaseborder disease noun a diseaseaffecting sheep, caused by a virus. Ewesmay abort, or lambs may be born weak andmay show muscle tremors. Infection entersthe flock when diseased sheep are broughtin and an infected ewe excretes the virus.Border LeicesterBorder Leicester /�bɔ�də �lestə/ nouna breed of longwool sheep, derived fromthe English Leicester; its head is bare ofwool and has a pronounced ‘Roman’ nose.The breed is used to produce ram lambs forbreeding.BorerayBoreray /�bɔ�rei/ noun a rare breed ofhorned sheep, with grey or cream colouredfleece-borne-borne suffix carried by � wind-bornepollen of grassesborogluconateborogluconate /�bɔ�rəυ |��lu�kəneit/noun � calcium borogluconateboronboron /�bɔ�rɒn/ noun a chemicalelement. It is essential as a trace elementfor healthy plant growth.BosBos /bəυs/ noun the genus, part of thefamily Bovidae, to which cattle, buffalo,bison, yaks and gaur belongboskbosk /bɒsk/ noun a small woodbotanicalbotanical /bə|�t�nik(ə)l/ adjective refer-ring to botanybotanical horticulturebotanical horticulture noun theactivity of growing different species ofplants to study and maintain thembotanical insecticidebotanical insecticide noun an insecti-cide made from a substance extracted fromplants, e.g. pyrethrum, derived from chry-santhemums, or nicotine, derived fromtobacco plantsbotanistbotanist noun someone who studiesplants as a scientific or leisure activitybotanybotany noun the study of plants as ascientific or leisure activitybot flybot fly /�bɒt flai/ noun a two-winged flyof the Oestrus family whose maggots areparasitic on sheep and horsesbothybothy /�bɒθi/ noun a sparsely furnishedfarm worker’s cottage in ScotlandBotrytisBotrytis /bɒ |�traitis/ noun a fungaldisease affecting plants, especially youngseedlings. � chocolate spotbotsbots /bɒts/ noun the larval stage of thebot fly which lays its eggs on horses’ fore-legs in summer. It is a cause of restlessness.bottlebottle noun a glass container for liquidsor preserves � verb to preserve food by

heating it inside a glass jar with a suctioncapbottle feedingbottle feeding noun a process by whichyoung animals are fed with liquids from abottle with a teatbotulismbotulism /�bɒtʃυliz(ə)m/ noun a type offood poisoning, caused by a toxin ofClostridium botulinum in badly canned orpreserved foodboulderboulder noun a large rounded piece ofrockboundaryboundary noun a line that separates onearea from anotherboundary stoneboundary stone noun a stone used tomark the edge of a propertyBovidaeBovidae /�bɒvidi�/ plural noun thelargest class of even-toed ungulates,including cattle, antelopes, gazelles, sheepand goatsbovinebovine adjective referring to cattlebovine growth hormonebovine growth hormone noun ahormone supplement for cows whichincreases their production of milk. AbbrBGHbovine immunodeficiency virusbovine immunodeficiency virus/�bəυvain �imjυnəυdi|�fiʃ(ə)nsi �vairəs/noun a disease of cattle which affects theimmune systembovine leucocyte adhesion deficiencybovine leucocyte adhesion defi-ciency noun a hereditary condition whichmakes cattle less able to resist disease.Abbr BLADbovine leucosisbovine leucosis /�bəυvain lu|�kəυsis/noun a cancerous disease in cattlebovine somatotrophinbovine somatotrophin /�bəυvain�səυmətə|�trəυfin/ noun full form of BSTbovine spongiform encephalopathybovine spongiform encephalop-athy /�bəυvain �sp�nd�ifɔ�m en |�kefə|

�lɒpəθi/ noun full form of BSEbovine tuberculosisbovine tuberculosis noun a bacterialdisease of cattle which has been almostcompletely eliminated from the UK by theattested herds scheme. It is a notifiabledisease.

‘The government’s policy to tackle bovinetuberculosis will continue to focus onminimising the disease’s spread frominfected areas to clean ones until a pointwhen new technologies become availableto eradicate it.’ [Farmers Weekly]

bovine viral diarrhoeabovine viral diarrhoea noun a seriousinfection of cattle which causes ulcers tothe mucus membranes, severe diarrhoeaand high rates of abortion. Abbr BVDbowelbowel /�baυəl/ noun an animal’s largeintestine


bowel oedema 32bowel oedemabowel oedema /�baυəl i |�di�mə/ noun abacterial infection of pigs associated withsudden changes of diet and management.Pigs may throw fits, stagger and becomeparalysed. In acute cases piglets are founddead.boxbox verb to mix different flocks of sheepBPABPA abbreviation British Pig AssociationBPCBPC abbreviation British Potato CouncilBPEXBPEX /�bi�peks/ noun a small board ofmembers which determines the PigStrategy of the MLC and ensures thatlevies paid by pig farmers are used appro-priately. Full form British Pig Executivebracebrace noun a pair of dead game birdsbrackenbracken /�br�kən/ noun a tall fern withlarge triangular fronds that grows on hill-sides and in woodland. Latin name:Pteridium aquilinum. (NOTE: The wordbracken has no plural form.)

COMMENT: Bracken is hard to eradicateas it sprouts easily after being burnt. Thespores of bracken contain a carcino-genic substance.

bracken poisoningbracken poisoning noun poisoning oflivestock from eating bracken. It can causeserious illness or death.bractbract /br�kt/ noun a small green leaf atthe base of a flower or flowering stemBradford worsted countBradford worsted count /�br�dfəd�w��stid �kaυnt/ noun a method of meas-uring wool qualitybrahmanbrahman /�brɑ�mən/ noun a breed ofcattle of Indian origin. Brahmans have alarge hump over the neck and shoulders,tolerate high temperatures, are resistant toinsects and tropical diseases, and areimportant for beef production in hot andhumid regions.brairdbraird /breird/ noun fresh shoots of cornor other cropsbrake harrowbrake harrow noun a harrow used forbreaking up large clods of earthbrake horsepowerbrake horsepower noun the powerdeveloped by a tractor’s engine, calculatedas the force applied to the brakes. Abbrbhpbramblebramble /�br�mb(ə)l/ noun a wildblackberry bush (Rubus fruticosus), withedible black fruitsBramley’s seedlingBramley’s seedling /�br�mli�z�si�dliŋ/ noun a common variety ofcooking applebranbran noun 1. the outside covering of acereal grain (NOTE: It is removed fromwheat in making white flour, but is an

important source of roughage in thehuman diet and is used in muesli and otherbreakfast cereals.) 2. a feedingstuff, usedespecially for cattle and poultrybranchbranch noun 1. a woody stem growingout from the main trunk of a tree 2. asmaller stream separating from but stillforming part of a riverbranchedbranched /brɑ�nʃt/ adjective withbranchesbrandbrand noun a mark burnt with a hot ironon an animal’s hide, to show ownershipBrangusBrangus /�br�ŋ�əs/ a trademark for acrossbreed of cattle, obtained by crossing aBrahman with an Aberdeen Angus. It is ablack polled breed, and is found in Centraland South America, the USA, Canada,Australia and Zimbabwe.brankbrank /br�ŋk/ noun same as buckwheatbrashbrash noun soil containing many stoneparticles or fragments of rockbrasicsbrasics /�br�siks/ noun a common namefor the charlock (Sinapsis arvensis)brassicabrassica /�br�sikə/ noun a generic termfor members of the cabbage family, e.g.broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflowers,kales, savoys, swedes and turnipsBrassicaceaeBrassicaceae /�br�si |�k�siai/ noun afamily of common plants, includingcabbage, whose flowers have four petals.Former name Cruciferaebrattingbratting /�br�tiŋ/ noun the act of puttinga jacket on sheep, usually hoggs, to protectthem from cold in winterbrawnbrawn /brɔ�n/ noun 1. meat dish preparedfrom cut, boiled and pickled pig’s head 2.an obsolete term for a stag boar. Alsocalled brawnerbraxybraxy /�br�ksi/ noun a bacterial diseaseof sheep. The affected animals show loss ofappetite, dullness, difficult breathing,although these signs of the disease arerarely seen since death occurs rapidly, afterfive or six hours.breadcornbreadcorn /�bredkɔ�n/ noun corn fromwhich the flour for bread is obtainedbreakbreak verb 1. to train a horse to wear asaddle 2. to mill flour, by passing itthrough break rollsbreak cropbreak crop noun a crop grown betweenperiods of continuous cultivation of a maincrop. On a cereal-growing farm, crops suchas sugar beet or potatoes may be intro-duced to give a ‘break’ from continuouscereal growing.


33 Britishbreak feedingbreak feeding noun a method ofrationing animal feed by moving animalsfrom one grazing area to anotherbreak inbreak in verb 1. to train a wild horse 2. tobring uncultivated land into cultivationbreak rollsbreak rolls plural noun heavy rollerswith grooves in them, through which thegrain passes when being milled. As thegrain goes through it is broken into piecesand finally reduced to flour.breastbreast noun 1. the front part of the bodyof a bird 2. the lower part of the body of asheep, similar to the belly on a pigBrecknock Hill CheviotBrecknock Hill Cheviot /�breknək�hil �tʃi�viət/ noun a breed of sheep foundin the Welsh border counties for producingideal halfbreds, and also in lowlands forprime lamb productionbreechingbreeching /�bri�tʃiŋ/ noun a leatherstrap round the hindquarters of a shafthorse, which allows the horse to pushbackwards and so make the cart go back-wardsbreedbreed noun a group of animals of aspecific species which have been devel-oped by people over a period of time sothat they have desirable characteristics � ahardy breed of sheep � Two new breeds ofrice have been developed. � verb 1. (oforganisms) to produce young � Rabbitsbreed very rapidly. 2. to encourage some-thing to develop � Insanitary conditionshelp to breed disease. 3. to produce animproved animal or plant by crossing twoparent animals or plants showing thedesired characteristics � Farmers havebred new hardy forms of sheep.breederbreeder noun a person who breeds newforms of animals or plants � a cat breeder� a cattle breeder � a rose breeder � aplant breederbreed inbreed in verb to introduce a character-istic into an animal breed or plant variety,by breeding until it is a permanent charac-teristic of the breedbreedingbreeding noun the crossing of differentplants or animals to produce offspring withdesirable characteristicsbreeding chickenbreeding chicken noun a chickenwhich is raised to produce chicks ratherthan for its meat or eggsbreeding cratebreeding crate noun a box constructiondesigned to take the weight of a bull, whenmating with a heifer or cowbreeding groundbreeding ground noun an area wherebirds or animals come each year to breed

breeding herdbreeding herd noun 1. a group ofanimals kept for breeding purposes 2. thetotal number of animals kept in a countryfor breeding purposes

‘Brazil has over 158 million beef cattleand the UK beef breeding herd isestimated at 1.7 million head. When youhear the word globalisation, these figuresshow we compete in a very large market.’[Western Mail]

breeding stockbreeding stock noun prime animalskept for breeding purposes to maintain andimprove quality of stockbreeze flybreeze fly noun a large two-wingedblood-sucking fly, similar to a gadflybrewbrew verb to make beer by fermentingwater and malted barleybrewers’ grainbrewers’ grain noun a by-product ofbrewing, the residue of barley aftermalting. It is a valuable cattle food, fed wetor dried, and is a source of fibre andprotein.brickearthbrickearth /�brik��θ/ noun a commonname for loess. Brickearth soils are fertileand well drained and are used for intensivecrop production.bridlebridle noun the part of a horse’s harnesswhich goes over the head, including the bitand reinbridle pathbridle path, bridle way noun a trackalong which a horse can be riddenBrieBrie /bri�/ noun a soft French cheese,made in large flat round shapesbrindledbrindled /�brindəld/ adjective brownishcoloured, with spots or marks of anothercolourbrinebrine /brain/ noun a solution of salt inwater, used for preserving food

COMMENT: Some meat, such as bacon, iscured by soaking in brine. Some types ofpickles are preserved by cooking inbrine. Some foodstuffs are preserved inbrine in jars.

brisketbrisket /�briskit/ noun 1. the lower frontpart of the body of a cow, between the frontlegs � When a cow is down for a length oftime it should be supported on the brisket.2. the meat from this part of the cowbrisket boardbrisket board noun a board across thefront of a cubicle to prevent a cow fromlying down too near the frontBritishBritish Agricultural and GardenMachinery Association noun a tradeassociation which represents manufac-turers and suppliers of agriculturalmachinery. Abbr BAGMA


British 34BritishBritish Agrochemicals Associa-tion noun the former name for the CropProtection Association. Abbr BAABritish Agrochemicals Standards Inspection SchemeBritish Agrochemicals StandardsInspection Scheme noun full form ofBASISBritish alpineBritish alpine noun a large goat of theSwiss type, which is black with whitemarkings on the face and legs. Males havea large beard. It is a good milking breed.British Association for Shooting and ConservationBritish Association for Shootingand Conservation noun an organisa-tion which promotes shooting for sport inthe UK. Abbr BASCBritish Association of Nature ConservationistsBritish Association of NatureConservationists noun a charitywhich functions as a think tank on theGovernment’s conservation policies. AbbrBANCBritish Belgian BlueBritish Belgian Blue noun a breed ofcattle in the UK, originating from theBelgian Blue and registered by the breedsocietyBritish Cattle Movement ServiceBritish Cattle Movement Servicenoun the organisation that registers births,deaths, imports and exports of cattleBritish Crop Protection CouncilBritish Crop Protection Councilnoun former name for BCPCBritish DaneBritish Dane /�britiʃ �dein/ noun adairy breed of cattleBritish Egg Industry CouncilBritish Egg Industry Council noun amember association which promotes theuse and sale of eggs, and allows itssubscribers to use the Lion Quality markon their produce. Abbr BEICBritish Field Sports SocietyBritish Field Sports Society nounformer name for Countryside AllianceBritish Free Range Egg Producers AssociationBritish Free Range Egg ProducersAssociation noun an organisationwhich provides industry news for suppliersand producers of free-range eggsBritish HolsteinBritish Holstein noun a breed of dairycattle developed in the UK from theHolsteinBritish LopBritish Lop noun a rare breed of pig,which is very large, white, has lop ears andis found mainly in southwest EnglandBritish Milk SheepBritish Milk Sheep noun a mediumpolled sheep, with white face and legs.Mainly used as a dairying ewe.British OldenburgBritish Oldenburg /�britiʃ�əυldənb��/ noun a breed of sheep givinga high yield of wool of good qualityBritish Pig AssociationBritish Pig Association noun asociety which maintains herd records for

native and rare pig breeds in Britain. AbbrBPABritish Pig ExecutiveBritish Pig Executive noun full formof BPEXBritish Potato CouncilBritish Potato Council noun a non-departmental government body whichworks to promote British potatoes. AbbrBPCBritish RomagnolaBritish Romagnola noun a breed ofbeef cattle developed in the UK from stockoriginating in north ItalyBritish SaanenBritish Saanen /�britiʃ �sɑ�nən/ noun alarge white breed of goat with a high milkyield. The breed originated in Switzerland.British SaddlebackBritish Saddleback noun a breed ofpig, derived from the Wessex, Hampshireand Essex breeds. It is coloured black witha white band round the front of the bodyand is used for breeding hardy crosses.British Society of Plant BreedersBritish Society of Plant Breedersnoun a member association which repre-sents the interests of plant breeders in theUK. Abbr BSPBBritish Standards InstituteBritish Standards Institute noun anorganisation that monitors design andsafety standards in the UK. Abbr BSIBritish SugarBritish Sugar noun a company whichbuys sugar beet each year from farmers andis responsible for processing andmarketing the sugarBritish ToggenburgBritish Toggenburg noun a dark-brown coloured goat, developed from theSwiss Toggenburg breedBritish Veterinary AssociationBritish Veterinary Associationnoun a professional body which representsveterinary surgeonsBritish WhiteBritish White noun a rare breed ofcattle, white with coloured points. Thebreed is hornless, short-legged andmedium-sized. It is still used as a sucklingbreed for beef production.broadacre agriculturebroadacre agriculture /�brɔ�deikə��rik�ltʃə/ noun the large-scale cultiva-tion of field cropsbroad beanbroad bean noun a common bean (Viciafaba) which has large flattish pale greenseeds and is grown throughout the world.Also called field beanbroadcastbroadcast verb to scatter seeds freelyover an area of ground, as opposed tosowing in drillsbroadcasterbroadcaster noun a machine for sowingseeds broadcastbroadleafbroadleaf /�brɔ�dli�f/, broadleaf treenoun a deciduous tree that has wide leaves,e.g. beech or oak. Compare conifer


35 brucellosisbroadleavedbroadleaved /�brɔ�dli�vd/ adjective (ofa tree) having wide leaves rather thanneedles. Compare coniferousbroadleaved evergreensbroadleaved evergreens plural nounevergreen trees with large leaves, e.g.rhododendrons or tulip treesbroadsharebroadshare /�brɔ�dʃeə/ noun a culti-vator used on heavy ground for stubbleclearing and land reclamation workbroad spectrum antibioticbroad spectrum antibiotic pluralnoun an antibiotic used to control manytypes of bacteria

‘Dairy producers and their vets can nowtreat milking cows against bovinerespiratory disease, bacterial pneumoniaand foul-in-the-foot with a broad spectrumantibiotic which has no requirement todiscard milk.’ [Farmers Weekly]

broccolibroccoli noun a plant of the brassica typethat exists in several varieties. One is thewinter-grown type of cauliflower. Othervarieties include sprouting broccoli, ofwhich there are purple and white kinds, theplants making their curds on numbers ofside shoots. Perennial broccoli grows intolarge plants and forms a number of quitelarge cauliflower-like heads each seasonfor two or three years. � calabresebroilerbroiler noun a chicken raised for thetable, usually under intensive conditions. Itis usually less than 3 months old.broken mouthedbroken mouthed adjective referring toa sheep which has lost some of its teethbroken-windedbroken-winded adjective referring to ahorse which has ruptured cells in the lungsbrome grassbrome grass /�brəυm �rɑ�s/ noun aweed grass found in arable fields and shortleys. There are many species (Bromus) andnone are of any value. � barren bromebronchibronchi /�brɒŋkai/ plural noun airpassages leading from the throat into thelungsbronchitisbronchitis noun the inflammation of themembranes in the bronchi, often caused byviruses. � huskBronzeBronze noun a breed of large table turkeybroodbrood noun a group of offspringproduced at the same time, especially agroup of young birds � The territoryprovides enough food for two adults and abrood of six or eight young. � verb to raisechicks after they have hatchedbrooderbrooder /�bru�də/ noun a container witha source of heat, used for housing newlyhatched chicks

brooding timebrooding time noun the length of time abird sits on its eggs to hatch them outbrood marebrood mare noun a female horse keptfor breedingbroody henbroody hen /�bru�di hen/ noun 1. a henwhich persists in sitting on its eggs to hatchthem 2. the stage in a fowl’s productive lifewhen it has finished laying and sits on theeggsbrownfield sitebrownfield site /�braυnfi�ld sait/ nouna development site that is in a town andformerly had buildings on it, preferred forbuilding development to open fields.Compare greenfield site

‘The conversion of redundant farmbuildings does seem to score highly withEuropean funding because it is focusingon brownfield sites, while it also createsjobs in the rural community and itimproves the visual amenity aspect of thecountryside.’ [Farmers Guardian]

brown foot rotbrown foot rot noun a disease affectingwheat seedlings (Fusarium avenaceum)brown ratbrown rat noun a very destructive type ofrat that eats and damages growing andstored crops and can also carry infection tocattle and pigs. Also called Norway ratbrown ricebrown rice noun a rice grain that has hadthe husk removed, but has not been milledand polished to remove the branbrown rotbrown rot noun a disease of ripe treefruits such as apples and peaches, causedby fungi. Genus: Rhizoctonia.brown rustbrown rust noun a fungal disease(Puccinia) of barley and wheat, causingthe grain to shrivelbrown scalebrown scale noun a disease (Parthe-nolecanium corni) causing stunted growthand leaf defoliation. It attacks vines,currants and, in greenhouses, peaches.Brown SwissBrown Swiss /�braυn �swis/ noun amedium-sized Swiss dual-purpose breedof grey-brown cattle, now found in manyparts of the world including Canada,Mexico and Angolabrowsebrowse verb to feed on plant material,especially the leaves of woody plants,which is not growing close to the ground.Compare grazebrowserbrowser noun an animal which browsesBrucellaBrucella /bru� |�selə/ noun a type of rod-shaped bacteriumbrucellosisbrucellosis /�bru�si|�ləυsis/ noun adisease which can be caught from cattle orgoats or from drinking infected milk,spread by a species of the bacterium


bruise 36

Brucella. It is a notifiable disease. Alsocalled undulant feverbruisebruise verb to harm the flesh under theskin, usually by hitting � Ripe pears haveto be handled carefully to avoid bruising.brushbrush noun same as brushwoodbrush drillbrush drill noun an old type of seed drill,in which a rotating brush moves the seedinto the drill tubebrush killerbrush killer noun a powerful herbicidewhich destroys the undergrowthbrushwoodbrushwood /�br�ʃwυd/ noun under-growth with twigs and small branchesBrussels sproutsBrussels sprouts /�br�s(ə)lz�spraυts/ noun a variety of cabbage with atall main stem, which develops buds whichare picked and eaten as fresh vegetables ormay be kept frozenBSEBSE noun a fatal brain disease of cattle.Also called mad cow disease. Full formbovine spongiform encephalopathy

COMMENT: BSE is caused by the use ofruminant-based additives in cattle feed,by which ‘scrapie’ (the disease of sheep)infects cattle. BSE-infected meat isbelieved to be the cause of a new strainof Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease in humans.

BSIBSI abbreviation British Standards Insti-tuteBSPBBSPB abbreviation British Society ofPlant BreedersBSTBST noun a growth hormone of cattle,formerly added to feed to improve milkproduction but banned in the EU since2000. Full form bovine somatotrophinbuckbuck noun a male goat or rabbitbucket feedingbucket feeding noun a process bywhich a young animal is fed with milkfrom a bucketbuckrakebuckrake /�b�kreik/ noun a machine forcollecting green crops cut for silage. Themachine has a number of steel tines,usually rear-mounted in a tractor linkagesystem. A buckrake is used by going back-wards along a swath with the tines pointingdownwards.buckwheatbuckwheat /�b�kwi�t/ noun a grain crop(Fagopyrum esculentum) that is not amember of the grass family like othercereals. It can be grown on the poorest ofsoils.budbud noun a young shoot on a plant, whichmay later become a leaf or flower � tree inbud a tree which has buds which areswelling and about to produce leaves orflowers � verb to propagate plants by

grafting a bud from one plant in place of abud on the stock of another plantbuddingbudding noun a way of propagatingplants in which a bud from one plant isgrafted onto another plantbuffalobuffalo noun 1. a common domesticanimal in tropical countries, used for milkand also as a draught animal 2. US same asbisonbuffer areabuffer area noun an area of land thatseparates other areas of land used fordifferent purposesbuffer grazingbuffer grazing noun a form of setstocking, where a site is divided into threeareas, a grazing area, a silage area and abuffer area, which change as the silage iscut during the seasonbuffer stockbuffer stock noun stock of a commoditysuch as coffee held by an internationalorganisation and used to control move-ments of the price on internationalcommodity marketsBuff OrpingtonBuff Orpington /�bυf �ɔ�piŋ�tən/ nouna dual-purpose breed of chicken, brown incolourbuilt environmentbuilt environment noun the buildings,roads and other structures made by peopleand in which they live, work or travel.Compare natural environmentbuistedbuisted /�bju�stid/ noun a sheep markedafter shearingbulbbulb noun an underground plant organ offleshy scale leaves and buds. It can beplanted and will produce flowers and seed.bulk milk collectionbulk milk collection noun the collec-tion of large quantities of milk by tankersfrom farmsbulk storagebulk storage noun the storing of ferti-liser or grain in dry covered barns, ratherthan in bagsbullbull noun an uncastrated adult male oxbull beefbull beef noun beef from a bull, which isleaner than meat from a steerbull calfbull calf noun a male calfbulletsbullets plural noun doses of mineralgiven to cattle and sheep by means of adosing gun. Bullets provide the animalwith a long-lasting supply of minerals toovercome deficiency diseases.bullingbulling /�bυliŋ/ noun a heifer cow of rightinclination and body condition to be servedbulling hormonebulling hormone noun � oestrogenbullockbullock /�bυlək/ noun 1. a young male ox2. a castrated bull. Bullocks are moredocile than bulls and ‘finish’ quicker thanentire animals. They are used as draught


37 byway open to all traffic

animals in many parts of the world. Alsocalled steerbumble foot

bumble foot /�b�mb(ə)l fυt/ noun acondition of the feet of poultry, character-ised by abscesses, causing lamenessbund

bund /b�nd/ noun a soil wall built acrossa slope to retain water or to hold waste in asloping landfill sitebunding

bunding /�b�ndiŋ/ noun the formationof bunds

‘Farmers have traditionally relied on asystem of bunding to grow sorghum in thearea’s semi-arid soil.’ [New Scientist]

bundle

bundle noun a number of twigs or stemsof plants, tied togetherbunt

bunt /b�nt/ noun a disease of wheatcaused by the smut fungusbunt order

bunt order noun the order of socialdominance established by cattle and pigswhich is the order in which the animalsfeed and drink (NOTE: The equivalent inbirds is called the pecking order.)bur

bur /b��/ noun a seed case of the cleaversplants, with tiny hooked hairs, which catchon the coats of animals, and help todisperse the seed. Also called burrburdizzo

burdizzo /b�� |�di�tsəυ/ noun an imple-ment used in ‘bloodless’ castration bycrushing the spermatic cordburial site

burial site noun a place where animalsthat have died from an infectious diseasesuch as foot and mouth disease are buriedburn

burn noun 1. an injury to skin and tissuecaused by light, heat, radiation, electricityor a chemical 2. in Scotland, a small stream� verb 1. to destroy or damage somethingby fire � Several hundred hectares of forestwere burnt in the fire. � slash and burnagriculture 2. to use fuel or food toproduce energyburning nettle

burning nettle noun same as smallnettleburr

burr /b��/ noun another spelling of burburrow

burrow noun a hole made in the earth byan animal such as a rabbit or foxbush

bush noun 1. a plant with many woodystems � a coffee bush � a rose bush 2. insemi-arid regions, natural land coveredwith bushes and small treesbushel

bushel noun a measure of capacity forcorn and fruit, equivalent to eight gallons

COMMENT: The amount contained in abushel varies: in the UK it is equivalent to36.4 litres, but in the USA it is equivalentto 35.3 litres. The weight of a bushel var-ies with the crop: a bushel of wheatweighs 60lb; of barley 48lb; and of rice45lb.

bushel weights

bushel weights plural noun the weightof average bushels of a productbush-fallow

bush-fallow noun a form of subsistenceagriculture in which land is cultivated for afew years until its natural fertility isexhausted, then allowed to rest for a longperiod during which the natural vegetationregrows, after which the land is cleared andcultivated againbush fruit

bush fruit noun fruit from bushes, e.g.gooseberries and red currants, as opposedto fruit from treesbutter

butter noun a fatty substance made fromcream by churningbutter bean

butter bean noun a leguminous plant(Phaseolus lunatus) with large whiteseeds. Also called Lima beanbuttercup

buttercup noun a common weed withyellow flowersbutterfat

butterfat /�b�təft/ noun a fatty substancecontained in milkbutterfat content

butterfat content noun the amount ofbutterfat in milk, which will vary with thebreed of cow. Jersey cow milk contains5.14% butterfat, and is much used forbutter-making.butterfly

butterfly noun a flying insect with large,often colourful wingsbuttermilk

buttermilk /�b�təmilk/ noun the liquidwhich remains after the churning of cream,when making butterbutter mountain

butter mountain noun a popular termfor vast quantities of dairy produce in theform of butter, which has been paid for byEU governments and put into cold storeBVA

BVA abbreviation British VeterinaryAssociationBVD

BVD abbreviation bovine viral diarrhoeaBYDV

BYDV abbreviation barley yellow dwarfvirusbyre

byre /baiə/ noun a cow housebyway

byway noun a small country road or trackbyway open to all traffic

byway open to all traffic noun a roadmainly used by the public as a footpath orbridleway on which vehicles are allowed.Abbr BOAT


CCC symbol carbonCC3 noun a metabolic pathway in plants,which uses three-carbon compounds to fixCO2 from the atmosphereCC4 noun a metabolic pathway for CO2fixation, which uses four-carboncompounds. Plants with this mechanism,e.g. maize, are adapted to high sunlight andarid conditions. They are called C4 plantsand have low photorespiration.CaCa symbol calciumCACA abbreviation Countryside Agencycabcab noun housing for the driver on atractor, usually protected by anti-roll barscabbagecabbage noun a cultivated vegetable(Brassica oleracea) with a round heart orhead, a useful food for stock. Other varie-ties are grown for human consumption.cabbage root flycabbage root fly noun a fly whoselarvae attack the roots of Brassica seed-lings, causing the plants to turn bluish incolour and wilt and diecabbage white butterflycabbage white butterfly noun acommon white butterfly (Pieris brassicae)which lays eggs on the leaves of plants ofthe cabbage family. The caterpillars causemuch damage to the plants.cactuscactus noun a succulent plant with afleshy stem often protected by spines,found in the deserts of North and CentralAmerica (NOTE: The plural is cacti orcactuses.)cade lambcade lamb /�keid l�m/ noun a lambreared from a bottle because of the death ofits mothercadmiumcadmium /�k�dmiəm/ noun a metallicelement naturally present in soil and rockin association with zincCAECAE abbreviation caprine arthritis-encephalitiscaecumcaecum /�si�kəm/ noun a wide part of theintestine leading to the colon

CaerphillyCaerphilly /kə|�fili/ noun a hard whitecheese, originally made in South Walescaesarcaesar /�si�zə/ verb to perform a surgicalintervention to enable an animal to givebirth, as is necessary with Belgian Bluecattlecaesiumcaesium /�si�ziəm/ noun a metallicalkali element which is one of the mainradioactive pollutants taken up by fishcaffeinecaffeine noun an alkaloid present incoffee, tea and kola nuts, which gives themtheir stimulating propertiescagecage noun a housing for animalsconsisting of a wood or metal frame withsides made of bars or mesh, used, e.g., forkeeping battery henscage rearingcage rearing noun a method of rearingpoultry in which birds are taken rightthrough from day-old chicks to placementin laying cages. Chicks are started in thetop tier and then spread through all the tiersof cages within a few weeks. Cages aredesigned so that chicks can be brooded inthem and yet they may also be used aslaying cages.cage wheelcage wheel noun a metal wheel fitted tothe outside of a normal tractor wheel inorder to reduce ground pressurecakecake noun same as compound feedcalabresecalabrese /�k�ləbri�z/ noun a variety ofsprouting broccoli, grown as a vegetablefor human consumption. It produces alarge central head, and after this is cut,sprouts are produced for several months.Large quantities are grown for quick-freezing or canning.calcareouscalcareous /k�l |�keəriəs/ adjective (ofsoil or rock) containing calciumcalcareous grasslandcalcareous grassland noun the typeof vegetation such as grasses that is typicalon chalk soil. � acid grasslandcalcicolecalcicole /�k�lsikəυl/, calcicolousplant /�k�lsifail/ noun a plant which


39 Cambridge roller

grows well on chalky or alkaline soils.Also called calciphilecalcificationcalcification /�k�lsifi|�keiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process of hardening by formingdeposits of calcium saltscalcifiedcalcified /�k�lsifaid/ adjective madehard � Bone is calcified connective tissue.calcifugecalcifuge /�k�lsifju�d�/ noun a plantwhich prefers acid soils and does not growon chalky or alkaline soils. Also calledcalciphobecalcimorphic soilcalcimorphic soil /�k�lsimɔ�fik �sɔil/noun soil which is rich in limecalciphilecalciphile /�k�lsifail/ noun same ascalcicolecalciphobecalciphobe /�k�lsifəυb/ noun same ascalcifugecalcitonincalcitonin /�k�lsi|�təυnin/ noun ahormone, produced chiefly by the thyroidgland in mammals, that promotes the depo-sition of calcium in bonescalciumcalcium noun a metallic chemicalelement naturally present in limestone andchalk. It is essential for biological proc-esses.

COMMENT: Calcium is essential for vari-ous bodily processes such as blood clot-ting and is a major component of bonesand teeth. It is an important element in abalanced diet. Milk, cheese, eggs andcertain vegetables are its main sources.In birds, calcium is responsible for theformation of strong eggshells. Waterwhich passes through limestone con-tains a high level of calcium and is called‘hard’.

calcium borogluconatecalcium borogluconate /�k�lsiəm�bɔ�rəυ|��lu�kəneit/ noun a chemical thatis given in the form of injections to cowssuffering from milk fevers as a result ofcalcium deficiencycalcium phosphatecalcium phosphate noun the mainconstituent of bones and bone ash fertiliser.Formula: (Ca3(Po4)2.calcium uptakecalcium uptake noun the taking ofcalcium into an animal’s bloodstream as iteatscalfcalf noun a young of a cow, less than oneyear old

COMMENT: A male calf is known as a bullcalf; a female calf is a heifer calf. Themeat of calves fed on a milk diet isknown as veal.

calf diphtheriacalf diphtheria noun a disease affectingthe mouth and throat of a calfcalf enteric diseasecalf enteric disease noun a disease ofcalves causing severe diarrhoea

calf pneumoniacalf pneumonia noun a disease causedby a virus, and affecting dairy-bred andsuckled calvescalomelcalomel /�k�ləmel/ noun same asmercury (I) chloridecaloriccaloric /kə |�lɒrik/ adjective referring tocaloriescaloriecalorie noun a unit of measurement ofheat or energy. Symbol cal (NOTE: Thejoule, an SI measure, is now more usual: 1calorie = 4.186 joules.)

COMMENT: One calorie is the amount ofheat needed to raise the temperature ofone gram of water by one degree Cel-sius. The kilocalorie (shortened to ‘Calo-rie’) is also used as a measurement ofthe energy content of food and to showthe caloric requirement or amount ofenergy needed by an average person.The average adult in an office jobrequires about 2,500 calories per day,supplied by carbohydrates and fats togive energy and proteins to replace tis-sue. More strenuous physical workneeds more calories. If a person eatsmore than the number of caloriesneeded by his energy output or for hisgrowth, the extra calories are stored inthe body as fat.

CalorieCalorie /�k�ləri/ noun same as kilocal-oriecalorific valuecalorific value noun same as energyvaluecalvecalve /kɑ�v/ verb to give birth to a calfcalvercalver /�kɑ�və/ noun a cow which has hadcalvescalvingcalving /�kɑ�viŋ/ noun the act of givingbirth to a calfcalving boxcalving box noun a special pen in whicha cow is put to calvecalving intervalcalving interval noun the period of timebetween one calving and the nextcalving timecalving time noun the time when a cowis ready to calvecalyxcalyx /�keiliks/ noun the part of a flowermade up of green sepals which cover theflower when it is in bud (NOTE: The pluralis calyces.)CambridgeCambridge /�keimbrid�/ noun a breedof sheepCambridge rollerCambridge roller noun a heavy rollerwith a ribbed surface, consisting of anumber of heavy iron wheels or rings, eachof which has a ridge about 4cm high. Theribbed soil surface left by the rollerprovides an excellent seedbed for grass andclover seeds.


Camellia 40CamelliaCamellia /kə|�mi�liə/ noun a family ofsemi-tropical evergreen plants, includingthe tea plantCamembertCamembert /�k�məmbeə/ noun a softFrench cheese, produced in NormandyCampaign to Protect Rural EnglandCampaign to Protect RuralEngland noun full form of CPRECampden and Chorleywood Food Research AssociationCampden and Chorleywood FoodResearch Association noun acompany which carries out research anddevelopment for food producers andsuppliers. Abbr CCFRAcampylobactercampylobacter /�k�mpilə |�b�ktə/noun bacteria found in the gut of chickens.Dairy cattle also carry the organism. It is acause of food poisoning in humans.

‘The co-operation of the NFU and FSA ontargets for the reduction of campylobacterand salmonella levels is an example ofeffective partnership. Greater assessmentof both the success and failure of targetsshould be made in order to influencefuture policy decisions.’ [FarmersGuardian]

cancan noun a metal container for food ordrink, made of steel with a lining of tin, ormade entirely of aluminium � verb topreserve food by sealing it in special metalcontainersCanadian HolsteinCanadian Holstein /kə |�neidiən�hɒlstain/ noun � Holsteincanalcanal noun a waterway made by people totake water to irrigate landCanary grassCanary grass noun a weed whichproduces a large cylindrical-shaped flowernot unlike Timothy heads. It is trouble-some in cereals.candlingcandling /�k�nd(ə)liŋ/ noun a checkingprocess in which eggs are passed over asource of light which detects blood spots inthe egg or cracks in the shellcanecane noun a stem of large grasses such asthe sugar cane and of other plants such asblackberries and raspberriescane fruitcane fruit noun fruit from plantsbelonging to the genus Rubus includingraspberry, blackberry and loganberry. Thecanes need a post and wire system forsupport. Fruit is sold on the fresh market,as well as being used for processing, and inrecent years there has been an increasedinterest in the PYO outlets.cane sugarcane sugar noun a sugar which is proc-essed from the juice which is extractedfrom the stems of sugar cane in crushingmills

cankercanker /�k�ŋkə/ noun 1. a diseasecausing lesions on a plant or on the skin ofan animal � a bacterial canker of fruit trees2. an area of damage caused by canker �cankers on the stem

COMMENT: The chief victims of cankerare fruit trees, especially apples. Can-kers appear as sunken areas on thebark, or near a wound. Fungus sporesinfect the wound edges, laying bare thewood. The disease spreads from theinfected area, causing fruit spurs to wilt.

cannibalismcannibalism /�k�nibəliz(ə)m/ nounthe practice of an animal which feeds on itsown species. In poultry, this may follow onfrom featherpecking, and may be causedby the crowded conditions in which birdsare housed. Sows may eat the young ofother sows in intensive breeding condi-tions.canning factorycanning factory /�k�niŋ �f�kt(ə)ri/noun a factory where food is cannedcannulacannula /�k�njυlə/ noun a tube throughwhich a trocar is inserted, used to puncturean animal’s rumen to allow an escape ofgascanolacanola /kə|�nəυlə/ noun oilseed rapecanopycanopy noun a layer of branches andleaves of trees which shade the groundunderneath. � green area index

‘Trees that grow to form the tallest part ofthe canopy suffer more damage than theslower growing trees forming theunderstorey.’ [Guardian]

Canterbury hoeCanterbury hoe /�k�ntəb(ə)ri həυ/noun a hoe which does not have a blade,but is like a three-pronged fork, with theprongs set at right angles to the handleCanterbury lambCanterbury lamb noun a lamb reared inNew Zealand, mainly for exportcantlecantle /�k�nt(ə)l/ noun the rear bow of asaddleCAPCAP abbreviation Common AgriculturalPolicycapability classcapability class noun the classificationof the usefulness of land for agriculturalpurposescapacitycapacity noun the amount of somethingwhich a container can hold � Each cylinderhas a capacity of 0.5 litres.capercaper /�keipə/ noun a Mediterraneanshrub (Capparis spinosa) the flower budsof which are used as a flavouringcapercailliecapercaillie /�k�pə |�keili/ noun a largegame bird (Tetrao urogallus) found innorthern coniferous forests


41 carbon dioxidecapillaritycapillarity /�k�pi|�l�rəti/ noun same ascapillary actioncapillarycapillary noun a tiny blood vesselbetween the arterioles and the venules,which carries blood and nutrients into thetissuescapillary actioncapillary action, capillary flow nounthe movement of a liquid upwards inside anarrow tube or upwards through the soil

COMMENT: Capillary flow has an impor-tant effect on water in soil, as it does notdrain away. Water moves through thesoil by capillary action, i.e. by the surfacetension between the water and the wallsof the fine tubes or capillaries. It is a veryslow movement, and may not be fastenough to supply plant roots in a soilwhich is drying out.

capital itemscapital items plural noun items such asmachinery, buildings, fences and drainsused in farm production

‘Mr Finnie said financial assistance forcapital items, such as fencing, would alsobe introduced for organic converters. Andup to £300/farm will be made availabletowards the cost of producing an organicaction plan.’ [Farmers Weekly]

caponcapon /�keipɒn/ noun a castrated ediblecockerel (NOTE: A cockerel which has beentreated with a sex-inhibiting hormonegrows and increases in weight morerapidly than a bird which has not beentreated.)cappiecappie /�k�pi/ noun a disease of sheep,mainly of older lambs and young sheep,associated with thinning of the skull bones.In severe cases the animal cannot eat orclose its mouth.cappingcapping /�k�piŋ/ noun a hard crustwhich sometimes forms on the surface ofsoil, often only about 2–3cm thick. It canbe caused by heavy rain on dry soil, andalso by tractors and other heavy farmmachinery.caprinecaprine /�k�prain/ adjective referring togoatscaprine arthritis-encephalitiscaprine arthritis-encephalitis,caprine arthritic encephalitis noun adisease of goats where the animal suffersloss of condition, swollen joints and pneu-monia, leading eventually to death. Thedisease is spread by contact with saliva andmilk. There is no cure. The first case in theUK was reported in April 1990. Abbr CAEcapsicumcapsicum /�k�psikəm/ noun a group ofplants grown for their pod-like fruit, someof which are extremely pungent, e.g. the

chilli and Cayenne peppers. Others,including the red, green or sweet peppersare less pungent and are used as vegeta-bles. Also called peppercapsid bugcapsid bug /�k�psid b��/ noun a tinyinsect that sucks the sap of plantscapsulecapsule noun 1. a dry structure whichbursts open with force releasing the seedsof flowering plants or spores of mosses 2.a membrane round an organcaptancaptan /�k�pt�n/ noun a fungicide, usedto fight apple and pear scab. It is also usedin seed dressings for peas and other vege-tables.carawaycaraway /�k�rəwei/ noun seeds of aherb (Carum carvi) used as a flavouring inbread and cakescarbamatecarbamate /�kɑ�bəmeit/ noun a pesti-cide belonging to a large group used asinsecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Itis no longer approved for use in the UK.carbohydratecarbohydrate noun an organiccompound composed of carbon, hydrogenand oxygen, e.g. sugars, cellulose andstarch

COMMENT: Carbohydrates are com-pounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxy-gen. They are found in particular in sugarand starch from plants, and provide thebody with energy. Plants build up valua-ble organic substances from simplematerials. The most important part of thisprocess, which is called photosynthesis,is the production of carbohydrates suchas sugars, starches and cellulose bygreen plants which convert carbon diox-ide and water using sunlight as energy.Carbohydrates form the largest part ofthe food of animals.

carboncarbon noun a common non-metallicelement that is an essential component ofliving matter and organic chemicalcompoundscarbonatecarbonate /�kɑ�bəneit/ noun acompound formed from a base andcarbonic acidcarbon dioxidecarbon dioxide /�kɑ�bən dai |�ɒksaid/noun a colourless odourless non-flam-mable atmospheric gas. It is used in photo-synthesis and given off in aerobic respira-tion. Formula: CO2.

COMMENT: Carbon dioxide exists natu-rally in air and is produced by burning orby decaying organic matter. In animals,the body’s metabolism utilises carbon,which is then breathed out by the lungsas waste carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxideis removed from the atmosphere by


carbonic acid 42

plants when it is split by chlorophyll inphotosynthesis to form carbon and oxy-gen. It is also dissolved from the atmos-phere in water. The increasing release ofcarbon dioxide into the atmosphere,especially from burning fossil fuels, con-tributes to the greenhouse effect.

carbonic acidcarbonic acid /kɑ�|�bɒnik ��sid/ nouna weak acid formed in small quantitieswhen carbon dioxide is dissolved in water.Formula: H2CO3.carbon monoxidecarbon monoxide noun a colourless,odourless and poisonous gas found infumes from car engines, burning gas andcigarette smoke. Formula: CO.carbon neutralcarbon neutral adjective producing andusing the same amount of carbon (NOTE:Renewable plant fuels are carbon neutral.If the same numbers of plants arereplanted as are harvested, the CO2 levelsin the air will remain about the same.)

‘NFU deputy president Peter Kendall said:“We have reached the point where it hasbecome imperative to break our traditionalreliance on fossil fuels. Carbon neutralalternatives are needed if we are to combatglobal warming and if supply of thosealternatives is to be guaranteed then theymust be derived from domestic andrenewable sources”.’ [Farmers Guardian]

carbon sequestrationcarbon sequestration /�kɑ�bən�si�kwə|�streiʃ(ə)n/ noun the uptake andstorage of carbon by trees and other plantsabsorbing carbon dioxide and releasingoxygencarbon sinkcarbon sink noun a part of theecosphere such as a tropical forest whichabsorbs carboncarboxyhaemoglobincarboxyhaemoglobin /kɑ� |�bɒksi|

hi�mə|[[ɑ�ɔʃ]�ləυbin/ noun a compoundof carbon monoxide and the blood pigmenthaemoglobin formed when a personbreathes in carbon monoxide from carfumes or from ordinary cigarette smokecarcasscarcass /�kɑ�kəs/, carcase noun 1. thedead body of an animal 2. especially in themeat trade, the body of an animal afterremoving head, limbs and offalcarcass classification schemecarcass classification schemenoun a system of judging the thickness offlesh on a carcass, and the fat cover over acarcasscardooncardoon /kɑ� |�du�n/ noun a vegetable(Cynara cardunculus) grown in Mediterra-nean areas, similar to the globe artichokecargocargo noun same as brown rice

carnallitecarnallite /�kɑ�nəlait/ noun a white orpale mineral containing hydrated magne-sium and potassium chlorides, used as asource of potassium and in fertiliserscarnivorecarnivore noun an animal that eats meat.� detritivore, frugivore, herbivore, omni-vorecarnivorouscarnivorous adjective 1. referring toanimals that eat meat � a carnivorousanimal 2. referring to plants which trap anddigest insects � Sundews are carnivorousplants.carobcarob /�k�rəb/ noun a long flat dried podof the carob tree, used in food preparationsand in animal feed, where it is called‘locust bean’carotenecarotene /�k�rəti�n/ noun an orange orred pigment in carrots, egg yolk and somenatural oils, which is converted by ananimal’s liver into vitamin Acarpelcarpel /�kɑ�pəl/ noun a female part of aflower, formed of an ovary, style andstigmacarrcarr /kɑ�/ noun an area of wetland whichsupports some trees � fen carr � willowcarrcarriercarrier noun an organism that carriesdisease and infects other organisms, e.g. aninsect that transmits the parasite causingmalariacarrotcarrot noun a vegetable root crop(Daucus carota) grown for humanconsumption. Most are grown for freshsale, some for canning and freezing.Damaged roots which cannot be sold canbe fed to cattle.carrot flycarrot fly noun a small fly (Psila rosae)with a reddish brown head and yellowishwings. It lays its eggs in the soil surfacenear plants and the larvae burrow into theroot. The foliage wilts and dies, and incases of severe infestation, the whole cropis lost.carrycarry verb to keep livestock such as cattleon farmlandcarrying capacitycarrying capacity noun the maximumnumber of livestock that can be supportedin a given areacartilagecartilage noun thick connective tissuewhich lines the joints and acts as a cushionand which forms part of the structure of anorgancaryopsiscaryopsis /�k�ri|�ɒpsis/ noun a seed ofcereals and grassesCASCAS abbreviation Centre for AgriculturalStrategy


43 cattlecase

case noun 1. an outer covering � Coolingair is directed through passages in theengine case to control engine case temper-ature. 2. a single occurrence of a disease �There were two hundred cases of cholera inthe recent outbreak.case hardening

case hardening noun the formation ofa hard surface on a piece of food, by depo-sition of sugar or saltcasein

casein /�keisiin/ noun a protein found inmilk

COMMENT: Casein is precipitated whenmilk comes into contact with an acid, andso makes milk form cheese.

caseous lymphadenitis

caseous lymphadenitis noun adisease of sheep and goats caused by thebacteria Corynebacterium pseudotubercu-losis. Symptoms include swollen lymphnodes and abscesses. Abbr CLAcash crop

cash crop noun a crop grown to be soldrather than eaten by the person who growsit, e.g. oil palmcashmere

cashmere noun a very fine down under-coat on a goat, less than 18 micronscast

cast verb 1. to bear an offspring prema-turely � a cast calf 2. to place an animal onits side on the groundcast ewes

cast ewes plural noun old breeding eweswhich are sold off by hill farmers tofarmers on lower ground who take onemore crop of lambs from themcasting

casting /�kɑ�stiŋ/ noun a method ofploughing, in which the area is ploughed ina circle, going in an anticlockwise direc-tioncastor oil

castor oil /�kɑ�stər �ɔil/ noun an oilderived from the seeds of the castor oilplant (Ricinus communis), used as acommon purgative for fowls and calvescastrate

castrate verb to remove the testicles of amale animalcastration

castration /k� |�streiʃ(ə)n/ noun theremoval of the essential sex organs, testesand ovaries, from male or female animals.This allows bullocks and heifers to behoused together, as castrated animals aremore docile.

COMMENT: Castration may be by cuttingthe scrotum, as in pigs, or by atrophica-tion which follows ringing, as in sheepand cattle. In fowls, a sex-inhibiting hor-mone is used.

cast sheep

cast sheep noun a sheep lying on itsback and unable to get up again

casual labourcasual labour /�k��uəl �leibə/ nounworkers who are hired for short periodsfrom time to timecasual labourercasual labourer /�k��uəl �leibərə/,casual worker /�k��uəl �w��kə/ noun aworker who is hired for a short period fromtime to time, e.g. a student hired to picksoft fruitCATCAT /k�t/ abbreviation Centre for Alter-native Technologycatabolismcatabolism /kə |�t�bəliz(ə)m/ noun thebreaking down of complex chemicals intosimple chemicalscatchcatch noun the amount of fish caught �regulations to limit the herring catch �verb to hunt and take animals, usually fishcatch cropcatch crop noun 1. a fast-growing cropgrown in the time interval between twomain crops 2. a fast-growing crop plantedbetween the rows of a main cropcatching pencatching pen noun a pen into whichsheep are put while waiting to be shearedcatchmentcatchment /�k�tʃmənt/, catchmentarea noun an area of land, sometimesextremely large, that collects and drains therainwater that falls on it, e.g. the area rounda lake or the basin of a river. Also calleddrainage area, drainage basinCatchment Sensitive FarmingCatchment Sensitive Farming nounmethods of farming which help reducepollution in water catchment areas by, e.g.,reducing the amount of fertiliser and pesti-cide used on the landcatchwater draincatchwater drain noun a type of draindesigned to take rainwater from slopinggroundcaterpillarcaterpillar noun a soft-bodied larva ofmany species of butterflies and moths.Caterpillars feed mainly on foliage, but canalso attack roots, seeds and bark of crops.caterpillar tractorcaterpillar tractor noun a tractor with arevolving set of linked metal plates oneither side in place of wheelscationcation /�k�taiən/ noun an ion with apositive electric chargecation exchange capacitycation exchange capacity noun ameasure of the fertility of soil whichdescribes its ability to hold and supplynutrients. Abbr CECcats’ facescats’ faces noun same as field pansycattlecattle plural noun domestic farm animalsraised for their milk, meat and hide. Class:Bovidae. � herds of cattle � dairy cattle

COMMENT: Domesticated cattle belong tothe genus Bos, of the family Bovidae,and within the genus there are a number


cattle grid 44

of different species. The Europeandomesticated cattle are Bos taurus; theIndian and African domesticated cattleare Bos indicus; the buffalo is Bosbubalus. The main breeds of Europeandairy cattle are: Ayrshire, Dairy Short-horn, Friesian, Guernsey, Holstein andJersey. The dairy cow is one of the mostvaluable domesticated animals, provid-ing high-quality human foods. Milk is themain product, although cull cows are animportant source of meat. The mainbreeds of beef cattle are: AberdeenAngus, Beef Shorthorn, Charolais,Devon, Galloway, Hereford. The maindual-purpose breeds (i.e. breeds whichprovide both beef and dairy products)are Dexter, South Devon and WelshBlack.

cattle gridcattle grid noun a type of grill made ofparallel bars, covering a hole dug in theroad. It prevents stock from crossing thegrid and leaving their pasture, but allowsvehicles and humans to pass.Cattle Health Certification StandardsCattle Health Certification Stand-ards plural noun an umbrella organisationfor various cattle health schemes operatingin the UK, which sets common standardsfor testing for non-notifiable diseases.Abbr CHCScattle identification documentcattle identification document,cattle passport noun a document whichidentifies an animal and shows its move-ments from owner to owner. Abbr CIDcattlemancattleman /�k�t(ə)lm�n/ noun a personwho looks after cattlecattle plaguecattle plague noun a disease of cattle,eradicated from the UK in 1877, but stillfound in parts of Asia and Africacattle rustlercattle rustler noun a person who stealscattlecattle rustlingcattle rustling noun the stealing ofcattleCattle Tracing SystemCattle Tracing System, CattleTracing Scheme noun a computerisedsystem in place in the UK which registerscattle and their movements from birth todeathcauliflowercauliflower noun a plant of the cabbagefamily, with a large white head made up ofa mass of curdscavingscavings /�keiviŋz/ noun broken piecesof straw from a threshing machinecayenne peppercayenne pepper /�keien �pepə/ noun aplant (Capsicum frutescens) producing apungent red pepper from ground driedpods

CayugaCayuga /k� |�ju��ə/ noun a breed of duckwhich produces dark green eggs and hasshiny green-black plumageCCFRACCFRA abbreviation Campden and Chor-leywood Food Research AssociationCCWCCW abbreviation Countryside Councilfor WalesCdCd symbol cadmiumCECCEC abbreviation cation exchangecapacitycedarcedar noun a large coniferous treebelonging to several genera, includingThuya and CedrusCEFASCEFAS abbreviation Centre for Environ-mental, Fisheries and Aquaculture ScienceCEHCEH abbreviation Centre for Ecology andHydrologyceleriacceleriac /si |�leri�k/ noun a variety ofcelery with a thick edible root. The root isused as a vegetable in soups and salads.celerycelery noun a vegetable plant (Apiumgraveolens), with thick edible leaf stalks.The plant is grown in trenches to helpgrowth and to blanch the stems, althoughsome varieties are self-blanching.cellcell noun the basic independently func-tioning unit of all plant and animal tissue

COMMENT: A biological cell is a unit whichcan reproduce itself. It is made up of ajelly-like substance (cytoplasm) whichsurrounds a nucleus and contains manyother small organelles which are differ-ent according to the type of cell. Cellsreproduce by division (mitosis) and thechemical reactions that occur with themare the basis of metabolism. The proc-ess of division and reproduction of cellsis how the human body is formed.

cellularcellular adjective 1. referring to the cellsof organisms 2. made of many similar partsconnected togethercellulosecellulose /�seljυləυs/ noun 1. a carbohy-drate which makes up a large percentage ofplant matter, especially cell walls 2. achemical substance processed from wood,used for making paper, film and artificialfibres

COMMENT: Cellulose is not digestible byhumans, and is passed through thedigestive system as roughage.

CelsiusCelsius noun a scale of temperaturewhere the freezing point of water is 0° andthe boiling point is 100°. Symbol C.Former name centigrade (NOTE: It is usedin many countries, but not in the USA,where the Fahrenheit system is stillcommonly used.)


45 certified seed

COMMENT: To convert Celsius tempera-tures to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 andadd 32. So 20°C is equal to 68°F.

Celtic field systemCeltic field system noun � fieldcensuscensus noun a survey of a specific popu-lation to assess numbers and other featurescentigradecentigrade /�senti�reid/ noun same asCelsiusCentral Scotland Forest TrustCentral Scotland Forest Trust nounan alliance created with the aim of creatingmore and larger woodland areas acrossCentral Scotland. Abbr CSFTCentral Veterinary LaboratoryCentral Veterinary Laboratory nouna veterinary service set up to assist theGovernment’s department for agricultureand food by researching infectiousdiseases. Abbr CVLCentre for Agricultural StrategyCentre for Agricultural Strategynoun an organisation which carries outindependent research into agriculturaldevelopment issues, based at the Univer-sity of Reading. Abbr CASCentre for Alternative TechnologyCentre for Alternative Technologynoun an association that advises onsustainable and environmentally soundmethods in technological development.Abbr CATCentre for Ecology and HydrologyCentre for Ecology and Hydrologynoun a UK organisation that does researchon and monitors terrestrial and freshwaterenvironments. Abbr CEHCentre for Environmental, Fisheries and Aquaculture ScienceCentre for Environmental, Fish-eries and Aquaculture Sciencenoun a research and advisory agency runby Defra, which investigates aquaticscience and contaminationcentrifugalcentrifugal /�sentri |�fju��(ə)l, sen|

�trifjυ�(ə)l/ adjective going away fromthe centrecentrifugal sugarcentrifugal sugar noun a type of rawsugar containing 96% to 98% sucrose,which has been isolated from sugar beet orcane by standard extraction processescentrifugationcentrifugation /�sentrifju� |��eiʃ(ə)n/noun the separation of the components of aliquid in a centrifuge. Also called centri-fugingcentrifugecentrifuge /�sentrifju�d�/ noun adevice which uses centrifugal force toseparate or remove liquids � verb to sepa-rate liquids by using centrifugal force �The rotating vanes of the breather centri-fuge the oil from the mist.centrifugingcentrifuging /�sentrifju�d�iŋ/ nounsame as centrifugation

cepcep /sep/ noun an edible mushroom-likefungus (Boletus edulis)cerealcereal noun a type of grass which is culti-vated for its grains. Cereals are used espe-cially to make flour for breadmaking, foranimal feed or for producing alcohol.(NOTE: The main cereals are wheat, rice,barley, maize and oats.)

COMMENT: Cereals are all members ofthe Graminales family. Oats, wheat, bar-ley, maize and rye are commonly grownin colder temperate areas, and rice, sor-ghum and millet in warmer regions.Cereal production has considerablyexpanded and improved with the intro-duction of better methods of sowing,combine harvesters, grain driers, bulkhandling and chemical aids such as her-bicides, fungicides, insecticides andgrowth regulators.

cereal standscereal stands plural noun fields ofstanding cereal cropscerebrocortical necrosiscerebrocortical necrosis/�serəbrəυkɔ�tik(ə)l ne |�krəυsis/ noun adisease of sheep caused by thiamine defi-ciency. The animal appears blind and fitsmay follow.cerebrospinal fluidcerebrospinal fluid /�serəbrəυ|

spain(ə)l �flu�id/ noun the colourless fluidthat fills the spaces around and within thebrain and spinal cord to cushion againstinjurycertificatecertificate noun an official paper whichstates something, e.g. the National Certifi-cate in Agriculturecertificate of attestationcertificate of attestation noun acertificate given to an attested herdcertificate of bad husbandrycertificate of bad husbandry noun acertificate issued to a tenant farmer by anAgricultural Land Tribunal if the tenant isinefficient and unable to farm to a satisfac-tory standardcertificationcertification /sə|�tifi |�keiʃ(ə)n/ noun theprocess of obtaining or giving approval forsomething such as carrying out a particulartype of test, or of obtaining a certificate toprove that something is what it claims to becertified seedcertified seed noun seed which hasbeen successfully tested for purity, diseaseand weed contamination and is grantedcertification for sale

‘But payments for farm-saved stocks aremaking up an increasingly significantproportion of income, thanks to an EUdecision in 1994 that allowed breeders tocollect royalties on such seed, providedthe rate is “sensibly lower” than the


certified stock 46

amount levied on certified seed.’ [FarmersWeekly]

certified stockcertified stock noun a stock of grainwhich has been approved for deliverycertifycertify verb to give official approval tosomething, or to say officially that some-thing is what it claims to becesspoolcesspool /�sespu�l/, cesspit /�sespit/noun a tank for household sewage,constructed in the ground near a housewhich is not connected to the maindrainage system, and in which the waste isstored before being pumped out fordisposal somewhere elseCFCUCFCU abbreviation Counter Fraud andCompliance Unitchaffchaff /tʃɑ�f, tʃ�f/ noun 1. husks of cornwhich separate from the grain duringthreshing 2. short lengths of cut straw, usedas feed for ruminants and as a componentof manureschainchain noun 1. a number of metal ringsattached together to make a line 2. ameasure of length equal to 22 yards, origi-nally measured with a chain, calledGunter’s chainchain harrowchain harrow noun a type of harrowbuilt in a similar way to a piece of chain-link fencing. The links may be plain orspiked, the spiked type being used to aerategrassland.chain-link fencingchain-link fencing noun material forfencing, made of an open web of thick wirelinks, twisted together; supplied on a roll, itis one of the easiest forms of fencing to putin placechalazachalaza /kə|�leizə/ noun a coil of fibrousprotein which holds the yolk in the centreof the eggchalkchalk noun a fine white limestone rockformed of calcium carbonate

COMMENT: Chalk is found widely in manyparts of northern Europe. Formed fromanimal organisms it is also used as anadditive (E170) in white flour. Groundchalk is used for liming soils. The sharp-edged flints of various sizes found insoils overlying some of the chalk forma-tions in Europe, are very wearing onfarm implements.

chalkychalky adjective referring to soil which iscontains a lot of chalkchallenge feedingchallenge feeding noun the process offeeding dairy cows with concentrates toprovide extra nourishmentchamomilechamomile /�k�məmail/ noun �

mayweed

chandlerchandler /�tʃɑ�ndlə/ noun a person whosells or supplies goods, e.g. a seed chandleror corn chandlerchannelchannel noun a bed of a river or stream �verb to send water in a particular direction(NOTE: British English is channelled –channelling, but the US spelling is chan-neled – channeling.)channelisechannelise /�tʃ�nəlaiz/, channelizeverb to straighten a stream which has manybends, in order to make the water flowfasterChannel Island breedsChannel Island breeds plural nounthe Guernsey and Jersey breeds of dairycattlechaptalisationchaptalisation /�tʃ�ptəlai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/,chaptalization noun the addition of sugarto wine in order to increase the amount ofalcohol that the wine containscharlockcharlock /�tʃɑ�lɒk/ noun a widespreadweed (Sinapis arvensis) mainly affectingspring cereals and other spring crops; alsocommonly called brasics or wild mustardCharmoiseCharmoise /�ʃɑ�mwɑ�z/ noun a breedof sheep found in central FranceCharolaisCharolais /�ʃ�rəlei/, Charollais noun 1.a breed of beef cattle which originated incentral France, is creamy white in colourand is valued for its fast growth and leanmeat 2. a breed of sheep originating inFrance and having a characteristic ‘red’facechatschats /tʃ�ts/ plural noun small potatoes,separated from larger potatoes during thegrading processCHCSCHCS abbreviation Cattle Health Certifi-cation StandardsCheddarCheddar noun a hard yellow cheese,originally made in the West Countrycheesecheese noun food made from cow’s milkcurds (NOTE: Cheese is also made fromgoat’s milk, and more rarely from ewe’smilk. The curd is pressed and left to maturefor a period of time (longer in the case ofhard cheese). There are many varieties ofboth hard and soft cheese: the BritishCaerphilly, Gloucester, Cheddar andCheshire are all hard cheeses; the FrenchBrie and Camembert are soft.)chelateschelates /�ki�leits/ plural nouncompounds of trace elements and organicsubstances which are water-soluble andmay be safely applied as foliar sprays or tothe soilchem-chem- /kem/ prefix referring to chemistryor chemicals


47 Chief Veterinary Officerchemicalchemical noun a substance formed ofchemical elements or produced by a chem-ical process � the widespread use of chem-icals in agriculture � The machine anal-yses the chemicals found in the collectedsamples. � adjective 1. referring to chem-istry or chemicals 2. made by humans froma combination of substances or chemicalelements and not produced naturally(informal ) � an unpleasant chemical tastechemical elementchemical element noun a substancesuch as iron, calcium or oxygen, whichexists independently and is not formedfrom a combination of other substanceschemical fertiliserchemical fertiliser noun same as artifi-cial fertiliserchemical food poisoningchemical food poisoning nounpoisoning by chemical substances in food,e.g. by toxic substances naturally presentin some plants or insecticides in processedfoodChemical Industries AssociationChemical Industries Associationnoun a trade association in the UK repre-senting the chemical and chemistry-usingindustries. Abbr CIAChemical of ConcernChemical of Concern noun � List ofChemicals of Concernchemical scorechemical score noun comparison ofthe relative protein values of particularfoodstuffs, tested in laboratory experi-mentschemistrychemistry noun the study of substances,elements and compounds and their reac-tions with each otherchemotherapeuticchemotherapeutic /�ki�məυθerə |

�pju�tik/ adjective using chemicals thathave been either synthesised or producedby the action of living organisms to treatdiseaseschemotrophchemotroph /�ki�məυtrɒf/ noun anorganism which converts the energy foundin organic chemical compounds into morecomplex energy, without using sunlight.Compare phototrophchemotrophicchemotrophic /�keməυ |�trɒfik/ adjec-tive referring to something which obtainsenergy from sources such as organicmatter. Compare phototrophic (NOTE:Most animals are chemotrophic.)CherCher /ʃeə/ � Berrichon du Cherchernozemchernozem /�tʃ��nəυzem/ noun a darkfertile soil, rich in organic matter, found inthe temperate grass-covered plains ofRussia and North and South America. Alsocalled black earth

cherrycherry noun 1. a small usually sweet fruitwith a single hard stone at its centre, whichis usually either yellow, red, or purple incolour 2. a tree that produces cherriescherry plumcherry plum noun a cooking plum(Prunus cerasifera) which is small andusually bright redcherry tomatocherry tomato noun a variety of tomato(Lycopersicon esculentum) with very smallfruitchervilchervil /�tʃ��vil/ noun a herb (Anthriscuscerefolium) used as a garnish and also insalads and soupsCheshireCheshire /�tʃəʃə/ noun a crumbly hardwhite British cheeseCheviotCheviot /�tʃi�viət/ noun a large, hardybreed of sheep which is white-faced andusually hornless. The short, thick wool isof good quality, of middle length and fairlydense.Chewings fescueChewings fescue /�tʃu�iŋz �feskju�/noun a common variety of grass used forpastures in New ZealandChianinaChianina /�kiə |�ni�nə/ noun a breed ofbeef cattle, originating in Tuscany in Italy.One of the largest breeds of cattle, it iswhite in colour with black hooves, muzzleand horn tips. It is a dual-purpose breed,used both for beef production and asdraught animals.chickchick noun a young, newly hatched bird,up to the time when it is weaned from thehen or brooderchickenchicken noun 1. a young bird of adomestic fowl 2. the meat of domesticpoultry

COMMENT: Chicken manure is now beingused as fuel in programmes to set uprenewable energy power stations.

chickpeachickpea noun a legume crop, grown forits large round pale-yellow seeds. It isimportant in India and Pakistan as a sourceof protein. Genus: Cicer arietinum. Alsocalled gramchickweedchickweed /�tʃikwi�d/ noun a wide-spread choking weed (Stellaria media)which is found in cereals and grass andgerminates and flowers all the year round.Also called white bird’s-eyechicorychicory /�tʃikəri/ noun a blue-floweredplant (Cichorium intybus) cultivated for itssalad leaves and roots. Dried chicory rootis used as a substitute for coffee.Chief Veterinary OfficerChief Veterinary Officer noun themanaging head of a state veterinaryservice. Abbr CVO


chill 48chillchill verb to preserve by cooling to atemperature just above freezing. � cookchillchillichilli noun 1. same as chilli pepper 2. avery pungent spice or sauce made fromground chilli peppers and other ingredientschilli pepperchilli pepper noun a small seed pod, redor green in colour, from the plantCapsicum frutescens which has a very hottastechillshelterchillshelter /�tʃilʃeltə/ noun a feedingarea surrounded by a high embankment toprotect the cattle against the coldchill starvationchill starvation noun a disease affectingvery young lambs, caused by loss of bodyheat during severe weather conditionsChinchillaChinchilla /tʃin|�tʃilə/ noun a smallrabbit important for its soft grey furChinese gooseChinese goose /�tʃaini�z ��u�s/ noun abreed of goose with a lighter carcass,raised for meat productionchip basketchip basket noun a basket woven fromthin strips of woodchisel ploughchisel plough noun a plough with aheavy-duty frame, with tines bolted to it.Rigid tines are normally used, and eachtine has a point which can be replaced.chitchit /tʃit/ noun a shoot or sprout � verb topromote germination in seed beforesowing, especially to set up seed potatoesto sprout before planting them � About halfof the potato crops in the UK are grownfrom chitting tubers.chitterlingschitterlings /�tʃitəliŋz/ plural noun thesmall intestines of pigs, used for foodchitting housechitting house noun a storage buildingfor trays of potatoes, where they are kept tosprout before plantingchiveschives noun an onion-like herb (Alliumschoenoprasum) of which the leaves areused as a garnish or in soups and saladschlamydiosischlamydiosis /klə|�midi |�əυsis/ noun abacterial infection which is transmitted byinfected birds such as ducks and pigeons

COMMENT: Symptoms can be similar tothose of flu, or in bad cases, pneumoniaand hepatitis. The disease comes frombirds and their feathers, and affects par-ticularly poultrymen. It can also affectsheep and lambs.

chlor-chlor- /klɔ�r/ prefix same as chloro-chloridechloride /�klɔ�raid/ noun a salt of hydro-chloric acidchlorinatedchlorinated adjective treated with chlo-rine

chlorinated hydrocarbonchlorinated hydrocarbon noun acompound containing chlorine, carbon andhydrogen that remains in the environmentafter use and may accumulate in the foodchain, e.g. an organochlorine pesticidesuch as lindane or DDT, an industrialchemical such as a polychlorinatedbiphenyl (PCB), or a chlorine wasteproduct such as a dioxin

COMMENT: Chlorinated hydrocarboninsecticides include DDT, aldrin and lin-dane. These types of insecticide are verypersistent, with a long half-life of up to 15years, while organophosphorous insecti-cides have a much shorter life. Chlorin-ated hydrocarbon insecticides not onlykill insects, but also enter the food chainand kill small animals and birds whichfeed on the insects

chlorinationchlorination /�klɔ�ri |�neiʃ(ə)n/ nounsterilisation by adding chlorine

COMMENT: Chlorination is used to killbacteria in drinking water, in swimmingpools and sewage farms, and has manyindustrial applications such as sterilisa-tion in food processing.

chlorinatorchlorinator /�klɔ�rineitə/ noun an appa-ratus for adding chlorine to waterchlorinechlorine noun a greenish chemicalelement, used to sterilise water and forbleachingchloro-chloro- /klɔ�rəυ/ prefix 1. chlorine 2.greenchlorophyllchlorophyll /�klɒrəfil/ noun a greenpigment in plants and some algae

COMMENT: Chlorophyll absorbs lightenergy from the Sun and supplies plantswith the energy to enable them to carryout photosynthesis. It is also used as acolouring (E140) in processed food.

ChlorophytaChlorophyta /klɒr|�ɒfitə/ noun a largegroup of algae that possess chlorophyllchlorosischlorosis /klɔ� |�rəυsis/ noun a reductionof chlorophyll in plants, making the leavesturn yellowchlorpyrifoschlorpyrifos /klɔ�|�pirifɒs/ noun anorganophosphate insecticide used on awide range of cropschocolate spotchocolate spot noun a fungal diseaseof winter beans, occurring in two forms,Botrytis cinerea or the more severeBotrytis fabae. The disease appears assmall round brown spots on leaves andstems. In bad attacks, the symptoms moveto flowers and pods.chokechoke noun 1. stiff hairs inside the headof an artichoke. The hairs have to be


49 clarts

removed before the heart can be eaten. 2. adisease of grasses appearing as a whitefungus that develops out of the leaves andsurrounds the young flower stalk. Itreduces the seed crop. � verb 1. to kill andanimal or plant by cutting off air or light �The small plants were choked by weeds. 2.to fill something such as a channel so thatnothing can move through it � Thedrainage channels were choked with waterweed.chop downchop down verb to cut through the trunkof a tree with an axe, so that the tree fallsdownchorionic gonadotrophinchorionic gonadotrophin /kɔ�ri|

�ɒnik ��əυnədəυ |�trəυfin/ noun ahormone produced by the placenta inmammals that helps maintain a pregnancyC horizonC horizon noun rock underlying the soil.� horizonChorleywood bread processChorleywood bread process/�tʃɔ�liwυd �bred �prəυses/ noun amethod of making bread, developed by theBritish Baking Industries Research Asso-ciation, in which the long fermentationperiod is eliminated by mixing the doughvigorously by mechanical meanschromosomalchromosomal /�krəυmə |�səυm(ə)l/adjective referring to chromosomeschromosomechromosome noun a thin structure inthe nucleus of a cell, formed of DNAwhich carries the genes (NOTE: Differenttypes of organism have different numbersof chromosomes.)chronicchronic adjective referring to a disease orcondition which lasts for a long time � Theforest was suffering from chronic soil acid-ification. Compare acutechrysalischrysalis /�krisəlis/ noun 1. a stage inthe development of a butterfly or mothwhen the pupa is protected in a hard case 2.the hard case in which a pupa is protectedchrysanthemumchrysanthemum noun a genus ofcomposite plants, many of which are culti-vated for their flowers (NOTE: The insecti-cide pyrethrum is derived from Chrysan-themum roseum.)churnchurn noun a large metal milk container� verb to shake a liquid violently to mix itCIACIA abbreviation Chemical IndustriesAssociationCIDCID abbreviation cattle identificationdocument-cide-cide suffix killingcidercider noun a fermented drink made fromapple juice

cider presscider press noun a device for crushingapples to extract the juice to make cidercinnamoncinnamon noun the aromatic inner barkfrom a tropical tree, (Cinnamomum zeylan-icum), used as a spicecirculationcirculation noun same as circulation ofthe bloodcirculation of carboncirculation of carbon noun theprocess by which carbon atoms fromcarbon dioxide are incorporated intoorganic compounds in plants during photo-synthesis (NOTE: The carbon atoms arethen oxidised into carbon dioxide againduring respiration by the plants or byherbivores which eat them and by carni-vores which eat the herbivores, soreleasing carbon to go round the cycleagain.)circulation of the bloodcirculation of the blood noun themovement of blood around the body fromthe heart through the arteries to the capil-laries and back to the heart through theveinscitrus fruitcitrus fruit noun the edible fruits of ever-green citrus trees, grown throughout thetropics and subtropics; the most importantare oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes.Citrus fruit have thick skin and are veryacidic.city farmcity farm noun a community project thatuses an area of wasteland in an inner-cityor urban fringe area for farming andgardening with an ecological approach tothe management of land and resourcesCIWFCIWF abbreviation Compassion in WorldFarmingCJDCJD abbreviation Creutzfeldt-JakobdiseaseClCl symbol chlorineCLACLA abbreviation 1. caseous lymphaden-itis 2. Country Land and Business Associ-ationclampclamp noun a method of storing rootcrops in the open, in which the crop isheaped into a pile and covered with strawand earth � verb to store crops or silage ina clamp

COMMENT: Silage is also kept in clamps,originally trenches dug into the groundinto which the crop was tipped and thencovered. Silage may be clamped as amound often covered with polythenesheeting which is weighed down with oldtyres or railway sleepers.

clartsclarts /klɑ�ts/ plural noun dung attachedto fleece of sheep


classical swine fever 50classical swine feverclassical swine fever noun � swinefeverclayclay noun a type of heavy non-porous soilmade of fine particles of silicateclayeyclayey /�kleii/ adjective containing clay �These plants do best in clayey soils.clayingclaying /�kleiiŋ/ noun the application ofclay to sandy soils and black fen soils toimprove their textureclaypanclaypan /�kleip�n/ noun a hollow on thesurface of clay land where rain collectsclay soilsclay soils plural noun soils with morethan 35% clay size material (NOTE: Claysoils are sticky when wet and can holdmore water than most other types of soil.They lie wet in the winter, and are liable topoaching. They are slow to warm in springtime. In long periods of dry weather, claysoils become hard and wide cracks mayform.)clean cattleclean cattle noun cattle which have notbeen used for breedingclean cropclean crop noun a measure of theamount of wheat or other cereal not mixedwith seeds of other plantsclean landclean land noun land which is free ofweedsclean pastureclean pasture noun pasture that hasbeen left ungrazed for four to six weeksafter contamination with parasitic wormlarvae, and is considered free of the para-sitescleansingcleansing /�klenziŋ/ noun same asafterbirthclearclear verb to remove plants to prepareopen land for cultivation � They clearedhectares of jungle to make a new road tothe capital. � We are clearing rainforest ata faster rate than before.clearanceclearance noun the action of clearingland for cultivationclearcutclearcut /�kliək�t/ noun the cuttingdown of all the trees in an area � verb toclear an area of forest by cutting down allthe treesclearcuttingclearcutting, clearfelling noun cuttingdown all the trees in an area at the sametime � The greatest threat to wildlife is thedestruction of habitats by clearfelling theforest for paper pulp.

COMMENT: Clearcutting is a way of man-aging a forest. Once the felled timberhas been removed, the land is cleared ofstumps and roots, and then sown withnew tree seed.

clearfellclearfell /kliə |�fel/ verb same as clearcut

cleaverscleavers /�kli�vəz/ noun a widespreadweed (Galium aparine) affecting wintercereals, oilseed and early-sown springcrops. It has seed pods (burs) with tinyhooks which catch onto the coats ofpassing animals. Also called goosegrassclegcleg /kle�/ noun same as horseflyCleveland BayCleveland Bay /�kli�vlənd �bei/ noun abreed of light draught horseclevisclevis /�klevis/ noun a U-shaped ironattachment, used to couple an implementto a tractor towbarclick beetleclick beetle noun a brown beetle (Agri-otes species), whose larvae are wirewormswhich attack cereals by eating the plantsjust below the soil surfaceclimate changeclimate change noun a long-term alter-ation in global weather patterns, occurringnaturally, as in a glacial or post-glacialperiod, or as a result of atmospheric pollu-tion (NOTE: Sometimes climate change isused interchangeably with ‘globalwarming’, but scientists tend to use theterm in the wider sense to include naturalchanges in the climate.)

‘Keen to seize the opportunity, MrKendall emphasised the important roleagriculture plays in sustaining ruralcommunities, maintaining theenvironment, providing a safe andconstant supply of food and its uniqueposition in helping to tackle climatechange.’ [Farmers Weekly]

climate change levyclimate change levy noun a tax on theuse of energy by sectors such as agricultureand industry, aimed at promoting energyefficiency and reducing emissions ofgreenhouse gasesclimaxclimax noun the final stage in the devel-opment of plant colonisation of a specificsite, when changes occur within a matureand relatively stable communityclingstoneclingstone /�kliŋstəυn/ adjective refer-ring to varieties of peach where the flesh isattached to the stone. Compare freestoneclipclip verb to cut the wool from a sheep �noun the total amount of wool obtainedfrom a sheep or from a whole flockclippersclippers /�klipəz/ plural noun shears,used for clipping sheepcloacacloaca /kləυ |�eikə/ noun the terminalregion of the gut with the intestinal, urinaryand genital canals opening into it (NOTE: Itis present in reptiles, amphibians, birds,many fishes, and in some invertebrates.)


51 cobclochecloche /klɒʃ/ noun a covering of eitherglass or plastic, which can be carried fromplace to place and is used to protect seed-bedsclodclod /klɒd/ noun a large lump of soilwhich may be difficult to break down intotilth. Clods will affect the quality of aseedbed.cloneclone noun 1. a group of cells derivedfrom a single cell by asexual reproductionand therefore identical to the first cell 2. anorganism produced asexually, either natu-rally or by means such as taking cuttingsfrom a plant 3. a group of organisms all ofwhich have been derived from a singleindividual by asexual means � verb toreproduce an individual organism byasexual meanscloningcloning noun the reproduction of an indi-vidual organism by asexual meansclosed canopyclosed canopy noun a canopy whicheither has achieved complete cover orintercepts 95% of visible lightclosewoolclosewool /�kləυswυl/ noun one of thebreeds of sheep with short dense wool, e.g.the Devon closewoolclostridialclostridial /klɒ |�stridiəl/ adjective refer-ring to Clostridiumclostridial diseaseclostridial disease noun a diseasesuch as pasteurellosis caused byClostridiumClostridiumClostridium /klɒ |�stridiəm/ noun a typeof bacterium (NOTE: Species of Clostridiumcause botulism, tetanus and gasgangrene, but also increase the nitrogencontent of soil.)clotclot verb (of blood) to become thick andstop flowing, forming a scab if exposed tothe air � noun a mass of thickened bloodthat forms over a wound or in a bloodvesselclotted creamclotted cream noun a type of creamwhich has been heated and so becomesmore solidcloveclove noun a dried flower bud of a tree(Eugenia caryophyllata) used forflavouringcloven hoofcloven hoof /�kləυv(ə)n �hu�f/ noun thedivided hoof of animals such as cattle,sheep and pigsclove of garlicclove of garlic noun a small bulb in acluster of garliccloverclover noun a large genus (Trifolium) ofleguminous plants, with trefoil leaves andsmall flowers

COMMENT: Clovers are essential plantsfor the longer ley and permanent pas-ture. They are nitrogen fixing plants, andwith their creeping habit of growth theyknit the sward together and help keepout other weeds. The clovers of agricul-tural importance are the red and whiteclovers.

cloxacillincloxacillin /�klɒksə|�silin/ noun a type ofantibioticclub rootclub root noun a fungal disease (Plasmo-diophora brassicae) affecting brassicas,causing swelling and distortion of the rootsand stunted growth. Also called finger andtoeclumpingclumping /�kl�mpiŋ/ noun the gatheringtogether of a large number of things in amassClun forestClun forest /�kl�n �fɒrist/ noun a hardygrass hill breed of sheep which has finedense fleece, a dark brown face and apermanent topknot which extends out overthe foreheadclustercluster noun the four cup attachments ofa milking machine, attached to the teats ofthe cow’s udderclutchclutch noun a set of eggs laid by a birdClydesdaleClydesdale /�klaidzdeil/ noun a breedof heavy draught horse, originating inScotland. It is brown or black in colour,with a mass of white ‘feathers’ at the feet.CMPPCMPP abbreviation mecopropCoCo symbol cobaltcoarsecoarse adjective referring to a particle orfeature which is larger than others �Coarse sand fell to the bottom of the liquidas sediment, while the fine grains remainedsuspended.coarse grainscoarse grains plural noun cereal cropssuch as maize, barley, millet, oats, rye andsorghum which are less fine than wheat orrice

‘A US Department of Agriculture reportreleased this week cut wheat productionand coarse grain stocks by more thanexpected, sending Chicago futures sharplyhigher.’ [Farmers Weekly]

coatcoat noun the hair on the body of ananimal � Some breeds of goat have verythick coats.

COMMENT: Most animals have a thickertopcoat of coarse hair, which gives pro-tection against the weather and a softerundercoat of fine wool which keeps theanimal’s body warm.

cobcob /kɒb/ noun 1. a sturdy short-leggedriding horse 2. same as corn cob 3. a


cobalt 52

mixture of clay, gravel and straw used as abuilding materialcobaltcobalt noun a metallic element. It is usedto make alloys.cob nutcob nut noun a large hazel nutcoccidioidomycosiscoccidioidomycosis /kɒk|�sidiɔi |

�dəυmai|�kəυsis/ noun a lung diseasecaused by inhaling spores of the fungusCoccidioides immitiscoccidiosiscoccidiosis /�kɒksidi |�əυsis/ noun aparasitic disease of livestock and poultryaffecting the intestinescoccuscoccus /�kɒkəs/ noun a bacteriumshaped like a ball (NOTE: The plural iscocci.)CochinCochin /�kɒtʃin/ noun a breed ofdomestic fowl originating in Chinacochinealcochineal /�kɒtʃi |�ni�l/ noun a redcolouring matter obtained from the driedbody of an insect, the female concilla(Coccus cacti) found in Mexico, CentralAmerica and the West Indiescockcock noun 1. a male bird 2. (of poultry) amale chicken over 18 months oldcockerelcockerel noun a young male chicken, upto 18 months oldcocksfootcocksfoot /�kɒksfυt/ noun a perennialgrass (Dactylis glomerata). A high-yielding, deep-rooting grass, which isresistant to drought and sometimes used inpasture.Code of Good Agricultural PracticeCode of Good Agricultural Prac-tice noun a set of standards and guidelinesfor agricultural practices, which must beset up by law in each country in the EU.Abbr COGAPCodexCodex /�kəυdeks/ noun a United Nationsfood standards body run by FAO and WHOto develop international food safety andquality standardscodlincodlin /�kɒdlin/, codling /�kɒdliŋ/ nounan apple with a long tapering shapecodling mothcodling moth noun a serious pest, thelarvae of which burrow into apple fruitcodominantcodominant /kəυ |�dɒminənt/ adjective1. (of a species) (said of two or morespecies) being roughly equally abundant inan area and more abundant than any otherspecies � There are three codominant treespecies in this forest. 2. referring to allelesof a gene that are not fully dominant overother alleles in a heterozygous individualcoeliac diseasecoeliac disease /�si�li�k di|�zi�z/ nouna disease of the small intestine resultingfrom an inability to digest wheat protein(NOTE: The protein gluten causes the

body’s own immune system to attack anddamage the gut lining.)coffeecoffee noun 1. a bush or small tree widelygrown in the tropics for its seeds, which areused to make a drink. Latin name: Coffeaarabica. 2. the drink prepared from theseeds of coffee bushes

COMMENT: The two main varieties of cof-fee are Arabica and Robusta. The Ara-bica shrub, (Coffea arabica) wasoriginally grown in the southern parts ofthe highlands of Ethiopia, and was laterintroduced into south-western Arabia.The Arabica plant only grows well on alti-tudes of 1,000m and above. It repre-sents 75% of the world’s total coffeeproduction. Arabica coffee beans aregenerally considered to produce a higherquality drink than those obtained fromthe Robusta coffee plant (Coffeacanephora) which originated in WestAfrica. Robusta coffee has a strongerand more bitter taste than Arabica. Themost important area for growing coffee isSouth America, especially Bolivia, Braziland Colombia, though it is also grown inKenya and Indonesia.

coffee berry borercoffee berry borer /�kɒfi �beri �bɔ�rə/noun a small beetle which lays its eggsinside green coffee berriescoffee cherrycoffee cherry noun the red fruit of thecoffee plant, which contains the coffeebeanscoffee rustcoffee rust noun a fungus disease whichattacks coffee plantsCOGAPCOGAP abbreviation Code of GoodAgricultural Practicecoircoir /�kɔiə/ noun a rough fibre from theouter husk of coconutsColbredColbred /�kəυlbred/ noun a breed ofsheep of medium size with white face.When used in cross-breeding, they arecapable of transmitting high fertility andhigh milking capacity.cold framecold frame noun a box construction,with a glass lid, used for raising or keepingplants out of doors but with a certainamount of protection against frostcold shorteningcold shortening noun chilling meat tooquickly after slaughter, which makes ittoughcold storagecold storage noun the practice ofkeeping perishable produce in a refriger-ated room or container, before moving it tomarket or to a retailer. The low temperatureinhibits bacterial and fungal activity.cold treatmentcold treatment noun the use of freezingto disinfest storage containers


53 commensalcoleoptilecoleoptile /�kɒli |�ɒptail/ noun a sheathwhich protects the stem tip (plumule) of agerminating grass seed as it grows to thesurfacecoliccolic noun pain in any part of the intes-tinal tract, especially a symptom of abdom-inal pain in horsescoliformcoliform /�kɒlifɔ�m/ adjective referringto bacteria which are similar in shape toEscherichia colicollarcollar noun a leather-covered roll putround a horse’s neck, to carry the weight ofa plough or cart which the horse is pullingcolliecollie /�kɒli/ noun Scottish breed ofsheepdogcolloidcolloid /�kɒlɔid/ noun a substance withvery small particles that do not settle butremain in suspension in a liquidcolloidalcolloidal /kə |�lɔid(ə)l/ adjective referringto a colloidcolloidallycolloidally /kə|�lɔidəli/ adverb � colloi-dally dispersed particles particles whichremain in suspension in a liquidcoloncolon noun the large intestine, runningfrom the caecum to the rectumcolonial animalcolonial animal noun an animal whichusually lives in colonies, e.g. an antcolonisationcolonisation /�kɒlənai|�zeiʃ(ə)n/, colo-nization noun the act of colonising a place� Islands are particularly subject to colo-nisation by species of plants or animalsintroduced by people.colonisecolonise /�kɒlənaiz/, colonize verb (ofplants and animals) to become establishedin a new ecosystem � Derelict city sitesrapidly become colonised by plants. � Ratshave colonised the sewers.colonisercoloniser /�kɒlənaizə/, colonist/�kɒlənist/ noun an organism that movesinto and establishes itself in a newecosystem, e.g. a plant such as a weedcolonycolony noun a group of animals, plants ormicroorganisms living together in a place �a colony of antscolony systemcolony system noun a poultry rearingsystem in which the hens are free to movearound within a large confined spaceColorado beetleColorado beetle /�kɒlərɑ�dəυ�bi�t(ə)l/ noun a beetle (Leptinotarsadecemlineata) with black and yellowstripes which eats and destroys potatoplantscolostrumcolostrum noun a yellowish fluid that isrich in antibodies and minerals producedby a mother after giving birth and prior tothe production of true milk (NOTE: It

provides newborns with immunity to infec-tions.)coltcolt noun a young male horse which isless than four years old, or in the case ofthoroughbreds, less than five years oldcoltsfootcoltsfoot /�kəυltsfυt/ noun a perennialweed (Tussilago farfara)COMACOMA /�kəυmə/ abbreviation Committeeon Medical Aspects of Food Policycombcomb noun the red fleshy crest on a fowlcombinecombine noun /�kɒmbain/ same ascombine harvester � verb /kəm |�bain/ toharvest using a combine harvester � Themen have been combining all day duringthe fine weather.combine drillcombine drill noun a drill which sowsgrain and fertiliser at the same time (NOTE:Some drills have separate tubes for theseed and the fertiliser, others have onetube for both. It is important to cleancombine drills after use, as the corrosiveaction of the fertiliser can damage thetubes.)combine harvestercombine harvester noun a largemachine that cuts a crop, threshes it andsorts the grain or seed from the straw orchaff. Combine harvesters are used toharvest a vast range of crops such ascereals, grass, peas and oilseed rape.

COMMENT: The combine harvester cutsthe crop, passes it to the threshingmechanism, then sorts the grain or seedfrom the straw or chaff. The straw is leftin a swath behind the combine, and thechaff is blown out of the back. The grainis lifted to a hopper from which it isunloaded into trailers. Most combine har-vesters are self-propelled, with a cab forthe driver, power steering, and monitor-ing systems for the key components.Special attachments used with com-bines include straw spreaders, pick-upattachments for grass and clover crops,and maize pickers.

combing woolcombing wool noun a long-stapledwool, suitable for combing and makinginto worstedcombining peascombining peas plural noun peasgrown on a large scale, which are harvestedwith a combine harvestercomfreycomfrey /�k�mfri/ noun a medicinalherb of the genus Boraginaceae. that isalso used in salads and for composting.ComiceComice /�kɒmi�s/ � Doyenne duComicecommensalcommensal /kə |�mensəl/ noun anorganism which lives on another plant or


commensalism 54

animal but does not harm it or influence itin any way. � parasite, symbiont � adjec-tive referring to a commensalcommensalismcommensalism /kə|�mensəliz(ə)m/noun the state of organisms existingtogether as commensalscommercialcommercial adjective 1. referring tobusiness 2. produced to be sold for profitcommercial grain farmingcommercial grain farming noun ahighly mechanised agricultural system inwhich large areas of mid-latitude grass-lands are given over to cereal cultivationcommercial grazingcommercial grazing noun same asranchingcommercial marketcommercial market noun a market forcattle or sheep for meat rather than forbreeding. Compare pedigree marketcommercial seedcommercial seed noun seed sold asbeing true to kind, but not necessarily purecomminutecomminute /�kɒminju�t/ verb to grindmeat into very small piecesCommission of the European UnionCommission of the EuropeanUnion noun the executive body of theEuropean UnionCommittee of Professional Agricultural OrganizationsCommittee of Professional Agri-cultural Organizations noun anorganisation which represents the interestsof farmers from all European memberstates. Abbr COPACommittee on Medical Aspects of Food PolicyCommittee on Medical Aspects ofFood Policy noun a panel whichpublishes reports on medical issuesrelating to food preparation and packaging.Abbr COMAcommoditycommodity noun a substance sold invery large quantities, e.g. raw materials orfoodstuffs such as corn, rice, buttercommodity exchangecommodity exchange noun a placewhere commodities are bought and soldcommodity futurescommodity futures plural nountrading in commodities for delivery at alater date. The produce will often not yethave been grown or harvested.commodity mountaincommodity mountain noun a surplusof a certain agricultural product producedin the EU, e.g. the ‘butter mountain.’ � lakecommoncommon adjective belonging to severaldifferent people or to everyone � commonland � noun an area of land to which thepublic has access for walking

COMMENT: About 80% of common land isprivately owned and, subject to the inter-ests of any commoners, owners enjoyessentially the same rights as the own-ers of other land. Commoners have dif-ferent types of ‘rights of common’, e.g. to

graze animals, or to extract sand, gravelor peat.

Common Agricultural PolicyCommon Agricultural Policy noun aset of regulations and mechanisms agreedbetween members of the European Unionto control the supply, marketing andpricing of farm produce. Abbr CAP

COMMENT: The European Union has setup a common system of agriculturalprice supports and grants. The systemattempts to encourage stable marketconditions for agricultural produce, toensure a fair return for farmers and rea-sonable market prices for the consumer,and finally to increase yields and produc-tivity on farms in the Union. A system ofcommon prices for the main farm prod-ucts has been established with interven-tion buying as the main means of marketsupport. The first major reforms in 30years were carried out in 1992 andincluded arable set-aside, suckler cowquotas, ewe quotas, price reductions onoilseeds, peas, beans, cereals and beet.The second major CAP reform was in2003 with the introduction of the SingleFarm Payment Scheme (SFPS), whichbrought together individual subsidyschemes into a single payment calcu-lated on the land area used.

Common Birds CensusCommon Birds Census noun anongoing survey of commonly occurringbirds, run by the British Trust for Orni-thologycommon eyespotcommon eyespot noun � eyespotcommon fumitorycommon fumitory noun a widespreadweed (Fumaria officinalis). Also calledbeggarycommon hemp nettlecommon hemp nettle noun a weed(Galeopsis tetrahit) found in spring cerealsand vegetables. Also called day-nettle,glidewortcommon pricescommon prices plural noun the pricesobtained by all EU farmers for a widerange of their products, including beef,cereals, milk products and sugar. EU regu-lations involve control on imports andintervention buying. These prices arereviewed each year.communitycommunity noun a group of differentorganisms which live together in an area �the plant community on the sand dunescompactcompact verb to compress the groundand make it hard, e.g. by driving over itwith heavy machinery or as the result of alot of people walking on itcompactioncompaction /kəm |�p�kʃ(ə)n/,compacting noun the compression ofground and making it hard, e.g. by driving


55 compulsory dipping period

over it with heavy machinery or as theresult of a lot of people walking on itcompanion animalcompanion animal noun an animalthat is kept for company and enjoyableinteraction, rather than for work or foodcompanion plantcompanion plant noun a plant whichimproves the growth of nearby plants orreduces pest infestation (NOTE: Companionplants are often used by horticulturists andgardeners because they encourage growthor reduce pest infestation in an adjacentplant.)

COMMENT: Some plants grow betterwhen planted near others. Beans andpeas help root plants such as carrotsand beetroot. Most herbs (except fennel)are helpful to other plants. Marigoldshelp reduce aphids if they are plantednear plants such as broad beans orroses which are subject to aphid infesta-tion. The strong smell of onions is dis-liked by the carrot fly, so planting onionsnear carrots makes sense. On the otherhand, most other plants (and especiallypeas and beans) dislike onions and willnot grow well near them.

companion plantingcompanion planting noun the use ofplants that encourage the growth of othersnearbyCompassion in World FarmingCompassion in World Farmingnoun a political lobby group whichcampaigns for the welfare of livestock andfor humane practices in farming. AbbrCIWFcompensatory growthcompensatory growth/�kɒmpənseit(ə)ri ��rəυθ/ noun growththat occurs after a period of under-feedingwhen the animal regains lost weightcompetitioncompetition noun the struggle forlimited resources such as food, light or amate, occurring between organisms of thesame or different speciescomplementaritycomplementarity /�kɒmplimen |

�t�riti/ noun nature conservation based ona balance between wild and domesticatedspecies in an areacomplementary feederscomplementary feeders plural nounanimals which feed in a way which doesnot compete with other animals feeding inthe same area. So goats, which browse,complement sheep which graze.complete dietcomplete diet noun same as totalmixed rationcomplex vertebral malformationcomplex vertebral malformationnoun a congenital condition of Holsteincattle, symptoms of which include reducedweight and a misshapen backbone. AbbrCVM

complicationscomplications plural noun secondarymedical problems developing as part of anexisting medical condition � The patientmay develop complications after surgery.CompositaeCompositae /kəm |�pɒzitai/ plural nounformer name for Asteraceaecompostcompost noun 1. rotted vegetation ororganic waster, which resembles humusand is used as fertiliser or mulch 2. aprepared soil or peat mixture in whichplants are grown in horticulture � verb 1. toallow organic material to rot and turn intocompost 2. to put compost onto soil or aparticular area of groundcompost activatorcompost activator noun a chemicaladded to a compost heap to speed up thedecomposition of decaying plant mattercompost heapcompost heap noun a pile of organic,especially plant, waste, usually kept in acontainer and left to decay gradually, beingturned over occasionally. It is used as afertiliser and soil improver.compostingcomposting noun the controlleddecomposition of organic waste, especiallyused for the disposal for plant waste ingardens or domestic green waste such asvegetable peelingscomposting drumcomposting drum noun a cylindricalcontainer in which organic waste is rotteddown to make compostcompoundcompound noun a substance made up oftwo or more components

COMMENT: Chemical compounds are sta-ble (i.e. the proportions of the elementsin them are always the same) but theycan be split into their basic elements bychemical reactions.

compoundercompounder /kɒm |�paυndə/ noun acompany which produces compound feedcompound feedcompound feed noun a type of animalfeed made up of several different ingredi-ents, including vitamins and minerals,providing a balanced diet. Compound feedis usually fed to animals in the form ofcompressed pellets.compound fertilisercompound fertiliser noun a fertiliserthat supplies two or more nutrients. Alsocalled mixed fertiliser. Compare straightfertilisercompulsorycompulsory adjective forced or orderedby an authority � the compulsory slaughterof infected animalscompulsory dipping periodcompulsory dipping period noun aperiod of time, usually some weeks, duringwhich all sheep in the country must bedipped


concave 56concave

concave noun part of a combineharvester, a curved dish which catches thegrain after it has been threshedconcentrate

concentrate noun 1. the strength of asolution, or the quantity of a substance in aspecific volume 2. a strong solution whichis to be diluted � orange juice made fromconcentrate � verb 1. to collect in a partic-ular place rather than spread around � Mostof the mass of air is concentrated at thelowest levels of the atmosphere. 2. toreduce the volume of a solution andincrease its strength by evaporation. Oppo-site diluteconcentrates

concentrates plural noun animal feed-ingstuffs with a high nutrient relative totheir bulkconcentration

concentration noun the amount of asubstance in a given volume or mass of asolutioncondense

condense verb to make a vapourbecome liquidcondition

condition noun 1. the present state ofsomething 2. the state of health or of clean-liness of an animal � The animal was insuch poor condition that the vet decided ithad to be put down. 3. (in breeding) theamounts of muscle and fat present in ananimalconditioned reflex

conditioned reflex noun an automaticreaction by an animal to a stimulus, learnedfrom past experienceconditioner

conditioner noun a substance that isused to make an improvement in some-thing else � Mushroom compost can beused as a soil conditioner.conditioning

conditioning noun 1. the preparation ofcrops for harvesting 2. the process ofmaking meat more tender by keeping it forsome time at a low temperature 3. the prep-aration of grain for milling by adding waterto it, so as to ensure that the grain has thecorrect moisture contentcondition scoring

condition scoring noun a method ofassessing the state of body condition ofanimals; scores range from 0–5 for cattleand 1–9 for sows. Low condition scoresindicate thinness, and high scores fatness.A score of about 3 is ideal.

‘Condition scoring is the ideal on-farmmethod of assessing cow body reserves asit requires no specialist equipment orweighing facilities and once you get agrasp of the points system it is relativelyquick to do.’ [Dairy Farmer]

conductivityconductivity /�kɒnd�k|�tiviti/ noun theability of a material to conduct heat or elec-tricity � Because of the poor conductivityof air, heat is transferred from the Earth’ssurface upwards by convection. �

hydraulic conductivity, electricalconductivityconecone noun 1. a hard scaly structurecontaining seeds on such plants as conifers2. the fruit of the female hop plant, whichis separated from leaves and other debrisbefore being dried in an oasthouseConfederation of European Maize ProducersConfederation of European MaizeProducers noun an organisation repre-senting the interests of European farmerswho produce maizeConferenceConference noun a popular variety ofdessert pear. It has a long shape and keepsvery well.conformationconformation /�kɒnfɔ�|�meiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe general shape of an animal or bird �Carcass conformation is very importantwhen buying cattle at an auction.

COMMENT: Conformation is important inthe Carcass Classification System.There are five conformation classes,called EUROP: E = excellent; U (=good); R (= average); O (= below aver-age); P (= poor).

congenitalcongenital adjective existing at orbefore birthcongenital disordercongenital disorder noun a disorderwhich is present at birth

COMMENT: An animal may be abnormalat birth because of a genetic defect, suchas misshapen heads of calves; othercongenital disorders such as swaybackin lambs, may be caused by deficienciesin the mother (in the case of swayback,maternal copper deficiency).

coniferconifer noun a tree with long thin needle-shaped leaves and bearing seed in scalycones. Most are evergreen.

COMMENT: Conifers are members of theorder Coniferales and include pines, firsand spruce. They are natives of thecooler temperate regions, are softwoodsand often grow very fast. Their toughleaves are called needles and are resist-ant to cold and drought. They are fre-quently used in timber plantations.

coniferousconiferous /kə|�nif(ə)rəs/ adjectivereferring to conifersconnective tissueconnective tissue /kə |�nektiv �tiʃu�/noun the tissue that forms the main part ofbones and cartilage, ligaments andtendons, in which a large amount of fibrousmaterial surrounds the tissue cells


57 contaminated landconservancyconservancy /kən|�s��v(ə)nsi/ noun anofficial body which protects a part of theenvironmentconservationconservation noun 1. keeping or notwasting � conservation of energy 2. themaintenance of environmental quality andresources by the use of ecological knowl-edge and principlesconservation headlandconservation headland noun an areabetween the edge of a crop and the firsttractor tramline that is treated less inten-sively with pesticides so that a range ofbroadleaved weeds and beneficial insectssurvive, used as a method of encouragingbiodiversity

‘The achievements of The Allerton Projectat Loddington in improving populations ofwildlife and game are widely recognised.Until recently this has been done byimproving field margins, managing set-aside for game and wildlife, installingbeetle banks and by conservationheadlands.’ [Arable Farming]

conservationistconservationist noun a person whopromotes, carries out or works for conser-vationconservation of soilconservation of soil noun same assoil conservationConservation Reserve ProgramConservation Reserve Programnoun US a federal programme which paysfarmers to let land lie fallow. Abbr CRPconservation tillageconservation tillage noun a farmingmethod which aims to plough the soil aslittle as possible, to prevent erosion, saveenergy and improve biodiversity. �

minimum tillageconserveconserve verb 1. to keep and not wastesomething � The sloth sleeps during theday to conserve energy. 2. to look after andkeep something in the same state � toconserve tigers’ habitatconsumeconsume verb 1. to use up or burn fuel �The new pump consumes only half the fuelwhich the other pump would use. 2. to eatfoodstuffs � The population consumes tentonnes of foodstuffs per week.consumerconsumer noun a person or companywhich buys and uses goods and services �Gas consumers are protesting at theincrease in prices. � The factory is a heavyconsumer of water.consumerismconsumerism /kən|�sju�məriz(ə)m/noun a movement for the protection of therights of consumersconsumptionconsumption noun 1. the fact orprocess of using something � a car with

low petrol consumption � The country’sconsumption of wood has fallen by aquarter. 2. the taking of food or liquid intothe body � Nearly 3% of all food sampleswere found to be unfit for human consump-tion through contamination by lead.contactcontact noun a physical connectionbetween two or more things, especially thefact of one touching the other � Don’tallow the part to come into contact withwater.contact animalcontact animal noun an animal whichhas had contact with a diseased animal andwhich may need to be isolated

‘Movement restrictions placed on thecontact animals in the herd will remain inplace and the animals will be subject totesting for brucellosis over a period ofmonths.’ [Farmers Guardian]

contact herbicidecontact herbicide noun a substancewhich kills a plant whose leaves it touches,e.g. paraquatcontact insecticidecontact insecticide noun a substancesuch as DDT that kills insects which touchit (NOTE: DDT is now banned in manycountries because of its toxicity and abilityto accumulate in the environment.)contact weedkillercontact weedkiller noun same ascontact herbicidecontagiouscontagious adjective referring to adisease which can be transmitted bytouching an infected person, or objectswhich an infected person has touched.Compare infectiouscontagious abortioncontagious abortion noun Brucel-losis, an infectious disease, which isusually associated with cattle where itresults in reduced milk yields, infertilityand abortioncontaminantcontaminant /kən |�t�minənt/ noun asubstance which causes contaminationcontaminatecontaminate verb to make somethingimpure by touching it or by adding some-thing, especially something harmful, to it �Supplies of drinking water were contami-nated by uncontrolled discharges from thefactory. � A whole group of tourists fell illafter eating contaminated food.contaminated landcontaminated land, contaminatedsite noun an area which has been pollutedas a result of human activities such asindustrial processes, presenting a hazard tohuman health, and which needs cleaningbefore it can be used for other purposes

COMMENT: Contaminated land is a fea-ture of most industrialised countries.


contamination 58

Careless past management of waste,lack of pollution controls and many leaksand spills have left a legacy of land con-taminated by a wide variety of sub-stances. In some cases this presentsunacceptable risks to human beings,ecosystems, water resources or prop-erty and has to be dealt with by formalremedial measures.

contaminationcontamination /kən |�t�mi |�neiʃ(ə)n/noun 1. the action of making somethingimpure � the contamination of the watersupply by runoff from the fields 2. the stateof something such as water or food whichhas been contaminated and so is harmful toliving organisms � The level of contamina-tion is dropping.continuing professional developmentcontinuing professional develop-ment noun the continuation of trainingand study throughout a person’s career.Abbr CPD

‘Experience of dairying in New Zealandand the USA indicates that both thesedairying cultures place emphasis oncommunication, as well as the continuingprofessional development of their staff.’[Farmers Weekly]

contourcontour /�kɒntυə/ noun same ascontour linecontour farmingcontour farming noun a method ofcultivating sloping land in which the landis ploughed along a terrace rather thandown the slope, so reducing soil erosion

COMMENT: In contour farming, the ridgesof earth act as barriers to prevent soilbeing washed away and the furrowsretain the rainwater.

contour linecontour line noun a line drawn on a mapto show ground of the same height abovesea levelcontour ploughingcontour ploughing, contour ridgingnoun the practice of ploughing across theside of a hill so as to create ridges along thecontours of the land which will hold waterand prevent erosioncontour strip croppingcontour strip cropping noun theplanting of different crops in bands alongthe contours of sloping land so as toprevent soil erosioncontract cropcontract crop noun a crop grown toorder for a specific outletcontract growercontract grower noun a grower whoproduces a crop to order for a specificoutlet

‘“Our contract growers have to grow toour specifications; we visit them everyweek and make a report”, says Mr

Verduyn. If the crop is not to standard, andmanagement advice has not beenfollowed, the contract is unlikely to berenewed.’ [Farmers Weekly]

contractor

contractor noun company or personwho carries out contract work for a farmercontract work

contract work noun work carried out byspecialist firms on a contract, whichinvolves payment for work carried out, e.g.the provision of a drainage system orcombining a cropcontrol

control noun 1. the process of restrainingsomething or keeping something in order �to bring or keep something undercontrol to make sure that something is wellregulated � The authorities brought theepidemic under control. � out of controlunregulated � The epidemic appears to beout of control. 2. (in experiments) a sampleused as a comparison with the one beingtested � verb 1. to direct or manage some-thing 2. to keep something in order � Theveterinary service is trying to control theepidemic. � They were unable to controlthe spread of the pest.control areacontrol area noun an area wherecontrols are operating to prevent the spreadof a disease within the area, usually a largerarea than the infected areacontrolled atmosphere

controlled atmosphere noun theconditions in which oxygen and carbondioxide concentrations are regulated andmonitored, e.g. to improve the storage offruit and vegetables

‘English plum producers are looking at thepossibility of storing Victoria plums incontrolled atmosphere to extend theseason until at least September.’ [TheGrocer]

controlled atmosphere packagingcontrolled atmosphere packagingnoun the packaging of foods in airtightcontainers in which the air has been treatedby the addition of other gases. This allowsa longer shelf-life.controlled dumping

controlled dumping noun the disposalof waste on special sitescontrolled environmentcontrolled environment noun anenvironment in which conditions such astemperature, atmosphere and relativehumidity are regulated and monitoredcontrolled grazing

controlled grazing noun a system ofgrazing in which the number of livestock islinked to the pasture available, with move-able fences being erected to restrict thearea being grazed


59 corkcontrolled landfillcontrolled landfill noun the disposal ofwaste in a landfill carried out under apermit system according to the specificlaws in forcecontrolled tippingcontrolled tipping noun the disposal ofwaste in special landfill sites. � fly-tippingControl of Substances Hazardous to Health Control of Substances Hazardousto Health (UK Regulations) noun fullform of COSHHconvenience foodsconvenience foods plural noun foodswhich have been prepared so that they areready to be served after simply beingreheated

‘People are working longer hours. As aresult demand for convenience foods hasexploded, not just for pre-packed readymeals, but quickly cooked food like chopsand steaks.’ [Farmers Guardian]

convertconvert verb to change something to adifferent system, set of rules or state � Howdo you convert degrees C into degrees F? �Photochemical reactions convert oxygen toozone. � She has converted her car to takeLPG.converterconverter /kən|�v��tə/ noun a devicewhich alters the form of something � Abackup converter converts the alternatingcurrent power into direct current.cook chillcook chill, cook freeze noun a methodof preparing food for preserving, where thefood is cooked to a certain temperature andthen chilled or frozencoombcoomb /ku�m/ noun a measure ofcereals, equalling one sack or four bushelscoopcoop /ku�p/ noun a cage for poultrycooperativecooperative noun a group of farmerswho work together to sell their produceeither for the wholesale market or in retailoutlets such as farmers’ marketsCOPACOPA abbreviation Committee of Profes-sional Agricultural Organizationscoppercopper noun a metallic trace element. Itis essential to biological life and used inmaking alloys and in electric wiring.copper deficiencycopper deficiency noun a lack ofcopper in an animal’s diet, sometimescaused by poisoning with molybdenum

COMMENT: Symptoms of copper defi-ciency vary, but can include lack ofgrowth and change of colour, whereblack animals turn red or grey. In severecases, bones can fracture, particularlythe shoulder blade. Diarrhoea can alsooccur, as well as anaemia. Copper defi-ciency in ewes can cause swayback inlambs. The condition is treated withinjections of copper sulphate.

coppicecoppice /�kɒpis/ noun an area of treeswhich have been cut down to near theground to allow shoots to grow which arethen harvested. The shoots may be used asfuel or for making products such as basketsor fencing. � verb to cut trees down to nearthe ground to produce strong straightshoots � Coppiced wood can be dried foruse in wood-burning stoves. Comparepollard

COMMENT: The best trees for coppicingare those which naturally send up sev-eral tall straight stems from a bole, suchas hazel and sweet chestnut. In coppicemanagement, the normal cycle is aboutfive to ten years of growth, after whichthe stems are cut back. Thick stems aredried and used as fuel, or for makingcharcoal. Thin stems are used for fenc-ing. Cash aid under the set-asidescheme could be used for short-rotationenergy coppicing.

coppice forestcoppice forest, coppice wood nounwoodland that has regrown from shootsformed on the stumps or roots of previ-ously cut trees, usually cut again after afew years to provide small branches foruses such as fuelcoppicingcoppicing noun the practice of regularlycutting down trees near to the ground toproduce strong straight shoots for fuel orother uses � Coppicing, a traditionalmethod of woodland management, is nowof interest for producing biofuel.

COMMENT: The best trees for coppicingare those which naturally send up sev-eral tall straight stems from a bole, suchas willow, alder or poplar. In coppicemanagement, the normal cycle is aboutfive to ten years of growth, after whichthe stems are cut back.

copracopra /�kɒprə/ noun the dried pulp of acoconut, from which oil is extracted bypressingcopsecopse /kɒps/ noun an area of small treescordoncordon noun a trained fruit tree, whosegrowth is restricted to the main stem bypruning. Compare espaliercordwoodcordwood /�kɔ�dwυd/ noun pieces ofcut tree trunks, all of the same length,ready for transportingco-responsibility levyco-responsibility levy noun a levy onoverproduction introduced in the EU in1987. The levy shared the cost of disposalof surpluses between the community andthe producers.corkcork noun a protective outer layer thatforms part of the bark in woody plants,


corm 60

taking many years to regrow once stripped(NOTE: It is used, among other things, forbottle corks, fishing net floats and flooring,but cork oaks are now attracting conserva-tion interest.)

COMMENT: Cork is harvested by cuttinglarge sections of bark off a cork oak tree,while still leaving enough bark on thetree to ensure that it will continue togrow.

cormcorm /kɔ�m/ noun a swollen undergroundplant stem with a terminal bud, e.g. on acrocus

COMMENT: Crocuses, gladioli and cycla-mens have corms, not bulbs.

corncorn noun 1. wheat or barley (informal) 2.US maizecorn cobcorn cob noun a seed head of maize.Also called cobcorn cocklecorn cockle noun a poisonous weed(Agrostemma githago) with a tall stem andpurple flowerscorned beefcorned beef /�kɔ�nd �bi�f/ noun beefwhich has been cured in brine and ispreserved in canscornflourcornflour /�kɔ�nflaυə/ noun a type offlour extracted from maize grain. Itcontains a high proportion of starch, and isused for thickening sauces. Also calledcorn starchcornflowercornflower /�kɔ�nflaυə/ noun acommon weed (Centaurea cyanus) withtall stems and bright blue flowerscorn marigoldcorn marigold noun a common weed(Chrysanthemum segetum)corn on the cobcorn on the cob noun a seed head ofmaize when used as foodcorn pansycorn pansy noun same as field pansycorn poppycorn poppy noun a common weed(Papaver rhoeas) affecting cerealscorn spurreycorn spurrey noun a common weed(Spergula arvensis) with matted growthwhich makes it difficult to eradicate in rowcropscorn starchcorn starch noun same as cornflourcorollacorolla /kə|�rəυlə/ noun a set of petals ina flowercorporate social responsibilitycorporate social responsibilitynoun the extent to which an organisationbehaves in a socially, environmentally andfinancially responsible way. Abbr CSR

‘The Government agreed with thecommittee’s criticism of the role ofsupermarket and that supermarkets’corporate social responsibility policies

need to address the use of labour by theirsuppliers.’ [Farmers Guardian]

corpusclecorpuscle /�kɔ�p�s(ə)l/ noun a cell inthe bloodcorpus luteumcorpus luteum /�kɔ�pəs �lu�tiəm/ nouna yellowish mass of tissue that forms afterovulation in the Graafian follicle of theovary and secretes progesteronecorralcorral /kə|�rɑ�l/ noun a pen for horses orcattle � verb to put horses or cattle in pensCorriedaleCorriedale /�kɒrideil/ noun a NewZealand breed of sheep, originally fromlongwool rams and Merino ewes.Corriedale is now bred in Australia bothfor meat and its thick 27-micron wool.Corsican pineCorsican pine /�kɔ�sikən pain/ noun afast-growing conifer (Pinus nigra)coscos noun a type of lettuce with longdarker green leavesCOSHHCOSHH noun UK regulations controllingsubstances with known health risks. Fullform Control of Substances Hazardousto Health (UK Regulations)

COMMENT: Farmwork may involve expo-sure to many substances which can behazardous to health. Safety in the use ofpesticides extends not only to protectingthe user but also the need to protect theenvironment.

cosset lambcosset lamb /�kɒsət l�m/ noun a lambwhich has been reared by handcotecote /kəυt/ noun � dove coteCotentinCotentin /�kɒtənt�n/ noun Frenchbreed of sheep from the Cotentin peninsulaof NormandyCotonou AgreementCotonou Agreement /�kɒtənu� ə|

��ri�mənt/ noun an agreement reached in2000 between the European Union and theACP states. It updates the Lomé Conven-tion, guaranteeing free access to marketsfor both the EU and the ACP states.CotswoldCotswold /�kɒtswəυld/ noun a breed ofsheep from the Cotswold hills, nowbecoming rarecottage gardencottage garden noun a flower gardencontaining old-fashioned flowerscottage piggerycottage piggery noun a pig housingwith low roofs and an open yardcottoncotton noun a white downy fibroussubstance surrounding the seeds of thecotton plant, a subtropical plant (Gossy-pium sp.)

COMMENT: Cotton is widely grown in trop-ical and sub-tropical areas, includingChina, India, Pakistan, Paraguay andthe southern states of the USA; it is the


61 countryside management

main crop of Egypt. It is sold packed instandard bales.

cotton gincotton gin noun a machine which sepa-rates the seeds from the cotton fibrescotton grasscotton grass noun a plant with whitefluffy flower heads that grows in boggyground. Latin name: Eriophorum angusti-folium.cottonseedcottonseed /�kɒtənsi�d/ noun the seedof the cotton plant, one of the world’s mostimportant sources of oilcottonseed cakecottonseed cake, cottonseed mealnoun a residue of cottonseed after theextraction of oil, used as a feedingstuffcottonwoodcottonwood /�kɒtənwυd/ noun a kindof poplar tree. Genus: Populis.cotyledoncotyledon /�kɒti |�li�d(ə)n/ noun thegreen plant structure resembling a leaf thatappears as a seed germinates and beforethe true leaves appear, developing from theembryo of the seed

COMMENT: Cotyledons are thicker thannormal leaves, and contain food for thegrowing plant. Plants are divided into twogroups, those producing a single cotyle-don (monocotyledons) and those pro-ducing two cotyledons (dicotyledons).

couch grasscouch grass /�ku�tʃ �rɑ�s/ noun a kindof grass (Agropyron repens) with longcreeping rhizomes, which is difficult toeradicate from cultivate crops. Also calledscutch, twitchcoultercoulter /�kəυltə/ noun the part of theplough which goes into the soil and makesthe vertical cut

COMMENT: There are several types ofcoulter: the disc coulter cuts the side ofthe furrow about to be turned; the knifecoulter serves the same purpose, but isnow little used; the skim coulter turns asmall slice off the corner of the furrowabout to be turned and throws it into thebottom of the one before; it is attached tothe beam behind the disc coulters.

Council for the Protection of Rural EnglandCouncil for the Protection of RuralEngland noun former name for CPRECounter Fraud and Compliance UnitCounter Fraud and ComplianceUnit noun an organisation which detectsirregularities with CAP claims. AbbrCFCUcountry codecountry code /�k�ntri kəυd/ noun avoluntary code of conduct for peoplespending leisure time in the countryside,which indicates how to respect the naturalenvironment and avoid causing damage toit

Country Land and Business AssociationCountry Land and Business Asso-ciation noun an organisation representingthe interests of landowners (NOTE:Formerly called the ‘Country LandownersAssociation’.)country planningcountry planning noun the activity oforganising how land is to be used in thecountryside and the amount and type ofbuilding there will be. Also called ruralplanningCountryside AgencyCountryside Agency noun a statutorybody funded by Defra with the aim ofmaking life better for people in the coun-tryside. It is the statutory advisor on land-scape issues and was formed by mergingthe Countryside Commission with parts ofthe Rural Development Commission, but isto be reorganised.Countryside AllianceCountryside Alliance noun an organi-sation which lobbies the Government onpolicy and legislation affecting rural lifeCountryside and Rights of Way ActCountryside and Rights of WayAct noun legislation passed by the UKgovernment in 2000 that gave the publicgreater freedom of access to privatelyowned areas of uncultivated land andstrengthened legislation protecting wild-life. Abbr CROW ActCountryside CommissionCountryside Commission noun aformer organisation in the UK, whichsupervised countryside planning and recre-ation. It was particularly concerned withNational Parks and Areas of OutstandingNatural Beauty.Countryside Commission for ScotlandCountryside Commission forScotland noun an organisation in Scot-land concerned with the protection of thecountryside and with setting up countryparks for public recreation. It is part ofScottish Natural Heritage.Countryside Council for WalesCountryside Council for Walesnoun a statutory advisory body of the UKgovernment responsible for sustainingnatural beauty, wildlife and outdoor leisureopportunities in Wales and its coastalareas. Abbr CCWcountryside managementcountryside management noun thestudy and practice of environmentalconservation in association with ruralenterprise, countryside access and recrea-tional activitiescountryside managementCountryside ManagementScheme noun in Northern Ireland, asystem of payments designed to encouragelandowners and farmers to adopt, or tocontinue with, environmentally sensitivefarming practices


countryside recreation 62countryside recreationcountryside recreation noun leisureactivities that take place in the countryside.Also called rural recreation

‘The recommendations are in line with agovernment conclusion two years ago thatthere was no case for a general ban on therecreational use of motor vehicles onbyways, and argue that low-key motorisedrecreational use of such routes is anestablished form of countrysiderecreation.’ [Farming News]

countryside recreation sitecountryside recreation site noun alocation visited or used by tourists in thecountryside, e.g. a national park, heritagecoast, cycle path or watersports facilitycountryside stewardshipcountryside stewardship noun thepractice of altering farming practices tobenefit wildlife and retain natural diversity.Abbr CSSCountryside Stewardship SchemeCountryside Stewardship Schemenoun formerly in England and Wales, asystem of payments made to landownersand farmers who alter their farming prac-tices to benefit the natural environment andmaintain biodiversity (NOTE: The Country-side Stewardship Scheme has now beensuperseded by the Environmental Stew-ardship scheme.)

‘The Defra-funded CountrysideStewardship and EnvironmentallySensitive Areas schemes help to maintainand enhance the biodiversity andlandscape value of farmed land, protecthistoric features and promote publicaccess. (Delivering the evidence. Defra’sScience and Innovation Strategy, 2003–06)’

country stewardshipcountry stewardship noun � country-side stewardshipcounty, parish, holdingcounty, parish, holding noun aunique 3-part identification number forland used to keep livestock. Abbr CPHcoupecoupe /ku�p/ noun an area of a forest inwhich trees have been cut downcouplecouple verb to attach an implement suchas a harrow to a tractorcouplingcoupling noun an attachment whichcouples an implement to a tractorcourgettecourgette noun marrow fruit at a veryimmature stage in its development, cutwhen between 10 and 20 cm long. It maybe green or yellow in colour. Also calledzucchinicoursecourse noun 1. the development ofevents over a period of time � the usualcourse of the disease � in the normal

course of events usually 2. a sequence ofmedical treatment given over a period oftime � a course of antibiotics 3. the lengthof time in a rotation, when the land isgrowing a particular crop � The Norfolkfour-course rotation has turnips, followedby spring barley, red clover and winterwheat, so that each crop will only be grownon the same land in one year out of four.covercover verb to copulate with a femaleanimal � a bull covers a cow � noun 1.something that goes over something elsecompletely 2. the amount of soil surfacecovered with plants. � ground cover 3.plants grown to cover the surface of the soil� Grass cover will provide some protectionagainst erosion.cover cropcover crop noun 1. a crop sown to coverthe soil and prevent it from drying out andbeing eroded (NOTE: When the cover crophas served its purpose, it is usuallyploughed in, so leguminous plants whichare able to enrich the soil are often used ascover crops.) 2. a crop grown to giveprotection to another crop that is sown withit � In the tropics, bananas can be used asa cover crop for cocoa. 3. a crop grown togive cover to game birds

‘As leaving maize stubble fields barecould risk failure to meet cross-compliance, more growers are recognisingcover crops could prove a worthwhileoption.’ [Farmers Weekly]

covered smutcovered smut noun a fungal disease(Ustilago hordei) affecting oats and barleycowcow noun a female bovine animalcow beefcow beef noun beef from dairy cows nolonger needed for milk productioncow bellcow bell noun a bell worn round neck ofa cow to make it easier for the farmer tolocate the animalcowboycowboy /�kaυbɔi/ noun US a man wholooks after cattle on a ranchcow kennelscow kennels plural noun a woodenbuilding with stalls for cowscowmancowman /�kaυmən/ noun a person incharge of a dairy herd (NOTE: The plural iscowmen.)cowpeacowpea /�kaυpi�/ noun a legume (Vignaunguiculata) grown throughout thesubtropics and tropics as a pulse and greenvegetable. It is grown for fodder, as a vege-table and as green manure.cowpoxcowpox /�kaυpɒks/ noun an infectiousviral disease of cattle, which can be trans-mitted to humans. It is used as part of the


63 crop

vaccine against smallpox. Also calledvacciniaCox’s orange pippinCox’s orange pippin /�kɒksiz �ɒrind��pipin/ noun a popular variety of dessertapple. The most important commerciallygrown apple in the UK.CPACPA abbreviation Crop Protection Associ-ationCPDCPD abbreviation continuing professionaldevelopmentCPHCPH abbreviation county, parish, holdingCPRECPRE noun a UK charity that campaignsfor rural areas to be protected. Full formCampaign to Protect Rural Englandcraft foodcraft food noun food producedaccording to traditional techniques orrecipescrampcramp noun a spasm of the muscleswhere the muscle may remain contractedfor some timecraneflycranefly /�kreinflai/ noun a commonpest (Tipula). The larvae are leatherjackets,which affect cereal crops, feeding on thecrops in spring, eating away the roots andstems.cratchcratch /kr�tʃ/ noun a rack used forfeeding livestock out of doorscravingcraving noun a strong desire for some-thing, e.g. a craving for saltcrawler tractorcrawler tractor /�krɔ�lə �tr�ktə/ nouna large powerful caterpillar tractor, used forheavy workcrazy chick diseasecrazy chick disease noun a disease ofchicks associated with a diet which is toorich in fats or deficiency of vitamin E. Thesymptoms include falling over and paral-ysis.creamcream noun the oily part of milk,containing fats, which gathers on the top ofstanding milkcreamerycreamery /�kri�məri/ noun a factorywhere butter and other products are madefrom milkcreepcreep noun 1. a slow movement of soildown a slope 2. a small entrance throughwhich young animals can passcreep feedcreep feed noun feed given to smallanimals during creep feedingcreep feedingcreep feeding noun a process by whicha young animal such as a calf is allowedaccess to concentrates through a smallentrance, while the adult cow is unable toreach the feedcreep grazingcreep grazing noun a type of rotationalgrazing using creep gates, which allow thelambs access to the pasture before the ewes

creosotecreosote /�kri�əsəυt/ noun a yellowishbrown oily substance with a characteristicsmell, derived from wood tar and formerlyused as a wood preservative (NOTE: It isnow banned in the European Union.)cresscress /kres/ noun a plant (Lepidiumsativum) used as a salad vegetablecrestcrest noun 1. the highest point of a hill ormountain ridge 2. a growth on the head ofa bird or other animalcrested dogstailcrested dogstail /�krestid �dɒ�zteil/noun a perennial grass (Cynosuruscristatus) which is not very palatablebecause of its wiry inflorescences, and isused in seed mixtures for lawnsCreutzfeldt-Jakob diseaseCreutzfeldt-Jakob disease/�krɔitsfelt �j�kɒb di|�zi�z/ noun adisease of the human nervous systemcaused by a slow-acting prion which even-tually affects the brain. It may be linked toBSE in cows. Abbr CJDcribcrib noun a holder for fodder, with sidesmade of wooden barscrimpcrimp /krimp/ verb to condition fresh cutgrass, by nipping the stems and releasingthe sapcrimpercrimper /�krimpə/ noun a machine forcrimping grass, similar to roller crushersCriolloCriollo /kri |�əυləυ/ noun a breed ofimproved Spanish longhorn cattle found inSouth America, used for milk productioncrispbreadcrispbread /�krispbred/ noun a drybiscuit made from ryecrispheadcrisphead /�krisphed/ noun a variety oflettuce with stiff leavescroftcroft /krɒft/ noun a small farm in theHighlands and Islands of Scotlandcroftercrofter /�krɒftə/ noun a joint tenant of adivided farm in Scotlandcroftingcrofting /�krɒftiŋ/ noun a system offarming in Scotland, where the arable landof small farms, which was previously heldin common, was divided among the jointtenants into separate crofts, while thepasture remains in commoncrookcrook noun a long-handled staff with ahooked end, used by shepherds to catchsheepcropcrop noun 1. a plant grown for food 2. ayield of produce from plants � The tree hasproduced a heavy crop of apples. � Thefirst crop was a failure. � The rice crop hasfailed. 3. the bag-shaped part of a bird’sthroat where food is stored before diges-tion � verb (of plants) to produce fruit � anew strain of rice which crops heavily


crop breeder 64crop breedercrop breeder noun a person whospecialises in developing new varieties ofcrops � Crop breeders depend on wildplants to develop new and stronger strains.crop breedingcrop breeding noun the development ofnew varieties of cropscrop circlescrop circles plural noun usually circularpatterns occurring in cereal stands, wherecrops have been flattenedcrop dustingcrop dusting noun the practice ofapplying insecticide, herbicide or fungi-cide to crops in the form of a fine dust orspray. Also called crop sprayingcrop growth ratecrop growth rate noun the rate ofincrease in dry weight per unit area of all orpart of a swardcrop husbandrycrop husbandry noun the practice ofgrowing and harvesting cropscroplandcropland /�krɒpl�nd/ noun agriculturalland which is used for growing cropsCrop Protection AssociationCrop Protection Association nounan association which promotes best prac-tice in food safety with regard to the use ofpesticides on crops. Abbr CPAcrop relativecrop relative noun a wild plant that isgenetically related to a crop plantcrop rotationcrop rotation noun a system of cultiva-tion where crops such as cereals andoilseed rape that need different nutrientsand/or management are grown one afterthe other

COMMENT: The advantages of rotatingcrops are firstly that pests particular toone crop are discouraged from spread-ing, and secondly that some crops actu-ally benefit the soil. Legumes (peas andbeans) increase the nitrogen content ofthe soil if their roots are left in the soilafter harvesting. If the rotation includes aley, the system is known as alternativehusbandry or mixed farming. One of thebest-known rotations was the Norfolkfour-course system. A rotation shouldincrease and maintain soil fertility, con-trol weeds and pests, decrease the riskof crop failure and employ labourthroughout the year.

crop sprayercrop sprayer noun a machine or aircraftwhich sprays insecticide, herbicide orfungicide onto crops, or a company thatperforms this servicecrop sprayingcrop spraying noun same as cropdustingcrop standingcrop standing noun herbage growing ina field before harvestcrop yearcrop year noun a period of twelvemonths calculated as the time from the

sowing and harvesting of one crop until thenext sowing seasoncrosscross verb to produce a new form of plantor animal from two different breeds, varie-ties or species � They crossed two strains ofrice to produce a new strain which ishighly resistant to disease. � noun 1. an actof crossing two plants or animals � made across between two strains of cattle 2. a newform of plant or animal bred from twodifferent breeds, varieties or speciescrossbarcrossbar noun a bar which goes acrosssomething to make it more solid, as thecrossbar of a rakecrossbredcrossbred /�krɒsbred/ adjective havingbeen bred from two parents with differentcharacteristics � a herd of crossbred sheepcrossbreedcrossbreed /�krɒsbri�d/ noun an animalbred from two different pure breeds � verbto produce new breeds of animals bymating animals of different pure breedscrossbreedingcrossbreeding /�krɒs |�bri�diŋ/ nounmating or artificial insemination ofanimals of different breeds in order tocombine the best characteristics of the twobreedscross-compliancecross-compliance noun the setting ofenvironmental conditions that must be metwhen developing agricultural support poli-cies, especially in the European Union.Also called environmental conditionality

‘While there is some evidence to suggestthat farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zonesare taking greater account of the value ofmanures it is becoming increasinglyapparent that cross-compliance, andtherefore the Single Payment Scheme, alsorequires farmers to make allowances forthe nutrients in any organic matterapplied.’ [Farmers Guardian]

cross-fertilisationcross-fertilisation noun the fertilisingof one individual plant by another of thesame speciescross-infectioncross-infection noun an infection ofother animals in a herd or flock from aninfected animalcrossingcrossing noun the breeding of plants oranimals from two different breeds or varie-tiescross-pollinationcross-pollination noun the pollinationof a flower with pollen from another plantof the same species. Compare self-pollina-tion (NOTE: The pollen goes from theanther of one plant to the stigma ofanother.)


65 Cu

COMMENT: Cross-pollination, like cross-fertilisation and cross-breeding, avoidsinbreeding, which may weaken the spe-cies. Some plants are self-fertile (i.e.they are able to fertilise themselves) anddo not need pollinators, but most benefitfrom cross-fertilisation and cross-pollina-tion.

croupcroup /kru�p/ noun part of the back of ahorse, near the tailCROW ActCROW Act abbreviation Countrysideand Rights of Way Actcrow garliccrow garlic noun same as wild onioncrowncrown noun 1. the top part of a plantwhere the main growing point is �protecting the crowns from frost � Thedisease first affects the lower branches,leaving the crowns still growing. 2. theperennial rootstock of some plantscrown graftcrown graft noun a type of graft where abranch of a tree is cut across at right angles,slits are made in the bark around the edgeof the stump, and shoots are inserted intothe slitscrown rustcrown rust noun a fungal diseaseaffecting oats, causing the grain to shrivelCRPCRP abbreviation Conservation ReserveProgramcrucifercrucifer noun a plant such as cabbagewhose flowers have four petals. Family:Cruciferae.CruciferaeCruciferae /kru�|�sifəri�/ noun formername for Brassicaceaecrucifer cropcrucifer crop noun crops such as broc-coli, cabbage, turnips and spinachbelonging to the Cruciferaceae family. �

brassicacrude fibrecrude fibre noun a term used inanalysing foodstuffs, as a measure ofdigestibility. Fibre is necessary for gooddigestion, and lack of it can lead todiseases in the intestines.crude proteincrude protein noun an approximatemeasure of the protein content of foodscruelscruels /kru�lz/ noun same as actino-bacillosiscrumbcrumb noun 1. the soft inside part ofbaked bread, surrounded by the hardercrust 2. arrangement of soil particles in agroup. � pedcrumblycrumbly /�kr�mbli/ adjective referring tosomething which falls apart into particles �a crumbly soilcruppercrupper /�kr�pə/ noun a strap fixed tothe back of a saddle and looped under thehorse’s tail

crushcrush noun a steel or wood appliance likea strong stall, used to hold livestock whenadministering injections or when theanimal is being inspected by a veterinarysurgeon � verb to press something with aheavy weight, as when crushing seeds toextract oilcrushercrusher /�kr�ʃə/ noun a company orfactory which specialises in crushing seedto extract oilcrushing millcrushing mill noun a machine used toflatten grain before feeding it to livestockcrushing subsidycrushing subsidy noun payment madein the EU to oil producers to compensatefor the difference between vegetable oilprices in the EU and those outsidecrush margincrush margin noun the difference inprice between the unprocessed seed andthe product extracted after crushingcrustcrust noun a hard layer which forms onthe surface of something, e.g. the crust ofsalts formed on soil after evaporationcrutchcrutch noun a forked pole, used whendipping sheep, to push the animal’s shoul-ders down into the liquidcryophilouscryophilous /krai|�ɒfiləs/ adjectivereferring to a plant that needs a period ofcold weather to grow properly

COMMENT: Cryophilous crops need aperiod of cold weather in order to pro-duce flowers later in the growing period.If such crops do not undergo this coldperiod, their growth remains vegetative,or they only form abortive flowers with noseeds. Wheat, barley, oats, peas, sugarbeet and potatoes are all cryophilous.

cryophytecryophyte /�kraiəfait/ noun a plantwhich lives in cold conditions such as insnowcryptosporidiosiscryptosporidiosis /�kriptəυspə|�ridi |

�əυsis/ noun a disease of humans, causedby bacteria found in animals and incontaminated waterCsCs symbol caesiumCSFCSF abbreviation 1. Catchment SensitiveFarming 2. classical swine feverCSFTCSFT abbreviation Central ScotlandForest TrustCSRCSR abbreviation corporate socialresponsibilityCSSCSS abbreviation Countryside Steward-ship SchemeCTSCTS abbreviation Cattle Tracing SchemeCuCu symbol copper


cube 66cubecube noun a small square block or pellet� verb to press animal feed into smallsquare pelletscubed concentratescubed concentrates plural nounconcentrates for livestock in the form ofsmall cubescubercuber /�kju�bə/ noun a machine used formaking cubes or pellets from meal. Mealmixed with molasses is forced throughsmall holes and cut into various lengths.cubiclecubicle noun a compartment, similar to astall, for housing a single cow or bull, thefloor of each cubicle being covered withstraw or sawdust for bedding. Cubicles areusually arranged in rows backed by adunging passage.cucumbercucumber noun a creeping plant(Cucumis sativus) with long green fleshyfruit, used as a salad vegetable

COMMENT: Cucumbers are native toIndia, and are used as a cooked vegeta-ble in oriental cooking; they are a majorglasshouse crop.

CucurbitaceaeCucurbitaceae /�kυk��bi |�teisii/ nounthe Latin name for vine crops, the family ofplants including melons, marrows andgourds. Also called the cucurbitscudcud /k�d/ noun food that ruminatinganimals bring back from the first stomachinto the mouth to be chewed againcullcull noun 1. killing a certain number ofliving animals to keep the population undercontrol or to remove excess animals from aherd or flock � deer cull, dairy cow cullthe act of killing a certain number of deeror dairy cows 2. an animal that has beenseparated from the herd or flock and killed,usually because it is old or of poor quality� verb to reduce the numbers of wildanimals by killing them in a controlled way� Deer may have to be culled each year tocontrol the numbers on the hills.

COMMENT: In the management of largewild animals without predators, such asherds of deer in Europe, it is usual to killsome mature animals each year to pre-vent a large population forming andovergrazing the pasture. Without culling,the population would seriously damagetheir environment and in the end dieback from starvation. In management ofdairy cattle, animals are culled fromherds to eradicate disease.

cull cowscull cows, cull ewes, cull sows pluralnoun cows, ewes or sows which areremoved from the herd or flock and soldfor slaughter

culmculm /k�lm/ noun the stem of a grasswhich bears flowerscultivable acreagecultivable acreage /�k�ltivəb(ə)l�eikərid�/ noun the number of acres onwhich crops can be growncultivarcultivar /�k�ltivɑ�/ noun a variety of aplant that has been developed under culti-vation and that does not occur naturally inthe wildcultivatecultivate verb 1. to grow crops � Pota-toes are cultivated as the main crop. 2. todig and manure the soil ready for growingcrops � The fields are cultivated in theautumn, ready for sowing wheat.cultivated landcultivated land noun land that has beendug or prepared for growing cropscultivationcultivation /�k�lti |�veiʃ(ə)n/ noun theaction of cultivating land or plantscultivatorcultivator /�k�ltiveitə/ noun 1. a personwho cultivates land 2. an instrument orsmall machine for cultivating small areasof land

COMMENT: A cultivator has a frame with anumber of tines which break up and stirthe soil as the implement is pulled acrossthe surface. There are several types oftine, both rigid and spring-loaded. Culti-vators can also be used for cleaningstubble and general weed control; thetines can be grouped together so thatthey pass easily between the rows ofgrowing plants.

culturalcultural adjective referring to agricul-tural techniquescultural controlcultural control noun the control ofpests using various agricultural techniquessuch as crop rotationcultureculture noun a microorganism or tissuesgrown in a culture medium � verb to growa microorganism or tissue in a culturemedium. � subculturecultured milk productscultured milk products plural nounproducts such as yoghurt made from milkwhich has been exposed to harmlessbacteriaculvertculvert /�k�lvət/ noun a covered drainfor watercumincumin /�kju�min/ noun a Mediterraneanaromatic herb (Cuminum cyminum) usedfor flavouringcurative fungicidecurative fungicide /�kjυərətiv�f�ŋ�isaid/ noun a fungicide that isapplied to plants once they have beeninfected with a fungus rather than as apreventative measurecurbcurb noun a strap passing under the lowerjaw of a horse, used as a check


67 cytoplasmcurdcurd noun a coagulated substance formedby action of acid on milk, used to makeinto cheesecurdscurds plural noun tight flower headsformed on brassicas such as cauliflowersand broccolicurecure verb to preserve meat by salting orsmoking

COMMENT: Meat is cured by keeping inbrine for some time; both salting andsmoking have a dehydrating effect onthe meat, preventing the reproductionand growth of microorganisms harmful toman.

currantcurrant noun 1. a small dried seedlessblack grape 2. a small round juicy fruitfrom a bush, e.g. a blackcurrantcurrycurry verb to rub down or dress a horseCurry ReportCurry Report noun a UK governmentreport published in 2002 after a majoroutbreak of foot and mouth disease. Itrecommended radical changes to the agri-culture and food industries, lookingforward to a profitable sustainable futurefor farming in providing good food forconsumers who place increasing emphasison a healthy diet as well as caring for theenvironment.cutcut noun 1. the act of cutting hay or otherplants � It is necessary to get enough silagefrom three cuts to see the herd through thewinter. 2. the act of cutting down trees �verb to fell trees with a saw or an axecuticlecuticle /�kju�tik(ə)l/ noun a thin contin-uous waxy layer that covers the aerial partsof a plant to prevent excessive water losscuttercutter noun a pig finished for both thefresh meat and the processing markets atweights similar to bacon pigs, i.e. 80–90kglive weightcutter barcutter bar noun a device on a mower orcombine harvester, formed of a number ofmetal fingers which support the knifecutter bar mowercutter bar mower noun a machine usedto cut grass and other upright crops (NOTE:The knife cutter bar mower has mostlybeen replaced by the rotary mower.)

cuttingcutting noun a small piece of a plant fromwhich a new plant will grow

COMMENT: Taking cuttings is a frequentlyused method of propagation whichensures that the new plant is an exactclone of the one from which the cuttingwas taken.

cutwormcutworm /�k�tw��m/ noun a caterpillarof the turnip moth and the garden dartmoth, which attacks plants such as turnips,swedes and potatoes by eating their rootsand stemsCVLCVL abbreviation Central VeterinaryLaboratoryCVMCVM abbreviation complex vertebralmalformationCVOCVO abbreviation Chief VeterinaryOfficercwtcwt abbreviation hundredweightcyanocobalamincyanocobalamin /�saiənəυkəυ |

�b�ləmin/ noun vitamin B12cyclecycle noun a series of actions which endat the same point as they begin � With thepiston engine, the cycle is intermittent,whereas in the gas turbine, each process iscontinuous.cyclicalcyclical /�siklikl/ adjective occurring incycles � Off-shore and on-shore windpatterns are cyclical.cypresscypress /�saiprəs/ noun a tree(Cupressus sempervirens) of the Mediter-ranean region, the wood of which is usedfor furniturecystcyst noun an unusual growth in the bodyor on a plant, shaped like a pouch andcontaining liquid or semi-liquid substancescyst nematodescyst nematodes plural noun darkbrown lemon-shaped cysts, which live andbreed in the roots of cereals, mainly oats.The crops will show patches of stuntedyellowish-green plants.cytoplasmcytoplasm /�saitəυpl�z(ə)m/ noun ajelly-like substance inside the cellmembrane which surrounds the nucleus ofa cell


DDADA abbreviation disadvantaged areadaddy-long-legsdaddy-long-legs noun a popular namefor the craneflydagdag /d��/ noun a tuft of dirty wool roundthe tail of a sheep � verb to remove dirtywool from the hindquarters of a sheepdairydairy noun 1. a building used for coolingmilk at the farm, before it is taken to acommercial factory 2. a company whichreceives milk from farms and bottles it anddistributes it to the consumer 3. a companywhich produces cream, butter, cheese andother milk productsdairy cowsdairy cows plural noun cows and heiferskept for milk production and for rearingcalves to replace older cows in a dairy herddairy farmdairy farm noun a farm which is princi-pally engaged in milk production

COMMENT: The UK is Europe’s 3rd larg-est milk producer, and is limited to anannual production quota of 14.2 billionlitres. Although it is largely self-sufficientin milk, related products such as cheese,milk powder, cream and butter are heav-ily imported and exported between theUK and other EU countries.

dairy farmingdairy farming noun keeping cows formilk productiondairy followersdairy followers plural noun young dairycattle, intended to replace older cows indue coursedairy herddairy herd noun a herd of dairy cowsdairyingdairying /�deəriiŋ/ noun an agriculturalsystem which involves the production ofmilk and other dairy products from cowskept on special farmsdairymandairyman /�deərimən/ noun 1. a personwho works with dairy cattle 2. a personemployed in a commercial dairydairy productsdairy products plural noun foodsprepared from milk, e.g. butter, cream,cheese or yoghurt

Dairy Shorthorn

Dairy Shorthorn noun a dual-purposebreed of cattle; the colour may be red,white or red and whiteDalesbred

Dalesbred /�deilzbred/ noun a localsheep of the Swaledale type. It has a whitespot on either side of a black face, with agrey muzzle, and provides a long coarsefleece.dam

dam noun 1. a construction built to blocka river in order to channel the flow of waterinto a hydroelectric power station or toregulate the water supply to an irrigationscheme 2. the female parent of an animal,usually a domestic animal

COMMENT: Dams are constructed eitherto channel the flow of water into hydroe-lectric power stations or to regulate thewater supply to irrigation schemes.Dams can have serious environmentaleffects. The large lake behind the dammay alter the whole climate of a region.The large heavy mass of water in thelake may trigger earth movements if therock beneath is unstable. In tropicalareas, dams encourage the spread ofbacteria, insects and parasites, leadingto an increase in diseases such as bil-harziasis. Dams may increase salinity inwatercourses and retain silt which other-wise would be carried down the river andbe deposited as fertile soil in the plainbelow. They may also deprive down-stream communities or countries ofwater, leading to regional tensions.

damp off

damp off verb to die from a fungus infec-tion which spreads in warm damp condi-tions and attacks the roots and lower stemsof seedlings

COMMENT: Damping off is a commoncause of loss of seedlings in green-houses.

damson

damson /�d�mzən/ noun a small darkpurple plum (Prunus damascena)


69 deep-litterdandeliondandelion noun a yellow weed (Tarax-acum officinale) found in grassland andalso sometimes eaten as saladDanish redDanish red /�deiniʃ �red/ noun a dual-purpose breed of cattle, originating inJutland, Denmarkdanthoniadanthonia /d�n|�θəυniə/ noun a tuftedpasture grass found in Australia and NewZealandDAPPDAPP abbreviation Deadweight AveragePig Pricedappledapple /�d�p(ə)l/ noun rounded patchesof colour, especially on a horseDARDDARD abbreviation Department of Agri-culture and Rural DevelopmentDARDNIDARDNI abbreviation Department ofAgriculture and Rural Development,Northern Irelanddarneldarnel /�dɑ�nəl/ noun a common weed(Lolium temulentum) which affects cerealsand is poisonous to animalsDartmoorDartmoor /�dɑ�tmɔ�/ noun a breed oflarge moorland sheep, white-faced withblack spots, and a long curly fleecedatedate noun the fruit of a date palm

COMMENT: The biggest producers ofdates are Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Algeria,though most Middle Eastern countriesproduce small quantities.

DaucusDaucus /�daυkəs/ noun the Latin namefor the family of plants which includes thecarrotday-nettleday-nettle noun same as commonhemp nettleday-old chickday-old chick noun a chick up to 24hours old, sent from a breeder or hatcheryto a buyerDCSDCS abbreviation Deer Commission forScotlandDDTDDT /�di� di� �ti�/ noun an insecticide thatwas formerly used especially againstmalaria-carrying mosquitoes. It is nowbanned in many countries because of itstoxicity and ability to accumulate in theenvironment. Formula: C14H9Cl5. Fullform dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanedead headingdead heading noun the process ofcutting the dead flower heads from a plant,so as to prevent the formation of seedsdead-in-shelldead-in-shell adjective referring tochicks which die in the egg, because theycannot break out, or can only break part ofthe way out of the shelldeadly nightshadedeadly nightshade /�dedli �naitʃeid/noun a poisonous plant (Atropa bella-donna) sometimes eaten by animals

deadnettledeadnettle /�dednet(ə)l/ noun � reddeadnettledead stockdead stock noun a comprehensive termfor all implements, tools, appliances andmachines used on a farm. It can also beused to include seed, fertiliser and feeding-stuffs.deadweightdeadweight /�dedweit/ noun the weightof a dressed carcassDeadweight Average Pig PriceDeadweight Average Pig Pricenoun the average price for pigs, calculatedeach week from reports by abattoirs on theprice they paid for the pigs they haveslaughtered. It replaced the AdjustedEurospec Average price report in 2004.Abbr DAPPdecaydecay noun a process by which tissuesbecome rotten and decompose, caused bythe action of microorganisms and oxygen �verb (of organic matter) to rot or decom-pose � The soft leaves will gradually decayon the compost heap.deciduousdeciduous adjective referring to treesthat shed all their leaves in one season �beech, oak and other deciduous trees �deciduous woodlandsdecomposedecompose verb (of organic material)to break down into simple chemicalcompounds by the action of sunlight, wateror bacteria and fungidecomposerdecomposer /�di�kəm |�pəυzə/ noun anorganism which feeds on dead organicmatter and breaks it down into simplechemicals, e.g. a fungus or bacteriumdecompositiondecomposition /�di�kɒmpə |�ziʃ(ə)n/noun the process of breaking down intosimple chemical compoundsdecorticationdecortication /di� |�kɔ�ti |�keiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process of removing husks from seedsdecouplingdecoupling /di� |�k�pliŋ/ noun thebreaking of the link between the amount ofmoney paid to farmers as a subsidy and theamount they produce. � Single PaymentSchemedecumbentdecumbent /di |�k�mbənt/ adjectivereferring to plant stems which lie on thesurface of the soil for part of their length,but turn upwards at the enddeep-freezingdeep-freezing noun long-term storageat temperatures below freezing point(NOTE: Many crops such as peas andbeans are grown specifically for commer-cial deep-freezing.)deep-litterdeep-litter noun a system of using straw,wood shavings, sawdust or peat moss forbedding poultry or cattle


deep ploughing 70

COMMENT: For poultry an inch of well-composted horse manure is laid downfirst, on which wood shavings, peat mossor cut straw are placed. The litter ischanged after each crop of birds. Deeplitter also has value as a manure. Forcattle, straw, shavings and sawdust forma deep litter. Warmth is given off as fae-ces in the litter ferment, and additions offresh litter can be made on top of the old.

deep ploughingdeep ploughing noun ploughing verydeep into the soil, used when reclaimingpreviously virgin land for agriculturalpurposesdeep-rooteddeep-rooted /�di�p �ru�tid/, deep-rooting adjective referring to a plant withlong roots which go deep into the soil.Compare surface-rootingdeerdeer noun a ruminant animal, the males ofwhich have distinctive antlers (NOTE: Themeat of deer is venison.)

COMMENT: There are three wild speciesin the UK: the fallow deer (Dama dama),the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) andthe red deer (Cervus elaphus), which isalso raised commercially. Deer arehardy animals, and are well adapted tosevere winters. They can suffer fromtuberculosis, and the British governmenthas introduced a compulsory slaughterscheme for animals suffering from thedisease. According to the 2000 agricul-tural survey, the total number of farmeddeer holdings in England, Wales, Scot-land and Northern Ireland is 300, farmingapproximately 36,000 deer. They repre-sent less than 0.6% of the farmed ani-mals in the UK (excluding poultry).

Deer Commission for ScotlandDeer Commission for Scotlandnoun an association in Scotland whichadvises on best practices in wild deermanagement. Abbr DCSdeer farmingdeer farming noun the commercialfarming of deer to be sold as venisondeer forestdeer forest noun an extensive tract ofupland, usually treeless, but managed bykeepers to provide deer-stalkingdeer-stalkingdeer-stalking noun the hunting of deerin the wilddeficiency paymentdeficiency payment noun paymentmade to a producer, where the price for acommodity at the market does not reach apreset guaranteed pricedeficientdeficient adjective lacking somethingessential � The soil is deficient in impor-tant nutrients. � Scrub plants are welladapted to this moisture-deficient habitat.� She has a calcium-deficient diet.

definite inflorescencedefinite inflorescence noun a type ofinflorescence in which the main stem endsin a flower and stops growing when theflower is produced. Compare indefiniteinflorescencedefinitive hostdefinitive host noun a host on which aparasite settles permanentlydeflector platedeflector plate /di |�flektə pleit/ nounan attachment in a slurry spreader whichspreads the slurry over a wide areadeflocculationdeflocculation /di�|�flɒkjυ|�leiʃ(ə)n/noun a state in which clay particles repeleach other instead of sticking together �Deflocculation may occur, when clays areworked in a wet condition or if the soilbecomes saline.defoliantdefoliant /di� |�fəυliənt/ noun a type ofherbicide which makes the leaves fall offplantsdefoliatedefoliate /di�|�fəυlieit/ verb to make theleaves fall off a plant, especially by using aherbicide or as the result of disease or otherstressdefoliationdefoliation /di� |�fəυli|�eiʃ(ə)n/ noun theloss of leaves from a plant, especially asthe result of using a herbicide or because ofdisease or other stressdeforestdeforest /di� |�fɒrist/ verb to cut downforest trees from an area for commercialpurposes or to make arable land � Timbercompanies have helped to deforest thetropical regions. � About 40000 squaremiles are deforested each year.deforestationdeforestation noun the cutting down offorest trees for commercial purposes or tomake arable or pasture landDefraDefra /�defrə/, DEFRA abbreviationDepartment for Environment, Food andRural Affairsdegradabledegradable /di |��reidəb(ə)l/ adjectivereferring to a substance which can bebroken down into its separate elements. �

biodegradabledegradationdegradation /�de�rə|�deiʃ(ə)n/ noun thedecomposition of a chemical compoundinto its elementsdegradedegrade verb 1. to reduce the quality ofsomething � The land has been degradedthrough overgrazing. � Ozone may worsennutrient leaching by degrading the water-resistant coating on pine needles. 2. tomake a chemical compound decomposeinto its elementsdegressivitydegressivity /�di��re |�siviti/ noun aproposed reduction in the amount of subsi-dies paid under the CAP. This proposal was


71 Derbyshire Gritstone

rejected as a method of keeping the CAPbudget under control.dehairdehair /di�|�heə/ verb to remove hardhairs from fine goat fibres such as angoradehiscedehisce /di|�his/ verb (of a ripe seed pod,fruit or capsule) to burst open to allowseeds or spores to scatterdehiscencedehiscence /di|�his(ə)ns/ noun thesudden bursting of a seed pod, fruit orcapsule when it is ripe, allowing the seedsor spores to scatterdehiscentdehiscent /di|�his(ə)nt/ adjective refer-ring to seed pods, fruit or capsules whichburst open to allow the seeds or spores toscatter. Compare indehiscentdehorndehorn /di�|�hɔ�n/ verb to remove thehorns of an animal, done by disbuddingwhen the animal is youngdehuskdehusk /di� |�h�sk/ verb to remove thehusk from seeds such as corndehydratedehydrate verb to remove water fromsomething in order to preserve it

COMMENT: Food can be dehydrated bydrying in the sun (as in the case of driedfruit), or by passing through variousindustrial processes, such as freeze-dry-ing.

dehydrated milkdehydrated milk noun milk which hasbeen dried and reduced to a powderdehydrationdehydration /�di�hai|�dreiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process of removing water from some-thing in order to preserve itdeintensified farmingdeintensified farming/�di�intensifaid �fɑ�miŋ/ noun farmingwhich was formerly intensive, using chem-ical fertilisers to increase production, buthas now become extensive. � extensifica-tiondemonstration farmdemonstration farm noun a farm usedas a means of spreading best practice toother farmersdenaturedenature /di�|�neitʃə/ verb 1. to add apoisonous substance to alcohol to make itunsuitable for humans to drink 2. to changethe natural structure of a protein or nucleicacid by high temperature, chemicals orextremes of pH 3. to make somethingchange its nature 4. to convert a proteininto an amino aciddenatured wheatdenatured wheat noun wheat whichhas been stained to make it unusable forhuman consumptiondenaturingdenaturing noun the process of stainingwheat grain with a dye, so as to make itunusable for human consumption. Dena-tured grain may be used as animal feed.

dendrochronologydendrochronology /�dendrəυkrɒ |

�nɒləd�i/ noun a scientific method offinding the age of wood by the study of treeringsdenitrificationdenitrification /di�|�naitrifi|�keiʃ(ə)n/noun the releasing of nitrogen fromnitrates in the soil by the action of bacteriadentaldental adjective referring to teethdentitiondentition /den|�tiʃ(ə)n/ noun thearrangement of teeth in an animal’s mouth(NOTE: An examination of an animal’s teethmay help in estimating its age.)denudationdenudation /�dinju�|�deiʃ(ə)n/ noun theprocess of making land or rock bare bycutting down trees or by erosiondenudedenude /di |�nju�d/ verb to make land orrock bare by cutting down trees and otherplants or by erosion � The timber compa-nies have denuded the mountains.Department for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsDepartment for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs noun the UKgovernment department responsible forfarming, the environment, animal welfareand rural development in England andWales. Abbr Defra

‘Defra was created to focus and lead theGovernment’s wider approach tosustainable development and specificallyto address this aim for the environment,the food industry and rural economies andcommunities. (Delivering the evidence.Defra’s Science and Innovation Strategy,2003–06)’

Department of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentDepartment of Agriculture andRural Development noun the govern-ment department responsible for farming,the environment, animal welfare and ruraldevelopment in Scotland. Abbr DARDDepartment of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern IrelandDepartment of Agriculture andRural Development, NorthernIreland noun the department of regionalgovernment which deals with farming, theenvironment, animal welfare and ruraldevelopment in Northern Ireland. AbbrDARDNIdepressdepress verb to make a price lower �Overproduction of some items in the EUmay depress the price level in the openmarket.depressiondepression noun an area of low atmos-pheric pressure. Also called lowDerbyshire GritstoneDerbyshire Gritstone /�d��biʃə��ritstəυn/ noun a blackfaced, hornlesshardy breed of sheep, which produces asoft fleece of high quality (NOTE: Thename comes from a type of rock, millstone


derelict 72

grit, found in the Peak District of Derby-shire)derelict

derelict adjective 1. referring to landwhich has been damaged and made ugly bymining or other industrial processes, orwhich has been neglected and is not usedfor anything � a plan to reclaim derelictinner city sites 2. referring to a buildingwhich is neglected and in ruins � derelictbarnsderris

derris /�deris/ noun a powdered insecti-cide extracted from the root of a tropicalplant, used against fleas, lice and aphids. �rotenonedesalinate

desalinate /di�|�s�lineit/ verb to removesalt from a substance such as sea water orsoildesalination

desalination /�di�s�li|�neiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe removal of salt from a substance suchas sea water or soildescending aorta

descending aorta /di |�sendiŋ ei |�ɔ�tə/noun the second section of the aorta as itturns downwardsdesert

desert noun an area of land with verylittle rainfall, arid soil and little or no vege-tation

COMMENT: A desert will be formed inareas where rainfall is less than 25 cmper annum whether the region is hot orcold. About 30% of all the land surface ofthe Earth is desert or in the process ofbecoming desert. The spread of desertconditions in arid and semi-arid regionsis caused not only by climatic conditions,but also by human pressures. So over-grazing of pasture and the clearing offorest for fuel and for cultivation bothlead to the loss of organic material, areduction in rainfall by evaporation andsoil erosion.

desertification

desertification /di|�z��tifi |�keiʃ(ə)n/noun the process by which an area of landbecomes a desert because of a change ofclimate or because of the action of humans,e.g. through intensive farming � Changesin the amount of sunlight reflected bydifferent vegetation may contribute todesertification. � Increased tilling of thesoil, together with long periods of drought,have brought about the desertification ofthe area.

‘Desertification, broadly defined, is one ofthe principal barriers to sustainable foodsecurity and sustainable livelihoods in ourworld today’ [EnvironmentalConservation]

desertifydesertify /di |�z��tifai/ verb to make landinto a desert � It is predicted that half thecountry will be desertified by the end of thecentury.desiccantdesiccant /�desikənt/ noun 1. asubstance which dries something 2. a typeof herbicide which makes leaves witherand diedesiccatedesiccate /�desikeit/ verb 1. to preservefood by removing moisture from it 2. to dryoutdesiccationdesiccation /�desi|�keiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1.the act or process of removing water 2. theact of drying out the soil � The greenhouseeffect may lead to climatic changes such asthe desiccation of large areas.dessert fruitdessert fruit noun fruit which are sweetand can be eaten raw, as opposed to beingcookeddeterminationdetermination noun the process offinding something out by calculation orexperiment � determination of themaximum safe dosedetritivoredetritivore /di |�traitivɔ�/ noun anorganism which feeds on dead organicmatter and breaks it down into simplechemicals, e.g. a fungus or bacterium. Alsocalled detrivore, scavengerDevonDevon /�devən/ noun a breed of fine-boned dual-purpose cattle. North andSouth Devons are dark red, and belong to atype of red cattle bred for centuries inEngland. They thrive on pasture whichwould not be sufficient for larger breeds,and provide both meat and milk. (NOTE:They are commonly known as RedRubies.)Devon and Cornwall LongwoolDevon and Cornwall Longwool/�devən ən �kɔ�nwəl �lɒŋwυl/ noun abreed of sheep with long curly, high-quality fleece; the lambs have a fine softwhite woolDevon ClosewoolDevon Closewool noun a breed ofmedium-sized sheep, the product ofcrosses between the Devon Longwool andthe Exmoor Horndewdew noun drops of condensed moistureleft on surfaces overnight in cool placesdewateringdewatering /di�|�wɑ�təriŋ/ noun theextraction of water from a crop bypressing, reducing the cost of artificialdryingdew clawdew claw noun a rudimentary fifth digitfound on the heels of dogs, pigs and cattledewlapdewlap /�dju�l�p/ noun a fold of looseskin hanging from the throat of cattle


73 digestibility coefficientdew ponddew pond noun a small pond of rain-water which forms on high ground inchalky soil

COMMENT: Dew ponds are found in areasof chalk or limestone country. To make adew pond, a hollow is scooped out andlined with clay. The pond is kept full byrainwater.

DexterDexter /�dekstə/ noun a rare breed ofcattle, originating from the west of Ireland.The animals are small in size, colouredblack or red.dextrosedextrose /�dekstrəυz/ noun a simplesugar found in fruit and also extracted fromcorn starchDiamonds diseaseDiamonds disease noun � erysipelasdiarrhoeadiarrhoea noun a condition where ananimal frequently passes liquid faeces.Also called scouringdibberdibber /�dibə/ noun a hand tool formaking holes in soil to plant small plantsdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanedichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane/dai|�klɒ�rəυdai |�fi�niltrai[[ðiʃç]�klɒ�rəυ |

�i�θein/ noun full form of DDTdichotomous branchingdichotomous branching /dai|

�kɒtəməs �brɑ�ntʃiŋ/ noun a pattern ofplant growth that develops when a growingpoint forks into two points that later divideinto twodicotyledondicotyledon /�daikɒti |�li�dən/ noun aplant with seeds that have a cotyledon withtwo parts � Dicotyledons form the largestgroup of plants. Compare monocoty-ledon. � cotyledondie backdie back verb (of plants) to be affected bythe death of a branch or shoot � Roses maydie back after pruning in frosty weather.diebackdieback /�daib�k/ noun 1. a fungaldisease of some plants which kills shootsor branches 2. a gradual dying of treesstarting at the ends of branches � Half thetrees in the forest are showing signs ofdieback.

COMMENT: There are many theoriesexplaining the environmental cause ofdieback. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogenoxides and ozone have all been sug-gested as causes, as well as acidifica-tion of the soil or acid rain on leaves.

die downdie down verb (of plants) to stop growingbefore the winter and keep only the partsbelow ground until spring � Herbaceousplants die down in autumn.dieldrindieldrin /�di�ldrin/ noun an organochlo-rine insecticide which kills on contact(NOTE: It is very persistent and can kill fish,birds and small mammals when it enters

the food chain. It is banned in the Euro-pean Union.)dietdiet noun the amount and type of foodeaten (NOTE: Animal welfare codes laydown rules about the quality of diet thatshould be provided for animals or birds toensure their good health and welfare.)dietarydietary adjective referring to dietdietary fibredietary fibre noun same as roughage

COMMENT: Dietary fibre is found in cere-als, nuts, fruit and some green vegeta-bles. It is believed to be necessary tohelp digestion and to avoid developingconstipation, obesity and appendicitis.

dietary reference valuesdietary reference values plural nounthe nutrients that are essential for health,published as a list by the UK governmentdieteticdietetic /�daiə |�tetik/ adjective referringto dietdieteticsdietetics /�daiə |�tetiks/ noun the studyof food, nutrition and health, especiallywhen applied to food intakediet formulationdiet formulation noun the combining ofdifferent types of feedstuffs or nutrients soas to form a healthy and balanced diet foran animal

‘Probably the most likely area for reformwas diet formulation, and with feedaccounting for 70 per cent of productioncosts, it was essential to examinemanagement practices such as phasefeeding to more precisely tailor feed inputsto requirements.’ [Farming News]

diffuse water pollutiondiffuse water pollution noun waterpollution which is caused by several smallsources such as runoff from farmsdigdig verb to turn over ground with a fork orspadedigestdigest verb 1. to break down food andconvert it into elements which can beabsorbed by the body 2. to use bacteria toprocess waste, especially organic wastesuch as manure, in order to produce biogas� 55% of UK sewage sludge is digested. �Wastes from food processing plants can beanaerobically digested.digesterdigester /dai|�d�estə/ noun a device thatproduces gas such as methane from refusedigestibilitydigestibility /dai |�d�esti |�biliti/ nounthe proportion of food which is digestedand is therefore of value to the animalwhich eats itdigestibility coefficientdigestibility coefficient noun theproportion of food digested and notexcreted, shown as a percentage of the totalfood eaten


digestibility trial 74digestibility trialdigestibility trial noun a test to measurethe digestibility of a known food byrecording the weight of food eaten, andthen excreteddigestibility valuedigestibility value noun the amount ofdigestible organic matter in the dry matterof plants. Abbr D valuedigestibledigestible /dai|�d�estib(ə)l/ adjectiveable to be digested � Glucose is an easilydigestible form of sugar.digestible organic matterdigestible organic matter noun anorganic substance which can be processedto produce biogas, e.g. manure. Abbr DOMdigestiondigestion noun 1. the process by whichfood is broken down and converted intoelements which can be absorbed by thebody 2. the conversion of organic matterinto simpler chemical compounds, as in theproduction of biogas from manure. �

bacterial digestiondigestivedigestive adjective referring to digestiondigestive enzymesdigestive enzymes plural nounenzymes which speed up the process ofdigestiondigestive juicesdigestive juices plural noun juices inan animal’s digestive tract which convertfood into a form which is absorbed into thebodydigestive systemdigestive system noun the set oforgans in the body associated with thedigestion of fooddiggerdigger /�di�ə/ noun a type of ploughbody with a short, sharply curved mould-board. Diggers are used for deepploughing, especially to prepare for rootcrops or for land reclamation.digging stickdigging stick noun one of the earliestagricultural implements, still used in areaswhere shifting cultivation is practised. Thestick has a sharpened end, sometimes witha metal tip, and is used to dig holes to plantcrops.dilldill /dil/ noun a common aromatic herb(Anethum graveolens) used in cooking andin medicinedioeciousdioecious /�daiəυ |�i�ʃəs/ adjective refer-ring to a plant species in which male andfemale flowers occur on different individ-uals. � monoeciousdipdip noun a chemical which is dissolved inwater, used for dipping animals, mainlysheep, to remove lice and ticks � verb toplunge an animal into a dip, for about thirtysecondsdiphtheriadiphtheria noun a serious infectiousdisease where a membrane forms in the

throat passages of an animal such as in calfdiphtheriadiploiddiploid /�diplɔid/ adjective referring toan organism that has two matched sets ofchromosomes in a cell nucleus, one setfrom each parent (NOTE: Each species hasa characteristic diploid number of chromo-somes.)dipperdipper /�dipə/ noun a deep trench intowhich sheep are guided to be dippeddippingdipping /�dipiŋ/ noun the process ofplunging an animal in a chemical solutionto remove ticks, etc.

COMMENT: Sheep are dipped to eradicateparasites such as lice and ticks, and toprevent sheep scab. Dipping varies fromregion to region according to custom,breed and climate. Dipping may beordered by Defra to control outbreaks ofdisease, and in certain cases it has to bewitnessed by a local authority inspector.

dipping bathdipping bath noun same as dipperdipterousdipterous /�diptərəs/ adjective referringto an insect such as a fly with two wingsdirect drillingdirect drilling noun a form of minimalcultivation, where the seed is sown directlyinto the field without previous cultivation.Several types of drill are used, with heavydiscs for cutting narrow drills, or strongcultivator tines.directivedirective noun an order from the Euro-pean Union, referring to a particularproblemdirect proportional applicationdirect proportional applicationnoun a system of making sure that theoutput from a sprayer is proportional to thespeed at which it moves forward. AbbrDPAdirect reseedingdirect reseeding noun the process ofsowing grass seed without a cover cropdirect sowingdirect sowing noun the process ofsowing grass seed on a prepared seed beddirt taredirt tare noun the percentage of dirt andwaste material lifted with a crop such assugar beet when it is harvesteddisadvantaged areadisadvantaged area noun a name forland in mountainous and hilly areas, whichis capable of improvement and use asbreeding and rearing land for sheep andcattle. These areas are divided into Disad-vantaged or Severely DisadvantagedAreas. The EU recognises such areas andgives financial help to farmers in them.disbuddisbud /dis|�b�d/ verb 1. to remove thehorn buds from calves, soon after birth 2.to remove small flower buds from a plant,to allow the main flower to develop more


75 distillers’ grains

strongly, e.g. when growing chrysanthe-mums or paeoniesdiscdisc noun one of the heavy round metalplates, used in harrow and ploughs to culti-vate the soildisc coulterdisc coulter noun the part of a ploughwhich cuts the side of the furrow about tobe turneddisc harrowdisc harrow noun a type of harrow, withtwo or more sets of saucer-shaped discsfixed to a frame. The disc angle can bechanged and the working depth varied.discolorationdiscoloration /disk�lə |�reiʃ(ə)n/,discolouration noun a change of colour,especially one caused by deteriorationdiscolourdiscolour /dis |�k�lə/ verb to change thecolour of something, especially throughdeterioration, usually making it paler(NOTE: The US spelling is discolor.)disc ploughdisc plough noun a type of plough withlarge rotating discs in place of the mould-board. Disc ploughs are used for deepcultivation, but not common in GreatBritain.diseasedisease noun an illness of people,animals or plants � He is a specialist inplant diseases.disease controldisease control noun the systems putin place by a farm or a government toprevent diseases from spreading within thearea under their supervision

‘Dr Reynolds said DEFRA had consideredthe impact on the poultry sector andbelieved close observation, biosecurity,movement restrictions and swift culling ofinfected flocks was the most appropriateform of disease control.’ [FarmersWeekly]

diseaseddiseased /di |�zi�zd/ adjective affected bya disease and so not functioning as usual ornot whole � a diseased kidney � To treatdieback, diseased branches should be cutback to healthy wood.disease dynamicsdisease dynamics noun the study ofthe change, growth or activity of a diseaseDiseases of Animals Act Diseases of Animals Act (1950)noun an Act of Parliament covering thediseases that are listed as notifiabledisease statusdisease status noun an assessment ofhow many animals are diseased and whichdiseases are present in a herd or flockDishley LeicesterDishley Leicester /�diʃli �lestə/ noun abreed of improved Leicester sheep, used bySir Robert Bakewell in the 18th centurydisinfectdisinfect verb to make something orsomewhere free from microorganisms

such as bacteria � All utensils must be thor-oughly disinfected. (NOTE: Disinfect,disinfection and disinfectant are used forsubstances which destroy germs on instru-ments, objects or the skin.)disinfectantdisinfectant noun a substance used tokill microorganisms such as bacteriadisinfectiondisinfection /�disin |�fekʃən/ noun theprocess of making something or some-where free from microorganisms such asbacteria

COMMENT: Disinfection is a necessaryprocess affecting buildings such as sta-bles, and implements, after infection hasbeen present. It may involve removinglitter and dung, and cleaning floors andpartitions. Implements and tools shouldalso be treated. Methods of disinfectioninclude the use of approved chemicalsolutions, steam cleaning and fumiga-tion with powerful antiseptics.

disorderdisorder noun 1. a disruption of a systemor balanced state 2. an illness � a stomachdisorderdispatcherdispatcher /di|�sp�tʃə/ noun an imple-ment used to kill chickensdispersaldispersal noun the moving of individualplants or animals into or from an area �seed dispersal by wind � Aphids breed inlarge numbers and spread by dispersal inwind currents.dispersedisperse verb 1. (of organisms) to sepa-rate and move away over a wide area 2. tosend something out over a wide area �Some seeds are dispersed by birds. �Power stations have tall chimneys todisperse the emissions of pollutants.dispersing agentdispersing agent noun a chemicaladded to a fungicide/bactericide formula-tion to allow particles of the active agent tobe distributed effectivelydispersiondispersion /di |�sp��ʃ(ə)n/ noun thepattern in which animals or plants arefound over a wide areadistildistil verb to produce a pure liquid byheating a liquid and condensing thevapour, as in the production of alcohol oressential oilsdistillationdistillation /�disti |�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun theprocess of producing a pure liquid byheating a liquid and condensing thevapour, as in the production of alcohol oressential oilsdistillers’ grainsdistillers’ grains /dis|�tiləz �reinz/plural noun by-product of whisky produc-tion, which consists of the remains of


distort 76

malted barley, used as a valuable cattlefood which may be fed wet or drydistortdistort verb to change the shape of some-thing, so that it does not look normal, aswhen brassica roots are distorted by clubroot diseasedistribution channeldistribution channel noun 1. the routeby which a product reaches a customerafter it leaves the producer or supplier 2. anarea where controlled amounts of feed aremade available to livestockditchditch noun a channel to take away rain-water � verb to dig channels for landdrainage

COMMENT: Ditches may be enough todrain an area by themselves, but usuallythey serve as outlets for undergrounddrains. Ditches can deal with large quan-tities of water in very wet periods. Theyshould be kept cleaned to their originaldepth, a process carried out usuallyonce a year. Many types of machine arenow available for making new ditches orcleaning neglected ones.

ditcherditcher /�ditʃə/ noun a mechanical exca-vator used in ditchingdithiocarbamatesdithiocarbamates /�diθiəυ |

�kɑ�bəmeits/ plural noun fungicidesformerly used on fruit, vegetables andarable crops but no longer approved for usein the UKdiversificationdiversification /dai|�v��sifi |�keiʃ(ə)n/noun the expansion of a farm or otherenterprise into new areas of business, e.g.allowing land to be used for leisure activi-ties or introducing new crops or livestock

COMMENT: The main alternative enter-prises undertaken by farmers are: farmholidays and bed-and-breakfast; farmshops, selling produce from the farm;camping and caravan sites; countrysports, such as horse riding, pony-trek-king and fishing.

diversifydiversify verb 1. to develop something indifferent ways � Farmers are encouragedto diversify land use by, for example,planting woodlands or creating recrea-tional facilities. 2. to start doing severaldifferent things � Farmers are beingencouraged to diversify into other areas ofbusiness, such as rural tourism.Divisional Veterinary ManagerDivisional Veterinary Managernoun the manager of an Animal HealthDivisional Office. Abbr DVMDivisional Veterinary OfficerDivisional Veterinary Officer noun atrained technician working for an AnimalHealth Divisional Office. Abbr DVODMDM abbreviation dry matter

DMIDMI abbreviation dry matter intakedociledocile adjective quiet and easy to handledockdock verb to cut off the tail of an animal(NOTE: Lowland breeds of sheep are oftendocked to prevent dirt and faeces accumu-lating on the tail.) � noun a broadleaved orcurled weed Rumex with a long tap root,making it difficult to removedockagedockage /�dɒkid�/ noun waste materialwhich is removed from grain as it is beingprocessed before millingdocking disorderdocking disorder noun a disorder ofsugar beet, caused by eelworms, found onsandy soils in East Anglia, causing irregu-larly stunted plants with split root growthdoedoe noun the female of deer, goat, rabbitor haredogdaisydogdaisy /�dɒ�deisi/ noun same asmayweedDogs TrustDogs Trust noun a UK charity thatcampaigns for the welfare of dogsDOMDOM /�di� əυ �em/ abbreviation 1. digest-ible organic matter 2. dry organic matterdomesticdomestic adjective 1. referring to thehome � domestic waste 2. kept as a farmanimal or petdomestic animaldomestic animal noun 1. an animalsuch as a dog or cat which lives withhuman beings as a pet 2. an animal such asa pig or goat which is kept by humanbeings for food or other usesdomesticatedomesticate /də|�mestikeit/ verb 1. tobreed wild animals so that they becometame and can fill human needs 2. to breedwild plants, selecting the best strains sothat they become useful for food or decora-tiondomesticateddomesticated adjective 1. referring to awild animal which has been trained to livenear a house and not be frightened ofhuman beings 2. referring to a specieswhich was formerly wild but has beenselectively bred to fill human needsdomesticationdomestication /də|�mesti|�keiʃ(ə)n/noun the action of domesticating wildanimals or plantsdomestic livestockdomestic livestock noun pigs, goats,sheep, cows and other animals which arekept by human beingsdominancedominance noun 1. a state where onespecies in a community is more abundantthan others 2. the priority for food andreproductive mates that one animal hasover another in a group 3. the characteristicof a gene form (allele) that leads to the traitwhich it controls being shown in any indi-


77 downy mildew

vidual carrying it. Compare recessive-nessdominance hierarchydominance hierarchy noun thesystem of priority given to specific individ-uals in terms of access to food and repro-ductive mates � In many species a male isat the top of the dominance hierarchy.dominantdominant adjective 1. important orpowerful 2. (of an allele) having the char-acteristic that leads to the trait which itcontrols being shown in any individualcarrying it. Compare recessive 3. (of aspecies) being more abundant than othersin a community. � codominant, subdomi-nant � noun a plant or species which hasmost influence on the composition anddistribution of other species

COMMENT: For physical characteristicscontrolled by two alleles, if one allele isdominant and the other recessive, theresulting trait will be that of the dominantallele. Traits governed by recessive alle-les appear only if alleles from both par-ents are recessive.

DorkingDorking /�dɔ�kiŋ/ noun 1. a breed offowl, with dark and silver-grey plumage 2.a silver-grey breed of bantamdormancydormancy /�dɔ�mənsi/ noun an inactiveperiod � seed dormancydormantdormant adjective not actively growingDorset DownDorset Down /�dɔ�sət �daυn/ noun amedium-sized down breed of sheep with abrown face and wool growing over theforehead. It provides a good-quality finestringy fleece.Dorset HornDorset Horn noun a breed of sheep inthe south-west of England, both rams andewes of which have long curly horns. Itproduces a fine white clear wool, and isunique among British breeds in that it canlamb at any time of the year.Dorset wedge silageDorset wedge silage noun a methodof storing silage in wedge-shaped layers,usually covered with polythene sheeting.The first loads are tipped against the endwall and further loads are built up with abuckrake to form a wedge.dosedose noun the amount of medicine givento an animal to cure it of a disorder � verbto give an animal medicinedosing gundosing gun noun a device used to givean animal medicine in the form of pellets.The pellet is forced into the back ofanimal’s throat.double chop harvesterdouble chop harvester noun a type offorage harvester, which chops the crop intoshort lengths rather than just lacerating it.

The chopping unit is a vertical rotatingdisc, usually with three knives and threefan blades. � precision chop forageharvesterdouble croppingdouble cropping noun a type of multi-cropping, taking more than one crop off apiece of land in one yeardouble diggingdouble digging noun a cultivation tech-nique, where a spit is dug out, the soilplaced on one side, and a second spit dug.This loosens the soil at a deeper level thannormal digging.double flowerdouble flower noun a flower with twoseries of petals as opposed to a singleflowerDouble GloucesterDouble Gloucester noun a richorange-coloured British cheesedouble lowsdouble lows plural noun varieties ofoilseed rape with low erucic acid andglucosinolate contentsdoublesdoubles plural noun twins of animals,especially lambsdouble sucklingdouble suckling noun a method ofraising beef calves, where a second calf isplaced with the cow’s own calf andallowed to suckleDouglas firDouglas fir noun a North American soft-wood tree widely planted throughout theworld, and producing strong timber. Latinname: Pseudotsuga menziesii.dovedove noun a white domesticated pigeondove cotedove cote /�d�v kəυt/ noun a smallshelter for dovesdowndown noun 1. the small soft feathers of ayoung bird, or soft feathers below the outerfeathers in some adult birds 2. an under-coat of very soft hair on a goatDown breedsDown breeds plural noun breeds ofshort-wooled sheep, giving wool of acreamy colour; the sheep have dark facesand legs, and are hornless. They are foundin hilly areas, and include the Southdown,Hampshire Down, Dorset Down andSuffolk.down-calverdown-calver noun a cow or heifer aboutto calvedowner animaldowner animal /�daυnə ��niməl/,downer noun a farm animal that is unableto stand or walk because of injury ordiseasedownlanddownland /�daυnl�nd/ noun an area ofgrassy treeless hillsdownydowny adjective referring to somethingsuch as plumage which is very softdowny mildewdowny mildew noun a disease (Pereno-spora brassica) which causes white bloom


Doyenne du Comice 78

on the under surface of leaves, mostdamaging to Brassica seedlingsDoyenne du ComiceDoyenne du Comice /dɔi|�en dυ kɒ |

�mi�s/ noun a variety of dessert pear, orig-inating in France. The fruit are very roundand mature slowly.DPADPA abbreviation direct proportionalapplicationdraft ewedraft ewe noun an ewe sold from abreeding flock of sheep while still youngenough to produce lambsdraft offdraft off verb to remove certain animalsfrom a herd or flockdrag harrowdrag harrow noun a heavy type ofharrow, used in the preparation of seedbedsdraindrain noun 1. an underground pipe whichtakes waste water from buildings or fromfarmland 2. an open channel for takingaway waste water 3. a device to allow fluidto escape from its container � verb 1. toremove liquid from somewhere 2. (ofliquid) to flow into something � The streamdrains into the main river. 3. to removewater from farmland (NOTE: On most typesof farmland, except free-draining soils,some sort of artificial drainage is neces-sary to carry away surplus water and sokeep the water table at a reasonable level.)drainagedrainage noun the removal of water bylaying drains in or under fields

COMMENT: The main methods of drain-age are open channels (ditches) andunderground pipe drains and moledrains. Signs of bad drainage includemachinery getting bogged down in mud,poaching by stock in grazing pastures,water lying in pools after heavy rain,weeds such as rushes, sedges andhorsetail appearing in grassland, youngplants being pale green or yellow andsubsoil being various shades of blue orgrey.

drainage areadrainage area, drainage basin nounsame as catchmentdrainage channeldrainage channel noun a small ditchmade to remove rainwater from the soilsurfacedrainage ditchdrainage ditch noun a channel to takeaway rainwaterdraining pendraining pen noun a pen for sheep to goin after dipping, where surplus liquid candrain off the wet fleece and go back intothe sheep dipdrakedrake /dreik/ noun a male duckdraughtdraught noun the effort needed to pull animplement through the soil

draught animaldraught animal noun an animal used topull vehicles or carry heavy loads

COMMENT: Considerable use is made ofdraught animals in many areas of theworld. Oxen, buffaloes, yaks, camels,elephants, donkeys, horses are all usedas draught animals. The advantages ofusing animals are many. They produceyoung so do not always have to bebought. They are cheaper to buy thanmachines. They do not use expensivefuel, even though they eat large quanti-ties of food. They may be slower thanmachines but they can work in difficultterrains. Their most important advantageis that they are appropriate to the localconditions.

draught control systemdraught control system noun asystem of preventing damage to an imple-ment such as a harrow, as it is being pulledthrough the soil. When the draught reachesa set level, the implement is automaticallyraised out of the soil.drawbardrawbar /�drɔ�bɑ�/ noun a metal bar atthe back of a tractor, used to pull trailedimplements. Some tractors have a drawbarwhich can be attached to the hydrauliclinkage.drawbar powerdrawbar power noun the power avail-able to pull an implement, as opposed tothe brake horsepower of a tractor. Underfield conditions, not all brake horsepowerwill be available to pull implements,because some of it is needed to make thetractor itself move forwards and overcomethe resistance of the bearings and the soilon the wheels.draw hoedraw hoe noun a hoe whose blade is atright angles to the handle and is pulledbackwards towards the workerdraydray /drei/ noun a flat cart without sidesdredge corndredge corn noun a mixture of cerealsgrown together and used for livestockfeeding. The commonest type is a mixtureof barley and oats, and sometimes cerealsand pulses are mixed.drenchdrench noun a method of applying aliquid medicine, by passing it into thestomach through a tube � verb to soak witha liquid, as when spraying with a coarsenozzledressdress verb to clean or prepare the carcassof something such as a chicken so that it isready for cooking and eatingdressingdressing noun the process of treatingseeds before sowing, to control disease. �

top dressing


79 dry rotdribble bardribble bar noun an attachment whichapplies a liquid top dressing to a cropthrough trailing pipes from a boomdrieddried /draid/ adjective referring to food-stuffs which are preserved by dehydrationdried blooddried blood noun an organic fertiliserwith a nitrogen content of 10% – 13%. It isa soluble quick-acting fertiliser, usedmainly by horticulturists.dried fruitdried fruit noun fruit that has been dehy-drated to preserve it for later usedried grassdried grass noun grass which has beenartificially dried and is used as an animalfeed of high nutritional valuedried milkdried milk noun milk powder producedby removing water from liquid milk. Thetechniques involved include roller-dryingand spray-drying.drierdrier noun a machine used to dry a crop,usually graindriftdrift verb to float in the air onto areaswhich are not to be sprayeddrilldrill noun 1. an implement used to sowseed. A drill consists of a hopper carried onwheels, with a feed mechanism whichfeeds the seed into seed tubes. 2. a littlefurrow for sowing seed � verb to sow seedin drills

COMMENT: Some drills have a hopperdivided into two parts: one contains theseed, the other fertiliser. This is the com-bine drill which drills grain and fertiliser atthe same time.

drill coulterdrill coulter noun a coulter which makesa furrow for sowing seeddrip irrigationdrip irrigation noun an irrigationsystem where water is supplied by ground-level pipes and released slowly at the baseof each plant. Also called trickle irrigationdronedrone noun a male beedropdrop noun 1. a small amount of liquid thatfalls � a drop of water � a few drops of rain2. a fall of immature fruit � verb to givebirth to a lambdroppingsdroppings plural noun excreta fromanimals � The grass was covered withrabbit and sheep droppings.droppings boarddroppings board noun a bench, underthe perches in smaller poultry houses, onwhich bird droppings collectdroughtdrought noun a long period without rainat a time when rain usually fallsdrought orderdrought order noun legislation whichpermits water companies to place restric-tions on the use of water for a specificperiod when there is a drought

drought stressdrought stress noun a lack of growthcaused by droughtdrovedrove noun a number of cattle or sheepbeing driven from one place to anotherdroverdrover /�drəυvə/ noun a person in chargeof a flock or herd which is being movedfrom one place to anotherdrove roaddrove road noun a track along whichsheep or cattle are regularly drivendrumdrum noun the cylinder of a combineharvester, which rotates and has rasp-likebeater bars which thresh the graindrupedrupe /dru�p/ noun a fruit with a singleseed and a fleshy body (NOTE: Stone fruitssuch as cherries or plums are drupes.)dry cowdry cow noun a cow which is betweenlactations and is therefore not giving milkdry curingdry curing noun the process of curingmeat in salt, as opposed to brinedry farmingdry farming noun a system of extensiveagriculture, producing crops in areas oflimited rainfall, without using irrigationdry feedingdry feeding noun the feeding of meal toanimals without the addition of water. Thismay cause problems with pigs and poultry.dryingdrying noun a method of preserving foodby removing moisture, either by leaving itin the sun, as for dried fruit, or by passingit through an industrial processdrying offdrying off noun a gradual reduction inthe quantity of milk taken from a cow, so asto make it stop lactatingdry matterdry matter noun the matter remaining ina biological sample or in animal feed afterthe water content has been removed. AbbrDMdry matter intakedry matter intake noun the amount offeed that an animal consumes or requires,discounting its water content. Abbr DMI

‘Maintaining dry matter intake (DMI) atturnout and maximising it throughout thegrazing season is key to feeding the highyielding dairy cow at grass during thesummer.’ [Dairy Farmer]

dry organic matterdry organic matter noun organicmatter such as sewage sludge or manurewhich has been dried out and may be usedas a fertiliser. Abbr DOMdry perioddry period noun in cattle, a period of sixto eight weeks between lactations, when acow is rested from giving milkdry pluckdry pluck noun the process of removingthe feathers when the bird is dry, soavoiding harming the skindry rotdry rot noun a fungal disease causing rotin wood, potatoes or fruit


dry roughage 80dry roughagedry roughage noun dry bulky food-stuffs, e.g. hay or strawDrysdaleDrysdale /�draizdeil/ noun a breed ofNew Zealand sheep, a crossbreed fromRomney and Cheviotdry-stone walldry-stone wall noun a wall made ofstones carefully placed one on top of theother without using any mortardual-purpose breeddual-purpose breed noun a breed ofanimal valuable for more than one productdubbindubbin /�d�bin/ noun prepared greaseused for waterproofing and softeningleatherduckduck noun a bird reared for both egg andmeat production. The male is a ‘drake’.ducklingduckling noun a young duckdugdug noun a teat or udder of an animal,especially of a cowdumpdump noun a place where waste, espe-cially solid waste, is thrown away � Themine is surrounded by dumps of excavatedwaste. � verb 1. to throw away waste, espe-cially without being subject to environ-mental controls 2. to get rid of large quan-tities of excess farm products cheaply in anoverseas marketdump boxdump box noun a large hopper onwheels with a floor conveyor whichreceives silage from trailers and fromwhich the crop is discharged into the silodumpingdumping /�d�mpiŋ/ noun 1. the disposalof waste � illegal dumping 2. the sale ofagricultural products at a price below thetrue cost, to get rid of excess producecheaply, usually in an overseas marketdunesdunes plural noun an area of sand blownby the wind into small hills and ridgeswhich may have plants growing on them �The village was threatened by encroachingdunes. � The dunes were colonised bymarram grass.dungdung noun solid waste excreta fromanimals, especially cattle, often used asfertiliser

COMMENT: In some areas of the worlddried dung is used as a cooking fuel,which has the effect of preventing thedung from being returned to the soil andleads to depletion of soil nutrients.

dunging passagedunging passage noun a passage atthe back of a cow shed, into which dungcan be washed with waterdungleweeddungleweed /�d�ŋ�əlwi�d/ noun sameas orachedung weeddung weed noun same as fat hen

duramenduramen /dju� |�rɑ�mən/ noun same asheartwoodDurhamDurham /�d�rəm/ noun a breed of dairyshorthorn cattle, developed in the Teesvalley of County DurhamDurocDuroc /dju�|�rɒk/ noun a breed of pig,originating in the eastern USA, importedinto the UK for cross-breeding. The pigsare red in colour.durumdurum /�djυərəm/ noun a type of wheatgrown in southern Europe and the USAand used in making semolina forprocessing into pasta. Latin name:Triticum durum.dustdust noun a fine powder made of parti-cles, e.g. dry dirt or sanddustingdusting /�d�stiŋ/ noun the act of usingdry powdered fungicide or insecticide oncropsDutch barnDutch barn /�d�tʃ bɑ�n/ noun a type offarmyard building used for storage of hay,loose or baled, corn crops and agriculturalimplements (NOTE: The older types ofDutch barn were built of iron with noenclosing side walls. Modern designsincorporate precast concrete, asbestos-cement sheeting with curved roofs. Thesides may be partly or completelycovered.)Dutch elm diseaseDutch elm disease noun a fungaldisease that kills elm trees, caused byCeratocystis ulmi and spread by a barkbeetleDutch harrowDutch harrow noun an implement withmetal or wooden frame, with heavy tinebars almost at right angles to the directionof travel. The tines loosen the soil and theheavy bars level the surface. Also calledfloatDutch hoeDutch hoe noun an implement with along handle and a more or less straight D-shaped blade, used with a push-pull actionduty of careduty of care noun a duty which everycitizen and organisation has not to actnegligently, especially the system for thesafe handling of waste, introduced by theUK Environmental Protection Act 1990

‘Growers have a “duty of care” to ensurethat their waste is disposed of in a legalmanner and must retain proof that theyhave fulfiled this requirement.’ [FarmersGuardian]

D valueD value abbreviation digestibility valueDVMDVM abbreviation Divisional VeterinaryManager


81 dystrophicDVO

DVO abbreviation Divisional VeterinaryOfficerdwarf bean

dwarf bean noun a term used for Frenchor kidney beans, which make a bushyplant, as opposed to runner beans whichclimbdwarfing rootstock

dwarfing rootstock /�dwɔ�fiŋ�ru�tstɒk/ noun a plant which is normallylow-growing so causing the plant graftedon to it to grow smaller than it would other-wisedyke

dyke noun 1. a long wall of earth built tokeep water out 2. a ditch for drainage �

verb to build walls of earth to help preventwater from flooding land

COMMENT: Dyke pond farming is a sys-tem of organic agriculture combiningcrop growing on the dykes which sur-round ponds in which fish are bred. It iscommon in China.

dysenterydysentery noun an infection and inflam-mation of the colon causing bleeding anddiarrhoeadystociadystocia /dis |�təυsiə/ noun difficulty inthe process of giving birthdystrophicdystrophic /dis |�trɒfik/ adjective refer-ring to a pond or lake that contains veryacidic brown water, lacks oxygen, and isunable to support much plant or animal lifebecause of excessive humus content. �

eutrophic, mesotrophic, oligotrophic


EEE symbol Excellent (in the EUROPcarcass conformation classificationsystem)EAEA abbreviation Environment AgencyEAGGFEAGGF abbreviation European Agricul-tural Guidance and Guarantee Fundearear noun the flower head of a cereal plantsuch as wheat or maize where the grainsdevelopear emergenceear emergence noun the main stageused in determining the heading date of acrop. In the case of a sward, this is the dateat which 50% of the inflorescences haveappeared.earliesearlies /��liz/ plural noun potatoesgrown for harvesting early in the season.Compare maincrop potatoesearly biteearly bite noun grazing in the spring,provided by new growths of grass whichsprout when the weather gets warmerearly weaningearly weaning noun the practice ofremoving young from the dam earlier thanis usualearmarkingearmarking /�iəmɑ�kiŋ/ noun theprocess of identifying an animal byattaching a tag to its earearthearth noun 1. soil 2. the ground or landsurfaceearth upearth up verb to move soil to make aridge, in which a crop such as potatoes orcelery can grow

COMMENT: Plants are earthed up to pro-tect the tender stems from frost, or tomake them white. Potatoes are earthedup to prevent the tubers from turninggreen and tasting bitter.

earthwormearthworm /��θw��m/ noun an inverte-brate animal with a long thin body dividedinto many segments, living in largenumbers in the soil

COMMENT: Earthworms aerate the soil asthey tunnel. They also eat organic matterand help increase the soil’s fertility. They

help stabilise the soil structure by com-pressing material and mixing it withorganic matter and calcium. It is believedthat they also secrete a hormone whichencourages rooting by plants.

easementeasement /�i�zmənt/ noun the right ofsomeone who does not own a piece of landto use it, especially for access to anotherplaceEast FrieslandEast Friesland noun a breed of sheepintroduced into the UK from Holland. It isa large long slim-bodied breed and is muchvalued for its high milk yield.easy feedeasy feed noun a means of feeding live-stock which allows easy access to feed bymeans of hoppers or feeding passagesEBLEXEBLEX /�ebleks/ abbreviation EnglishBeef and Lamb ExecutiveEBVEBV abbreviation estimated breedingvalueECNECN abbreviation Environmental ChangeNetworkecoagricultureecoagriculture /�i�kəυ|��rik�ltʃə/noun the practice of productive agricultureusing methods designed to maintainnatural resources, biodiversity and thelandscapeE. coliE. coli abbreviation Escherichia coliecologicalecological adjective referring to ecologyecological corridorecological corridor noun a strip ofvegetation allowing the movement of wild-life or other organisms between two areasecological diversityecological diversity noun a variety ofbiological communities that interact withone another and with their physical andchemical environmentsecological efficiencyecological efficiency noun a measure-ment of how much energy is used atdifferent stages in the food chain or atdifferent trophic levelsecological engineeringecological engineering noun adesign process that aims to integratehuman activities with the natural environ-


83 egg

ment for the benefit of both, taking ecolog-ical impact into account in the constructionof roads or harbours, the introduction ofnew plants or animals, or other actionsecological factorsecological factors plural noun factorswhich influence the distribution of a plantspecies in a habitatecologically sustainable developmentecologically sustainable develop-ment noun development which limits thesize of the human population and the use ofresources, so as to protect the existingnatural resources for future generationsecological recoveryecological recovery noun the returnof an ecosystem to its former favourableconditionecological restorationecological restoration noun theprocess of renewing and maintaining thehealth of an ecosystemecologistecologist /i |�kɒləd�ist/ noun 1. a scien-tist who studies ecology 2. a person who isin favour of maintaining a balance betweenliving things and the environment in whichthey live in order to improve the life of allorganismsecologyecology noun the study of the relation-ships among organisms as well as the rela-tionships between them and their physicalenvironmentecoparasiteecoparasite /�i�kəυ|�p�rəsait/ noun aparasite which is adapted to a specific host.Compare ectoparasite, endoparasiteecosphereecosphere noun the part of the Earthand its atmosphere where living organismsexist, including parts of the lithosphere, thehydrosphere and the atmosphere. Alsocalled biosphereecosystemecosystem noun a complex of plant,animal and microorganism communitiesand their interactions with the environmentin which they live � European wetlands areclassic examples of ecosystems that havebeen shaped by humans.

‘Agricultural pesticides in the water cancause two problems; they affect aquaticecosystems, and impact on drinking waterabstraction.’ [Farmers Guardian]COMMENT: An ecosystem can be anysize, from a pinhead to the whole eco-sphere. The term was first used in the1930s to describe the interdependenceof organisms among themselves andtheir relationships with the living andnon-living environment.

ecotaxecotax /�i�kəυt�ks/ noun a tax that isused to encourage people to change froman activity that damages the environmentor to encourage activities with beneficial

environmental effects. Also called envi-ronmental taxecotoneecotone /�i�kəυtəυn/ noun an areabetween two different types of vegetationwhich may share the characteristics ofboth, e.g. the border between forest andmoorlandecotourismecotourism /�i�kəυ |�tυəriz(ə)m/ noun aform of tourism that increases people’sunderstanding of natural areas, withoutadversely affecting the environment, andgives local people financial benefits fromconserving natural resourcesecotoxicityecotoxicity /�i�kəυtɒk |�sisiti/ noun thedegree to which a chemical released intoan environment by human activities affectsthe organisms that live or grow thereECSECS abbreviation Energy Crops Schemeecto-ecto- /ektəυ/ prefix outside. Compareendo-ectoparasiteectoparasite /�ektəυ |�p�rəsait/ noun aparasite which lives on the skin or outersurface of its host but feeds by piercing theskin. Compare endoparasiteectoparasite diseaseectoparasite disease noun a diseasecaused by lice and other insects, usuallycharacetrised by intense irritationedaphicedaphic /i |�d�fik/ adjective referring tosoiledge effectedge effect noun an increase in growthand yield seen in crop plants growing at theedge of a plot or fieldedible snailsedible snails plural noun snails rearedfor human consumptioneelwormeelworm /�i�lw��m/ noun a minuteworm-like animal (Nematode) whichattacks a great variety of food crops. � stemeelwormEFAEFA abbreviation essential fatty acidEFBEFB abbreviation European foul broodeffective field capacityeffective field capacity noun theactual average rate of work achieved by amachine, usually expressed in acres orhectares per houreffluenteffluent noun liquid, semisolid or gaswaste from industrial processes or materialsuch as slurry or silage effluent from afarmEFSAEFSA abbreviation European Food SafetyAuthorityeggegg noun 1. a reproductive cell producedin a female mammal by the ovary which, iffertilised by male sperm, becomes anembryo 2. a fertilised ovum of an animalsuch as a bird, fish, reptile, amphibian orinsect, protected by a membrane layer in


egg binding 84

which the embryo continues developingoutside the mother’s body until it hatches3. a round object laid by female birds, witha hard calcareous shell forming a casecontaining albumen and yolk. The youngbird grows inside the egg until it hatches.

COMMENT: The average hen’s eggweighs about 60g, of which about 20g isyolk, 35g white and the rest shell andmembranes. Eggs contain protein, fat,iron and vitamins A, B, D and E. In 2004,total egg consumption in the UK was8.961 million, and the annual egg con-sumption per capita was 174. The per-centage of egg production from intensivesystems was 66% (a significant dropfrom the 87% of 1993), 27% were fromfree range (11% in 1993) and 7% camefrom other sources. The value of retailsales of eggs in 2004 was £568 million,with each bird producing an averageyield of 292 eggs per year.

egg bindingegg binding noun an unsuccessfulattempt by a hen to lay an eggeggboundeggbound /�e�baυnd/ adjective refer-ring to a hen that produces an egg but isunable to lay itegg classesegg classes plural noun the grading ofeggs under EU regulations, into Class A(fresh eggs), Class B (preserved eggs) andClass C (eggs for use in food processing)egg eatingegg eating noun a form of behaviour byintensively housed poultry in which birdseat their own eggs. It may be due to eggsbeing broken because of thin shells.eggplanteggplant noun a plant with purple fruit(Solanum melongena), used as a vegetable.It is a native of tropical Asia. Also calledaubergineEHEH abbreviation English HeritageEHFEHF abbreviation experimental husbandryfarmEHSEHS abbreviation experimental horticul-ture stationEIAEIA abbreviation environmental impactassessmentEIDEID abbreviation electronic identificationejecteject verb to throw something outejectorejector /i |�d�ektə/ noun a mechanism atthe back of a farmyard manure spreader,which throws out the manure over a wideareaelderelder noun a small tree (Sambucus nigra)with little black berries used to make wineelectrical conductivityelectrical conductivity noun a meas-urement of salt concentration in soils

electric dogelectric dog noun an electric wire at theside of the fence at the entrance to amilking parlour, which encourages thecows to go into the parlourelectric fenceelectric fence noun thin wiressupported by posts, the wires being able tocarry an electric current. This type of fenceis easily moved around the farm, andmakes strip grazing on limited areaspossible.electronic identificationelectronic identification noun a wayof marking animals with tags containing areadable chip, which identifies them. AbbrEIDelementelement noun a chemical substance thatcannot be broken down to a simplersubstance (NOTE: There are 110 namedelements.)elephant grasselephant grass noun same asmiscanthuselevatorelevator noun 1. a machine for carryinggrain or silage to the top of a storage unit 2.a very large storage unit for grain, in theUS and Canadian prairieselevator diggerelevator digger noun a machine forharvesting crops such as potatoes, whichcan be adapted to harvest carrots, onions orflower bulbselmelm noun a large hardwood tree that growsin temperate areas. Genus: Ulmus. � Dutchelm diseaseELSELS abbreviation Entry Level Steward-shipeltelt /elt/ noun a young sow (NOTE: This isnot a common word.)emaciationemaciation noun becoming extremelythin � scab causes emaciation in sheep

‘Johne’s Disease affects ruminants, itssymptoms being diarrhoea, emaciationand loss of body condition.’ [FarmingNews]

EmbdenEmbden /�emdən/ noun a heavy whitebreed of goose, with blue eyesembryoembryo noun an organism that developsfrom a fertilised egg or seed, e.g. an animalin the first weeks of gestation or a seedlingplant with cotyledons and a root (NOTE:After eight weeks an unborn baby is calleda fetus.)embryonicembryonic adjective 1. referring to anembryo 2. in the first stages of develop-mentembryo transferembryo transfer noun the transplantingof an embryo from one animal into thewomb of another, used as a method ofimproving breeding quality. Abbr ET


85 energyemergeemerge verb to come out of the soilemergenceemergence noun 1. the germination of aseed 2. a stage in the growth of a plant,when the new shoot or stalk appearsthrough the surface of the soilemissionemission noun a substance dischargedinto the air by an internal combustionengine or other device � Exhaust emissionscontain pollutants. � Gas emissions cancause acid rain.emission chargeemission charge noun a fee paid by acompany to be allowed to discharge wasteinto the environmentemission standardemission standard noun the amountof an effluent or pollutant that can legallybe released into the environment, e.g. theamount of sewage which can be dischargedinto a river or the sea, or the amount ofcarbon monoxide that can legally bereleased into the atmosphere by petrol anddiesel enginesEmmerEmmer /�emə/ noun a species of wheat(Triticum dicoccoides) which is a naturalhybrid of wild wheat and a goat grass. Afurther crossing between Emmer and agoat grass produced wheat (Triticumaestivum).emulsifieremulsifier /i |�m�lsifaiə/ noun asubstance added to mixtures of food suchas water and oil to hold them together. �

stabiliser (NOTE: Emulsifiers are used insauces and added to meat to increase thewater content so that the meat is heavier.In the European Union, emulsifiers andstabilisers have E numbers E322 to E495.)emulsifyemulsify verb to mix two liquids so thor-oughly that they will not separateemulsifying agentemulsifying agent noun same as emul-sifierENEN abbreviation 1. endangered species 2.English Natureencephalopathyencephalopathy /en |�kefə |�lɒpəθi/noun � BSEenclosureenclosure noun 1. an area surrounded bya fence, often to contain animals. Compareexclosure 2. the action of enclosing openland. � field (NOTE: The term enclosure isused in England to refer especially to theenclosure of common land in the 16th and18th centuries, when rights to commonland were removed and major landownersused ditches, fences, hedgerows and wallsto mark the boundaries of land which theyowned freehold.)encroach onencroach on verb to come close to andgradually cover something � The town is

spreading beyond the by-pass,encroaching on farming land. � Trees arespreading down the mountain andencroaching on the lower more fertile landin the valleys.endangered speciesendangered species noun a speciesthat is facing a risk of extinction in thewild, usually taken to be when fewer than250 mature individuals exist. Abbr EN(NOTE: The plural is endangeredspecies.)endemicendemic adjective 1. referring to anorganism that exists or originated from aspecific area � The isolation of the islandshas led to the evolution of endemic forms.2. referring to a disease that occurs withina specific area � This disease is endemic toMediterranean countries. � epidemic,pandemic � noun an endemic diseaseendiveendive /�endiv/ noun a salad plant(Cichorium endiva)endo-endo- /endəυ/ prefix inside or within.Compare ecto-endocarpendocarp /�endəυkɑ�p/ noun the inner-most of the layers of the wall (pericarp) ofa fruit (NOTE: Sometimes it is toughened orhardened, as in a cherry stone or peachstone.)endocrine glandendocrine gland /�endəυkrain �l�nd/noun a gland such as the pituitary glandwhich produces hormones introduceddirectly into the bloodstreamendoparasiteendoparasite /�endəυ |�p�rəsait/ nouna parasite that lives inside its host.Compare ectoparasite

‘The first step in putting together aneffective endoparasite control strategy isto look at pasture management, to see ifthere are any practical ways to reduce therisk of infection. In the case of liver fluke,fencing off wet land and not grazingwetter pasture during the key infectionperiod between September and Novembercan have a significant impact.’ [FarmersGuardian]

endospermendosperm /�endəυsp��m/ noun astorage tissue in plant seeds that providesnourishment for the developing embryoendotoxinendotoxin /�endəυ |�tɒksin/ noun apoison from bacteria which passes into thebody when contaminated food is eatenenergyenergy noun 1. the force or strength tocarry out activities � You need to eat carbo-hydrates to give you energy. 2. electricityor other fuel � We have to review ourenergy requirements regularly.


energy balance 86energy balanceenergy balance noun a series of meas-urements showing the movement of energybetween organisms and their environment(NOTE: In farming a common use of theenergy balance is to assess the ratiobetween the amount of energy used togrow a crop and the amount of energy thatcrop produces.)energy cropenergy crop noun a crop which is grownto be used to provide energy, e.g. a fast-growing tree

‘Biomass itself can come from a variety ofsources. Those include energy crops suchas miscanthus and short-rotation willow,forestry trimmings, off-cuts and roots, treesurgeons’ chips, reclaimed timber andmunicipal solid waste, some industrialwaste, sewage sludge, liquid animal wasteand the enormous amount of food waste.’[Farmers Weekly]

Energy Crops SchemeEnergy Crops Scheme noun a systemset up by Defra under which farmers canapply for grants to establish energy cropson their landenergy valueenergy value noun the heat value of asubstance measured in joules. Also calledcalorific valueEngland Rural Development ProgrammeEngland Rural DevelopmentProgramme noun a set of schemes runby Defra in the UK to develop sustainablefarming methods in rural areas. AbbrERDPEnglish Beef and Lamb ExecutiveEnglish Beef and Lamb Executivenoun an association providing marketinformation for beef and lamb producersand suppliers. Abbr EBLEXEnglish HeritageEnglish Heritage noun an organisationpartly funded by government that isresponsible for maintaining buildings andmonuments of historical interest inEngland. Abbr EHEnglish LeicesterEnglish Leicester noun a breed ofsheep derived from Robert Bakewell’sflock, used for breeding of many otherlongwool breeds. It produces a heavyfleece and is now a rare breed.English NatureEnglish Nature noun the UK govern-ment agency that is responsible for natureconservation in England. Abbr EN (NOTE: Itwas formerly part of the Nature Conserv-ancy Council and is about to undergoanother reorganisation.)enhancerenhancer /in|�hɑ�nsə/ noun an artificialsubstance that increases the flavour of foodor of an artificial flavouring that has beenadded to food (NOTE: In the European

Union, flavour enhancers added to foodhave the E numbers E620 to E637.)enrichenrich verb 1. to make something richeror stronger, e.g. soil can be enriched byadding humus 2. to improve the nutritionalquality of food � enrich with vitamins 3. toimprove the living conditions of farmanimals, e.g. by providing them with largerliving areasenriched cageenriched cage noun a type of cage inwhich battery hens are kept, where thebird’s living conditions have beenimproved by an increase in the size of thecage and the inclusion of perches, nestsand litter so that the bird can peck andscratch

‘Enriched cages will replace existingbattery cages in 2012, when the EUDirective on the welfare of laying henscomes into force. However, a review ofthe Directive is underway, with a reportexpected next year.’ [The Grocer]

enrichmentenrichment /in |�ritʃmənt/ noun theincrease in nitrogen, phosphorous andcarbon compounds or other nutrients inwater, especially as a result of a sewageflow or agricultural run-off, which encour-ages the growth of algae and other waterplants. � environmental enrichmentensilageensilage /in |�sailid�/, ensiling /in|

�sailiŋ/ noun the process of making silagefor cattle by cutting grass and other greenplants and storing it in silosensileensile /in |�sail/ verb to make silage fromsomething � We ensile lush young mate-rial.enter-enter- /entə/ prefix same as entero-entericenteric /en|�terik/ adjective referring tothe intestineenteritisenteritis /�entə|�raitis/ noun an inflam-mation of the mucous membrane of theintestineentero-entero- /entərəυ/ prefix referring to theintestineEnterobacteriaEnterobacteria /�entərəυb�k |�tiəriə/plural noun a family of bacteria, includingSalmonella and EscherichiaEnterobiusEnterobius /�entə|�rəυbiəs/ noun athreadworm or nematode which infests theintestineenterotoxinenterotoxin /�entərəυ |�tɒksin/ noun abacterial exotoxin which particularlyaffects the intestineenterovirusenterovirus /�entərəυ |�vairəs/ noun avirus which prefers to live in the intestine


87 Environmentally Sensitive Area

COMMENT: The enteroviruses are animportant group of viruses, and onecauses Teschen disease in pigs.

entireentire adjective referring to an animalwhich has not been castratedentomologicalentomological /�entəmə|�lɒd�ik(ə)l/adjective referring to insectsentomologistentomologist /�entə |�mɒləd�ist/ nouna scientist who specialises in the study ofinsectsentomologyentomology /�entə|�mɒləd�i/ noun thestudy of insectsEntry Level StewardshipEntry Level Stewardship noun one ofthe categories under the EnvironmentalStewardship scheme, where farmers withany size holding can apply for funding inreturn for implementing certain environ-mental management schemes on their land.Abbr ELSE numberE number noun a classification of addi-tives to food approved by the EuropeanUnion

COMMENT: Additives are classified as fol-lows: colouring substances E100 –E180; preservatives E200 – E297; anti-oxidants E300 – E321; emulsifiers andstabilisers E322 – E495; acids andbases E500 – E529; anti-caking addi-tives E530 – E578; flavour enhancersand sweeteners E620 – E637.

environmentenvironment noun the surroundings ofany organism, including the physical worldand other organisms. � built environment,natural environment

COMMENT: The environment is anythingoutside an organism and in which theorganism lives. It can be a geographicalregion, a climatic condition, a pollutant orthe noises which surround an organism.The human environment includes thecountry or region or town or house orroom in which a person lives. A para-site’s environment includes the body ofthe host. A plant’s environment includesthe type of soil at a specific altitude.

Environment AgencyEnvironment Agency noun inEngland and Wales, the governmentagency responsible for protection of theenvironment, including flood and seadefences. Abbr EAenvironmentalenvironmental adjective referring to theenvironmentenvironmental assessmentenvironmental assessment nounthe identification of the expected environ-mental effects of a proposed actionEnvironmental Change NetworkEnvironmental Change Networknoun an association which monitors trends

in climate change and produces statistics.Abbr ECNenvironmental conditionalityenvironmental conditionality /in |

�vairənment(ə)l kən|�diʃ(ə)|�n�liti/ nounsame as cross-complianceenvironmental degradationenvironmental degradation noun areduction in the quality of the environmentenvironmental directiveenvironmental directive noun an EUpolicy statement on the appropriate waysof dealing with a specific environmentalissueenvironmental enrichmentenvironmental enrichment noun thepractice of improving the living conditionsand welfare of animals, such as byincreasing the amount of space they haveto live inenvironmental ethicsenvironmental ethics noun the exam-ination and discussion of people’s obliga-tions towards the environmentenvironmental impactenvironmental impact noun the effectupon the environment of actions or eventssuch as large construction programmes orthe draining of marshes

‘In the meantime, the world needs more,higher quality food grown in a climate thatis likely to be wetter in some areas,warmer with more drought in others, andmore volatile. Water protection andenvironmental impact will continue to beimportant considerations.’ [FarmersWeekly]

environmental impact assessmentenvironmental impact assess-ment noun an evaluation of the effectupon the environment of an action such asa large construction programme. Abbr EIAenvironmentalistenvironmentalist noun a person who isconcerned with protecting the environmentenvironmentally friendlyenvironmentally friendly adjectiveintended to minimise harm to the environ-ment, e.g. by using biodegradable ingredi-ents. Also called environment-friendlyEnvironmentally Sensitive AreaEnvironmentally Sensitive Areanoun in the UK, a rural area designated byDefra as needing special protection frommodern farming practices. Abbr ESA(NOTE: This programme has now beensuperseded by the Environmental Stew-ardship scheme.)

‘The Defra-funded CountrysideStewardship and EnvironmentallySensitive Areas schemes help to maintainand enhance the biodiversity andlandscape value of farmed land, protecthistoric features and promote publicaccess. (Delivering the evidence. Defra’s


environmental management 88

Science and Innovation Strategy, 2003–06)’

environmental managementenvironmental management noun1. the idea of humans interacting with theenvironment in a responsible and ethicallysound way, without sacrificing produc-tivity 2. guidelines or practices whichsupport this aim

‘Donald Curry, the government adviserwho first suggested introducing a “broadand shallow” style agri-environmentscheme, said the launch represented afundamental step in farmers committingthemselves to sound environmentalmanagement. “It is essential that as manyfarmers as possible participate in theschemes”, he added.’ [Farmers Weekly]

environmental pollutionenvironmental pollution noun thepollution of the environment by humanactivitiesenvironmental protectionenvironmental protection noun theactivity of protecting the environment byregulating the discharge of waste, the emis-sion of pollutants and other human activi-ties. Also called environment protectionEnvironmental Protection Act 1990Environmental Protection Act1990 noun a UK regulation to allow theintroduction of integrated pollutioncontrol, regulations for the disposal ofwaste and other provisions. Abbr EPAEnvironmental Protection AgencyEnvironmental Protection Agencynoun an administrative body in the USAwhich deals with pollution. Abbr EPAenvironmental quality standardenvironmental quality standardnoun a limit for the concentration of aneffluent or pollutant which is accepted in aspecific environment, e.g. the concentra-tion of trace elements in drinking water orof additives in foodenvironmental set-asideenvironmental set-aside noun ascheme of suspending cultivation of foodcrops for a period with clearly definedenvironmental aims and designed appro-priately for local conditionsEnvironmental StewardshipEnvironmental Stewardship noun asystem under which farmers and landmanagers receive funding for imple-menting schemes to protect the environ-ment, such as preventing soil erosion orprotecting wildlifeenvironmental taxenvironmental tax noun same asecotaxenvironment-friendlyenvironment-friendly adjective sameas environmentally friendlyenvironment protectionenvironment protection noun sameas environmental protection

EnvirowiseEnvirowise /en |�vairəυwaiz/ noun agovernment programme providing adviceto businesses in industry and commerce onimproving efficiency in the use ofresources and reducing wasteenzootic abortionenzootic abortion /�enzəυɒtik ə |

�bɔ�ʃ(ə)n/ noun a virus infection of sheepcausing abortion about two weeks beforelambingenzootic bovine leucosisenzootic bovine leucosis/�enzəυɒtik �bəυvain lu |�kəυsis/ noun ablood cancer disease of cattle. It is a notifi-able disease.enzootic diseaseenzootic disease noun an outbreak ofdisease among certain species of animalsin a certain area. Compare epizooticdiseaseenzootic pneumoniaenzootic pneumonia noun a diseaseof pigs, previously thought to be caused bya virus. Symptoms include coughing andstunted growth. Abbr EPenzymeenzyme noun a protein substanceproduced by living cells which promotes abiochemical reaction in living organisms(NOTE: The names of enzymes mostly endwith the suffix -ase.)

COMMENT: Many different enzymes existin organisms, working in the digestivesystem, metabolic processes and thesynthesis of certain compounds. Somepesticides and herbicides work by inter-fering with enzyme systems or bydestroying them altogether.

EPEP abbreviation enzootic pneumoniaEPAEPA abbreviation 1. EnvironmentalProtection Act 1990 2. EnvironmentalProtection Agencyephemeralephemeral noun a plant or insect thathas a short life cycle and may completeseveral life cycles within a year � Manyweeds are ephemerals.epicarpepicarp /�epikɑ�p/ noun the outer skin ofa fruit. Also called exocarpepidemicepidemic noun 1. an infectious diseasethat spreads quickly through a large part ofthe population � The health authorities aretaking steps to prevent an epidemic ofcholera or a cholera epidemic. 2. a rapidlyspreading infection or disease. � endemic,pandemicepidermisepidermis /�epi |�d��mis/ noun an outerlayer of cells of a plant or animalepiphyteepiphyte /�epifait/ noun a plant thatlives on another plant for physical support,but is not a parasite of it (NOTE: Manyorchids are epiphytes.)


89 essential fatty acidepiphyticepiphytic /�epi |�fitik/ adjective attachedto another plant for support, but not para-siticepisodicepisodic /�epi |�sɒdik/ adjectivehappening sometimes but not regularlyepizoonepizoon /�epi|�zəυɒn/ noun an animalwhich lives on another animalepizootic diseaseepizootic disease /�epizəυɒtik di|

�zi�z/ noun a disease which spreads tolarge numbers of animals over a large area.Compare enzootic diseaseequineequine /�ekwain/ adjective relating tohorseseradicateeradicate verb to remove somethingcompletely � international action to erad-icate glaucomaeradicationeradication /i|�r�di|�keiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1.the complete removal of something 2. thetotal extinction of a specieseradication areaeradication area noun an area fromwhich a particular animal disease is eradi-cated, usually involving the slaughter ofinfected animalsERDPERDP abbreviation England Rural Devel-opment Programmeerect habiterect habit noun the habit of a plantwhich grows upright, and does not lie onthe groundergotergot /��ət/ noun a fungus that growson cereals, especially rye, producing amycotoxin which causes hallucinationsand sometimes death if eaten. Genus:Claviceps.ergotamineergotamine /�� |��ɒtəmi�n/ noun thetoxin that causes ergotismergotismergotism /��ətiz(ə)m/ noun poisoningby eating cereals or bread contaminated byergoterodeerode verb to wear away gradually, or towear something away � The hills havebeen eroded by wind and rain.erosionerosion /i|�rəυ�(ə)n/ noun the wearingaway of soil or rock by rain, wind, sea orrivers or by the action of toxic substances �Grass cover provides some protectionagainst soil erosion.

COMMENT: Accelerated erosion is causedby human activity in addition to the natu-ral rate of erosion. Cleared land indrought-stricken areas can produce drysoil which may blow away. Felling treesremoves the roots which bind the soilparticles together and so exposes thesoil to erosion by rainwater. Ploughingup and down slopes as opposed to con-tour ploughing, can lead to the formationof rills and serious soil erosion.

erucic aciderucic acid /i|�ru�sik ��sid/ noun a fattyacid found in rape oil, which is linked toheart disease. Varieties of oilseed rape withlow erucic acid content are considered thebest.erysipelaserysipelas /�eri|�sipələs/ noun an infec-tious disease mainly affecting pigs and alsoturkeys. In pigs, the symptoms are reddishinflammations on the skin and a high fever.It may cause infertility or abortion andmanifests itself in three forms: acute, sub-acute and chronic. Also called Diamondsdiseaseerythromycinerythromycin /i|�riθrə|�maisin/ noun anantibiotic used to combat bacterial infec-tionsESES abbreviation Environmental Steward-shipESAESA abbreviation Environmentally Sensi-tive AreaEscherichia coliEscherichia coli /�eʃərikiə �kəυlai/noun a Gram-negative bacteriumcommonly found in faeces and associatedwith acute gastroenteritis if it enters thedigestive systems of humans or animalsespalierespalier /i |�sp�liei/ noun 1. a method oftraining a fruit tree, in which its branchesare made to grow flat against a wall orother support. Compare cordon 2. a tree,especially apple or pear, trained in this way

COMMENT: From a vertical trunk pairs ofbranches are usually trained horizontallyabout 50cm apart.

espartoesparto /is|�pɑ�təυ/ noun a species ofgrass which yields fibres used mainly inmaking paper. It originally came fromNorth Africa and Southern Spain.essenceessence noun a concentrated oilextracted from a plant, used in food,cosmetics, analgesics and antiseptics �vanilla essenceessential amino acidessential amino acid noun an aminoacid necessary for growth but whichcannot be synthesised by monogastricanimals and has to be obtained from thefood supply (NOTE: The essential aminoacids are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine,methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryp-tophan, valine, arginine and histidine.)essential fatty acidessential fatty acid noun an unsatu-rated fatty acid essential for growth butwhich cannot be synthesised by the bodyand has to be obtained from the foodsupply. Abbr EFA (NOTE: The two essentialfatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenicacid.)


Essex Saddleback 90

‘Camelina is a fast growing droughttolerant break crop which is spring (oroccasionally winter sown). A few hundredacres are grown yearly for both food andindustrial use, and the oil contains a rangeof essential fatty acids.’ [FarmersGuardian]

Essex Saddleback

Essex Saddleback /�esiks�s�d(ə)lb�k/ noun a breed of pig whichhas been bred with the Wessex Saddlebackto form the British Saddlebackestablish

establish verb 1. to work out or calculatesomething � to establish a position to findout where something is 2. to start or set upsomething � We established routine proce-dures very quickly. � to establish commu-nication to make contact � to establishcontrol to get control 3. to settle or growpermanently � The starling has becomeestablished in all parts of the USA. � Evenestablished trees have been attacked by thedisease.establishedestablished adjective living or growingsuccessfullyestablishment

establishment noun 1. the germinationand emergence of seedlings � There was agood crop establishment. 2. a period whena newly seeded sward is becoming estab-lishedestablishment grant

establishment grant noun an amountof money given to farmers under theEnergy Crops Scheme which covers someof the costs of planting energy cropsestate

estate noun 1. a rural property consistingof a large area of land and a big house 2. aplantationestate village

estate village noun a planned villagebuilt within an estateestimated breeding value

estimated breeding value noun thevalue of an animal, calculated using anestimate of how many offspring it will haveand what they will be worth. Abbr EBV

‘From its foundation the Tyddewi herd hasparticipated in the MLC beef recordingscheme and has an estimated breedingvalue of 31 for sires and 20 for females –the highest figures in the scheme’sdirectory.’ [Farmers Guardian]

estimated transmitting abilityestimated transmitting ability nounthe value of an animal, calculated using anestimate of how many offspring it will haveand how much genetic material it willtransfer to each one. It is equal to half theanimal’s estimated breeding value. AbbrETA

ETET abbreviation embryo transferETAETA abbreviation estimated transmittingabilityetheneethene /�i�θi�n/ noun same as ethyleneethical tradingethical trading noun business practiceswhich are socially responsible and protectthe environment and the rights of workersethnobotanyethnobotany /�eθnəυ |�bɒtəni/ noun thestudy of the way plants are used by humansethologyethology /i�|�θɒləd�i/ noun the study ofthe behaviour of living organismsethyleneethylene /�eθəli�n/ noun a hydrocarbonoccurring in natural gas and ripening fruits.It is used in the production of polytheneand as an anaesthetic. Also called etheneetiolationetiolation /�i�tiə|�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun theprocess by which a green plant grown ininsufficient light becomes yellow andgrows long shootsEUEU abbreviation European Unioneucalyptuseucalyptus /�ju�kə|�liptəs/ noun anAustralian hardwood tree (Eucalyptusspp.) with strong-smelling resin. The treesare quick-growing and often used for affor-estation, but are susceptible to fire.euroeuro noun a unit of currency adopted aslegal tender in several European countriesfrom January 1st, 1999EUROPEUROP /�jυərəp/ noun letters whichmake up the conformation classes in theCarcass Classification SystemEuropean Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee FundEuropean Agricultural Guidanceand Guarantee Fund noun a fund setup to cover the costs of administering theCAP, financed by the European Unionbudget. Abbr EAGGFEuropean Food Safety AuthorityEuropean Food Safety Authoritynoun a consultative body, funded by theEuropean Community, which advises poli-cymakers on health and food safety issues.Abbr EFSAEuropean foul broodEuropean foul brood noun a diseaseaffecting bees that is caused by a bacterialparasite of the Streptococcacaea familythat infests the larvae. Abbr EFBEuropean UnionEuropean Union noun an alliance of 25European countries, originally establishedwith six members in 1957 by the Treaty ofRome. Among its powers are those forenvironmental and agricultural policy in itsmember states. Abbr EU (NOTE: Formerlycalled the European Community or Euro-pean Economic Community.)euthanasiaeuthanasia noun the act of killing a sickanimal in a humane way


91 exoticeutherianeutherian /ju |�θiəriən/ noun a mammalwhose young develop within the wombattached to maternal tissues by a placenta.Subclass: Eutheria. Also called placentalmammaleutrophiceutrophic /ju |�trɒfik/ adjective referringto water which is high in dissolved mineralnutrients. � dystrophic, mesotrophic,oligotrophiceutrophicationeutrophication /�ju�trɒfi|�keiʃ(ə)n/,eutrophy /�ju�trəfi/ noun the process bywhich water becomes full of phosphatesand other mineral nutrients whichencourage the growth of algae and killother organismsevaporateevaporate verb to change from being aliquid to being a vapour, or to change aliquid into a vapour � In the heat of the day,water evaporates from the surface of theearth. � The sun evaporated all the waterin the puddle. Opposite condenseevaporated milkevaporated milk noun milk which hasbeen made thick and rich by evaporatingsome of its water contentevaporationevaporation /i|�v�pə|�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun theprocess of changing from a liquid into avapourevapotranspirationevapotranspiration /i|�v�pəυtr�nspi|

�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun the movement of waterfrom soil through a plant until it is releasedinto the atmosphere from leaf surfacesevapotranspireevapotranspire /i |�v�pəυ |�tr�nspaiə/verb to lose water into the atmosphere byevaporation and transpirationevening primroseevening primrose noun a biennialplant with hairy leaves and seeds thatproduce an oil which is used by the phar-maceutical industryevergreenevergreen adjective referring to a plantwhich has leaves all year round � noun atree or shrub which has leaves all yearround (NOTE: Yew trees and holly are ever-greens.) � compare (all senses) decid-uouseviscerateeviscerate /i |�visəreit/ verb to removethe intestines and offal from a carcasseweewe noun an adult female sheepewe lambewe lamb noun a female lamb less thansix months oldexcavatorexcavator /�ekskəveitə/ noun a largemachine for digging holes, as for layingdrainage pipesexceedexceed verb to be more than expected,needed or allowed � The concentration ofradioactive material in the waste exceededthe government limits. � it is dangerous to

exceed the stated application rate do notapply more than the recommended amountexcessexcess noun an amount or quantitygreater than what is expected, needed orallowed � adjective more than is expected,needed or allowedexcessiveexcessive adjective more than expected,needed or allowed � Excessive ultravioletradiation can cause skin cancer.exclosureexclosure /eks|�kləυ�ə/ noun an areafenced to prevent animals from entering.Compare enclosureexcrementexcrement noun faecesexcretaexcreta /ik |�skri�tə/ plural noun the wastematerial excreted from the body of ananimal, e.g. faeces, urine, droppings orsweatexcreteexcrete verb to pass waste matter out ofthe body � The urinary system separateswaste liquids from the blood and excretesthem as urine. Compare secreteexcretionexcretion /ik |�skri�ʃ(ə)n/ noun thepassing of the waste products of metabo-lism such as faeces, urine, sweat or carbondioxide out of the body. Compare secre-tionexcretion rateexcretion rate noun the rate at which asubstance such as nitrogen is excreted byan animalex-farmex-farm adverb referring to a price for aproduct which does not include transportfrom the farm to the buyer’s warehouseexhausted fallowexhausted fallow noun fallow landwhich is no longer fertileexhaustiveexhaustive adjective complete and thor-ough � an exhaustive reply to the safetyconcerns � an exhaustive search for theinformationexisting chemicalsexisting chemicals plural noun thechemicals listed in the European Inventoryof Existing Commercial ChemicalSubstances between January 1971 andSeptember 1981, a total of over 100,000.Compare new chemicalsExmoor HornExmoor Horn /�eksmɔ� hɔ�n/ noun astock fat sheep, with a broad head, curledhorns and dense fleece. Mainly found onExmoor, the breed has been crossed withthe Devon Longwool to create the DevonClosewool.exocarpexocarp /�eksəυkɑ�p/ noun same asepicarpexoticexotic adjective referring to an organismor species that is not native and has beenintroduced from another place or region �noun an organism or species that is not


exotoxin 92

native to its current environment � alsocalled (all senses) alienexotoxinexotoxin /�eksəυ|�tɒksin/ noun a poisonproduced by bacteria which affects parts ofthe body away from the place of infectionexpanderexpander /ik|�sp�ndə/ noun a devicebehind a mole which widens a drainexperimental farmexperimental farm noun a farm whichis used to experiment with new farmingtechniques, rather than being run as acommercial enterpriseexperimental horticulture stationexperimental horticulture stationnoun an experimental farm which special-ises in plants, rather than livestock. AbbrEHSexperimental husbandry farmexperimental husbandry farm nounan experimental farm which specialises inlivestock, rather than plants. Abbr EHFexploitexploit verb 1. to take advantage of some-thing � Ladybirds have exploited thesudden increase in the numbers of insects.2. to use a natural resource � exploiting thenatural wealth of the forest 3. to treatsomething or someone unfairly forpersonal benefitexploitationexploitation /�eksplɔi|�teiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1.the action of taking advantage of some-thing 2. the utilisation of natural resources3. the unfair use of something or treatmentof someone for personal benefitexportexport /�ekspɔ�t/ noun produce or a cropwhich is sold to a foreign country � verb tosend and sell crops or produce to foreigncountriesexport quotasexport quotas plural noun limits set tothe amount of a type of produce which canbe exportedexport refundsexport refunds plural noun refundsmade by the EU to farmers to compensatefor a lower export price for produceexposedexposed adjective 1. referring to some-thing or someone not covered or hidden 2.not protected from environmental effects �left in an exposed position on the hillsideexposureexposure noun the harmful effect ofhaving no protection from the weather �suffering from exposure after spending anight in the snowextenderextender /ik|�stendə/ noun a food addi-tive which makes the food bigger orheavier without adding to its food valueextensificationextensification /ik|�stensifi |�keiʃ(ə)n/noun 1. the use of less intensive farmingmethods. Compare intensification 2. apayment made to farmers to encouragethem to farm less intensively

COMMENT: Less intensive use of farminginvolves using fewer chemical fertilisers,leaving uncultivated areas at the edgesof fields, reducing sizes of herds of cat-tle, etc. This allows lower yields from thesame area of farmland, which is neces-sary if production levels are too high (asthey are in the EU).

Extensification Payments SchemeExtensification Payments Schemenoun until 2005, a system of paymentsmade to farmers who received paymentsunder the Beef Special Premium Schemeor Suckler Cow Premium Scheme and metspecific stocking densities (NOTE: Nowsuperseded by the Single PaymentScheme.)extensification schemesextensification schemes plural nounpilot schemes for beef cattle and sheepwhich were begun in 1990 to offercompensation to farmers who reducedtheir beef output or the number of sheep byat least 20% and maintained this reductionover a 5 year period. The schemes wereaimed at a less intensive use of land andreduction in use of pesticides and ferti-lisers.extensive agricultureextensive agriculture, extensivefarming noun a way of farming which ischaracterised by a low level of inputs perunit of land. Compare intensive agricul-tureextensive systemextensive system noun a farmingsystem which uses a large amount of landper unit of stock or output � an extensivesystem of pig farming

‘The basic regime will persist when thenew herd is established, as Mr Dugdale isconvinced that low input, extensivesystems are the best way to maximisereturns.’ [Farmers Weekly]

extractextract verb 1. to take something out ofsomewhere � Vanilla essence is extractedfrom an orchid. 2. to produce a substancefrom another � Coconut oil is extractedfrom copra.extractionextraction noun the action of producinga substance out of another � the extractionof sugar from caneextraction rateextraction rate noun the percentage offlour produced as a result of milling grainextremeextreme adjective referring to breeds ofcattle which are traditionally kept for dairyor for meat, and not for a combination ofthe twoeyeeye noun 1. a growth bud which has notdeveloped, e.g. the bud of a potato tuberwhich develops shoots when the tuber is


93 eyespot

planted 2. the instinctive action of asheepdog when working sheepeye-brighteye-bright noun same as ivy-leavedspeedwell

eyespot

eyespot /�aispɒt/ noun a disease ofcereals (Cercosporella herpotrichoides),which causes lesions to form on the stemsurface and grey mould inside the stem.Compare sharp eyespot


FFF symbol FahrenheitFF1 noun (in breeding experiments) the firstgeneration of offspring from a crossbetween two plants or animalsFF1 hybrid noun an animal or plant that isthe result of a cross between two differentplants or animals (NOTE: F1 hybrids can becrossbred to produce F2 hybrids and theprocess can be continued for many gener-ations.)FACFAC abbreviation Food AdvisoryCommitteefactory farmfactory farm noun a farm that usesintensive methods of rearing animalsfactory farmingfactory farming noun a highly intensivemethod of rearing animals characterised bykeeping large numbers of animals indoorsin confined spaces and feeding them proc-essed foods, with the use of drugs tocontrol diseasesfaecalfaecal /�fi�k(ə)l/ adjective referring tofaeces (NOTE: The US spelling is fecal.)faecesfaeces plural noun solid waste matterpassed from the bowels of a human orother animal after food has been eaten anddigested (NOTE: The US spelling is feces.)FagopyrumFagopyrum /�f��əυ |�pairəm/ noun theLatin name for buckwheatFagusFagus /�fei�əs/ noun the Latin name forbeechFahrenheitFahrenheit noun a scale of temperatureson which the freezing and boiling points ofwater are 32° and 212°, respectively.Compare Celsius. Symbol F (NOTE: TheFahrenheit scale is still commonly used inthe USA.)

COMMENT: To convert Fahrenheit tem-peratures to Celsius, subtract 32, multi-ply by 5 and divide by 9. So 68°F is equalto 20°C. As a quick rough estimate, sub-tract 30 and divide by two.

fairfair noun a regular meeting for the sale ofgoods or animals, often with sideshows

and other entertainments. Fairs can bespecialised, e.g. horse fairs or cheese fairs,or can cover all types of farm animals.fair average qualityfair average quality noun the averagequality of agricultural produce based onsamples taken from bulk. Abbr FAQfair tradefair trade noun an international systemwhere food companies agree to payproducers in developing countries a fairprice for their products

‘The scheme is the first initiative to applythe principles of fair trade to the UKmarket for food grown by British farmers.It offers an open trading structure wherethe prices paid to producers must meettheir costs of production, provide themwith a profit, and be guaranteed by awritten contract.’ [Farmers Weekly]

fairy ringfairy ring noun a circle of darkercoloured grass in a pasture, which iscaused by fungifallen stockfallen stock noun dead animalsfalling timefalling time noun the time taken forwheat grain to fall to the bottom of acontainer of water, measured by theHagberg testfallopian tubefallopian tube /fə |�ləυpiən �tju�b/ nounin mammals, a tube that conveys eggs froman ovary to the wombfallowfallow /�f�ləυ/ noun a period when landis not being used for growing crops for aperiod so that nutrients can build up againin the soil or to control weeds � Shiftingcultivation is characterised by short crop-ping periods and long fallows. � adjectivereferring to land that is not being used forgrowing crops for a period � to let land liefallow to allow land to remain withoutbeing cultivated for a periodfallow cropfallow crop noun a crop grown in widelyspaced rows, so that it is possible to hoeand cultivate between the rows


95 Farm Environment Recordfallow cultivationfallow cultivation noun a type of culti-vation in which the period under crops isincreased and the length of the fallow isreducedfallowingfallowing /�f�ləυiŋ/ noun the process ofallowing land to lie fallow for a periodfallow lengthfallow length noun the period of timebetween cultivation periods. As populationdensity increases and land becomes scarce,food supply can be increased by makingthe period under crops longer and thelength of fallow shorter.false seedbedfalse seedbed noun a seedbed preparedto allow weed seeds to germinate. Theseare then killed by cultivation before sowingroot crops.false staggersfalse staggers noun a disease of sheepcaused by maggots which cause inflamma-tion of nostrils and head, making the sheepappear dazedfamilyfamily noun a group of genera which havesome characteristics in common � theplant family Orchidaceae � Tigers andleopards are members of the cat family.(NOTE: Scientific names of families ofanimals end in -idae and those of familiesof plants end in -ae.)family farmfamily farm noun a farm unit which isowned and operated by one familyfaminefamine noun a period of severe shortageof food � When the monsoon failed for thesecond year, the threat of famine becamemore likely.fancy breedfancy breed noun a breed reared fordecoration or show, rather than for produceFAOFAO abbreviation Food and AgricultureOrganizationFAQFAQ abbreviation frequently asked ques-tionsfarmfarm noun 1. an area of land used forgrowing crops and keeping animals toprovide food and the buildings associatedwith it 2. an area of land or water whereparticular animals or crops are raisedcommercially � a fish farm � a butterflyfarm � verb 1. to run a farm 2. to growcrops and keep animals on a particularpiece or size of land � He farms 100 acresin Devon. 3. to raise a particular animal orcrop commercially � He intends to farmsalmon and sea bass.FARMAFARMA abbreviation National Farmer’sRetail and Markets AssociationFarm and Wildlife Advisory GroupFarm and Wildlife Advisory Groupnoun an organisation in the UK which

advises farmers on environmental andconservation issues. Abbr FWAGFarm Animal Welfare CouncilFarm Animal Welfare Council nounan agency established by the Britishgovernment in 1979 to review the welfareof farm animals on agricultural land, atmarkets, in transit and at the place ofslaughter. Abbr FAWCfarm assurancefarm assurance noun a schemewhereby specific criteria are applied inorder to guarantee quality control for farmproducefarm assuredfarm assured adjective produced inaccordance with the quality standards of afarm assurance schemeFarm AssuredFarm Assured noun a UK governmentscheme to inform the public that farmproduce is of good quality according to aset of standards. It is symbolised by a littlered tractor on the packaging.Farm Business SurveyFarm Business Survey noun a surveycarried out by Defra on the financialperformance of different types of farms.Abbr FBSfarm consolidationfarm consolidation /�fɑ�m kən|�sɒli |

�deiʃ(ə)n/ noun the process of joiningsmall plots of land together to form largerfarms or bringing scattered units togetherto form large fieldsfarmedfarmed adjective 1. grown or producedcommercially and not in the wild � farmedsalmon 2. referring to meat from fishgrown in a fish farm or from animals kepton a farm � farmed venisonfarmed deerfarmed deer plural noun deer which areraised on deer farms on land enclosed bydeer-proof barriers, for meat or skins orother by-products, or as breeding stockFarm Environment PlanFarm Environment Plan noun asurvey carried out of all of a farm’s envi-ronmental features, such as its naturalresources, landscape, resident wildlife andpoints of access. Abbr FEP

‘Environmental Stewardship replacesexisting conservation schemes next yearand to join the highest tier, which attractsadditional payments, applicants mustcomplete a Farm Environment Plan (FEP)prior to submitting a claim. An FEP is awhole-farm assessment of all theenvironmental features on the farmincluding biodiversity, historic, woodlandand landscape features.’ [FarmersGuardian]

Farm Environment RecordFarm Environment Record noun abasic plan of a farm describing its land-


farmer-controlled business 96

scape and main features. It is more simplethan a Farm Environment Plan. Abbr FERfarmer-controlled businessfarmer-controlled business noun afarm which is owned and controlled by thefarmer who also manages the land

‘With traditional grain marketingbusinesses under increasing financialpressure from declining tonnages andmargins, the future belongs to wellmanaged farmer controlled businesseswhich adopt a proactive, long-termapproach to marketing and return value tomembers through innovative contracts.’[Farmers Guardian]

farmers’ listfarmers’ list noun a list of veterinarymedicines which can be obtained fromagricultural merchants with a prescriptionfrom a veterinary surgeonfarmer’s lungfarmer’s lung noun a type of asthmacaused by an allergy to rotting hayfarm fragmentationfarm fragmentation /�fɑ�m �fr��mən|

�teiʃ(ə)n/ noun a situation where the fieldsof a farm are scattered over an area, so thatthe holding is not made up of a single unitof land. It can be the result of inheritancepractices where the land of a person whohas died is split between all the children, ofland reclamation schemes where the landis reclaimed piece by piece, or because oldopen-field systems have been kept.farm fresh eggsfarm fresh eggs plural noun term usedin the EU to describe Class A eggsfarm gate pricesfarm gate prices plural noun priceswhich a farmer receives for his or herproducefarmhandfarmhand /�fɑ�mh�nd/ noun a personwho works on a farmfarm health planningfarm health planning noun an officialset of guidelines from Defra forpreventing, managing and treating diseasesin farm animals

‘Prevention was better than cure, makingfarm health planning crucial, saidDEFRA’s chief vet Debby Reynolds at thestrategy’s launch last week. “The UK’sprevious policy of fire-fighting diseaseoutbreaks is no longer an option”, shewarned.’ [Farmers Weekly]

farmingfarming noun running a farm, includingactivities such as keeping animals for saleor for their products and growing cropsfarming communityfarming community noun a group offamilies living near to each other andhaving farming as their main source ofincome

farming systemsfarming systems plural noun differenttypes of farming and methods of cultiva-tion, e.g. shifting cultivation systems, leysystems, systems with permanent uplandcultivation, fallow systems, grazingsystems and systems with perennial cropsfarmlandfarmland noun land on a farm which isused for growing crops or rearing animalsfor foodfarmland birdfarmland bird noun a bird that nests inan agricultural environment. Many aredeclining in numbers because of changesin agricultural practices.farmland bird indicatorfarmland bird indicator noun astandard way of measuring the frequencyof birds found in agricultural areas

‘The farmland bird indicator is calculatedon the breeding populations of 20 species(including skylark, grey partridge andgoldfinch), which have collectivelydeclined by 40% since the mid-1970s.(Delivering the evidence. Defra’s Scienceand Innovation Strategy 2003–06)’

farm managerfarm manager noun a person who runsa farm on behalf of the ownerfarm producefarm produce noun food such as fruit,vegetables, meat, milk and butter, which isproduced on a farmfarm rentfarm rent noun rent paid by a tenantfarmer to a landlord on a regular basis forthe use of the farm holdingfarm-saved seedfarm-saved seed noun seed kept fromthe previous year’s harvest and replantedon the same farm. Also called home-saved seedfarm-scalefarm-scale adjective relating to trials orevaluations carried out on farms usingregular farming practices rather than onsmall experimental plotsfarmscapefarmscape /�fɑ�mskeip/ noun a land-scape dominated by agriculture. Farmlandis the main element in farmscape, thoughnon-agricultural uses may be included.Farm Service AgencyFarm Service Agency noun a govern-ment agency which provides informationand support for farmers in the UnitedStates, part of the USDA. Abbr FSAfarmsteadfarmstead /�fɑ�msted/ noun a farm-house and the farm buildings around itFarm Support SchemeFarm Support Scheme noun Article39 of the Treaty of Rome provides theframework of the Common AgriculturalPolicy. Each member state contributes tothe European Agricultural Guarantee andGuidance Fund. Payments are made forstructural changes under the guidance fund


97 FCR

and much larger payments under the guar-antee section.farm to forkfarm to fork noun the chain of foodsupply, from the farm where it is producedto the consumerfarm trailfarm trail noun a walking trail around afarm which is open to the publicFarm Watch SchemeFarm Watch Scheme noun a schemewhich organises networks of farmers to bein touch with one another and the localpolice to report suspicious activityfarmworkerfarmworker /�fɑ�mw��kə/ noun aperson who works on a farmfarmyardfarmyard noun the area around farmbuildingsfarmyard manurefarmyard manure noun manure formedof cattle excreta mixed with straw, used asa fertiliser. Abbr FYMfarmyard manure spreaderfarmyard manure spreader noun amachine for spreading manure, basically atrailer with a moving floor conveyor and acombined shredding and spreading mecha-nism which distributes the material: thereare two types, the rear ejector and the sidedelivery spreaderFarrand testFarrand test /�f�rənd test/ noun amethod for determining the alpha amylasecontent of milling wheat. The amount ofalpha amylase enzyme present in wheat isimportant for making bread. Excessivealpha amylase in flour results in poorerloaves.farrierfarrier /�f�riə/ noun a person who makesand fits shoes for horses. � blacksmithfarrowingfarrowing /�f�rəυiŋ/ noun the act ofgiving birth to pigletsfarrowing cratefarrowing crate noun a steel framewhich holds the sow during farrowing andhelps to prevent the overlying of the pigletsfarrowing feverfarrowing fever noun a disease of pigscaused by inflammation of the womb. Pigssuffer high temperatures and loss of appe-tite. Also called MMAfarrowing railsfarrowing rails plural noun rails whichprevent the sow from overlying the pigletsfasciationfasciation /�feiʃi|�eiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. anabnormal plant growth in which severalstems become fused together 2. theproduction of several shoots from thecrown of a plant such as a pineapplefascioliasisfascioliasis /fə|�siə|�laiəsis/ noun adisease caused by an infestation of para-sitic liver flukesfatfat noun 1. a white oily substance in thebody of mammals, which stores energyand protects the body against cold (NOTE:

Fat has no plural when it means thesubstance in the body of mammals; theplural fats is used to mean different typesof fat.) 2. a type of food which suppliesprotein and Vitamins A and D, especiallythat part of meat which is white and solidsubstances (like lard or butter) producedfrom animals and used for cooking orliquid substances like oil � adjective refer-ring to an animal which has been reared formeat production and which has reached thecorrect standard for sale in a marketfat classfat class noun the amount of external fatpresent on a beef or sheep carcass, classi-fied from lean (class 1) to very fat (class 5)

‘Although lambs by the high-index sirehad lighter carcasses, a higher proportionwere within the 21kg weight limit. Manyalso earned a bonus for fat class andconformation, with most of them gradingU for conformation.’ [Farmers Weekly]

fat henfat hen noun a weed (Chenopodiumalbum) which affects spring cereals, peasand row crops. Fat hen is found especiallyin rich soils and muck heaps. Also calleddung weed, muck weedfatnessfatness /�f�tnəs/ noun the amount of faton an animalfatstockfatstock /�f�tstɒk/ noun livestockwhich has been fattened for meat produc-tionfattenfatten verb to give animals food so as toprepare them for slaughter � He buyslambs for fattening and then sells them formeat.fattyfatty adjective containing a lot of fat �Fatty foods contribute to the risk of obesity.fatty liverfatty liver, fatty liver syndrome noun acondition in older cows, where the animalabsorbs calcium too slowly and the liver isaffected. Goats are also affected.faultsfaults plural noun the proportion of rottenor diseased items in a quantity of producesoldfaunafauna noun the wild animals and birdswhich live naturally in a specific area.Compare floraFaverolleFaverolle /�f�vərɒl/ noun a breed ofpoultry for table consumptionFAWCFAWC abbreviation Farm Animal WelfareCouncilfawnfawn noun a young deerFBSFBS abbreviation Farm Business SurveyFCEFCE abbreviation feed conversion effi-ciencyFCRFCR abbreviation feed conversion rate


Fe 98FeFe symbol ironfeatherfeather noun an outgrowth of theepidermis on a bird’s body and wingsproviding insulation. The feathers on thewings and those forming the tail are impor-tant in flight. � feathersfeathereatingfeathereating /�feðər |�i�tiŋ/, feather-pecking /�feðə|�pekiŋ/, featherpulling/�feðə |�pυliŋ/ noun the pulling of thefeathers of a bird by another bird

COMMENT: Feathereating occurs in poul-try where the birds are penned up andlack exercise and facilities for scratching.It may also be caused by wrong nutrition.Once the birds start pulling feathers, anoutbreak of cannibalism may occur.

feathersfeathers plural noun the fringes of hairthat some dogs and horses have on theirlegs or tailsfebrilefebrile /�fi�brail/ adjective referring to afeverfebrile diseasefebrile disease noun a disease such asNewcastle disease which is accompaniedby a feverfecesfeces /�fi�si�z/ plural noun US spelling offaecesfecundityfecundity /fi |�k�ndəti/ noun 1. thefertility of a plant or animal 2. a measure-ment of the number of offspring born andreared by a damfeefee noun money paid to a professional fora servicefeedfeed verb 1. to take food � The herd feedshere at dusk. 2. to give food to a person oran animal 3. to provide fertiliser for plantsor soil 4. to supply or add to something �Several small streams feed into the river �noun 1. food given to animals and birds �Traces of pesticide were found in the cattlefeed. 2. fertiliser for plants or soil � Tomatoplants need liquid feed twice a week at thistime of year.feed additivefeed additive noun a supplement addedto the feed of farm livestock, particularlypigs and poultry, to promote growth, e.g.an antibiotic or hormone

‘Weight for weight chlorides are fourtimes more efficient than sulphates atacidifying cows urine. Recently, feedadditives based on chloride (hydrochloricacid mixed with soybean meal) have beenavailable with much improvedpalatability.’ [Dairy Farmer]

feed blockfeed block noun a block of foodstuff leftout in the pasture, especially on hill farms,used by sheep to prevent loss of condition

feed compoundsfeed compounds plural noun a numberof different ingredients including majorminerals, trace elements and vitamins,mixed and blended to provide properlybalanced diets for stockfeed concentratefeed concentrate noun an animal feedwhich has a high food value relative tovolumefeed conversion efficiencyfeed conversion efficiency, feedconversion rate noun the number of kilo-grams of feed required to produce a kilo-gram of weight gain in an animal such as apig. Abbr FCE, FCRfeederfeeder /�fi�də/ noun 1. something whichsupplies or adds to something else of thesame type 2. a container from which live-stock are fed � adjective referring to live-stock which are being fed to be slaughteredfeed grainfeed grain noun a cereal which is fed toanimals and birds, e.g. wheat or maizefeedingfeeding noun the action of givinganimals food to eat (NOTE: Animal welfarecodes lay down rules on when animals andbirds should be fed, especially in relation towhen they are transported or slaughtered.)feeding facefeeding face noun the area allowed toeach animal to feed from under controlledconditions. Each cow needs 150mm offeeding face, or less if continuous access isprovided. This refers to the self-feedingmethod of silage.feedingstufffeedingstuff /�fi�diŋst�f/ noun same asfeedstufffeeding valuefeeding value noun the nutritional valueof feedingstuffsfeed intakefeed intake noun the amount of foodeaten by an animalfeedlotfeedlot /�fi�dlɒt/ noun an area of landwhere livestock are kept at a high density,with small pens in which the animals arefattened. All feed is brought into thefeedlot from outside sources. � chillshelter

COMMENT: A new type of feedlot is anarea of land surrounded by an earthembankment, which protects the cattlefrom cold winds while they are being fedintensively.

feedmillfeedmill /�fi�dmil/ noun a mill forpreparing animal feedfeed offfeed off noun the practice of allowingstock to feed on a crop while it is still in thegroundfeed passagefeed passage noun 1. the rate at whichfeed pass through an animal’s digestivesystem 2. the area in a livestock shed where


99 fertiliser

the feed is placed so that the animals canaccess itfeed preparationfeed preparation noun the milling andcrushing of grain, mixing of the ingredi-ents and making into cubes or pelletsfeed ratiofeed ratio noun the ratio showing theprice of an animal sold on the marketagainst the cost of feeding itfeed refusalfeed refusal noun the amount of allottedfeed that a farm animal does not eat. Thisshould be monitored as it can give an earlyindication that the animal is unwell.feed ringfeed ring noun a circular container forforage, from which livestock can feedfeed stancefeed stance noun an open stall in abuilding where animals can feedfeedstufffeedstuff /�fi�dst�f/ noun food for farmanimals. Also called feedingstufffeed wheatfeed wheat noun wheat which is used asan animal feed, and not for humanconsumption

‘Cereal variety choice for whole crop hasmore often than not been dictated by priceand availability as there has been anassumption that one feed wheat or barleyvariety is pretty much like any other.’[Dairy Farmer]

Feeke’s large scaleFeeke’s large scale /�fi�ks �lɑ�d��skeil/ noun a method of determining thegrowth stage of a crop relying oncomparing plant size and leaf arrangementwhen the plant is young. It is not a veryreliable method and has been replaced byZadoks scale.fellfell noun a high area of open moorland inthe north of England � verb to cut down atreefelling licencefelling licence noun permission fromthe Forestry Commission to fell trees.There are some exceptions to this: e.g.trees in gardens and fruit trees in orchardsdo not need a licence to be felled.femalefemale adjective 1. referring to an animalthat produces ova and bears young 2. refer-ring to a flower which has carpels but notstamens, or a plant that produces suchflowersfenfen /fen/ noun an area of flat marshy land,with plants such as reeds and mossesgrowing in alkaline waterfenbendazolefenbendazole /fen|�bendəzəυl/ noun amedicinal substance used to worm cattlefencefence noun a barrier put round a field,either to mark the boundary or to preventanimals entering or leaving � verb to put afence round an area of land

COMMENT: Various methods are used tofence field boundaries, most commonlywoven wire and wooden fence posts.Movable electric fences are an efficientway of limiting areas of a field for grazingpurposes.

fenlandfenland /�fenl�nd/ noun a large area offlat marshy land with alkaline waterfenland rotationfenland rotation noun a system of croprotation developed on the Fens of EastAnglia, using potatoes, sugar beet andwheat in rotationfennelfennel noun an aromatic herb (Foenic-ulum vulgare) of Mediterranean origin,used to flavour fish dishes and soupsFEPFEP abbreviation Farm Environment PlanFEPAFEPA /�fepə/ abbreviation Food and Envi-ronmental Protection ActFERFER abbreviation Farm EnvironmentRecordfermentferment verb to produce alcohol and heatunder the effect of yeastfermentationfermentation /�f��men |�teiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process whereby carbohydrates arebroken down by enzymes from yeast andproduce heat and alcohol. In makingsilage, fermentation is essentially thebreaking down of carbohydrates andproteins by aerobic and then anaerobicbacteria.fertilefertile adjective 1. referring to an animalor plant that is able to produce offspring bysexual reproduction. Opposite sterile 2.referring to soil with a high concentrationof nutrients that is able to produce goodcropsfertilisationfertilisation /�f��tilai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/, fertili-zation noun the joining of an ovum and asperm to form a zygote and so start thedevelopment of an embryofertilisefertilise /�f��təlaiz/, fertilize verb 1. (of asperm) to join with an ovum 2. (of a male)to make a female pregnant 3. to put ferti-liser on crops or soilfertiliserfertiliser /�f��təlaizə/, fertilizer noun achemical or natural substance spread andmixed with soil to stimulate plant growth

COMMENT: Organic materials used as fer-tilisers include manure, slurry, rottedvegetable waste, bonemeal, fishmealand seaweed. Inorganic fertilisers suchas powdered lime or sulphur are alsoused. In commercial agriculture, artifi-cially prepared fertilisers (manufacturedcompounds containing nitrogen, potas-sium and other chemicals) are mostoften used, but if excessive use of themis made, all the chemicals are not taken


fertiliser distributor 100

up by plants and the excess is leachedout of the soil into ground water or riverswhere it may cause algal bloom.

fertiliser distributor

fertiliser distributor noun a machineused to spread fertiliserfertility

fertility noun 1. the state of being fertile2. the proportion of eggs which developinto young 3. a measure of the ability of afemale to conceive and produce young orof the male to fertilise the female (NOTE:The opposite is sterility.)fescuefescue /�feskju�/ noun a common namefor about 100 species of grasses, includingmany valuable pasture and fodder speciesfetlock

fetlock /�fetlɒk/ noun the thicker backpart of a horse’s leg near the hoof (NOTE:The thin part between the fetlock and thehoof is called the pastern.)fetusfetus /�fi�təs/ noun another spelling offoetusFFBFFB abbreviation Food From Britainfibrefibre noun 1. a long narrow plant cell withthickened walls that forms part of a plant’ssupporting tissue, especially in the outerregion of a stem 2. a hair, e.g. of a rabbit orgoatfibrous

fibrous /�faibrəs/ adjective made of amass of fibresfibrous rooted plantsfibrous rooted plants plural nounplants with roots which are masses of tinythreads, with no major roots like tap rootsfield

field noun 1. an area of land, usuallysurrounded by a fence or hedge, used forgrowing crops or for pasture 2. an area ofinterest or activity � He specialises in thefield of environmental health.

COMMENT: Some older types of field canstill be seen in the UK. Celtic fields aresmall rectangular fields, mainly on chalkuplands, surrounded by banks and walls,dating back to as early as the 6th centuryB. C. Open fields with large furrowswere used by the Saxons who had heav-ier ploughs and divided the fields intostrips, separated by banks of turf or wallsof stone. Enclosure fields are rectangu-lar fields with regular hedgerows, formedafter the enclosures of the 16th to 18thcenturies. In recent years the removal ofmany field boundaries in the interest offarm consolidation has led to an increasein the size of the average British field.Hedges have been removed to allowlarge farm machinery to be used moreeconomically, and the loss of hedgerowshas had a marked effect on the wildlife inthe countryside.

field beansfield beans plural noun used for stockfeeding, or for producing broad beans,which are the immature seeds used forhuman consumption. Field beans areusually grown as a break crop. � broadbeanfield bindweedfield bindweed noun a deep-rootedperennial weed (Convolvulus arvensis)which causes great problems because of itsmass of clinging growthsfield bookfield book noun an annual record of fieldutilisation and other operations, kept on afarmfield capacityfield capacity noun the maximumpossible amount of water remaining in thesoil after excess water has drained awayfield cropfield crop noun a crop grown over a widearea, e.g. most agricultural crops and somemarket-garden cropsfield drainagefield drainage noun building drains inor under fields to remove surplus waterfield-grownfield-grown noun referring to a cropwhich is grown in a field as opposed to in agreenhousefield observationfield observation noun an examinationmade in the open air, looking at organismsin their natural habitat, as opposed to in alaboratoryfield pansyfield pansy noun a widespread flower(Viola arvensis) increasingly found inwinter crops, especially cereals. Alsocalled corn pansy, love-in-idleness,cats’ facesfield trialfield trial noun a trial that tests the abilityof a crop variety to perform under normalcultivation conditionsfigfig noun a tree (Ficus spp) with soft sweetfruit with many small seeds, grown mainlyin Mediterranean countriesfilamentfilament /�filəmənt/ noun the stalk of astamen, carrying an antherfilbertfilbert /�filbət/ noun the Kentish cob, acommercially grown hazel-like nut(Corylus maxima)fill-bellyfill-belly noun feed which fills theanimal’s stomach, without providing anyuseful nutrientsfillyfilly /�fili/ noun a young female horse(NOTE: A filly is so called for a year or so,after which she becomes a ‘mare’.)fine grainsfine grains plural noun high qualitygrains such those of a wheat and rice.Compare coarse grainsfineness countfineness count /�fainnəs �kaυnt/ nouna scale used to assess the fineness of woolfibres


101 flaked maizefine woolfine wool noun wool of very good qualityfinger and toefinger and toe noun same as club rootfingersfingers plural noun pieces of metal whichproject from and are attached to the cutterbar of a binder, mower or harvester. Theknives pass across the fingers, cutting thegrass or cereal crop as they do so.finger wheel swath turnerfinger wheel swath turner noun amachine used for rakingfinishfinish verb to feed cattle or sheep at a rateof growth which increases the ratio ofmuscle to bone, and increases the propor-tion of fatty tissue in the carcass to a levelat which the animal is considered to be fitfor slaughter � noun the furrow left at theedge of a ploughed fieldfinishingfinishing noun the action of feedingcattle or sheep until they are ready forslaughterfinishing rationfinishing ration noun feed given toanimals to prepare them for slaughter � Afinishing ration includes silage, beet pulpand by-products such as outsize carrots.FinncattleFinncattle /fin |�k�t(ə)l/ noun a breed ofdairy cattle derived from three Finnishbreeds. The animals are medium-sized andbrown.Finnish AyrshireFinnish Ayrshire /�finiʃ �eəʃə/ noun abreed of cattle found in northern Finland,which is similar to the Ayrshire and mainlyreared for milkfirfir noun a common evergreen coniferoustree. Genus: Abies.fir conefir cone noun a hard oval or round struc-ture on a fir tree containing the seeds(NOTE: The term is sometimes applied tothe cones of other trees such as pines.)fireblightfireblight /�faiəblait/ noun a disease ofapples and pears, which is characterised bydead flowers and branches. It is caused bythe bacterium Erwinia amylovora.firebreakfirebreak /�faiəbreik/ noun an area keptfree of vegetation, so that a fire cannot passacross and spread to other parts of theforest or heathfirmfirm adjective solid � The soil is firm andnot too crumbly. � verb to make cultivatedsoil solid, before sowing � A roller is usedto firm the soil.first calf heiferfirst calf heifer noun a heifer which hasborne its first calffirst calverfirst calver noun a cow which hasproduced its first calffishfish noun a cold-blooded vertebrate thatlives in water (NOTE: Some species areeaten for food. Fish are high in protein,

phosphorus, iodine and vitamins A and D.White fish have very little oil.)fisheryfishery noun 1. the commercial activityof catching fish 2. an area of sea where fishare caught � The boats go each year to therich fisheries off the north coast.fish farmfish farm noun a place where edible fishare bred or reared in special pools for saleas foodfish farmingfish farming noun the commercialactivity of keeping fish in ponds or fencedareas of the sea for sale as food. Also calledaquaculture, aquafarming, aquiculturefishmealfishmeal /�fiʃmi�l/ noun a powder ofdried fish, used as an animal feed or as afertiliserFISSFISS abbreviation Food Industry Sustain-ability Strategyfive freedoms, thefive freedoms, the plural noun a set ofguidelines which should be consideredwhen looking after the welfare of farmanimals (NOTE: The five freedoms are:freedom from hunger or thirst; freedomfrom discomfort; freedom from pain, injuryor disease; freedom to express normalbehaviour; and freedom from fear anddistress.)

‘Over the past 18 months, Dairy Crest hasintroduced its own farm assured milkscheme, encompassing the five freedomsof animal welfare in a code of practice.’[Farmers Guardian]

fixationfixation noun the act of fixing something.� nitrogen fixationfixed costsfixed costs plural noun costs such asrent which do not increase with the quan-tity of a product producedflailflail noun 1. a wooden hand tool used forbeating grain to separate the seeds from thewaste parts 2. a type of hedgecutter, withrapidly turning cutting arms � verb to beatgrain with a flailflail forage harvesterflail forage harvester noun a type offorage harvester which uses a high-speedflail rotor. The cut crop passes through avertical chute and is discharged into atrailer.flail mowerflail mower noun a mowing machinewith a high-speed rotor fitted withswinging flails which cut the grass andleave it bruised in a fluffy swathflaked maizeflaked maize /�fleikd �meiz/ noun atype of animal feedingstuff made frommaize which has been treated with steam,rolled and dried. It is highly digestible, richin starch and often given to pigs.


flat deck piggery 102flat deck piggeryflat deck piggery noun a piggery usedfor rearing weaned piglets from betweentwo and eight weeks of age. It has a meshfloor, self-feed hoppers and controlledheating and ventilation.flat rate feedingflat rate feeding noun a system offeeding concentrates to dairy cows,involving few changes to the level ofconcentrate input. It lasts from calving toturnout.flattenflatten, flatten out verb 1. to become flator make something flat 2. to make plantslie flat on the ground � The stems are flat-tened by a roller-crusher. � Harvesting isdifficult after the entire crop has been flat-tened by rain.flatwormflatworm /�fl�tw��m/ noun a worm witha flat body, a single gut opening and nocirculatory system. Phylum: Platy-helminthes. (NOTE: Flatworms include bothfree-living species and parasites such asflukes and tapeworms.)flaxflax /fl�ks/ noun the linseed plantflaxseedflaxseed /�fl�kssi�d/ noun seed from theflax plant, crushed to produce linseed oilfleaflea noun a small jumping insect whichlives as a parasite on animals, sucking theirblood and possibly spreading disease.Order: Siphonaptera. (NOTE: Historically,bubonic plague was spread by fleas.)flea beetleflea beetle noun a small dark beetlewhich causes damage to Brassica seed-lings, especially during hot dry weatherbetween April and mid-Mayfleecefleece noun a coat of wool covering asheep or goat � verb to shear a sheep, to cutthe fleece off an animal

COMMENT: The fleece is both the woolgrowing on the animal and the woolwhich has been cut off, usually in onepiece, when shearing.

fleecedfleeced adjective covered with a coat ofwoolflex-fuelflex-fuel adjective referring to a vehiclewhich is designed to run on petrol, analcohol-based fuel such as ethanol or anycombination of the twofliesflies plural of flyflight feathersflight feathers plural noun the mainfeathers on a bird’s wing, properly calledthe ‘primaries’flightless birdflightless bird noun a bird which hassmall wings and cannot fly, e.g. an ostrichor a penguinflightsflights plural noun same as flightfeathers

flintflint noun a hard stone of nearly puresilica, found in lumps in chalk soils

COMMENT: Sharp-edged flints of varioussizes found in some calcareous soils arevery wearing on farm implements andtractor tyres; they can also cause dam-age to machinery if they are picked upduring harvesting. Flints are very durableand are used to form a weather-resistantfacing to farm buildings and walls.

flixweedflixweed /�flikswi�d/ noun a commonannual weed (Descurainia sophia)floatfloat noun same as Dutch harrowflocculationflocculation /�flɒkjυ|�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun thegrouping of small particles of soil togetherto form larger ones � The flocculation ofparticles is very important in making claysoils easy to work.flockflock noun a large group of birds or somefarm animals such as sheep and goats � aflock of geese � a flock of sheep (NOTE: Theword used for a group of cattle, deer or pigsis herd.)flock bookflock book noun a record of the pedigreeof a particular breed of sheep or goat, keptby the breed societyflockmasterflockmaster /�flɒkmɑ�stə/ noun a farmworker in charge of a flock of sheep orgoatsflock matingflock mating noun a mating systemwhich uses several males to mate with thefemales of a flockfloodflood noun a large amount of watercovering land that is usually dry, caused byphenomena such as melting snow, heavyrain, high tides or storms � verb to coverdry land with a large amount of water �The river bursts its banks and floods thewhole valley twice a year in the rainyseason.flood irrigationflood irrigation noun a method of irri-gation using water brought down by a riverin flood. The floodwaters are led off intospecially prepared basins. � basin irriga-tionflood plainflood plain noun a wide flat part of thebottom of a valley which is usually coveredwith water when the river floodsfloodwaterfloodwater /�fl�dwɔ�tə/ noun water thatspreads uncontrolled onto land that isusually dry � After the floodwater recededthe centre of the town was left buried inmud.floraflora noun the wild plants that grow natu-rally in a specific area. Compare faunafloralfloral adjective referring to plants orflowers


103 fodder beetfloretfloret /�flɒrət/ noun a little flower thatforms part of a larger flower headflourflour noun a soft fine powder made fromground cereal grains, and used for makingbread

COMMENT: Flour is made by grindinggrain, and removing impurities. Whiteflour is flour which has had all bran andgerm removed: the best quality of whiteflour is patent flour, which is very fine.Self-raising flour is white flour with bak-ing powder added. Brown flour is notrefined, and still contains the wheat germand parts of the bran: if it contains all thegrain, it is called ‘wholemeal’ and if itcontains most of the grain it is ‘wheat-meal’. Some expensive flours are ‘stone-ground’, that is they are made in the tra-ditional way with millstones.

flour cornflour corn noun a variety of maize withlarge soft grains and friable endosperm,making it easy to grind to flourflourishflourish verb to live or grow well andincrease in numbers � The colony ofrabbits flourished in the absence of anypredators.flouryfloury /�flaυri/ adjective soft andpowdery, like flourfloury potatoesfloury potatoes plural noun varieties ofpotato which, when cooked, turn easilyinto flourflowerflower noun the reproductive part of aseed-bearing plant (NOTE: Some flowersare brightly coloured to attract pollinatinginsects and birds and usually consist ofprotective sepals and bright petalssurrounding the stamens and stigma.Many are cultivated for their colour andperfume.)flowers of sulphurflowers of sulphur noun powderedsulphur, which is used to dust on plants toprevent mildewflukefluke noun a parasitic flatworm (NOTE:Flukes may settle inside the liver, blood-stream or in other parts of the body.)fluoridefluoride noun a chemical compound offluorine, usually with sodium, potassiumor tin

COMMENT: Fluorides such as hydrogenfluoride are emitted as pollutants fromcertain industrial processes and canaffect plants, especially citrus fruit, byreducing chlorophyll. They also affectcattle by reducing milk yields. On theother hand, sodium fluoride will reducedecay in teeth and is often added todrinking water or to toothpaste. In someareas, the water contains fluoride natu-rally and here fluoridation is not carried

out. Some people object to fluoridation,although tests have proved thatinstances of dental decay are fewer inareas where fluoride is present in drink-ing water.

fluorosisfluorosis /flɔ�|�rəυsis/ noun a conditioncaused by excessive fluoride in drinkingwater or food. It causes discoloration of theteeth and affects the milk yields of cattle.(NOTE: It causes discoloration of teeth andaffects the milk yields of cattle.)flushflush noun a rapid growth of grassflushing ewesflushing ewes plural noun ewes broughtinto good condition prior to breeding,usually by improving their dietflyfly noun a general term for a small insectwith two wings, of the order Diptera. Someflies cause diseases of plants (the frit fly)and some harm animals (the gadfly).fly blownfly blown adjective referring to a fleeceladen with maggot-fly eggsflying flockflying flock noun a flock of sheepimported onto a farm for a time, normallyfor less than a year, and then soldfly strikefly strike noun a serious condition causedby maggots breeding on the animal’s hind-quarters. It can quickly cause death fromshock.fly-tippingfly-tipping noun the dumping of rubbishsomewhere other than at an official site

‘A quarter of all farms in England andWales have experienced fly-tipping ontheir land in recent years. The totalquantity of waste tipped in 2001 wasestimated at 600000 tons. (AgriculturalWaste: Opportunities for Change.Information from the Agricultural WasteStakeholders’ Forum)’

FMAFMA abbreviation Fertiliser Manufac-turers AssociationFMDFMD abbreviation foot-and-mouth diseasefoalfoal noun a young horse of either sex in itsfirst year � mare in-foal pregnant mare �verb to produce an offspringfoalingfoaling noun the act of giving birth to afoalfodderfodder, fodder crop noun plant materialor a crop which is grown to give to animalsas food, e.g. grass or clover � winter fodderfodder beetfodder beet noun a root crop bred fromsugar beet and mangolds, usually grownafter cereals and used to feed stock

‘Cattle are in-wintered on a diet based onfodder beet, maize silage, and distillers’dark grains. Big bale straw is dumped inthe pens, the cattle taking what they need


fodder radish 104

for feed and spreading the rest.’[Farmers Guardian]

fodder radishfodder radish noun a type of brassicagrown primarily for use as a green foddercropfodder storagefodder storage noun the storing offodder for use in winter. Buildings used forstoring fodder may be of the simple Dutchbarn type, and can be built cheaply usingpoles and a galvanised iron roof.FoEFoE abbreviation Friends of the Earthfoetalfoetal /�fi�t(ə)l/ adjective referring to afoetusfoetusfoetus noun an unborn animal in thewomb at the stage when all the structuralfeatures are visible, i.e. after eight weeks inhumans (NOTE: The usual scientific spellingis ‘fetus’, although ‘foetus’ is common innon-technical British English usage.)foggagefoggage /�fɒ�id�/ noun 1. a wintergrazing of cattle on non-ryegrass swards 2.grass which has been left standing toprovide winter grazing for sheep and cattlefoldfold noun a moveable enclosure, made ofhurdles or of electric wire fencing, used tokeep cattle or sheep in a certain place �verb to put sheep into a foldfolded sheepfolded sheep noun sheep kept inmovable folds, as a means of controllingtheir grazingfoldlandfoldland /�fəυldlənd/ noun formerly, anarea of land allotted to each manor for thepurpose of grazing the manor’s sheepfoliagefoliage noun the leaves on plants � In aforest, animals are hard to see through thethick foliage on the trees.foliarfoliar /�fəυliə/ adjective referring toleavesfoliar sprayfoliar spray noun a method of applyingpesticides or liquid nutrients as droplets toplant leaves � needs weekly foliar sprays

‘Other features include effective activityin wet or dry soils, highly systemic activitymaking it suitable for application as afoliar spray, drench, or in drip irrigation, afavourable safety profile and rapiddegradation under field conditions.’[Arable Farming]

folic acidfolic acid /�fəυlik ��sid/ noun a vitaminin the vitamin B complex found in milk,liver, yeast and green plants such asspinachfolliclefollicle /�fɒlik(ə)l/ noun 1. the smallstructure in the skin from which each hairdevelops 2. one of many small structures inthe ovaries where egg cells develop

followersfollowers /�fɒləυəz/ plural noun youngcows in a dairy herd which are not yet inmilk, and are being reared to replace theolder stock � noun cattle put to graze apasture after another group of animals hasused it. � leaderfollowing cropfollowing crop noun a crop sown by atenant farmer before leaving the farm at theend of his tenancy. The tenant farmer ispermitted to return and harvest the cropand remove it.foodfood noun 1. the nutrient material eatenby animals for energy and growth 2. thenutrient material applied to plants as ferti-liserFood Advisory CommitteeFood Advisory Committee noun aUK agency which advises ministers onmatters relating to the labelling, composi-tion and safety of food. Abbr FACFood and Agriculture OrganizationFood and Agriculture Organiza-tion noun an international organisationthat is an agency of the United Nations. Itwas established with the purpose ofimproving standards of nutrition and erad-icating malnutrition and hunger. Abbr FAOFood and Environmental Protection Act, 1986Food and Environmental Protec-tion Act, 1986 noun legislation whichbrings the use of agrochemicals under stat-utory control, as opposed to the previousvoluntary arrangement. Abbr FEPAFood and Veterinary OfficeFood and Veterinary Office noun acommittee working for the EuropeanCommission whose job it is to advise onpolicy in the food safety and quality, veter-inary and plant health sectors. Abbr FVOfood balancefood balance noun the balance betweenfood supply and the demand for food froma populationfoodborne diseasesfoodborne diseases /�fu�dbɔ�n di |

�zi�ziz/ plural noun diseases which aretransmitted from feedstufffood chainfood chain noun a series of organismsthat pass energy and minerals from one toanother as each provides food for the next(NOTE: The first organism in the food chainis the producer and the rest areconsumers.)

COMMENT: Two basic types of food chainexist: the grazing food chain and thedetrital food chain, based on plant-eatersand detritus-eaters respectively. In prac-tice, food chains are interconnected,making up food webs.

food colouringfood colouring noun a substance usedto colour foodfood cropfood crop noun a plant grown for food


105 forage feedingFood From BritainFood From Britain noun a trade organ-isation which specialises in marketingBritish food abroad. Abbr FFBfood grainfood grain noun a cereal crop used asfood for humans, e.g. wheat, barley or ryefood hygienefood hygiene noun the series of actionstaken to ensure clean, healthy conditionsfor the handling, storing and serving offoodFood Industry Sustainability StrategyFood Industry SustainabilityStrategy noun a set of policies topromote sustainable development, forproducers and suppliers at each point alongthe food supply chain. Abbr FISSfood milefood mile noun a measure of the distancethat food is transported from its place oforigin to the consumer

‘Every product carries a label stating howmany food miles it has travelled, even ifthe distance is quite alarming. Forexample, the fishmonger stocks tuna,because he kept being asked for it. But itcomes with a sign pointing out that it hastravelled about 4000 miles to the stall.’[Farmers Weekly]

food poisoningfood poisoning noun an illness causedby eating food that is contaminated withbacteriafood processing industryfood processing industry noun theindustry involved in the treating of rawmaterials to produce foodstuffsfood pyramidfood pyramid noun a chart of a foodchain showing the number of organisms ateach levelfood safetyfood safety noun the issues surroundingthe production, handling, storage andcooking of food that determine whether ornot it is safe to eatFood Safety Act 1990Food Safety Act 1990 noun legisla-tion which sets hygiene standards for foodproducers and suppliersFood Standards AgencyFood Standards Agency noun aBritish government agency set up in 2000to offer advice on food safety and quality.Abbr FSAfoodstufffoodstuff /�fu�dst�f/ noun somethingthat can be used as food � cereals, vegeta-bles and other foodstuffsfood supplyfood supply noun 1. the production offood and the way in which it gets to theconsumer 2. a stock of food � The ants willvigorously defend their food supply.food valuefood value noun the amount of energyproduced by a specific amount of a type offood

food webfood web noun a series of food chainsthat are linked together in an ecosystem

‘Researchers, conservationists andfarmers have accepted that pesticidesdisrupt food webs by removing non-targetplants and insects, and that this affectsfarmland bird populations.’ [FarmersGuardian]

fool’s parsleyfool’s parsley noun a species ofhemlock (Aethusa cynapium) which lookslike parsley. It is not a common source ofpoisoning in animals.foot-and-mouth diseasefoot-and-mouth disease noun adisease of livestock, especially animalswith cloven hooves, characterised by feverand ulcerating cysts. Abbr FMDfootbathfootbath /�fυtbɑ�θ/ noun 1. a troughcontaining disinfectant through whichsheep or cattle are driven to prevent or curevarious diseases such as foot rot 2. ashallow container containing disinfectantin which a person walks to disinfect shoesor bootsfootpathfootpath noun a route along whichpeople walk on foot but along which vehi-cles are not permitted � Long-distancefootpaths have been created through themountain regions.foot rotfoot rot noun a disease of the horny partsand the soft tissue of feet of sheep. Itoccurs particularly in wet marshy andbadly-drained pastures, and is causedprimarily by the organism Fusiformisnecrophorus and sometimes Fusiformisnodosus. It makes sheep lame.forageforage noun a crop planted for animals toeat in the field � verb to look for food � Thewoodpecker forages in the forest canopyfor insects.

COMMENT: Forage crops are highlydigestible and palatable, and are eithervery quick growing or very high-yielding.They have the advantage that, whethergrazed or harvested and stored, theyprovide feed at times when grass growthis poor. There are a number of differenttypes of forage harvester. Trailed har-vesters can be power take-off or engine-driven. Self-propelled machines arebecoming more widely used. After thecrop is cut, it is either chopped or lacer-ated and loaded into a trailer.

forage boxforage box noun a large movablecontainer used mainly to transport foragefrom a silo to a troughforage feedingforage feeding noun the practice ofcutting herbage from a sward or foliage


forage harvester 106

from other crops for feeding fresh toanimalsforage harvesterforage harvester noun a machinewhich cuts, chops and loads green cropssuch as lucerne into a trailer, to make silage(NOTE: There are three main groups offorage harvester. Precision-chopmachines are used for short cut materialwhich gives better clamp fermentation.Double-chop machines cut the crop twice.Single-chop machines use a flail to cut thecrop and produce a chop length of 150mmand above. Two different types of thismachine are in use: the in-line, directlybehind the tractor, and the off-set whichallows a field to be cut round and round.)forage maizeforage maize noun maize grown forensilageforage wagonforage wagon noun a mobile containerwith a pick-up attachment used forcollecting and carrying cut forageforelegforeleg noun one of the two front legs ofan animal, as opposed to the hind legsforestforest noun 1. an area of land greater than0.5 ha, 10% of which is occupied by trees� The whole river basin is covered withtropical forest. 2. same as plantation �verb to manage a forest, by cutting wood asnecessary, and planting new treesforestedforested adjective referring to landwhich is covered with forestforesterforester /�fɒristə/ noun a person whomanages woodland and plantations of treesforest floorforest floor noun the ground at the baseof the trees in a forestforestryforestry noun the management of forests,woodlands and plantations of treesForestry CommissionForestry Commission noun a UKgovernment agency responsible for themanagement of state-owned forestsforget-me-notforget-me-not noun a widespread weed(Myosotis arvensis) found in all soils,especially near woodlandforkfork noun a common hand implement forturning over soil, and lifting out weeds(NOTE: Forks have four square prongs eachsharpened to a point. Forks with flatprongs are used for lifting potatoes. Larger,five-pronged forks with round curvedprongs, are used for spreading manure.) �verb to dig ground with a fork � to fork abed over to dig a whole bed using a fork �to fork manure in to spread manure witha fork, turning the soil over to cover itformulationformulation /�fɔ�mjυ |�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun theform in which a pesticide is sold for use. �

diet formulation (NOTE: Most pesticidesare not soluble in water and have to beformulated so they can be mixed andapplied as liquids. They are supplied asemulsions, wettable powders etc. whichcan be mixed with water.)fortifiedfortified adjective with something addedto make strongerfortified foodfortified food noun food with vitaminsor proteins added to make it more nutri-tionalfortified winefortified wine noun wine such as sherryor port with extra alcohol addedforwardforward adjective earlier than usual ortoo early � verb to improve or send onsomethingforward creep grazingforward creep grazing noun a grazingmethod in which grassland which has beenallocated to ewes and lambs during thefattening period, is divided into paddocks,each separated by portable fencing. As onearea is finished, the fencing is moved toallow the animals to move to the next.foul of the footfoul of the foot noun a disease of cattlecaused by damage to the cleft of the hoofand invasion by a germ (Fusiformis necro-phorus)founder cropfounder crop noun a crop that was oneof the earliest to be used and developed byhumans, e.g. wheat, barley, lentils andchickpeasfour-course rotationfour-course rotation noun same asNorfolk rotationfour tooth sheepfour tooth sheep noun a sheep which is18–21 months of agefour-wheel drive vehiclefour-wheel drive vehicle noun avehicle in which the power is transmittedto all four wheels, as opposed to only onepair of wheels as is usual in carsfowlfowl noun a bird, especially a hen, raisedon a farm for food. � waterfowlfowl pestfowl pest noun a viral disease ofchickensfowl poxfowl pox noun a viral disease in whichwart-like nodules appear on the comb,wattles, eyelids and openings of thenostrils of fowlsfowl sickfowl sick adjective referring to landwhich has become infested with parasitesas a result of having been used for free-range hens for too long a period of timefoxfox noun a carnivorous canine predator(Vulpes vulpes) with red fur and a largebushy tail


107 frostfoxglovefoxglove /�fɒks�l�v/ noun a commonweed (Digitalis purpurea). The plant ispoisonous and harmful to animals.foxtail milletfoxtail millet /�fɒkstail �milit/ noun thefirst cereal to be cultivated in China. It isused for silage, hay, brewing and flour inmany parts of the world, and in Britain it isused as birdseed.frameframe noun the main part of a plough, towhich the ploughshare and mouldboard areattachedFraxinusFraxinus /�fr�ksinəs/ noun the Latinname for the ash treefreefree adjective not attached, confined orcontrolled � verb to release something orsomeone from constraintFreedom FoodFreedom Food noun an RSPCAscheme which sets out guidelines for thewelfare of livestock, and labels food whichcomes from participating suppliersfreeholdfreehold /�fri�həυld/ noun the absoluteright to hold land or property for an unlim-ited time without paying rent. Compareleaseholdfreeholderfreeholder /�fri�həυldə/ noun a personwho holds a freehold property. Compareleaseholderfreehold propertyfreehold property noun propertywhich the owner holds in freeholdfreemartinfreemartin /�fri� |�mɑ�tin/ noun a femalecalf produced when a male and femaleembryo share a uterus. The production oftestosterone from the testes of the maleembryo causes the reproductive system ofthe female embryo to be effectively mascu-linised.free-range eggsfree-range eggs plural noun eggs fromhens that are allowed to run about in theopen and eat more natural foodfree-running sleevefree-running sleeve noun a loosesleeve fitted over shafts to stop clothingbecoming entangled by riding on the shaftif contact is made, e.g., on manure spreaderbeater drive shaftsfreestonefreestone /�fri�stəυn/ adjective refer-ring to varieties of peach where the fleshdoes not cling to the stone. Compare cling-stonefreeze dryingfreeze drying noun a method ofpreserving food or tissue specimens byfreezing rapidly and drying in a vacuumfreezerfreezer noun an appliance for preservingperishable items by keeping them at a verylow temperatureFrench beanFrench bean noun a common greenvegetable (Phaseolus vulgaris). The beans

grow on dwarf bush plants, and are grownfor sale fresh or for processing as canned,frozen or dried vegetables. Some areharvested as a dried seed crop, for saledried as haricot beans, or for processing(e.g. into baked beans).French nettleFrench nettle noun same as red dead-nettlefrequently asked questionsfrequently asked questions noun adocument that contains common questionsand their answers related to a particularsubject � Consult the Defra website for alist of FAQs on the new payment scheme.Abbr FAQfreshfresh adjective not tinned or frozen �Fresh fish is less fatty than tinned fish.friablefriable /�fraiəb(ə)l/ adjective referring tosomething such as soil which is light andcrumbles easily into fragmentsFriends of the EarthFriends of the Earth noun a pressuregroup formed to influence local and centralgovernments on environmental matters.Abbr FoEFriesianFriesian /�fri�ziən/ noun a breed of blackand white dairy cattle, famous for its veryhigh milk yields

COMMENT: There are three main types ofFriesian recognised today: the DutchFriesian, the British Friesian and the Hol-stein-Friesian, which is the North Ameri-can type. The Friesian is the mostimportant breed in British dairy herds.

FrieslandFriesland /�fri�zlənd/ noun a breed ofsheep whose milk is used in the productionof soft cheese and yoghurtfrit flyfrit fly /�frit flai/ noun a small black fly(Oscinella frit) that attacks wheat, maizeand oatsfritsfrits /frits/ plural noun trace elementsfused with silica to form glass. This iscrushed into small pieces for distributionon the soil.frogfrog noun 1. the part of a plough to whichthe mouldboard and share are attached 2. atough flexible pad in the middle of the soleof a horse’s hooffrondfrond noun a large compound leaf,divided into many sections, such as thatfound on ferns and palm treesfrostfrost noun 1. a deposit of crystals of iceon surfaces 2. freezing weather when thetemperature is below the freezing point ofwater. Frost may lead to a deposit of crys-tals of ice on surfaces. � There was a frostlast night. � frost-hardy plant a plantwhich is able to withstand frost � frost-


frost pocket 108

tender plant a plant which is killed byfrostfrost pocketfrost pocket, frost hollow noun a low-lying area where cold air collects. Cropswhich are susceptible to frost should not beplanted in such areas.fructosefructose /�fr�ktəυs/ noun fruit sugar,found in honey as well as in fruitfrugivorefrugivore /�fru�d�ivɔ�/ noun an animalthat mainly eats fruit (NOTE: Many bats andbirds are frugivores.)fruitfruit noun 1. the structure of a plantformed after flowering and usuallycontaining seeds. Many fruits are eaten asfood. � a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables� A peach is a fleshy fruit. 2. the fleshymaterial round the fruit which is eaten asfood � verb (of a plant) to produce fruit �Some varieties of apple fruit very early.

COMMENT: Fruit contains fructose whichis a good source of vitamin C and somedietary fibre. Dried fruit has a highersugar content but less vitamin C thanfresh fruit.

fruiting seasonfruiting season noun the time of yearwhen a particular tree has fruitfruitwastefruitwaste /�fru�tweist/ noun a residueleft after juice has been extracted fromfruit, used as an animal feedfruitwoodfruitwood /�fru�twυd/ noun the woodfrom a fruit tree such as apple or cherry,which may be used to make furnitureFSAFSA abbreviation 1. US Farm ServiceAgency 2. Food Standards Agencyftft abbreviation footfuelfuel noun a substance that can be burnt toprovide heat or power, e.g. wood, coal, gasor oil � verb to use a fuel to power some-thing � The boilers are fuelled by naturalgas.fuelwoodfuelwood /�fju�lwυd/ noun wood that isgrown to be used as fuelfulleringfullering /�fυləriŋ/ noun making agroove on the lower surface of a horse’sshoes, into which the heads of the nails willfitfull-mouthedfull-mouthed adjective referring to ananimal which has a complete set of perma-nent teethfull-time farmerfull-time farmer noun a farmer whoderives his or her living from agriculture,as distinct from a part-time farmerfull-time workerfull-time worker noun a farmworkerengaged full-time in work on a farm

fumigantfumigant /�fju�mi�ənt/ noun a chemicalcompound that becomes a gas or smokewhen heated and is used to kill insectsfumigatefumigate verb to kill microorganisms orinsects by using a fumigantfumigationfumigation /�fju�mi |��eiʃ(ə)n/ noundisinfection by means of gas or fumeswhich penetrate into cracks and holes, aprocess that is probably more efficient thatspraying or scrubbingfumitoryfumitory /�fju�mitəri/ noun a commonweed (Fumaria officinalis) affecting cerealand clover cropsfunctional foodfunctional food noun a food designedto be medically beneficial, helping toprotect against serious conditions such asdiabetes, cancer or heart disease. Alsocalled nutraceutical, neutraceutical

‘Thinking laterally it might be possible tofeed cows in such a way that they canproduce milk that is naturally high inspecific oils, minerals, or value and so canbe directed to the functional foodmarkets.’ [Farmers Guardian]

fungalfungal /�f�ŋ�əl/ adjective referring tofungi � Powdery mildew is a fungaldisease.fungicidalfungicidal /�f�ŋ�i|�said(ə)l/ adjectivereferring to a substance which kills fungi �fungicidal propertiesfungicidefungicide /�f�ŋ�isaid/ noun a substanceused to kill fungifungoidfungoid /�f�ŋ�ɔid/ adjective referring tosomething shaped like a fungus � a fungoidgrowth on the skinfungusfungus noun a simple plant organismsuch as yeast, mushrooms or mould withthread-like cells and without green chloro-phyll

COMMENT: Some fungi can become par-asites of animals and cause diseasessuch as aspergillosis. Other fungi causeplant diseases, such as blight. Others,such as yeast, react with sugar to formalcohol. Fungicides are available assprays or dusts for use on crops.

funiclefunicle /�fju�nik(ə)l/ noun a short stalkattaching a seed to the inside of the podfurfur noun 1. a coat of hair covering ananimal � The rabbit has a thick coat ofwinter fur. 2. skin and hair removed froman animal, used to make clothes � She worea fur coat and fur gloves.furlongfurlong noun one eighth of a mile, or 220yards. Originally a furlong was the lengthof a furrow in the common field.


109 FYMfurrowfurrow noun a long trench and ridge cut inthe soil by the mouldboard of a ploughfurrow irrigationfurrow irrigation noun irrigation tech-nique where water is allowed to flow alongfurrowsfurrow pressfurrow press noun a special type of veryheavy ring roller attached to the plough,used to press the furrow slicesfurrow slicefurrow slice noun the soil which isdisplaced by the mouldboard of a ploughwhen it creates a furrowfurzefurze /f��z/ noun a common shrub (Ulexeuropaeus), found in wasteland andformerly often cut and used as fodder afterchaffing. It contains a small amount of apoisonous alkaloid called ulexine, which isseldom present in dangerous quantities.

Fusarium ear blightFusarium ear blight /fju|�zeəriəm �iə�blait/ noun a serious fungal disease ofwheat, that can cause significant loss inyield and quailtyfuturesfutures plural noun stocks of producewhich are bought or sold for shipping atsome later date, and which may not evenhave been produced when they are on themarket. Compare actualsFUWFUW abbreviation Farmers’ Union ofWalesFVOFVO abbreviation Food and VeterinaryOfficeFWAGFWAG abbreviation Farm and WildlifeAdvisory GroupFYMFYM abbreviation farmyard manure


Ggg symbol gramgadflygadfly /��dflai/ noun a fly that bitescattle, of the genera Tabanus, the horsefly,or Oestrus, the bot fly, most common fromlate May onwards and causing consider-able trouble to cattleGAECGAEC abbreviation Good Agriculturaland Environmental Conditiongagegage /�eid�/ noun a variety of plum,especially the greengageGAIGAI abbreviation green area indexGalician blondGalician blond /�ə|�liʃ(ə)n �blɒnd/noun a breed of cattle from northern Spain.It is a triple-purpose breed, red in colour,with yellow horns.gallgall noun a hard growth on a plant causedby a parasitic insectgallongallon noun a unit of liquid volume in theImperial System, approximately equal to4.5 litresGallowayGalloway /��ləwei/ noun a hardy breedof completely black hornless cattle, mainlyreared for beef. The coat is distinctive,being formed of long wavy hairs coveringa soft undercoat.GallusGallus /��ləs/ noun the Latin name forthe domestic chickengalvanised irongalvanised iron /��lvənaizd �aiən/noun iron that has been coated with zinc toprevent it from rusting (NOTE: Sheets ofgalvanised iron are widely used for roofs.)GalwayGalway /��ɔ�lwei/ noun a breed of sheepfound in the Irish Republic. The white-faced Galway is the only native Irish breedand is used to produce store lambs.gamegame noun animals that are hunted andkilled for sport or food or both

COMMENT: Game, such as pheasantsand partridges, is an important asset onsome farms, and letting land for sportshooting is a source of high income.

game birdsgame birds plural noun wild birds whichare classified as game, and which can beshot only during certain seasons. The mostimportant in the UK are pheasant,partridge and grouse.Game Conservancy TrustGame Conservancy Trust noun anorganisation concerned with the conserva-tion of game species, which advises onshoots and woodland management. AbbrGCTgamekeepergamekeeper noun a person working ona private estate who manages it to providewild birds and animals for shooting andhuntinggametegamete /��mi�t/ noun a sex cellgandergander noun a male gooseganggang noun a group of workers workingtogether, e.g. a gang of sheep shearersgangmastergangmaster /��ŋ |�mɑ�stə/ noun aperson who gathers together and organisesor leads a group of casual and often travel-ling workers

‘The Gangmasters Licensing Authoritywill develop and operate a licensingscheme, set licensing conditions andmaintain a register of licensed labourproviders in the agricultural, shellfish andrelated processing and packagingindustries. Once the licensing scheme isrunning in 2006, it will be an offence foranyone acting as a gangmaster to operatewithout a licence. It will also be illegal foranyone to use an unlicensed gangmaster.’[Farmers Guardian]

gangrenegangrene /��ŋ�ri�n/ a condition inwhich tissues die and decay, as a result ofbacterial action, because the animal haslost blood supply to the affected part of thebody through injury � noun serious rotaffecting potato tubers. Caused by fungi, itspreads in storage.gangrenous mastitisgangrenous mastitis /��ŋ�rinəsm�s |�taitis/ noun a form of the mastitis


111 genetic code

disease affecting cattle. It may begin asstaphylococcal mastitis. The udderbecomes blue and cold.gantrygantry /��ntri/ noun a type of farmmachine consisting of a long steel beamwith implement carriers. The engine andcab are at one end of the beam, and thedrive wheel is at the other end.GAPGAP abbreviation Good AgriculturalPracticegapesgapes /�eips/ noun a disease affectingthe breathing function of poultry, causedby small worms in the windpipegardengarden noun an area of land cultivated asa hobby or for pleasure, rather than toproduce an income. � market gardengarden implementsgarden implements plural nounimplements such as forks and spadeswhich are used in the gardengarlicgarlic noun a plant (Allium sativum) witha strong-smelling pungent root used as aflavouring in cooking. The bulb consists ofa series of wedge-shaped cloves,surrounded by a white fibrous skin.garriguegarrigue /�ə |�ri��/ noun a dense under-growth of aromatic shrubs found in Medi-terranean regions accompanying evergreenand cork oakGasconneGasconne /��skɒn/ noun a breed ofbeef cattle from the Gascony area of south-west France. The animals are silver-grey incolour with medium-length horns.gastricgastric adjective referring to the stomachgastric juicesgastric juices plural noun mixture ofhydrochloric acid, pepsin, intrinsic factorand mucus secreted by the cells of thelining membrane of the stomach to help thedigestion of foodgastro-gastro- /��strəυ/ prefix the stomachgastroenteritisgastroenteritis /��strəυ|entə|�raitis/noun an inflammation of the membranelining the intestines and the stomach,caused by a viral infection and resulting indiarrhoea and vomitinggastrointestinal tractgastrointestinal tract/��strəυintestin(ə)l �tr�kt/ noun sameas alimentary canalGATTGATT /��t/ noun an international organi-sation aiming to reduce restrictions ontrade between countries. It was replaced in1995 by the World Trade Organization(WTO). Full form General Agreement onTariffs and TradeGCTGCT abbreviation Game ConservancyTrustGEGE abbreviation genetic engineering

geesegeese plural of goosegeestgeest /�eist/ noun an infertile sandylowland region of North and EastGermany, covered with heathgelatingelatin /�d�elətin/ noun a protein whichis soluble in water, made from collagenGelbviehGelbvieh /��elbvi�/ noun a breed of dairycattle from Bavaria in south Germany. Thecolour varies from cream to yellow. Alsocalled German Yellowgeldgeld /�eld/ verb to castrate and animal,especially a horsegeldinggelding /��eldiŋ/ noun a castrated horsegenegene noun a unit of DNA on a chromo-some which governs the synthesis of oneprotein and may combine with other genesto determine a particular characteristic

COMMENT: Genes exist in different forms,called alleles. They are either dominant,in which case the characteristic is alwayspassed on to the offspring, or recessive,where the characteristic only appears ifboth parents have contributed a copy ofthe same allele.

generagenera /�d�enərə/ plural of genusGeneral Agreement on Tariffs and TradeGeneral Agreement on Tariffs andTrade noun full form of GATTgenericgeneric adjective 1. relating to or suitablefor a broad range of things or situations 2.referring to a genus

COMMENT: Organisms are usually identi-fied by using their generic and specificnames, e.g. Homo sapiens (human) andFelis catus (domestic cat). The genericname is written or printed with a capitalletter. Both names are usually given initalics or are underlined if written ortyped.

geneticgenetic adjective referring to genes orgenetics � Breeders of new crop plants aredependent on genetic materials from wildforms of maize and wheat.genetically modifiedgenetically modified adjective refer-ring to an organism that has receivedgenetic material from another in a labora-tory procedure, leading to a permanentchange in one or more of its characteristics.Abbr GMgenetically modified organismgenetically modified organismnoun a plant or animal produced by thetechnique of genetic modification. AbbrGMOgenetic codegenetic code noun the informationcarried by an organism’s DNA whichdetermines the synthesis of proteins bycells and which is passed on when the celldivides. Also called genetic information


genetic engineering 112genetic engineeringgenetic engineering noun same asgenetic modification. Abbr GEgenetic improvementgenetic improvement noun theimprovement of an animal or plant bybreedinggenetic informationgenetic information noun same asgenetic codegenetic manipulationgenetic manipulation noun same asgenetic modificationgenetic materialgenetic material noun the parts of acell that carry information that can beinherited, e.g. DNA, genes or chromo-somesgenetic modificationgenetic modification /d�ə|�netik�mɒdifi|�keiʃ(ə)n/ noun the alteration andrecombination of genetic material underlaboratory conditions, resulting in trans-genic organisms. Abbr GM. Also calledgenetic manipulation, genetic engi-neering

‘Cotton is one of Australia’s mostcontroversial crops, stirring up big issuessuch as genetic modification, pesticidesand water use. 95% of Australian farmersplant a third of their cotton acreage withthe Monsanto GM variety Ingard,genetically modified to protect it frominsect attack.’ [Arable Farming]

genetic resourcesgenetic resources plural noun thegenes found in plants and animals that havevalue to humans � Modern plant varietieshave been developed from geneticresources from South America.geneticsgenetics noun the study of the way inwhich the characteristics of an organismare inherited

COMMENT: Comparisons of today’s farmanimals with those of the past show con-siderable differences in appearance andproductivity. Today’s dairy cattle have nohorns, and produce two or three times asmuch milk as their ancestors in the 19thcentury. This is in part due to geneticimprovement of livestock by selection ofsuperior animals for breeding.

genetic variationgenetic variation noun the inheriteddifferences between the members of aspeciesgenomegenome noun 1. the set of all the genesin an individual 2. the set of genes whichare inherited from one parentgenomicgenomic /d�i|�nəυmik/ adjectiverelating to a genomegenotypegenotype /�d�enətaip/ noun 1. thegenetic constitution of an organism. �

phenotype 2. an individual organism

‘Once electronic ID becomes the norm in2008, individual sheep ID numbers willhave to be logged on movementdocuments, and the breed and genotypeincluded in the farm register.’ [FarmersWeekly]

genotypicgenotypic /�d�enə|�tipik/ adjectiverelating to a genotypeGentile di PugliaGentile di Puglia /�en|�ti�lei di �pυliə/noun a breed of Italian sheep found in theFoggia region. A fine-wool merino breedused in a transhumance system.genusgenus noun a group of closely relatedspecies (NOTE: The plural is genera.)Gerber testGerber test /�d��bə test/ noun a test todetermine the butterfat content of milkgermgerm noun 1. a microorganism thatcauses a disease, e.g. a virus or bacterium(informal) 2. a part of an organism thatdevelops into a new organism 3. the centralpart of a seed, formed of the embryo. Itcontains valuable nutrients. � wheatgermGerman Red PiedGerman Red Pied /�d��mən red�paid/ noun a breed of cattle from north-west Germany. Mainly raised for meat, theanimals are red and white in colour.German YellowGerman Yellow noun same as Gelbviehgermicidegermicide /�d��misaid/ adjective,noun a substance that can kill germsgerminategerminate verb (of a seed or spore) tostart to growgerminationgermination /�d��mi|�neiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe beginning of the growth of a seed,resulting from moisture and a high enoughtemperaturegermination percentagegermination percentage noun thenumber of seeds which germinate, takenfrom a representative sample of 100 seedsgestation periodgestation period /d�e|�steiʃ(ə)n/,gestation noun the period from concep-tion to birth, when a female mammal haslive young in her wombGHGH abbreviation growth hormonegherkingherkin /��kin/ noun a small cucumbergrown for picklingGHGGHG abbreviation greenhouse gasgibberellingibberellin /�d�ibə |�relin/ noun a planthormone that stimulates growth and seedgerminationgidgid /�id/ noun a brain disease of youngsheep which also occurs in cattle. Causedby ingestion of tapeworm eggs voided bydogs and foxes. Blindness is an earlysymptom.giltgilt noun a young female pig


113 Golden Guernseygimmergimmer /��imə/ noun a female sheepafter its first shearinggizzardgizzard /��izəd/ noun a thick-walledmuscular part of the gut of many birdswhere food is mechanically crushed. Alsocalled proventriculus (NOTE: A gizzard isalso present in some insects, fish andcrustaceans.)GLAGLA abbreviation Gangmasters LicensingAuthorityglandersglanders /��l�ndəz/ noun a seriouscontagious disease of horses, no longerpresent in Britain, but still found in Asiaand Africaglasshouseglasshouse noun a large structure madeof glass inside which plants are grown,especially commercially or for scientificpurposesgleygley /�lei/ noun a thick rich soil found inwaterlogged groundgleyinggleying /��leiiŋ/ noun a set of propertiesof soil which indicate poor drainage andlack of oxygen (NOTE: The signs are ablue-grey colour, rusty patches andstanding surface water.)glidewortglidewort /��laidwət/ noun same ascommon hemp nettleglobal distillationglobal distillation noun the movementof persistent organic pollutants from warmtropical and subtropical regions to coolerhigher latitudes via evaporation andcondensationGlobal Environment FacilityGlobal Environment Facility nounan organisation set up in 1991 to tackleenvironmental problems that go beyondcountry boundaries. It is funded by theWorld Bank.globeglobe noun a ball-shaped vegetable suchas the globe artichoke or a variety ofmangelglobe artichokeglobe artichoke noun � artichokeGloucesterGloucester /��lɒstə/ noun 1. a hardBritish cheese 2. a rare breed of cattle,mahogany in colour, with a white strippassing down the back, over the tail, downthe hind quarters and along the belly. Itsmilk was originally used in the productionof Double Gloucester cheese.Gloucester Old SpotGloucester Old Spot noun a breed ofpig from the Southwest of England, Wilt-shire, Somerset and Gloucester. It is large,with clearly defined black spots on a whitecoat, and is now a rare breed.glucoseglucose noun a simple sugar found insome fruit

glucosinolateglucosinolate /��lu�kəυ |�sinəυleit/noun a compound left in rape meal afterthe oil has been extracted. Also calledglucos

COMMENT: The animals convert the com-pound to toxin after eating it. Althoughglucosinolates can be removed byprocessing, plant breeders are trying tobreed new varieties of rape that are lowin glucos, and therefore avoid the extraproduction cost.

glufosinate ammoniumglufosinate ammonium /�lu|

�fɒsineit ə|�məυniəm/ noun a systemicherbicide acting against a wide range ofspecies. Some crops have been geneticallymodified to tolerate it.glumeglume /�lu�m/ noun a small leaf or scaleenclosing a grass spikelet. Most grasseshave two glumes.glume blotchglume blotch noun a fungal disease ofwheatglutengluten /��lu�t(ə)n/ noun a protein foundin some cereals which makes a sticky pastewhen water is added (NOTE: The glutencontent of flour affects the quality of thebread made from it.)

COMMENT: The gluten is what makesdough elastic and bread soft. Millet andrice do not contain gluten and so cannotbe used for making bread.

glyphosateglyphosate /��laifəseit/ noun asystemic herbicide acting against a widerange of species. Some crops have beengenetically modified to tolerate it.GMGM abbreviation 1. genetically modified2. genetic modificationGMOGMO abbreviation genetically modifiedorganismgoadgoad noun a spiked stick used to prodcattlegoatgoat noun a small animal with horns, keptfor its milk and meat

COMMENT: In Europe goats are importantfor milk production. Goat’s milk has ahigher protein and butterfat content thancow’s milk, and is used especially formaking cheese. Elsewhere goats arereared for meat. They are useful asbrowsers and will eat materials whichare not normally eaten by cattle.

goatlinggoatling /��əυtliŋ/ noun a female goatbetween the ages of one and two years,which has not yet borne a kidGolden GuernseyGolden Guernsey noun a breed of goatGolden GuernseyGood Agricultural and Environ-mental Condition noun one of the Stat-utory Management Requirements which a


Good Agricultural Practice 114

farmer must fulfil, which covers the propermaintenance of soil, pastureland, stonewalls and hedgerows. Abbr GAECGood Agricultural PracticeGood Agricultural Practice noun aset of codes which provide practical guid-ance for farmers on the proper mainte-nance of soil, water and air. Abbr GAPgoosegoose noun a large heavy bird, between aduck and a swan in size. Possibly this wasone of the first wild birds to be domesti-cated. Geese are raised especially for tablebirds at Christmas. In France, goose liversare used to make pâté de foie gras. (NOTE:The males are ganders, the young aregoslings.)gooseberrygooseberry noun a soft fruit, usuallygreen in colour, from a small prickly bushgoosegrassgoosegrass /��u�s�rɑ�s/ noun same ascleaversgoslinggosling noun a young gooseGossypiumGossypium /�ɒ|�sipiəm/ noun the Latinname for cottongourdgourd noun the fruit of a trailing orclimbing plant. Many varieties are culti-vated either as ornamental plants or toprovide dried bottle-like containers whichcan be used as utensils such as watercarriers.gout flygout fly /��aυt flai/ noun a small flywhose larvae hatch and feed on shoots andears of cereals, especially barleygovernment agenciesgovernment agencies plural nounorganisations which provide specialistadvice for farmers, e.g. ADAS, set up bythe British Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairsgovernment assistancegovernment assistance noun finan-cial aid in the form of grants and subsidiesprovided by governments to help farmersgrgr abbreviation graingradegrade noun a category of somethingwhich is classified according to quality orsize � verb to divide produce into differentcategories, according to its quality or size �Eggs are graded into classes A, B, and C.

COMMENT: Agricultural land is classifiedinto five grades. Grade 1 is land withvery minor or no physical limitations toagricultural use. Grade 2 has someminor limitations in soil texture, depth ordrainage. Grade 3 has moderate limita-tions due to soil, relief or climate, it hasno potential for horticulture, but can pro-duce good crops of cereals, roots andgrass. Grade 4 has severe limitationsand is basically used for pasture. Grade

5 is of little agricultural value, mainly forrough grazing.

graded seedgraded seed noun a seed such as sugarbeet which is formed of a cluster of seedsand can be separated out by rubbing. Alsocalled rubbed seedgradergrader /��reidə/ noun a machine whichgrades fruit or vegetables, according to sizegrading upgrading up noun a selective breedingprocess, using the males of one breed tomate with females of another breed for atleast four generations. The result will bethat the female breed will disappear and bereplaced by that of the males.graftgraft noun a piece of plant or animaltissue transferred onto another plant oranimal and growing there � verb to transfera piece of tissue from one plant or animalto another

COMMENT: Many cultivated plants aregrafted. The piece of tissue from theoriginal plant (the scion) is placed on acut made in the outer bark of the hostplant (the stock) so that a bond takesplace. The aim is usually to ensure thatthe hardy qualities of the stock are ableto benefit the weaker cultivated scion.

graingrain noun 1. the seed, which is techni-cally a fruit, of a cereal crop such as wheator maize 2. a cereal crop such as wheat ofwhich the seeds are dried and eaten � grainfarmers (NOTE: In this sense, grain doesnot have a plural.) 3. a measure of weightequal to 0.0648 grams. Abbr grgrain aphidgrain aphid noun an insect which liveson crops such as barley and can destroythem by feeding on their sap

‘Further reports of increasing aphidnumbers in unsprayed crops of lateOctober/early November emerging winterbarley have been received from centraland southern areas, and there are alsounconfirmed reports of grain aphidsoverwintering in crops which received anaphicide last autumn.’ [Farming News]

grain cropgrain crop noun a cereal crop such aswheat of which the seeds are dried andeatengrain driergrain drier noun a machine which driesmoist grain before storage. The grain isdried under a blast of hot or warm air.grain drillgrain drill noun a machine used forsowing cereals in rows

COMMENT: Grain drill feed mechanismsmay be internal force feed, external forcefeed or studded roller.


115 grasslandgrain liftersgrain lifters plural noun attachments tothe cutter bar of a combine harvester,which lift the stems of cereal crops whichhave been beaten down by bad weather,and so allow the crop to be cut and gath-eredgrain pangrain pan noun the part of a combinewhere the threshed grain collects and isshaken through to the bottom of themachinegrain reservesgrain reserves plural noun the amountof cereal grain held in a store by a countrywhich is estimated to be above thecountry’s requirements for one yeargrain rolledgrain rolled noun cereal rolled orcrushed between two rotating cylinders forfeeding to livestockgrain speargrain spear noun an instrument formeasuring the temperature and moisture ofstored grain. It consists of a thermometerand hygrometer at the end of a long rodwhich is pushed into the grain.grain storagegrain storage noun the practice ormeans of keeping grain until it is sold orused (NOTE: Most grain is stored on thefarm until it is sold, and is kept in bins or inbulk on the floor of the granary. The systemof storage depends on whether the grain isto be used for feeding animals on the farmor is to be sold.)grain tankgrain tank noun a storage area at the topof a combine, in which threshed grain iskept. When the tank is full, the grain istransferred to a trailer.grain weevilgrain weevil noun a reddish-brownweevil which lays eggs in stored grain. Thelarvae feed inside the grain, where theyalso pupate.gramgram noun 1. a metric measure of weightequal to one thousandth of a kilogram.Abbr g 2. same as chickpeaGramineaeGramineae /�r� |�minii�/ plural nounformer name for Poaceaegraminicidegraminicide /�r� |�minisaid/ noun aherbicide which kills grassesGranadillaGranadilla /��r�nə |�dilə/ noun thepassion fruit, a climbing plant with purplejuicy fruit. It is native to Brazil.granarygranary noun a place where threshedgrain is storedgranulargranular /��r�njυlə/ adjective in theform of granulesgranulegranule noun a small artificially madeparticle. Fertilisers are produced in granuleform, which is easier to handle anddistribute than powder.

grape

grape noun the fruit of woody perennialvines (Vitis)

COMMENT: Grapes are grown in mostareas of the world that have a Mediterra-nean climate, and even in temperateareas like southern England and centralGermany. They are eaten as fruit, driedto make currants and raisins, or crushedto make grape juice and wine.

grapefruit

grapefruit noun a citrus fruit of a tree(Citrus paradisi) similar to the orange. Thefruit is lemon-yellow or pink when ripe,about twice the size of an orange, and veryjuicy.grapevine

grapevine noun the vine on whichgrapes growgrass

grass noun a flowering monocotyledonof which there are a great many genera,including wheat, barley, rice, oats. Grassesare an important food for herbivores andhumans. � cows at grass cows which aregrazing in a field

COMMENT: Grass is the most importantcrop in the UK. It occupies about two-thirds of the total crop area.

grassland

grassland noun land covered mainly bygrasses. � acid grassland, calcareousgrassland � plural noun grasslands wideareas of land covered mainly by grasses,e.g. the prairies of North America and thepampas of South America

COMMENT: Grasslands can be dividedinto the following types. Rough moun-tain and hill grazing: not of great value,the plants being mainly fescues, bents,nardus and molinia grasses. Permanentpastures: these are never ploughed,and the quality depends on the percent-age of perennial ryegrass. Leys: theseare temporary grasslands which aresown to grass for a limited period (usu-ally one to five years). The year in whichthe seed mixture is sown is known as the‘seeding year’. At the end of the first yearthere is the first year harvest. Sowing theseeds mixture with a cover crop is knownas ‘undersowing’. ‘Direct sowing’ is sow-ing on bare ground without a cover crop.The main species used in grasslands arethe following. Grasses: perennial rye-grass, cocksfoot, Timothy, Italian rye-grass and meadow fescue; clovers: redclover, white clover; other legumes:lucerne, sainfoin; herbs: yarrow, chic-ory, rib grass, burnet. Farmers dependon reliable seed firms to supply themwith standard seed mixtures. Varietiesand strains of herbage plants have differ-ent growth characteristics and the choice


grass sickness 116

of mixtures will depend on the purposesof the ley.

grass sicknessgrass sickness noun a sudden andusually fatal illness affecting sheep andcattle. Symptoms include depression,inflamed membranes, discharge fromnostrils. No effective treatment.grass staggersgrass staggers plural noun same ashypomagnesaemiagravity feedgravity feed noun a system wherepellets, seeds or granules fall from ahopper into a distribution channelgrazegraze verb 1. (of animals) to feed on low-growing plants 2. to put animals in a fieldto eat grassgraziergrazier /��reiziə/ noun a farmer wholooks after grazing animalsgrazinggrazing noun 1. the action of animalsfeeding on growing grass, legumes or otherplants � Spine on plants may be a protec-tion against grazing. 2. an area of landcovered with low-growing plants suitablefor animals to feed on � There is goodgrazing on the mountain pastures.grazing cyclegrazing cycle noun the length of timebetween the beginning of one grazingperiod and the next

‘Cows are now on their second grazingcycle and, while the herd is still split intohigh and low yielding groups, aremanaged on a leader/follower basis.’[Farmers Guardian]

grazing food chaingrazing food chain noun a cycle inwhich vegetation is eaten by animals,digested, then passed into the soil as dungand so taken up again by plants which areeaten by animalsgrazing managementgrazing management noun looking atthe way in which land is grazed and seeinghow it can be done most efficientlygrazing pressuregrazing pressure noun the number ofanimals of a specified class per unit weightof herbage at a point of timegrazing seasongrazing season noun the time of yearwhen animals can feed outside on grassgrazing systemsgrazing systems plural noun differentmethods of pasture managementgreasebandgreaseband /��ri�sb�nd/ noun a stripof paper covered with a sticky substance,wrapped round the trunk of a tree toprevent pests from climbing up the treegreasy pig diseasegreasy pig disease noun a bacterialdisease which causes skin abrasions andcan rapidly affect an entire littergreengreen adjective 1. referring to a colourlike that of grass � The green colour in

plants is provided by chlorophyll. 2. imma-ture � green shoots 3. referring to aninterest in ecological and environmentalproblems � green policies � noun 1. acolour like that of grass 2. also Green aperson with a concern for ecological andenvironmental problemsgreen area indexgreen area index noun the total area ofleaves, green fruits and green stems perunit of ground area covered by a plant.Abbr GAIGreen BeltGreen Belt noun an area of agriculturalland, woodland or parkland whichsurrounds an urban area

COMMENT: Green Belt land is protected,and building is restricted and often com-pletely forbidden. The aim of setting up aGreen Belt is to prevent urban sprawland reduce city pollution.

Green Chemistry NetworkGreen Chemistry Network noun aRoyal Society of Chemistry initiativedesigned to foster the development of envi-ronmentally benign chemical products thatprevent pollution and reduce environ-mental and human health risksgreen claimgreen claim noun any text, symbols orgraphics on food packaging which tell theconsumer something about its environ-mental impact, e.g. whether the packagingis recycled or biodegradablegreen currenciesgreen currencies, green rates pluralnoun fixed exchange rates for currenciesused for agricultural payments in the EUgreenfield sitegreenfield site noun a place in thecountryside, not previously built on, that ischosen as the site for a new housing devel-opment or factory � Urban fringe sites areless attractive to developers than green-field sites. Compare brownfield sitegreenflygreenfly /��ri�nflai/ noun a type ofaphid, a small insect which sucks sap fromplants and can multiply very rapidly

COMMENT: Greenfly attack young shootswhich have a softer texture. Various spe-cies of greenfly feed on cereal crops inMay and June. Greenfly can carry virusdiseases from infected plants to cleanones.

greengagegreengage /��ri�n�eid�/ noun a varietyof cooking plum, which is hard and greengreenhousegreenhouse noun a structure made ofglass inside which plants are grown

COMMENT: Greenhouses are used intemperate areas to grow plants whichcannot be grown out of doors, either tobring the plants on early (raising seed-lings to be planted out later) or to grow


117 grist

plants out of season (tomatoes can begrown in greenhouses during the wintermonths). A cold greenhouse (i. e. agreenhouse without any heating) can beused for protection of more or less hardyplants during the winter or for growingplants in late spring and summer. Aheated greenhouse will be necessary toraise tender plants during the winter.

greenhouse effect

greenhouse effect noun the effectproduced by the accumulation of carbondioxide crystals and water vapour in theupper atmosphere, which insulates theEarth and raises the atmospheric tempera-ture by preventing heat loss

COMMENT: Carbon dioxide particles allowsolar radiation to pass through and reachthe Earth, but prevent heat from radiat-ing back into the atmosphere. Thisresults in a rise in the Earth’s atmos-pheric temperature, as if the atmospherewere a greenhouse protecting the Earth.Even a small rise of less than 1°C in theatmospheric temperature could haveserious effects on the climate of theEarth as a whole. The polar ice capswould melt, causing sea levels to riseeverywhere with consequent flooding.Temperate areas in Asia and Americawould experience hotter and drier condi-tions, causing crop failures. Carbon diox-ide is largely formed from burning fossilfuels. Other gases contribute to thegreenhouse effect, for instance methaneis increasingly produced by rotting vege-tation in swamps, from paddy fields, fromtermites’ excreta and even from thestomachs of cows. Chlorofluorocarbonsalso help create the greenhouse effect.

greenhouse gas

greenhouse gas noun a gas that occursnaturally in the atmosphere or is producedby burning fossil fuels and rises into theatmosphere, forming a barrier whichprevents heat loss � The government isplanning to introduce a tax to inhibitgreenhouse gas emissions. Abbr GHG

COMMENT: The six greenhouse gaseswith a direct effect are carbon dioxide,methane, nitrous oxide (all of whichoccur naturally), hydrofluorocarbons andperfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluo-ride. Indirect greenhouses gases arenitrogen oxides, which produce ozoneduring their breakdown in the atmos-phere, carbon monoxide and non-meth-ane volatile compounds.

greenhouse mealy bug

greenhouse mealy bug noun a horti-cultural pest, a distant relative of the aphid.It may spoil the appearance of some glass-house crops, particularly orchids.

greeninggreening /��ri�niŋ/ noun 1. the processof planting trees and other vegetation in anarea 2. the process of becoming moreaware, or of increasing others’ awareness,of the environment and environmentalissues 3. the process of turning green,which can occur, e.g., when potatoes areleft too long in the lightgreen manuregreen manure noun fast-growing greenvegetation such as mustard or rape which isgrown and ploughed into the soil to rot andact as manuregreen manuringgreen manuring noun the process ofgrowing green crops and ploughing themin to increase the organic content of the soil

‘Research also confirmed that whatgrandfather knew was right could bemeasured in scientific terms – that somecrops were more capable than others atputting organic matter back into the soil.Hence the interest in green manuring and,of late, ploughing straw back into the soil.’[Arable Farming]

green poundgreen pound noun the fixed sterlingexchange rate as used for agriculturalpayments in sterling between the UK andother members of the EUGreen RevolutionGreen Revolution noun the develop-ment in the 1960s of new forms of widelygrown cereal plants such as wheat and rice,which gave high yields and increased foodproduction especially in tropical countriesgreensgreens plural noun green vegetables suchas cabbagesgreen teagreen tea noun tea where the leaves areheated to prevent fermentationgreen top milkgreen top milk noun untreated milk,identified by the green tops to the bottles.Sales to the public are banned in the UK.GreyfaceGreyface /��reifeis/ noun a crossbredsheep resulting from a Border Leicesterram and a Blackface ewe. The ewes aremated with Suffolk rams to produce good-quality lambs.grey leafgrey leaf noun a disease of cerealscaused by manganese deficiencygrey watergrey water, greywater /��rei|�wɔ�tə/noun the relatively clean waste water fromsinks, baths, and kitchen appliancesgridgrid noun a pattern of equally spacedvertical and horizontal metal rods or barsgrindgrind verb 1. to reduce a substance to fineparticles by crushing 2. to move or worknoisily and with difficultygristgrist /�rist/ noun 1. corn for grinding 2.malt crushed for brewing


grit 118gritgrit noun small particles of varioussubstances fed to poultry

COMMENT: There are two different kindsof grit: hard insoluble grit, such as flintand gravel which the fowl has to take intoits gizzard to do the grinding of its feed;and the soluble grit, such as oyster-shelland limestone, which contains lime andwhich the birds need for bone formationand, later, for the formation of egg shells.

Groningen WhiteheadedGroningen Whiteheaded/��rəυniŋən �waithedid/ noun a dual-purpose breed of cattle developed in theNetherlands. The body is black but thehead is white.groomgroom noun a person who looks afterhorses � verb to look after animals, espe-cially horses, by brushing cleaning andcombinggross value addedgross value added noun the annualvalue of goods sold and services paid forinside a country, less tax and governmentsubsidies. Abbr GVAgroundground noun 1. a surface layer of soil orearth � stony ground 2. an area of land,especially one used for a particular purposeground coverground cover noun plants that growdensely close to the ground, either innatural conditions or planted to preventsoil erosion or the spread of weedsgroundnutgroundnut /��raυndn�t/ noun thepeanut, a grain legume, and one of themain oilseeds

COMMENT: Groundnuts (or peanuts) areused in the production of vegetable oilfor cooking, in salad dressings and in themaking of margarine. Poorer quality oilsare used to make soap. In the USA,much of the crop is made into peanutbutter. The USA, Argentina, Nigeria,Sudan and Indonesia are major export-ers of groundnuts, while Canada andWestern Europe are the main importingcountries.

groundnut cakegroundnut cake noun the residue leftafter oil extraction from groundnuts, avaluable protein concentrate for livestockgroundselgroundsel /��raυndsəl/ noun a commonweed (Senecio vulgaris) which affectsmost crops. Also called birdseedground waterground water noun water that stays inthe top layers of soil or in porous rocks andcan collect pollution. Compare surfacewatergrousegrouse noun a small game bird. Thereare two main species in Europe: the rareblack grouse Lyrurus tetrix and the Scot-tish red grouse Lagopus scoticus.

growgrow verb 1. (of plants) to exist anddevelop well � Bananas grow only in warmhumid conditions. 2. (of plants andanimals) to increase in size � The treegrows slowly. � A sunflower can grow 3 cmin one day. 3. to cultivate plants � Farmershere grow two crops in a year. � He growspeas for the local canning factory.growing pointgrowing point noun a point on the stemof a plant where growth occurs, often at thetip of the stem or branchgrowing seasongrowing season noun the time of yearwhen a plant grows � Alpine plants have ashort growing season.growthgrowth noun 1. an increase in size � thegrowth in the population since 1960 � Thedisease stunts the conifers’ growth. 2. theamount by which something increases insize � The rings show the annual growth ofthe tree. 3. a shoot which has grown from aplant � The cordon should be pruned bycutting back all growths over one metrelong. 4. a type of plant which grows in acertain area, e.g. vines growing in differentareas of France, coffee growing in differentareas of Colombia, etc.growth hormonegrowth hormone noun a natural or arti-ficial chemical that makes an animal growmore quickly. Abbr GH

‘The European Parliament has approvedmoves by the European Commission toban the use of six growth hormones in theEU meat and poultry production industry,because of concerns that they may harmconsumers.’ [Farmers Guardian]

growth regulatorgrowth regulator noun a chemical usedto control the growth of plants, mainlyused for weed control in cereals and grass-landgrowth ringgrowth ring noun same as annual ringgrowth stagesgrowth stages noun the different stagesof development of a crop, measured as anincrease in weight or area. Also calledstages of growthgrubgrub noun a small caterpillar or larva �verb � to grub up, to grub out to dig up aplant with its roots � Miles of hedgerowshave been grubbed up to make largerfields.gruntgrunt noun a sound made by a pig � verb(of a pig) to make the sound characteristicof a pig. Compare bleat, low, neighguanoguano /��wɑ�nəυ/ noun a mass of accu-mulated bird droppings, found especiallyon small islands and used as organic ferti-liser


119 gypsumguaranteed pricesguaranteed prices plural noun afeature of national agricultural policy inwhich the producers of a commodity areguaranteed a minimum price for theirproduceguard cellguard cell noun either of a pair of cellsthat border a leaf pore and control its size(NOTE: The guard cells and pore are calleda stoma, and are most common on theunderside of leaves.)GuernseyGuernsey /��nzi/ noun a breed ofdairy cattle that has a fawn coat withdistinct patches of whiteguineaguinea /��ini/ noun a former British coin,equivalent to the present £1.08, which isstill used in quoting prices at livestocksales (NOTE: It is abbreviated in prices togn: 3,400gns were paid for the Long-horn bull.)guinea cornguinea corn noun sorghumguinea fowlguinea fowl noun a table bird, foundwild in savanna regions of Africa. They are

now raised for their meat which has a deli-cate flavour similar to that of game birds.gullygully noun 1. a deep channel formed bysoil erosion and unable to be filled in bycultivation 2. a small channel for water,e.g. an artificial channel dug at the edge ofa field or a natural channel in rockGunter’s chainGunter’s chain /��ntəz tʃein/ noun achain originally used by surveyors tomeasure landgutgut noun same as alimentary canalGuzeratGuzerat /��u�zər�t/ noun an AmericanBrahman breed of cattleGVAGVA abbreviation gross value addedgymnospermgymnosperm /�d�imnəυsp��m/ noun aseed-bearing plant in which the seeds arecarried naked on the scales of a cone ratherthan being inside a fruit. � angiospermgypsumgypsum /�d�ipsəm/ noun a soft white orcolourless mineral consisting of hydratedcalcium sulfate, used in cement, plasterand fertilisers


Hhaha symbol hectarehabithabit noun the characteristic way inwhich a specific plant grows � a bush withan erect habit � a plant with a creepinghabithabitathabitat noun the type of environment inwhich a specific organism liveshabitat action planhabitat action plan noun a detaileddescription of a specific habitat togetherwith the detailed actions and targetsproposed for conserving it. Abbr HAPhabitat managementhabitat management noun same asnature managementhabitat restorationhabitat restoration noun activitycarried out to return an area to a formermore favourable condition for wildlifeHACCPHACCP /�h�səp/ noun a process foridentifying and controlling hazards withina process, e.g. in the food industry. Fullform Hazard Analysis Critical ControlPointshackhack noun 1. a riding horse 2. a horse letout to hire � verb to ride a horse, especiallyto ride a horse to a show, as opposed totaking the horse in a boxhackleshackles plural noun the long feathers onthe neck of a domestic cockhackneyhackney /�h�kni/ noun a type of horseused both for riding and as a draughtanimalhaemoglobinhaemoglobin /�hi�mə|��ləυbin/ noun ared protein in red blood cells that combinesreversibly with oxygen and transports itround the body. Abbr Hb

COMMENT: Haemoglobin absorbs oxygenin the lungs and carries it in the blood tothe tissues. Haemoglobin is alsoattracted to carbon monoxide and readilyabsorbs it instead of oxygen, causingcarbon monoxide poisoning.

HagbergHagberg /�h��b��/, Hagberg testnoun a test used to determine the millingquality of wheat

COMMENT: The test measures the fallingtime of wheat, using ground wheat insuspension in water. A good millingwheat has a high falling time, and wheatwith low falling times is not normallyused in milling. Hagberg test kits areavailable for farmers to make their owntests on samples of wheat.

Hagberg falling numberHagberg falling number noun thefalling time in seconds in the Hagberg test� a top quality wheat with a specific weightof 79–80, Hagberg 350 and protein of 12%hair ballshair balls noun balls of hair whichcollect in the stomach of animals makingdigestion difficult. They can cause fits andconvulsions in very young calves, andsight may be slightly impaired.hairwormhairworm /�heəw��m/ noun a very thinworm of the species Capellaria, whichinfests poultryhake barhake bar /�heik bɑ�/ noun an attachmentwhich links a trailed plough to the tractorhalf-breedhalf-breed noun an animal of mixedbreed, mainly applied to crossbred sheephalf-hardyhalf-hardy adjective referring to a plantthat is able to tolerate cold weather down toabout 5C. � hardyHalf longHalf long noun a sheep produced bycrossing a Cheviot ram with a Blackfaceewehalf-standardhalf-standard noun a type of fruit treewith a trunk shorter than that of a fullstandard, about 1.2m from the ground tothe first brancheshalo-halo- /h�ləυ/ prefix salthalo blighthalo blight noun a disease which affectsthe pods of peas and beans, making thembrown and witheredhalomorphic soilhalomorphic soil /�h�ləυmɔ�fik �sɔil/noun soil that contains large amounts ofsalthalophytehalophyte /�h�ləfait/ noun a plant thatis able to grow in salty soil, as in estuaries


121 hatcheryhalothane genehalothane gene /�h�ləυθein d�i�n/noun a recessive gene found in somebreeds of pigs which affects the animal’ssusceptibility to stress and can lead toporcine stress syndrome (NOTE: The geneis called the halothane gene because itcan be tested for by exposing the pigs tothe anaesthetic halothane.)

‘Molecular biology has enabletremendous strides. Eliminating thehalothane gene is one example and therewill be more equally significant advancesto come.’ [Pig Farming]

halterhalter /�hɔ�ltə/ noun a rope with a noosefor holding and leading horses or cattlehamham noun 1. the thigh of the back leg of apig 2. meat from this part of the pig,usually cured in brine and dried in smokehammer millhammer mill noun a machine used in thepreparation of animal feed by grindingcereals into meal

COMMENT: A typical hammer mill has ahigh-speed shaft with a grinding rotor atone end and a fan at the other. Eightflails are attached to the rotor which beatthe grain into meal.

HampshireHampshire /�h�mpʃə/ noun an Amer-ican breed of black-haired pig with whitemarkings. It is similar to the BritishSaddleback which has black skin and awhite saddle.Hampshire DownHampshire Down noun a short stockyearly-maturing sheep, originating fromBerkshire ewe flocks and Southdown ramshandhand noun a measure used to show theheight of a horse. One hand is 10.16cm,and the measurement is taken from theground to the withers of the horse.hand collectionhand collection, hand picking nounthe picking of fruit such as bananas orpeaches by handhand feedinghand feeding, hand rearing noun theprocess of bringing up orphaned animalsby feeding them with a bottlehand hoehand hoe noun a garden implement witha small sharp blade, used to break up thesurface of the soil or to cut off weeds

COMMENT: There are several types ofhand hoe, including the Dutch hoe,where the blade is more or less straightand is pushed by the operator, the drawhoe has the blade set at right angles tothe handle and is used for drawing drillsat seed-sowing time. The Canterburyhoe does not have a blade, but is like athree-pronged fork, with the prongs set aright angles to the handle.

handlehandle noun a term used to describe thetexture or feel of woolhand pullinghand pulling noun the act of pullingweeds or plants out of the ground by handhankhank /h�ŋk/ noun wool which has beenspun into a thread and coiled into a loop forconvenience. A hank is 560 yards long.HAPHAP abbreviation habitat action planharden offharden off verb to make plants whichhave been raised in a greenhouse becomegradually more used to the natural temper-ature outdoors � After seedlings have beengrown in the greenhouse, they need to behardened off before planting outside in theopen ground.hardjohardjo /�hɑ�djəυ/ � Leptospira hardjohardpanhardpan /�hɑ�dp�n/ noun a hardcement-like layer in the soil or subsoil,which can be very harmful as it preventsgood drainage and stops root developmenthard wheathard wheat noun wheat with a hardgrain rich in glutenhardwoodhardwood noun a slow-growing broad-leaved tree, e.g. oak, teak or mahoganyhardyhardy adjective referring to a plant able totolerate cold weather, especially below 5°C. � half-hardyharehare noun a long-eared furry animal,similar to but larger than a rabbit, with hindlegs longer than forelegsharicot beanharicot bean /�h�rikəυ bi�n/ noun thedry ripe seed of the French beanharrowharrow /�h�rəυ/ noun a piece of equip-ment with teeth or discs, used for breakingup soil or levelling the surface of ploughedsoil � verb to level the surface of ploughedsoil with a harrow, covering seeds that havebeen sown in furrowsharvestharvest noun 1. the time when a crop isgathered 2. a crop that is gathered � Wethink this year’s wheat harvest will be agood one. � verb 1. to gather a crop that isripe � They are harvesting the barley. 2. togather a natural resourceharvesterharvester /�hɑ�vistə/ noun a machinewhich harvests a crop � Most crops arenow harvested by machines such ascombine harvesters or sugar beetharvesters.HASSOPHASSOP /�h�səp/ noun � HACCP(NOTE: HACCP is pronounced as if it werespelt HASSOP.)hatchhatch verb to become mature and breakout of the egg � noun a brood of chickshatcheryhatchery /�h�tʃəri/ noun a place whereeggs are kept warm artificially until the


hatchery waste 122

animal inside becomes mature enough tobreak outhatchery wastehatchery waste noun surplus chicks orembryos produced in a hatchery (NOTE:The animal welfare code lays down rulesfor the humane slaughter of hatcherywaste, and there are also strict rulesgoverning how this waste may be disposedof.)haulmhaulm /hɔ�m/ noun the stalks and stemsof peas, beans and potatoeshaulm rollerhaulm roller noun a roller found onpotato harvesters and grading machineryhaulm silagehaulm silage noun silage made from thestems and leaves of peas and beans leftafter harvesthaunchhaunch /hɔ�nʃ/ noun the hind leg of ananimal, especially a deerhawthornhawthorn /�hɔ�θɔ�n/ noun a small tree(Crataegus monogyna) with spiny shoots,used for hedges round grazing areashayhay noun grass mowed and dried before ithas flowered, used for feeding animals

COMMENT: Hay is cut before the grassflowers and at this stage in its growth it isa nutritious fodder. If it is mowed after ithas flowered it is called straw, and is ofless use as a food and so is used forbedding.

hay balehay bale noun hay which has beencompressed into a square, rectangular orround bale, so that it can be handled andstored more easilyhay balerhay baler noun a machine which gatherscut hay and makes it into baleshaycockhaycock /�heikɒk/ noun formerly, aconical heap of raked hayhay feverhay fever noun same as pollinosishaylagehaylage /�heilid�/ noun hay for silage,cut and compressed in plastic bags so thatit stays green without any fungus beingable to spreadhayloaderhayloader /�heiləυdə/ noun an imple-ment for loading hay from the field into atrailerhaymakinghaymaking /�heimeikiŋ/ noun thecutting of grass in fields to make hay

COMMENT: Haymaking normally needsthree to four days of fine weather in earlyseason and two to three days when thehumidity falls as temperatures rise. Thecritical period for hay occurs when thecrop is partly dried in the field. The objectshould be to dry the crop as much aspossible without too much exposure tosun, and the least possible movementafter the crop is partially dry. Field-dried

hay is normally baled, and further barndrying is common.

hay nethay net noun a coarse meshed net bagwhich is filled with hay and hung up forhorses to feed fromhay qualityhay quality noun the nutritional value ofhay, which can depend on the weatherconditions and the time taken to dry

‘The farm is now mainly permanentpasture, or grass and legumes for grazingand hay. Some of this pasture has beenrenovated with clover, and rye is directdrilled into hay fields in the autumn forlate season grazing and to improve hayquality.’ [Farmers Weekly]

hay rackhay rack noun a wooden framecontaining hay, which is placed where live-stock can feed from ithay rakehay rake noun an implement used forraking hay prior to collection or balinghay seedhay seed noun grass seed obtained fromhayhaystackhaystack /�heist�k/ noun a heap of hay,built in the open air and protected bythatching; not used very often nowadayshay-sweephay-sweep noun an implement used tocollect hay from swaths and carry it to astackhazardhazard noun something with the poten-tial to cause injury, damage or loss � a firehazard � a health hazard Compare riskHazard Analysis Critical Control PointsHazard Analysis Critical ControlPoints noun full form of HACCPhazelhazel /�heiz(ə)l/ noun a nut-bearing tree(Corylus avellana)HbHb abbreviation haemoglobinHCCHCC abbreviation Hybu Cig Cymru(NOTE: The English name is ‘Meat Promo-tion Wales’.)HDCHDC abbreviation Horticultural Develop-ment Councilheadageheadage /�hedid�/ noun the number ofanimals of a specified type, such as cattle,used as a basis for calculating subsidypaymentshead cornhead corn noun the largest grains in asample of cerealheaderheader noun a machine which removesthe seed heads from plants. � stripper-headerheadflyheadfly /�hedflai/, head fly noun a para-sitic insect Hydrotaea irritans whichmainly affects sheep and can transmitsummer mastitisheading dateheading date noun the average date bywhich a certain percentage of a crop has


123 hedge

formed seedheads. This is used by farmersto make decisions on which variety of acrop is more suitable for the environmentin which they are planning to grow it.headlandheadland /�hedlənd/ noun an unculti-vated area of soil at the edge of a field,where a tractor turns when ploughing. �

conservation headlandheadrailheadrail /�hedreil/ noun a rail across thefront of a cubicle, to which a halter can beattachedHealth and Safety ExecutiveHealth and Safety Executive noun aUK government organisation responsiblefor checking people’s working environ-ment. Abbr HSEhealth and welfare planhealth and welfare plan noun awritten report made by a farmer in consul-tation with a vet, describing how livestockwill be cared for

‘The guidance suggested that farmersshould prepare a herd health and welfareplan with their vet which should includemeasures to control the disease such asearly removal of diseased cattle, notbreeding from their offspring and makingsure that calves only receive colostrumfrom their own mother where possible.This culminated in last September’slaunch of the Johne’s Initiative withbacking from various industry bodies.’[Dairy Farmer]

heartheart noun 1. a muscular organ thatpumps blood round an animal’s body 2. thecompact central part of a vegetable such aslettuce, cabbage or celery, where newleaves or stalks form 3. the innermost partof something � This tree grows only in theheart of the forest. 4. � soil which is ingood heart soil which is fertile andproduces large yields of cropsheart rotheart rot noun a disease of sugar beet andmangolds, caused by boron deficiency. Adry rot spreads from the crown downwardsand attacks the roots. The growing point iskilled, and replaced by a mass of smalldeformed leaves.heartwoodheartwood /�hɑ�twυd/ noun the harddead wood in the centre of a tree trunkwhich helps support the tree. Comparesapwood. Also called duramenheatheat noun 1. � to sow lettuces underheat to sow lettuce seed in a heated green-house 2. the period when a female animalwill allow mating. Technical nameoestrus � an animal on heat a femaleanimal in the period when she will accept amate

heathheath noun an area of acid soil where lowshrubs such as heather and gorse grow andwhich are treeless as a result of grazing byanimals

COMMENT: Lowland heaths are found ondry sandy soils or gravel below 300 m.Upland heaths are found on mineral soilsor shallow peat and may be dry or wet,with mosses growing in wetter condi-tions.

heatherheather noun a plant (Calluna vulgaris)found on acid soils, common in uplandareas. It is used by game birds such asgrouse for cover and food.

COMMENT: The main competing uses forheather moorland in the UK are grouseshooting, sheep grazing, afforestation,recreational use and landscape conser-vation.

heathlandheathland /�hi�θl�nd/ noun a wide areaof heathheat stressheat stress noun distress and discom-fort suffered by an animal because it is toohotheat treatmentheat treatment noun the use of hightemperatures, typically 45°C, to disinfeststorage areas or containersheavesheaves /hi�vz/ noun a condition ofhorses, where spores from mouldy hayblock the animals’ lungs, makingbreathing difficultheavy cropperheavy cropper noun a tree or plant thatproduces a large crop of fruitheavy grainsheavy grains plural noun cereal cropssuch as maize, rye and wheat. Abbr HG.Compare light grainsheavy soilsheavy soils plural noun soils with a highclay content, which need more tractorpower when ploughing and cultivatingHebridean sheepHebridean sheep /�hebri|�di�ən �ʃi�p/noun a rare breed of small black sheep ofScandinavian origin. The fleece is jet-black in colour, and the animals have onepair of horns curling downwards andanother pair almost upright.hectarehectare noun an area of land measuring100 by 100 metres, i.e. 10000 squaremetres or 2.47 acres. Symbol hahecto-hecto- /hektəυ/ prefix one hundred, 102.Symbol Hhedgehedge noun a row of bushes planted toprovide a barrier around a field or garden

COMMENT: It is said that you can judgethe age of a hedge by counting thewoody plant species in it and multiplyingby 100; the more species there are, theolder the hedge is. About three-quarters


hedgebank 124

of the farms in England and Wales havehedges, with an estimated total length of500,000km. Since 1997, there havebeen regulations in place to restrict theremoval of hedges and it is illegal toremove a hedge without permission fromthe local planning authority.

hedgebankhedgebank /�hed�b�ŋk/ noun a raisedstrip of earth on which a hedge is planted �primroses growing on the hedgebankhedgecutterhedgecutter /�hed� |�k�tə/, hedget-rimmer noun an implement attached to atractor, used to trim hedges. Smaller hand-held units are available.hedgelayinghedgelaying /�hed�leiiŋ/ noun a tradi-tional method of cultivating hedges, wheretall saplings are cut through halfway andthen bent over so that they lie horizontallyand make a thick barrierhedgerowhedgerow noun a line of bushes forminga hedge (NOTE: Under the Hedgerow Regu-lations, it is now forbidden to remove ahedgerow without permission from thelocal planning authority.)hedginghedging /�hed�iŋ/ noun the skill of culti-vating hedgesheel inheel in verb to place plants in a trench andcover with soil until needed for permanentplantingheftheft /heft/ noun a group of mountainsheep which graze the same area in whichthey were born, although not kept in byfencesheiferheifer noun a female cow which has notcalved or has calved for the first timehemlockhemlock /�hemlɒk/ noun a poisonousplant. Latin name: Conium maculatum.hemlock poisoninghemlock poisoning noun poisoning ofyoung cattle by eating fresh shoots of thehemlock. Sheep and goats are believed tobe resistant to the poison.hemphemp noun a plant used to make rope andthat also produces an addictive drug. Latinname: Cannabis sativa.hemp nettlehemp nettle noun a common weed(Galeopsis tetrahit) which affects springcereals and vegetables. Also called glide-wort, holyropehenhen noun 1. a female of the commondomestic fowl 2. any female bird, e.g. ahen pheasant. � fat henhenhousehenhouse /�henhaυs/ noun a smallwooden building for keeping henshen in layhen in lay noun a bird which is layingeggs

herbherb noun 1. a plant that is used to addflavour in cooking 2. a plant that hasmedicinal properties 3. a non-woody flow-ering plant that has no perennial stemabove the ground in winterherb-herb- /h� b/ prefix referring to plants orvegetationherbaceousherbaceous /hə |�beiʃəs/ adjective refer-ring to plants with soft non-woody tissuethat die down above ground to survivethrough the winterherbageherbage /�h� bid�/ noun the greenplants, especially grass, eaten by grazinganimalsherbage allowanceherbage allowance noun the weight ofherbage per unit of live weight at a point intimeherbage consumedherbage consumed noun the mass ofherbage once it has been consumed bygrazing animalsherbage massherbage mass noun the weight ofherbage produced in a specified areaherbage residualherbage residual noun herbageremaining after defoliationherbariumherbarium /h� |�beəriəm/ noun a collec-tion of preserved plant or fungal speci-mens, especially one that is used for scien-tific study and classificationherbicideherbicide noun a chemical that killsplants, especially used to control weedsherbivoreherbivore noun an animal that feeds onlyon plants. � carnivore, detritivore, frugi-vore, omnivoreherbivorousherbivorous /h� |�bivərəs/ adjectivereferring to an animal that feeds only onplantsherdherd noun a number of animals such ascattle kept together on a farm or lookedafter by a farmer � They have a herd of beefcattle. � Dairy herds have been reducedsince the introduction of the milk quotasystem. (NOTE: The word ‘herd’ is usuallyused with cattle; for sheep, goats, andbirds such as hens or geese, the word touse is ‘flock’.) � verb 1. to tend a herd ofanimals 2. to gather animals together �herding the cows into the yardherd bookherd book noun the record of animalskept by breeding societies in which onlythe offspring of registered animals can berecordedherd healthherd health noun the welfare of a herdof cattle taken as a whole, particularlyregarding the spread of infectious diseasesherdmarkherdmark noun a unique markerassigned to each herd of pigs by Defra and


125 highlands

used to identify the animals when beingmoved from the farmherd registerherd register noun an official record ofa herd’s movements, medical history andbirth and death figures

‘The bovine herd register is available as aprinted report and all subsidy claims arecatered for, while all programs recordmovements, calvings and drying off as astandard.’ [Farmers Guardian]

herdsmanherdsman /�h��dzmən/ noun someonewho looks after a herd of animalsherdspersonherdsperson /�h��dzp��sən/ noun afarm worker who looks after a herd of live-stockherd testerherd tester noun a person who tests adairy herd for butterfat contentHerdwickHerdwick /�h��dwik/ noun a mountainbreed of sheep, native to the Lake District,which are able to survive in bitter winterconditions. The rams have horns.hereditaryhereditary adjective referring to a genet-ically controlled characteristic that ispassed from parent to offspringheredityheredity noun the transfer of geneticallycontrolled characteristics from parent tooffspringHerefordHereford /�herifəd/ noun a breed oflarge, hardy cattle that are deep red incolour, with a white head and chest. Here-fords are an early-maturing breed, and areimportant for beef production.herringbone parlourherringbone parlour /�heriŋbəυn�pɑ�lə/ noun a type of milking parlour withno stalls and where the operator worksfrom a central pit. The cattle stand side byside at an angle on each side of the centralpit.heterologousheterologous /�hetə |�rɒlə�əs/ adjectivediffering in structural features or originheterosisheterosis /�hetə|�rəυsis/ noun anincrease in size or rate of growth, fertilityor resistance to disease found in offspringof a cross between organisms withdifferent genotypes. Also called hybridvigour. Compare inbreeding depressionheterotrophheterotroph /�hetərəυtrɒf/ noun anorganism that requires carbon in organicform and cannot manufacture it (NOTE:Animals, fungi and some algae andbacteria are heterotrophs.)heterotrophicheterotrophic /�hetərəυ |�trɒfik/ adjec-tive referring to a heterotroph � a hetero-trophic organismheterozygousheterozygous /�hetərəυ |�zai�əs/ adjec-tive relating to a cell or organism that has

two or more variant forms (alleles) of atleast one of its genes (NOTE: The offspringof such an organism may differ with regardto the characteristics determined by thegene or genes involved, depending onwhich version of the gene they inherit.)HeveaHevea /�hi�viə/ noun the Latin name forthe rubber treeHFAHFA abbreviation Hill Farm AllowanceHFCSHFCS abbreviation high fructose cornsyrupHgHg symbol mercuryHGHG abbreviation heavy grainsHGCAHGCA noun an organisation establishedto improve the production and marketingof UK cereal crops and oilseeds, and topromote research. Full form Home GrownCereals Authorityhidehide noun the skin of an animal, which isimportant commercially both in its rawstate and as leatherhide-boundhide-bound noun a condition wheredehydration makes it difficult for theanimal’s skin to move over the underlyingtissuesHIEHIE abbreviation Highlands and IslandsEnterpriseHigher Level StewardshipHigher Level Stewardship noun oneof the categories under the EnvironmentalStewardship scheme, where farmers canapply for funding in return for imple-menting complex environmental manage-ment schemes on their land. Abbr HLShigh fructose corn syruphigh fructose corn syrup noun asweetener used in the soft drinks industry,extracted from maize. Abbr HFCS. Alsocalled isoglucosehigh-input farminghigh-input farming noun intensiveagriculture which uses fertiliser, pesticidesand modern machinery to guarantee a largecrop output. Compare low-input farminghighlandhighland /�hailənd/ adjective referringto a hilly or mountainous area � Highlandvegetation is mainly grass, heather andherbs.HighlandHighland noun a hardy breed of beefcattle, with long shaggy hair hiding a denseundercoat. The breed is small, has verylong horns, matures slowly and is native tothe Highlands and Western Isles of Scot-land.highlandshighlands noun an area of mountains �Farmers in the highlands mostly raisesheep.highlandsHighlands and Islands Enterprisenoun a business and community develop-


high mortality rate 126

ment association for the Scottish High-lands. Abbr HIEhigh mortality ratehigh mortality rate noun a highpercentage of animals in a group which diehigh-performancehigh-performance adjective designedto operate very efficientlyhigh-techhigh-tech adjective technologicallyadvanced (informal)high temperature short time methodhigh temperature short timemethod noun the usual method ofpasteurising milk, where the milk is heatedto 72°C for 15 seconds and then rapidlycooled. Abbr HTSThigh-yieldinghigh-yielding adjective producing alarge crop � They have started to growhigh-yielding varieties of wheat.hillhill noun an area of ground higher than thesurrounding areas but not as high as amountainhill drainagehill drainage noun a small open chan-nels about ten to sixty metres apart, dug todrain hilly grazing areashill farmhill farm noun a farm in mountainouscountry, with 95% or more of its land clas-sified as rough grazing, mainly forbreeding ewe flocksHill Farm AllowanceHill Farm Allowance noun a supportpayment available for owners of hill farmsto help with running costs. Abbr HFAhill grazinghill grazing noun grassland used forsheep and cattle grazing in hilly and moun-tainous areashill landhill land noun land on hills, mountains ormoors (NOTE: The Hill Livestock Compen-satory allowance order classifies suchmarginal land in upland and hilly areas andmakes payments to compensate forfarming in these more difficult conditions.)Hill RadnorHill Radnor noun � Radnorhilumhilum /�hailəm/ noun the point where aseed is attached to a pod. When the seed isripe and has been separated from the pod, ablack scar can be seen on the seed.hindhind /haind/ adjective referring to theback part of an animal � noun a femaledeerhind legshind legs plural noun the back legs of ananimalhindquartershindquarters /�haindkwɔ�təz/ nounthe back part of an animal, including thehaunches and hind legshingehinge noun soil which is left uncut by aplough when it has failed to cut a fullfurrow

hirselhirsel /�h��səl/ noun 1. a heft of sheep 2.a piece of ground and flock looked after byone shepherdHisex BrownHisex Brown /�haiseks �braυn/, HisexWhite noun a hybrid breed of laying fowlhistidinehistidine /�histədi�n/ noun an aminoacid which is considered essential ininfants and childrenhitchhitch noun the mechanism for connectingimplements to tractors. Also calleddrawbar � verb to attach an implement ortrailer to a tractorhivehive noun a box in which bees are kepthive-beehive-bee noun the domesticated bee(Apis mellifera)hlhl abbreviation hectolitreHLSHLS abbreviation Higher Level Steward-shiphockhock /hɒk/ noun the hind leg joint ofmammals, between the knee and thefetlockhoehoe noun an implement pulled by a tractorto turn the soil between rows of crops, andso to control weeds � verb to cultivate landwith a hoehoghog noun 1. a castrated male pig 2. USany pighog cholerahog cholera noun same as swine feverhogghogg /hɒ�/ noun a young sheep beforethe first shearinghoggethogget /�hɒ�it/ noun a sheep roughly sixto twelve months oldholdhold verb to conceive after artificialinsemination � Thirty ewes were AI’d andnineteen of them held.holdingholding noun land and buildings held bya freehold or leasehold occupierholdoverholdover /�həυldəυvə/ noun a situationwhere a tenant farmer uses buildings andcrops on a farm, after leaving the farm atthe end of a tenancy. It may, e.g., involveharvesting crops later in the year after thetenancy has expired.hollyholly noun an evergreen tree (Ilex aquifo-lium) producing hard white timberHolsteinHolstein /�hɒlstein/ noun a Friesiancattle imported into Canada from Hollandat the end of the 19th century, now a breedof dairy cattle, black and white in colour.Also called Canadian Holstein, Holstein-Friesianholyropeholyrope /�həυlirəυp/ noun same ashemp nettlehome farmhome farm noun a farm on a large estate,usually farmed by the owner


127 horticulturalHome Grown Cereals AuthorityHome Grown Cereals Authoritynoun full form of HGCAhome-saved seedhome-saved seed noun same as farm-saved seedhomesteadhomestead noun a farmhouse withdependent buildings and the land whichsurrounds ithomogenised milkhomogenised milk /hə|�mɒd�ənaizd�milk/ noun milk which is made moredigestible by breaking up the fat dropletsinto smaller particles which are evenlydistributed through the liquidhomografthomograft /�hɒmə�rɑ�ft/ noun same asallografthomologous pairhomologous pair /hɒ|�mɒlə�əs �peə/noun a pair of chromosomes in a diploidorganism that are structurally similar andhave the same arrangement of genes,although they may carry different alleles(NOTE: One member of each pair is inher-ited from each parent.)honeyhoney noun a sweet yellow fluidcollected by bees from nectar in flowers,and stored in a beehivehoney beehoney bee noun a common hive-beehoneycombhoneycomb /�h�nikəυm/ noun aconstruction of wax, made by bees forstoring honeyhoney fungushoney fungus noun a fungus whichprimarily attacks trees and shrubs. Rootsbecome infected by rhizomorphs. In thespring the foliage wilts and turns yellow.hoofhoof noun a horny casing of the foot of ahorse, a cow or other animals (NOTE: Theplural is either hoofs or hooves.)hoof and horn mealhoof and horn meal noun a fertilisermade from animal hooves and hornshookwormhookworm /�hυkw��m/ noun a parasiticworm in the intestine which holds onto thewall of the intestine with its teeth and liveson the blood and protein of the carrierhoosehoose /hu�s/ noun a popular name for alungwormhophop noun a climbing plant that has longthin groups of green flowers which areused dried in brewing to add flavour tobeer. Latin name: Humulus lupulus.hop binehop bine noun the new shoot of a hopplant, which has to be made to coil roundclimbing stringshop mildewhop mildew noun a fungal disease ofhopshopperhopper /�hɒpə/ noun a container with ahole at the bottom, for holding seed orfertiliser granules. The seed drops from the

hole onto the ground or into channelstaking it to drills.HordeumHordeum /�hɔ�diəm/ noun the Latinname for barleyhorizonhorizon noun a layer of soil which is of adifferent colour or texture from the rest

COMMENT: In general, the topsoil is calledthe ‘A’ horizon, the subsoil the ‘B’ hori-zon, and the underlying rock the ‘C’ hori-zon.

hormonalhormonal /hɔ� |�məυn(ə)l/ adjectivereferring to hormoneshormonehormone noun 1. a substance producedin animals in one part of the body whichhas a particular effect in another part of thebody 2. a plant growth factorhornhorn noun a hard growth which is formedon the tops of the heads of animals such ascattle, deer, goats and sheephornbeamhornbeam /�hɔ�nbi�m/ noun a treewhich produces a very hard wood,formerly used in making wheels for farmcartshornedhorned /hɔ�nd/ adjective with horns � ahorned variety of sheephornlesshornless /�hɔ�nləs/ adjective withouthorns � a hornless breed of cattlehorsehorse noun a hoofed animal with aflowing mane and tail, used on farms as aworking animal, now mainly replaced bytractors

COMMENT: The main groups of horsesare: the Heavy Draught Class, such asthe shire horse; the Light DraughtClass, such as the Cleveland Bay; theSaddle and Harness Class, such as thehackney; and the Pony Class, such asthe Shetland.

horse beanhorse bean noun a broad bean used as afodderhorseboxhorsebox /�hɔ�sbɒks/ noun a closedvehicle used for transporting horseshorsebreakerhorsebreaker /�hɔ�sbreikə/ noun aperson who trains a horsehorseflyhorsefly /�hɔ�sflai/ noun a general namefor many bloodsucking Tabanid flies. Alsocalled cleghorseshoehorseshoe noun an iron shoe nailed tothe hard part of a horse’s hoofhorsetailhorsetail /�hɔ�steil/ noun a poisonousweed found in grasslandhorticulturalhorticultural /�hɔ�ti |�k�ltʃərəl/ adjec-tive referring to horticulturehorticulturalHorticultural DevelopmentCouncil noun a non-departmentalgovernment body providing information


horticulture 128

and support to people in the horticultureindustry, including producers of soft fruit,mushrooms and tree fruit. Abbr HDChorticultureHorticultural Trades Associationnoun a body which represents the interestsof growers, workers and suppliers in thegarden industry. Abbr HTAhorticulturehorticulture noun the cultivation offlowers, fruit and vegetables in gardens,nurseries or glasshouses, as a science,occupation or leisure activity. � botanicalhorticultureHorticulture Research InternationalHorticulture Research Interna-tional noun the horticultural researchdepartment of the University of Warwick.Abbr HRIhorticulturisthorticulturist /�hɔ�ti|�k�ltʃərist/ nouna person who specialises in horticultureHosier systemHosier system /�həυziə �sistəm/ nouna system of dairy cattle management,where the milking of cows is done in thefield using a milking pailhosthost noun a plant or animal on which aparasite lives � adjective referring to aplant or animal on which a parasite liveshothousehothouse /�hɒthaυs/ noun a heatedgreenhousehousehouse noun a structure where animals ormachinery are kept � the reptile house �the engine house � verb to keep livestockin a building � The animals are housed inclean cubicles.housinghousing noun a series of buildings forlivestockHRIHRI abbreviation Horticulture ResearchInternationalHSAHSA abbreviation Humane SlaughterAssociationHSEHSE abbreviation Health and SafetyExecutiveHTAHTA abbreviation Horticultural TradesAssociationHTST methodHTST method abbreviation hightemperature short time methodhullhull noun 1. the outer covering of a cerealseed. Hulls form bran. 2. the pod of peas orbeanshullerhuller /�h�lə/ noun a kind of threshingmachine which removes seeds from theirhuskshuman-causedhuman-caused adjective referring to adisaster or event which has been broughtabout by human beingsHumane Slaughter AssociationHumane Slaughter Associationnoun a charity which campaigns for animal

suffering to be minimised during theslaughter process. Abbr HSAhumatehumate /�hju�meit/ noun a salt that isderived from humushumidhumid adjective relating to air thatcontains moisture vapour � Decompositionof organic matter is rapid in hot and humidconditions.humidifyhumidify /hju� |�midifai/ noun to addwater vapour to air to make it more humidhumidityhumidity noun a measurement of howmuch water vapour is contained in the airhumificationhumification /�hju�mifi |�keiʃ(ə)n/noun the breakdown of rotting organicwaste to form humushumifyhumify /�hju�mifai/ verb to break downrotting organic waste to form humushumphump noun the rounded flesh on the backor shoulders of an animal, such as a camel,or certain breeds of cattlehumushumus /�hju�məs/ noun the fibrousorganic matter in soil, formed from decom-posed plants and animal remains, whichmakes the soil dark and binds it togetherhundredweighthundredweight noun a measure ofweight of dry goods such as grain (NOTE:Abbreviated after numbers to cwt: 5cwt.The British hundredweight is equivalent to50.8kg, and the US hundredweight isequivalent to 45.4kg.)hungry soilhungry soil noun soil which lacks nutri-ents, and so needs large amounts of ferti-liser to produce good cropshurdlehurdle noun a portable rectangularwooden frame used for temporary fencingfor sheephusbandhusband verb to use a resource carefullyhusbandinghusbanding /�h�zbəndiŋ/ noun theactivity of using a resource carefully � apolicy of husbanding scarce naturalresourceshusbandryhusbandry /�h�zbəndri/ noun theactivity of looking after farm animals andcrops � a new system of intensive cattlehusbandryhusbandry systemhusbandry system noun a writtenplan for looking after a group of farmanimals, looking at considerations such astheir habitat, diet, medical care, productionrates and general welfarehuskhusk /h�sk/ noun 1. the dry outercovering of cereal grains, which has littlefood value, and which is removed duringthreshing 2. a parasitic form of bronchitiswhich is caused by lungworms and is


129 HYV

found mainly in cattle � verb to remove thehusk from seedshybridhybrid noun a new form of plant oranimal resulting from a cross betweenorganisms that have different genotypes �high-yielding maize hybrids � adjectivebeing the result of a cross between organ-isms that have different genotypeshybridisationhybridisation /�haibridai|�zeiʃ(ə)n/,hybridization noun the production ofhybrids

‘Another area of interest was thehybridisation of Italian and perennialryegrass varieties. Italian ryegrasses werevalued for their fast growth and bulk, butItalian ryegrass swards tended to last onlytwo years. By cross-breeding perennialryegrass and Italian ryegrass, it wasexpected to produce hybrid varietiesretaining many of the advantages of Italianryegrass but lasting for four or five years,said Mr Johnston.’ [Dairy Farmer]

hybridisehybridise /�haibridaiz/, hybridize verbto produce hybrids by crossing varieties ofplants or animalshybrid vigourhybrid vigour noun same as heterosisHybu Cig CymruHybu Cig Cymru noun the red meatpromotion board for Wales. Abbr HCChydratedhydrated /hai |�dreitid/ adjective refer-ring to a chemical compound in whichwater is boundhydrated limehydrated lime noun a substanceproduced when burnt lime is wetted. It is amixture of calcium oxide and water, usedto improve soil quality. The lime is inpowder form, having been burnt to break itdown from large lumps. Also calledslaked lime (NOTE: The chemical formulais Ca(OH)2.)hydraulic conductivityhydraulic conductivity /hai |�drɒlik�kɒnd�k |�tiviti/ noun the rate at whichwater can move through soil, used as afactor in soil managementhydrocarbonhydrocarbon noun a compound formedof hydrogen and carbonhydrochloric acidhydrochloric acid /�haidrəklɒrik�sid/ noun an inorganic acid which formsin the stomach and is part of the gastricjuiceshydrocoolhydrocool /�haidrə|�kul/ verb to coolfresh fruit to prevent it from deterioratingduring transport to the retail shop ormarkethydroelectricityhydroelectricity /�haidrəυilek |�trisiti/noun the electricity produced by waterpower

hydroelectric power

hydroelectric power/�haidrəυilektrik �paυə/ noun the elec-tricity produced by using a flow of water todrive turbines. Also called hydropowerhydrogen

hydrogen noun a gaseous chemicalelement that combines with oxygen toform water, with other elements to formacids, and is present in all animal tissuehydrology

hydrology noun the study of water, itscomposition and properties and in partic-ular the place of water in the environmenthydromorphic soil

hydromorphic soil noun waterloggedsoil found in bogs and marsheshydrophobia

hydrophobia /�haidrə|�fəυbiə/ nounsame as rabieshydrophyte

hydrophyte /�haidrəfait/ noun a plantthat lives in water or in marshy conditionshydroponics

hydroponics /�haidrəυ |�pɒniks/ nounthe practice of growing plants in a nutrientliquid with or without sand, vermiculite orother granular materialhydropower

hydropower /�haidrəυpaυə/ noun sameas hydroelectric powerhydrops uteri

hydrops uteri /�haidrɒps �jut(ə)ri/noun a disease of livestock caused byexcessive amount of fluid in the pregnantwomb. The womb may need to be drained.hydrostatic pressure

hydrostatic pressure /haidrəυ|

�sttik �preʃə/ noun the pressure of waterthat is not movinghygiene

hygiene noun the state or practice ofbeing clean and keeping healthy conditionshygrometer

hygrometer /hai|��rɒmitə/ noun aninstrument used for the measurement ofhumidity � The most common type ofhygrometer is the wet and dry bulb ther-mometer arrangement.hyperphosphate

hyperphosphate /�haipə |�fɒsfeit/noun a soft rock phosphate obtained fromNorth Americahyphae

hyphae /�haifi/ plural noun long thinfilaments which make up a typical fungushypocalcaemia

hypocalcaemia /�haipəυkl |�simiə/noun same as milk feverhypomagnesaemia

hypomagnesaemia /�haipəυm�ni |

�zimiə/ noun a condition caused by lackof magnesium in the bloodstream thatmakes animals shiver and stagger. Cattlemay be affected shortly after being turnedout onto spring pastures after havingwintered indoors. Also called grass stag-gersHYV

HYV abbreviation high-yielding variety


III symbol iodineIACRIACR abbreviation Institute of ArableCrops ResearchIACSIACS abbreviation Integrated Administra-tion and Control SystemIAHIAH abbreviation Institute for AnimalHealthIBRIBR abbreviation infectious bovinerhinotracheitisICAICA abbreviation International CoffeeAgreementICCAICCA abbreviation International CocoaAgreementICCOICCO abbreviation International CocoaOrganization-icide-icide /i|�said/ suffix substance whichdestroys a particular organismICMICM abbreviation integrated crop manage-mentICOICO abbreviation International CoffeeOrganizationICRISATICRISAT /�ikris�t/ abbreviation Interna-tional Crops Research Institute for theSemi-Arid TropicsIFAIFA abbreviation Irish Farmers Associa-tionIFRIFR abbreviation Institute of FoodResearchIgIg abbreviation immunoglobulinIGERIGER abbreviation Institute of Grasslandand Environmental ResearchIITAIITA abbreviation International Institute ofTropical AgricultureILCAILCA abbreviation International LivestockCentre for AfricaIle de FranceIle de France /�i�l də �frɒns/ noun alarge French breed of sheep, the rams ofwhich are kept to provide crossbred lambsfor meat productionilluviationilluviation /i|�lu�vi |�eiʃ(ə)n/ noun themovement of particles and chemicals fromthe topsoil into the subsoil

ILRADILRAD /�ilr�d/ abbreviation InternationalLaboratory for Research on AnimalDiseasesimbalanceimbalance noun 1. a situation where thebalance between a set of things is unequal� Lack of vitamins A and E createshormonal imbalances in farm animals. 2. asituation where one species is dominantimmatureimmature adjective referring to anorganism or part that is still developing �an immature duck � an immature fruitimmuneimmune adjective referring to a person,other animal or plant that is not affected bya specific microorganism � This barleystrain is not immune to the virus.immunisationimmunisation /�imjυnai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/,immunization noun the production ofimmunity to a specific disease, either byinjecting an antiserum or by giving an indi-vidual the disease in such a small dose thatthe body does not develop the disease, butproduces antibodies to counteract itimmuniseimmunise /�imjυnaiz/, immunize verbto make a person or other animal immuneto a specific microorganism by inoculatingthemimmunityimmunity noun 1. the natural or acquiredability of a person or other animal to resista microorganism and the disease it causes� The vaccine gives immunity to tubercu-losis. 2. the ability of a plant to resistdisease through a protective covering onleaves, through the formation of proto-plasts or through the development of inac-tive forms of virusesimmunoassayimmunoassay /�imjυnəυ |��sei/ noun atechnique for measuring the amount ofantigens and antibodies in tissue

‘Dr Chambers hopes that a newimmunoassay detection technique,developed at CSL, will prove to becommercially viable and a valuable tool


131 incubator

for use in the protection of the quality andreputation of UK grain.’ [Arable Farming]

immunoglobulinimmunoglobulin /�imjυnəυ|

��lɒbjυlin/ noun a protein produced byspecific white blood cells that acts as anantibody in immune responses. Abbr Igimpermeableimpermeable /im|�p��miəb(ə)l/ adjec-tive 1. referring to a substance which doesnot allow a liquid or gas to pass through �rocks which are impermeable to water 2.referring to a membrane which allows aliquid to pass through, but not solid parti-cles suspended in the liquidimplementimplement noun 1. the process ofcarrying out a plan 2. a piece of equipmentused for a certain job � verb to put legisla-tion into actionimplementationimplementation /�implimən |�teiʃ(ə)n/noun the process of carrying out a plan �the rapid implementation of flood defenceplansimportimport verb 1. to introduce new thingsfrom elsewhere 2. to buy crops or producein foreign countries and bring them backinto the home country � They import datesfrom North Africa. � noun crops orproduce which are bought abroad andbrought into the countryimporterimporter /im|�pɔ�tə/ noun a person orcompany which imports produce � a grainimporterimport levyimport levy noun a tax on farm producewhich is imported into the EUimport quotasimport quotas plural noun limits set tothe amount of a type of produce which canbe importedimpoverishimpoverish /im |�pɒvəriʃ/ verb to reducethe quality of something � to impoverishthe soil to make soil less fertile � Overcul-tivation has impoverished the soil.impoverishedimpoverished adjective referring tosomething with reduced quality � If impov-erished soil is left fallow for some years,nutrients may build up in the soil again.impregnateimpregnate verb to fertilise a female, byintroducing male spermatozoa into thefemale’s body so that they fuse with thefemale’s ovaimproved varietiesimproved varieties plural noun newspecies of plants which are stronger, ormore productive than old speciesimprovementimprovement noun the act or aninstance of something becoming or beingmade better � the improvement of cropvarieties by selection � There is still room

for improvement in performance. � Weneed to achieve improvements in efficiency.in-in- /in/ prefix used to refer to a pregnantfemale animal � in-calf, in-pig, in-foal acow, sow or mare which is going to haveyounginactivateinactivate /in|��ktiveit/ verb to makesomething unable to act � The ultravioletcomponent of sunlight inactivates someherbicides.inactiveinactive adjective 1. not doing anything2. (of a chemical) not reacting with othersubstances 3. (of a disease) not producingsymptoms 4. biologically inertinactivityinactivity /�in�k|�tiviti/ noun the state ofnot being activeinbredinbred /in|�bred/ adjective resulting frominbreedinginbreedinginbreeding /�inbri�diŋ/ noun theprocess of mating or crossing betweenclosely related individuals, leading to areduction in variation. Compareoutbreeding (NOTE: Inbreeding as a resultof self-fertilisation occurs naturally in manyplants. Inbreeding sorts out some of thebest qualities in stock and has been usedto establish uniform flocks or herdscarrying distinctive traits.)inbreeding depressioninbreeding depression noun a reduc-tion in variation and vigour arising in apopulation that is repeatedly inbred.Compare heterosisincisorincisor /in |�saizə/ noun a flat sharp-edged tooth in the front of the mouth forcutting and tearing foodincompatibleincompatible adjective unable to cross-fertilise and produce offspringincorporateincorporate verb 1. to apply chemicalssuch as slug pellets by spreading them inrows at the same time as the seed is sown,as opposed to broadcasting 2. to ploughback straw or green manure into the soilincorporationincorporation /in |�kɔ�pə|�reiʃ(ə)n/noun the process of introducing choppedstraw, green manure, etc., into the soil as itis being ploughedincubationincubation /�iŋkjυ|�beiʃ(ə)n/ noun theprocess of keeping eggs warm until theyoung birds come out, either by an adultbird sitting on them or by artificial meansincubatorincubator /�iŋkjυbeitə/ noun a specialunit providing artificial heat used to hatcheggs. Incubators are available as smalltrays, or as large rooms for large-scaleproducers.


indefinite inflorescence 132indefinite inflorescenceindefinite inflorescence noun a typeof inflorescence in which the stemsbearing the flowers continue to grow.Compare definite inflorescenceindehiscentindehiscent /�indi |�hes(ə)nt/ adjectivereferring to seed pods, fruit or capsules thatdo not open to release seeds when ripe.Compare dehiscentIndian cornIndian corn /�indiən kɔ�n/ noun � maizeIndian gameIndian game noun a breed of tablepoultry, often black with yellow legsindigenousindigenous adjective native to a place �There are six indigenous species of monkeyon the island. � Bluebells are indigenous tothe British Isles.indigestibleindigestible /�indi |�d�estib(ə)l/ adjec-tive referring to food which cannot bedigested, e.g. roughageindigoindigo /�indi�əυ/ noun a tropical plant ofthe pea family which is a source of bluedye. Genus: Indigofera.induced twinninginduced twinning noun the act ofproducing twin young after embryotransfer with twin embryosindustrial cropindustrial crop noun a crop grown forpurposes other than food, e.g. flax grownfor fibre

‘Farmers who have suffered severeshortfalls in their industrial crops on set-aside should contact the relevant officialsto avoid damaging cuts to their arable areapayments. Growers in southern Scotlandand the north of England have beenparticularly badly affected by rain andsome farmers are ploughing in failedoilseed rape crops.’ [Farmers Weekly]

infectinfect verb 1. (of an organism) to enter ahost organism and cause disease � The newstrain has infected many people, and thedisease is spreading fast. � All these plantshave been infected by a virus. 2. to contam-inate something with a microorganism thatcauses diseaseinfected areainfected area noun a place whereanimals must be kept in isolation as a resultof a notice issued by the Animals Inspectorwhen an animal is suspected or known tohave a notifiable diseaseinfectioninfection noun 1. the process of a micro-organism entering a host organism andcausing disease 2. a disease caused by amicroorganism � She is susceptible tominor infections. � West Nile fever is avirus infection transmitted by mosquitoes.infectiousinfectious adjective referring to adisease that is caused by microorganisms

and can be transmitted to other individualsby direct means � This strain of flu ishighly infectious. Compare contagiousinfectious bovine rhinotracheitisinfectious bovine rhinotracheitis/in |�fekʃəs �bəυvain �rainəυ|�treiki |�aitis/noun a virus disease of cattle which affectsthe reproductive, nervous, respiratory ordigestive systems. Milk yield is depressedas adults run a high fever. Abbr IBRinfectiveinfective /in |�fektiv/ adjective referringto a disease caused by a microorganism,which can be caught from another personbut which cannot always be directly trans-mittedinfectivityinfectivity /�infek |�tiviti/ noun the stateof being infectiveinfertileinfertile adjective 1. referring to anyorganism that is not able to reproduce orproduce offspring 2. referring to trees andplants that are not able to produce fruit orseeds 3. referring to soil that is not able toproduce good crops

COMMENT: An infertile soil is one which isdeficient in plant nutrients. The fertility ofa soil at any one time is partly due to itsnatural makeup, and partly to its condi-tion, which is largely dependent on itsmanagement in recent times. Applica-tion of fertilisers can raise soil fertility andbad management can decrease it.

infertilityinfertility /�infə |�tiliti/ noun the inabilityto reproduce or have offspringinfestinfest verb (of pests) to be present some-where in large numbers � Pine forests areinfested with these beetles. � Plants thathave been infested should be dug up andburnt.infestationinfestation /�infe|�steiʃ(ə)n/ noun thepresence of large numbers of pests � Thecrop showed a serious infestation ofgreenfly. � The condition is caused by aninfestation of lice.in-fieldin-field noun formerly, the field nearestthe farmstead, regularly manured and culti-vated. In-fields are still preserved on somehill farms.infiltrationinfiltration /�infil |�treiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. thepassing of water into the soil or into adrainage system 2. an irrigation system inwhich water passes through many smallchannels to reach the fieldsinflorescenceinflorescence /�inflə |�resəns/ noun aflower or a group of flowers on a stem

COMMENT: There are two types of inflo-rescence. Indefinite inflorescence iswhere the branches bearing the flowerscontinue to grow. Where the main stem


133 insecticide

ends in a single flower and then stopsgrowing is known as definite inflores-cence.

in-going paymentin-going payment noun a sum ofmoney paid by a new tenant for the value ofthe improvements made by the formertenant of a holdingin-ground valuationin-ground valuation noun the value oftillages or cultivations including directcosts of seed, fertiliser and sprayinheritinherit verb to receive a geneticallycontrolled characteristic from a parent �Flower colour is inherited.inhibitinhibit verb to prevent or limit the effectof something � Cloud cover inhibitscooling of the Earth’s surface at night.inhibitorinhibitor /in|�hibitə/ noun a device orsubstance which prevents or limits theeffect of somethinginjectinject verb to put a liquid into an animal’sbody under pressure, by using a hollowneedle inserted into the tissues � The cowwas injected with antibiotics.injectioninjection noun 1. the forcing of fluid intosomething � Power output can be boostedto a value over 100% maximum power, bythe injection of a water methanol mixtureat the compressor inlet or at the combus-tion chamber inlet. 2. the act of injecting aliquid into a body using a syringe 3. apreventative measure against a particulardisease � a TB injection 4. the introductionof something new or stimulatinginjurious weedinjurious weed /in |�d�υəriəs wi�d/noun a weed which causes damage to cropsor livestock, e.g. ragwort or creepingthistle

‘The Weeds Act does not make it anoffence to permit injurious weeds to growon land but provides Defra with the powerto serve a notice on an occupier of any landon which one of the five injurious weeds isgrowing requiring the occupier to takeaction to prevent the weeds fromspreading.’ [Farmers Guardian]

in-layin-lay noun a period when a hen is layingeggsin-milkin-milk noun lactation period of a cowinoculainocula plural of inoculuminoculateinoculate /i|�nɒkjυleit/ verb 1. to intro-duce vaccine into a body in order to stimu-late the production of antibodies to aparticular organism, giving rise to immu-nity to the disease � The baby was inocu-lated against diphtheria. 2. to introduce a

microorganism into a plant or a growthmediuminoculationinoculation /i|�nɒkjυ |�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1.the act of inoculating 2. an injectionagainst a particular disease � a diphtheriainoculationinoculuminoculum /i|�nɒkjυləm/ noun 1. materialused to inoculate a person or animalagainst a disease 2. microscopic airbornespores or other material from an organismthat causes diseaseinorganicinorganic /�inɔ� |��nik/ adjective 1.referring to a substance which does notcome from an animal or a plant � Inorganicsubstances include acids, alkalis andmetals. 2. referring to a substance that doesnot contain carboninorganic acidinorganic acid noun an acid whichcomes from a mineralinorganic fertiliserinorganic fertiliser noun an artificiallysynthesised fertiliserinorganic fungicideinorganic fungicide noun a fungicidemade from inorganic substances such assulphurinorganic herbicideinorganic herbicide noun a herbicidemade from inorganic substances such assulphurinorganic pesticideinorganic pesticide noun a pesticidemade from inorganic substances such assulphurinputsinputs /�inpυts/ plural noun substancesput into the soil, such as fertilisers whichare applied by a farmerinsins /inz/ noun a term used to describe thepoints where the plough enters the groundwhen leaving the headland (NOTE: Thepoints where the plough is lifted out of thesoil are the outs.)insectinsect noun a small animal with six legsand a body in three parts

COMMENT: Insects form the classInsecta. The body of an insect is dividedinto three distinct parts: the head, thethorax and the abdomen. The six legsare attached to the thorax and twoantennae are on the head.

insect biteinsect bite noun a sting caused by aninsect which punctures the skin and in sodoing introduces irritantsinsect-borneinsect-borne adjective referring toinfection which is carried and transmittedby insects � insect-borne viruses �Malaria is an insect-borne disease.insecticideinsecticide noun a substance which isused to kill insects


insectivorous 134

COMMENT: Natural insecticides producedfrom plant extracts are regarded as lessharmful to the environment than syn-thetic insecticides which, though effec-tive, may be persistent and kill not onlyinsects but also other larger animalswhen they get into the food chain. Inagriculture, most pesticides are eitherchlorinated hydrocarbons, organophos-phorus compounds or carbamate com-pounds. Insecticides may be sprayed ordusted on, or used in granular form asseed dressings. In the form of a gas,insecticides are used to fumigate green-houses and granaries.

insectivorousinsectivorous /�insek |�tivərəs/ adjec-tive referring to an animal or plant thatfeeds mainly on insects (NOTE: Pitcherplants and sundews are insectivorous.)inseminateinseminate /in |�semineit/ verb toimpregnate, by introducing male sperma-tozoa into the female’s body so that theylink with the female’s ovainseminationinsemination noun the introduction ofsperm into the vaginainspectioninspection noun a careful check to see ifsomething is in the correct condition or ifthere are problems (NOTE: Animal welfarecodes lay down rules on how closelyanimals such as laying hens should beinspected in order to ensure that they arehealthy.)inspectorinspector noun an official whose job isto examine animals, soil, buildings, etc., tosee if they conform to government regula-tionsInstitute for Animal HealthInstitute for Animal Health noun amajor centre for research into infectiousdiseases in livestock. Abbr IAHInstitute of Arable Crops ResearchInstitute of Arable CropsResearch noun a research group basedin Harpenden, Hertfordshire, which inves-tigates techniques in crop growing. AbbrIACRInstitute of Food ResearchInstitute of Food Research noun anot-for-profit scientific institute whichadvises on food safety, diet and health.Abbr IFRInstitute of Grassland and Environmental ResearchInstitute of Grassland and Envi-ronmental Research noun a researchorganisation in the field of land use andconservation. Abbr IGERInstitute of Terrestrial EcologyInstitute of Terrestrial Ecologynoun a former ecological research organi-sation, now merged with the Centre forEcology and Hydrology. Abbr ITEintakeintake noun 1. an amount of a substancetaken into an organism, either eaten or

absorbed � a study of food intake amonggrassland animals � The bird’s daily intakeof insects is more than half its own weight.2. hill pasture which has been improvedand fenced inIntegrated Administration and Control SystemIntegrated Administration andControl System noun measuresintended to combat fraud in aid applica-tions and ensure fair competition inEurope, part of the CAP reforms of 1992.Abbr IACSintegrated crop managementintegrated crop management nounan approach to growing crops thatcombines traditional good farm husbandrywith reduction in the use of agrochemicalsand takes into consideration the impact offarming practices on the environment

‘The farms aim to promote good andprofitable agricultural practice, involvingintegrated crop management to care for thesoil, water and the wider environment.’[Farmers Weekly]

integrated farm managementintegrated farm management, inte-grated farming noun an approach tofarming that combines the best of tradi-tional methods with modern technology, toachieve high productivity with a low envi-ronmental impactintegrated pest managementintegrated pest management nounan appropriate combination of differentmethods of pest control, involving goodcultivation practices, use of chemical pesti-cides, resistant crop varieties and biolog-ical control. Abbr IPMintegrated pollution controlintegrated pollution control, inte-grated pollution prevention and controlnoun an approach which looks at all inputsand outputs from a process that is likely tocause pollution and regulates other factorsas well as emissions. Abbr IPC, IPPCintensificationintensification /in|�tensifi |�keiʃ(ə)n/noun the use of intensive farming methods� Intensification of farming has contrib-uted to soil erosion. Compare extensifica-tionintensifyintensify verb to use intensive farmingmethodsintensityintensity /in|�tensiti/ noun the degree towhich land is usedintensiveintensive adjective achieving maximumproduction from land or animalsintensive agricultureintensive agriculture noun a methodof farming in which as much use is made ofthe land as possible by growing crops closetogether, growing several crops in a year orusing large amounts of fertiliser. Opposite


135 international

extensive agriculture. Also calledproductive agricultureintensive animal breedingintensive animal breeding noun asystem of raising animals in which live-stock are kept indoors and fed on concen-trated foodstuffs, with frequent use ofdrugs to control the diseases which tend tooccur under these conditionsintensive beef productionintensive beef production noun theproduction of a young lean beef animal ina period of less than a yearintensive cultivationintensive cultivation, intensivefarming noun same as intensive agricul-tureintensive livestock productionintensive livestock productionnoun a specialised system of livestockproduction where the livestock are housedindoors. This system can be started up atany time of the year. Disease hazards arethose related to diet and permanenthousing for the whole of the animal’s life.intensivelyintensively /in |�tensivli/ adverb usingintensive farming methodsinter-inter- /intə/ prefix betweeninterbreedinterbreed /�intə |�bri�d/ verb 1. to mateand have offspring 2. to cross animals orplants with different characteristics toproduce offspring with distinctive features(NOTE: Individuals from the same speciescan interbreed, those from differentspecies cannot.)

COMMENT: Interbreeding of close rela-tives can sometimes give a concentra-tion of desirable traits. This was muchused by breed pioneers, but it can alsoincrease the frequency of inherited phys-ical defects and breeding plans based oninterbreeding are now rare.

intercropintercrop /�intəkrɒp/ noun a crop whichis grown between the rows of other crops,e.g. barley and mustard or pigeon pea andblack gram � verb to grow crops betweenthe rows of other cropsintercroppingintercropping /�intə|�krɒpiŋ/ noun thegrowing of crops with different character-istics and requirements on the same area ofland at the same time � intercroppingbeans with maize

‘In other work it was shown intercroppingcabbages with white clover couldcontribute to pest control, particularly incircumstances where no insecticide wasapplied, such as in organic farming…’[Farmers Guardian]

intercultureinterculture /�intək�ltʃə/ noun thepractice of mixed cropping, where two or

more different crops are grown together onthe same area of landintermuscularintermuscular /�intə|�m�skjυlə/ adjec-tive referring to something which isbetween muscles. Compare intramus-cularinternal layinginternal laying noun a condition in henscaused by a fault in the oviduct, whichresults in the yolks not being passed alongthe oviduct for covering with membranesand shellinternationalinternational adjective referring to morethan one countryInternational Cocoa AgreementInternational Cocoa Agreementnoun an agreement between countries tostabilise the price of cocoa. Abbr ICCAInternational Cocoa OrganizationInternational Cocoa Organizationnoun an international organisation set up tostabilise the international market in cocoaby holding buffer stocks to offset seasonaldifferences in production quantities. AbbrICCOInternational Coffee AgreementInternational Coffee Agreementnoun an agreement between countries tostabilise the price of coffee. Abbr ICAInternational Coffee OrganizationInternational Coffee Organizationnoun an international organisation set up tostabilise the international market in coffeeby holding buffer stocks to offset seasonaldifferences in production quantities. AbbrICOInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid TropicsInternational Crops ResearchInstitute for the Semi-Arid Tropicsnoun an organisation established in 1972 atHyderabad, India. Abbr ICRISATInternational Institute of Tropical AgricultureInternational Institute of TropicalAgriculture noun an organisation estab-lished at Ibadan, Nigeria in 1965. AbbrIITAInternational Laboratory for Research on Animal DiseasesInternational Laboratory forResearch on Animal Diseases nounan organisation established at Nairobi,Kenya in 1974. Abbr ILRADInternational Livestock Centre for AfricaInternational Livestock Centre forAfrica noun an organisation establishedin 1974 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AbbrILCAInternational Programme on Chemical SafetyInternational Programme onChemical Safety noun a collaborationbetween the World Health Organizationand the United Nations EnvironmentProgramme, to investigate issues relatingto chemical safety. Abbr IPCSinternationalInternational Rice Research Insti-tute noun an organisation established atLos Banos, Philippines in 1959. Abbr IRRI


international 136internationalInternational Sugar Organizationnoun an international organisation formedof sugar-exporting countries. Abbr ISOInternational Whaling CommissionInternational Whaling Commis-sion noun an international body set upunder an agreement signed in 1946 tocontrol the commercial killing of whales.Abbr IWCInternational Wheat CouncilInternational Wheat Council noun agroup of wheat-exporting countries. AbbrIWCInternational Wool SecretariatInternational Wool Secretariat nouna group which represents countries whichexport wool. Abbr IWSinternodeinternode /�intənəυd/ noun the part of aplant stem between two adjacent nodesInterorganisation Programme for the Sound Management of ChemicalsInterorganisation Programme forthe Sound Management of Chemi-cals noun a plan administered by sevenparticipating international organisations,including WHO, to promote the safe use ofchemicals. Abbr IOMCinterrelay croppinginterrelay cropping /�intə |�ri�lei�krɒpiŋ/ noun a cropping system in whichthe crops are grown in quick succession, sothat the succeeding crop is sown in thestanding one, some time before it isharvestedintersowintersow /�intəsəυ/ verb to sow seedbetween rows of existing plants

COMMENT: Studies conducted at the Pun-jab Agricultural University suggest thepossibility of intersowing wheat in thefurrows between the consecutive potatoridges at the time of earthing up. Sum-mer mungbean (green gram) can thenbe intersown in the standing wheat cropa few days before harvest, using thespace released by the potatoes.

interspecificinterspecific /�intəspə|�sifik/ adjectiveinvolving two or more speciesinterveinalinterveinal /�intə|�veinəl/ adjectivebetween the veinsinterveinal yellowinginterveinal yellowing noun a condi-tion of plants caused by magnesium defi-ciency, where the surface of the leavesturns yellow and the veins stay greeninterventionintervention noun 1. the act of making achange in a system 2. � to sell into inter-vention to sell to a government agency atan intervention price because the marketprice is too lowIntervention BoardIntervention Board noun a body set upin 1972 to implement the regulations of theCommon Agricultural Policy in the UK. Ithas now been replaced by the RuralPayments Agency

intervention buyingintervention buying noun a feature ofthe Common Agricultural Policy, wherebygovernments or their agents offer to buysurplus agricultural produce at a predeter-mined price. It is subject to a minimumquality standard. Also called supportbuyingintervention priceintervention price noun same assupport price

COMMENT: The intervention price is theprice at which the national interventionagencies are obliged to buy up agricul-tural commodities offered to them. Thereare intervention prices on products suchas wheat, barley, beef and pigmeat. Theapplication of the system of interventionprices has led to the accumulation ofvast stocks of commodities, some ofwhich are sold on the world markets atvery low prices.

intestinalintestinal /in |�testin(ə)l/ adjective refer-ring to the intestineintestinal diseasesintestinal diseases plural noundiseases and conditions which affect theintestines of animals, e.g. anthrax, dysen-tery, parasites, enteritis or swine feverintestineintestine noun the digestive canalbetween the stomach and the anus orcloaca in which food is digested andabsorbed (NOTE: In mammals, the smallintestine digests and absorbs food from thestomach, and the large intestine thenabsorbs most of the remaining water.)intramuscularintramuscular /�intrə|�mskjυlə/adjective referring to something which isinside the muscle, as intramuscular fat inmeat. Compare intermuscularintraspecificintraspecific /�intrəspe|�sifik/ adjectiveoccurring within a species � an intraspe-cific cross between two cultivarsintrinsic factorintrinsic factor noun a proteinproduced in the gastric glands which reactswith vitamin B12 controls the absorptionof extrinsic factor, and which, if lacking,causes pernicious anaemiaintroduceintroduce verb 1. to bring somethinginto being or start to use something new �The lab introduced a new rapid method oftesting. 2. to bring something to a newplace � Several of the species of plant nowcommon in Britain were introduced by theRomans. � Starlings were introduced to theUSA in 1891.introductionintroduction noun 1. the process ofbringing something into being or usingsomething new � the introduction of a newrapid testing method � The death rate from


137 irrigation

malaria was very high before the introduc-tion of new anti-malarial techniques. 2. aplant or animal that has been brought to anew place � It is not an indigenous speciesbut a 19th-century introduction.in uteroin utero /�in �ju�tərəυ/ adverb in thewombinvasioninvasion noun the arrival of largenumbers of unwanted organisms into anarea � an invasion of weedsinvertebrateinvertebrate /in|�v��tibrət/ noun ananimal that has no backbone. Comparevertebrate � adjective referring to animalsthat have no backbone � marine inverte-brate animalsinvertebrate pestsinvertebrate pests plural noun pestssuch as grain mites and storage insectssuch as saw-toothed beetles and the grainweevil, which cause considerable damageto crops in tropical or warm temperateareasinwinteringinwintering noun the practice of housingcattle and sheep during the winter monthsrather than keeping them outdoorsiodineiodine noun a chemical element. It isessential to the body, especially to thefunctioning of the thyroid gland, and isfound in seaweed.iodophoriodophor /ai |�ɒdəfɔ�/ noun a disinfectantused to disinfect teats of cows to preventmastitisIOMCIOMC abbreviation InterorganisationProgramme for the Sound Management ofChemicalsionion /�aiən/ noun an atom or a group ofatoms that has obtained an electric chargeby gaining or losing one or more electrons(NOTE: Ions with a positive charge arecalled cations and those with a negativecharge are anions.)IPCIPC � IPPCIPCSIPCS abbreviation InternationalProgramme on Chemical SafetyIPMIPM abbreviation integrated pest manage-mentIPPCIPPC abbreviation integrated pollutionprevention and controlIPUIPU abbreviation isoproturonIrish MoiledIrish Moiled /�airiʃ �mɔild/ noun a rarebreed of medium-sized dual-purposecattle. The animals have a distinctive whiteback strip.ironiron noun a metallic element that is essen-tial to biological life and is an essential partof human diet. Iron is found in liver, eggs,etc.

COMMENT: Iron is an essential part of thered pigment in red blood cells. Lack ofiron in haemoglobin results in iron-defi-ciency anaemia. Its role in the physiol-ogy of plants appears to be associatedwith specific enzymatic reactions and theproduction of chlorophyll.

irongrassirongrass /�aiən�rɑ�s/ noun same asknotgrassironweedironweed /�aiənwi�d/ noun same asknotgrassirradiateirradiate /i |�reidieit/ verb 1. to subjectsomething to radiation 2. to treat food withradiation to prevent it going badirradiationirradiation /i |�reidi |�eiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. thespread of something from a centre 2. theuse of rays to kill bacteria in food

COMMENT: Food is irradiated with gammarays from isotopes which kill bacteria. Itis not certain, however, that irradiatedfood is safe for humans to eat, as theeffects of irradiation on food are notknown. In some countries irradiation isonly permitted as a treatment of certainfoods.

IRRIIRRI abbreviation International RiceResearch Instituteirrigateirrigate verb to supply water to land toallow plants to grow, by channels, pipes,sprays or other meansirrigationirrigation /�iri |��eiʃ(ə)n/ noun the artifi-cial supplying and application of water toland with growing crops

COMMENT: Irrigation can be carried outusing powered rotary sprinklers, rainguns, spray lines or by channelling wateralong underground pipes or small irriga-tion canals from reservoirs or rivers. Irri-gation water can be more effectivelyused than the equivalent amount of rain-fall, because a regular supply is ensured.Basin or flood irrigation is a primitiveform of irrigation, where flood watersfrom rivers are led to prepared basins.Perennial irrigation allows the land to beirrigated at any time. This may be byprimitive means such as shadufs, or bydistributing water from barrages by canaland ditches. It is usual to measure irriga-tion water in millimetres: 1mm on onehectare equals 10m3 or ten tonnes. Irri-gation is not necessarily always advan-tageous to the land, as it can causesalinisation of the soil. This happenswhen the soil becomes waterlogged sothat salts in the soil rise to the surface. Atthe surface, the irrigated water rapidlyevaporates, leaving the salts behind inthe form of a saline crust. Irrigation alsohas the further disadvantage of increas-


irrigator 138

ing the spread of disease. Water insectseasily spread through irrigation canalsand reservoirs. In the United Kingdomthe greatest need for irrigation is in theeast, where the lower rainfall and higherpotential evaporation and transpirationmeans that irrigation is beneficial nineyears out of ten. In the UK, potatoes,sugar beet, horticultural crops andgrassland are the main irrigated crops.

irrigatorirrigator /�iri�eitə/ noun a device forirrigating, e.g. the Baars irrigatorisinglassisinglass /�aiziŋ�lɑ�s/ noun a puresoluble gelatin, used to make alcoholicdrinks clear; formerly used to preserveeggsiso-iso- prefix equalisobarisobar /�aisəυbɑ�/ noun a line on a maplinking points which are of equal baro-metric pressure at a given timeisoglucoseisoglucose /�aisə|��lu�kəυz/ noun sameas high fructose corn syrupisohyetisohyet /aisəυ|�haiət/ noun a line on amap linking points of equal rainfallisolateisolate verb to separate and keep objectsor organisms apart from others � isolatedthe sick animals in a separate enclosureisolationisolation noun the process of keepinginfected animals away from othersisoleucineisoleucine /�aisəυ |�lu�si�n/ noun anessential amino acidisoproturonisoproturon /�aisəυ |�prɒtjυrɒn/ noun aherbicide used on cereals that is found as acontaminant of surface water (NOTE: It iscommonly used in the UK but it is underreview for withdrawal from use in the Euro-pean Union.)

isothermisotherm /�aisəυθ��m/ noun a line on amap linking points of equal temperatureItalian ryegrassItalian ryegrass /i|�t�liən �rai�rɑ�s/noun a short lived ryegrass (Lolium multi-florum) which is sown in spring and is veryquick to establish. It produces good growthin its seeding year and early graze thefollowing year, and is commonly used forshort duration leys.itchitch noun a form of mangeitch miteitch mite noun an arachnid (Sarcoptesscabiei) which burrows into the animal’sskin, causing itchingITEITE abbreviation Institute of TerrestrialEcologyIUCN – The World Conservation UnionIUCN – The World ConservationUnion noun a union of 140 countries thatgenerates scientific knowledge, advice andstandards on environmental subjects andmonitors the status of species, publishingfindings in its Red Lists (NOTE: ‘IUCN’stands for the organisation’s original name,‘International Union for the Conservation ofNature and Natural Resources’, althoughWorld Conservation Union has largelyreplaced this title since 1990.)ivyivy noun a climbing evergreen plant(Hedera helix)ivy-leaved speedwellivy-leaved speedwell noun a wide-spread weed (Veronica hederifolia) whichaffects most autumn sown crops. Alsocalled bird’s-eye, eye-brightIWCIWC abbreviation 1. International WheatCouncil 2. International Whaling Commis-sionIWSIWS abbreviation International WoolSecretariat (NOTE: Now called ‘The Wool-mark Company’.)


JJJ abbreviation jouleJack beanJack bean noun a tropical legume(Canavalia ensiformis) grown as a foddercropJacobJacob /�d�eikəb/ noun a rare breed ofsheep with multi-coloured fleece. It ismedium-sized and multi-horned, with awhite coat and brown or black patches.JerseyJersey /�d��zi/ noun an important breedof dairy cattle, originally from the island ofJersey. Jersey cows are smaller than mostother breeds and produce high yields ofhigh butterfat content milk. The cattle arevariously coloured from light fawn to redand almost black.Jerusalem artichokeJerusalem artichoke /d�ə|�ru�sələm�ɑ�titʃəυk/ noun � artichokejettingjetting /�d�etiŋ/ noun 1. a method ofapplying insecticide under pressure, usedon sheep 2. a method of cleaning outblocked field drains using high pressurewater jetsjetting gunjetting gun noun a gun used to applyinsecticideJNCCJNCC abbreviation Joint Nature Conser-vation CommitteeJohne’s diseaseJohne’s disease /�jəυnəz di |�zi�z/noun a serious infectious inflammation ofthe intestines, particularly in cattle.Affected animals rapidly becomeextremely thin.jointjoint noun 1. a place at which two bonesare connected 2. a piece of meat ready forcooking, usually containing a bone �adjective 1. shared by two or more people� a joint effort � a joint venture 2. referringto a joint in the body � joint painsjoint-illjoint-ill noun a disease of young live-stock, especially newborn calves, kids, andlambs. It causes abscesses at the navel andswellings in some joints. Also known asnavel-ill

Joint Nature Conservation CommitteeJoint Nature ConservationCommittee noun a UK governmentadvisory body on conservation. AbbrJNCCJoint Regulatory AuthorityJoint Regulatory Authority noun thebody which processes applications to growand sell genetically modified crops. AbbrJRAjojobajojoba /hə|�həυbə/ noun a perennial plant,grown in the USA, whose seeds yield an oilwhich is liquid waxjoulejoule /d�u�l/ noun an SI unit of measure-ment of energy. Symbol J

COMMENT: One joule is the amount ofenergy used to move one kilogram thedistance of one metre, using the force ofone newton 4.184 joules equal one calo-rie.

JRAJRA abbreviation Joint RegulatoryAuthorityjuicejuice noun 1. liquid inside a fruit or vege-table 2. liquid inside cooked meatjuice extractorjuice extractor noun a device forextracting juice from a fruit or vegetableJune agricultural censusJune agricultural census noun anannual survey of agricultural activity inGreat Britain carried out by Defra (NOTE:Until 2000, the census covered all hold-ings, regardless of their size. From 2000onwards, the information on crop areas,numbers of livestock, production andyields, number and size of holdings,numbers of workers, farm machinery,prices and incomes has been derived froma sample set of holdings.)June dropJune drop noun a natural fall of smallfruit in early summer, which allows theremaining fruit to grow largerjuniperjuniper /�d�u�nipə/ noun a small conif-erous tree or shrub of the northern hemi-sphere, with cones that resemble berries.Genus: Juniperus. (NOTE: Juniperuscommunis is native to the British Isles.)


jute 140jutejute /d�u�t/ noun a coarse fibre from aplant (Corchorus sp), used to make sacks,coarse cloth and cheap twine (NOTE: Themain producers of jute are Bangladesh(which produces over 50% of the totalworld production), India and Brazil.)

juvenilejuvenile noun a young animal or plant �adjective referring to an animal, plant,organ or type of behaviour that is not yetadult � The juvenile foliage of eucalyptus isdifferent from its adult foliage.


Kkk symbol kilo-KK symbol potassiumkainitekainite /�keinait/ noun potash fertiliser,made of a mixture of potassium andsodium salts, with sometimes magnesiumsalts added, used mainly on sugar beet andsimilar cropskalekale /keil/ noun a type of brassica, some-times used as a green vegetable for humanconsumption, but mainly grown as animalforage. Also called bore cole

COMMENT: Kale can be fed to animals inthe field, or made into silage for use dur-ing winter. The main types of kale are themarrowstem, which produces heavycrops but is not winter hardy, the thou-sand-headed, which is hardier, and thedwarf thousand-head, which produces alarge number of new shoots late in thewinter. Other hybrid varieties are alsoavailable. Kale is the commonest ofgreen crops other than grass. The high-est feeding value is in the leaf rather thanthe stem.

karstkarst /kɑ�st/ noun ground typical of lime-stone country, with an uneven surface andholes and cracks due to weatheringkedked /ked/ noun the sheep tick; a blood-sucking fly (Melophagus ovinus) which isa parasite of sheep and causes extreme irri-tationkeepkeep noun grass or fodder crops for thegrazing of livestock � verb to remain ingood condition after harvest � Conferencepears will keep until spring.keeperkeeper noun 1. a person who looks afterdeer, pheasants or other animals and birdswhich are reared to be hunted 2. a fruitwhich keeps wellkeiseritekeiserite /�keizərait/ noun magnesiumsulphate powder, used as a fertiliser wheremagnesium deficiency is evident, espe-cially in light sandy soil

kempkemp /kemp/ noun a very coarse fibre infleece, covered with a thick sheath andshed each yearkemp-free mohairkemp-free mohair noun mohair whichdoes not have any kempkenafkenaf /kə |�n�f/ noun a fibre-producingplant similar to jutekennelkennel noun 1. a small hut for a dog 2. �kennels a commercial establishmentwhere dogs are reared or kept for theirownersKentKent /kent/ noun � RomneyKentish cobKentish cob /�kentiʃ �kɒb/ noun acommercially grown variety of hazel nutkernelkernel noun 1. the soft edible part of a nut2. the seed and husk of a cereal grainKerryKerry /�keri/ noun a rare breed of dairycattle which is native to Ireland. Theanimals are small and black, sometimeswith white patches on the udder, and haveupturned horns.Kerry HillKerry Hill noun a breed of small hillsheep originating in the Kerry hills ofPowys in Wales. It has a soft white fleeceand speckled face and legs. The ewes arecrossed with Down rams for lamb produc-tion.ketosisketosis /ki� |�təυsis/ noun a wastingdisease in livestock caused by low levels ofglucose in the blood. The symptoms are achronic lack of energy, depletion of fatreserves and a sudden drop in milk produc-tion.kgkg symbol kilogramkg/hakg/ha noun kilograms per hectarekibbledkibbled /�kib�ə)ld/ adjective coarselyground, as in kibbled maizekibbutzkibbutz /ki |�bυts/ noun a form of settle-ment in Israel, based on the collectivefarming principles (NOTE: The plural iskibbutzim.)


kid 142kidkid noun a young goat of either sex, up toone year oldkidding penkidding pen noun a pen in which a doeis kept when giving birth to kidskidney beankidney bean noun a climbing Frenchbean, with red seeds, used as a vegetablekid-snatchingkid-snatching noun the practice oftaking a new-born kid away from itsmother to prevent her from licking it and sopassing on caprine arthritis-encephalitiskieseritekieserite /�ki�zərait/ noun anotherspelling of keiseritekilling agekilling age noun the age of an animal orbird when it is slaughteredkilling out percentagekilling out percentage noun the dead-weight of an animal expressed as apercentage of its live weightkilokilo noun same as kilogramkilo-kilo- prefix one thousand, 103. Symbol Kkilocaloriekilocalorie /�ki�ləυk�ləri/ noun a unitof measurement of heat equal to 1000 calo-ries (NOTE: In scientific use, the SI unitjoule is now more usual. 1 calorie = 4.186joules.)kilogramkilogram noun the base unit of mass inthe SI system, equal to 1000 grams or2.2046 pounds. Symbol kg. Also calledkilokilojoulekilojoule /�kiləυd�u�l/ noun an SI unit ofmeasurement of energy or heat equal to1000 joules. Symbol kJkilometrekilometre noun a measure of lengthequal to 1000 metres or 0.621 miles.Symbol km (NOTE: The US spelling iskilometer.)kindlingkindling noun the birth of a litter, espe-cially rabbitskipkip /kip/ noun a hide of a young animal,used for leather

kitchen gardenkitchen garden noun a garden withherbs and small vegetables, ready for usein the kitchenkJkJ abbreviation kilojoulekmkm abbreviation kilometreknackerknacker /�n�kə/ noun a person whoslaughters casualty animals, particularlyhorsesknapweedknapweed /�n�pwi�d/ noun a perennialweed (Centaurea nigra)knee capknee cap noun a felt protector for theknees of horses, used especially whentransporting them as a protection againstdamage caused when slipping. Also usedon young horses when jumping.knifeknife noun an attachment on the cutter barof a mower or combine harvester (NOTE:There are two types of knife, one withsmooth sections which need frequentsharpening, and the other with serratedsections which need no sharpening.)knotgrassknotgrass /�nɒt�rɑ�s/ noun a commonweed (Polygonum aviculare) which affectsspring cereals, sugar beet and vegetablecrops. Its spreading habit prevents otherslower-growing plants from growing. Alsocalled ironweed, irongrass, pigweed,wireweedknotterknotter /�nɒtə/ noun the mechanism on abaler which ties the bales. It has three basicparts: billhook, retainer disc and the knife.kohlrabikohlrabi /kəυl |�rɑ�bi/ noun a variety ofcabbage with a swollen stem, used as afodder crop, and also sometimes eaten as avegetable. The leaves may be green orpurple. Also called turnip-rootedcabbageKyloesKyloes /�kailəυz/ noun a breed of smalllong-horned shaggy Highland cattle


Llabellabel noun a piece of paper attached toproduce, showing the price and otherdetails � verb to identify something byusing a label � Parts are labelled with themanufacturer’s name.

COMMENT: Government regulationscover the labelling of food; it shouldshow not only the price and weight, butalso where it comes from, the qualitygrade, and a sell-by date.

labourerlabourer noun a person who does heavyworkLacauneLacaune /l� |�kəυn/ noun a breed ofsheep found mainly in Aveyron, Franceand used mainly for milk productionlactatelactate /l�k |�teit/ verb to produce milk asfood for younglactationlactation /l�k|�teiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. theproduction of milk as food for young 2. theperiod during which young are nourishedwith milk from the mother’s mammaryglands. � suckling

COMMENT: Lactation is stimulated by theproduction of the hormone prolactin bythe pituitary gland. In cows, goats andsheep kept for milk production, the lacta-tion period is made longer by regularmilking. For a dairy cow, the period is tenmonths, followed by a two-month restbefore calving again.

lactic acidlactic acid noun a sugar which forms incells and tissue, and is also present in sourmilk, cheese and yoghurtlactoselactose noun a sugar found in milkladder farmladder farm noun a farm with a series ofsmall long narrow fieldsladybirdladybird noun a beetle of the Coccinell-idae family, which is useful to the farmerbecause it feeds on aphids which woulddamage plants if they were not destroyed(NOTE: The US term is ladybug.)lagoonlagoon noun a pool of water or otherliquid � Slurry can be stored in lagoons.

LAILAI abbreviation leaf area indexlaid croplaid crop noun a crop which has beenflattened by rain and windlaid hedgelaid hedge noun a hedge that has beenmade by bending over each stem andweaving it between stakes driven into thegroundlaid woollaid wool noun wool discoloured by theuse of salves containing tarlairagelairage /�leərid�/ noun a shed or outdoorenclosure for the temporary housing ofanimals, as on the way to market, or whenthey are being transported for export

‘A consequence of the introduction of thelivestock movement ban will be thatauction markets cease to operate.However, it is possible that some livestockwill either be in a lairage or on their way tomarket. In such an eventuality theseanimals will either be sent back to theiroriginal holding or direct to slaughter.’[Farmers Guardian]

lakelake noun a large quantity of liquidproduce stored because of overproduction(informal) � a wine lake � a milk lake �

mountainlamblamb noun 1. a young sheep under sixmonths of age 2. meat from a lamb (NOTE:Meat from an older sheep is called‘mutton’, though this is not common.) �verb to give birth to lambs � Most eweslamb without difficulty, but some may needhelp.lamb dysenterylamb dysentery noun a bacterialdisease which enters the lamb from thepasture. The bacteria infects the land for avery long time. The disease can be avoidedby vaccinating the lambs as soon aspossible after birth or by vaccinating theewes before lambing.lambinglambing noun the action of giving birthto lambs


lambing pen 144lambing penlambing pen noun a pen in which a eweis kept when giving birth to lambslambing percentagelambing percentage noun the numberof live lambs born per hundred eweslambing seasonlambing season noun the period of theyear when a flock of ewes produces lambs,usually between December and January.The object is to produce lambs for themarket when the price is highest, usuallybetween February and May.lambing sicknesslambing sickness noun a bacterialdisease of sheep picked up from the soil,which can cause rapid deathlambing tunnellambing tunnel noun a covered enclo-sure for ewes and lambslamb’s footlamb’s foot noun same as parsley piertlaminalamina /�l�minə/ noun 1. (in mammalswith hooves) one of several layers of sensi-tive tissue just inside the hard exterior ofthe hoof 2. the blade of a leaflaminitislaminitis /�l�mi|�naitis/ noun theinflammation of the lamina in a hoof,causing swelling, and often leading todeformed hooves. It is possibly caused bytoo much grain feed.LaMISLaMIS abbreviation Land ManagementInformation Servicelandland noun 1. the solid part of the Earth’ssurface � back to the land encouragementgiven to people who once lived in thecountry and moved to urban areas to returnto the countryside 2. a section of a field,divided from other sections by a shallowfurrow, a term used in systematicploughingland agentland agent noun a person employed torun a farm or an estate on behalf of theownerland capabilityland capability noun an estimate of thepotential of land for agriculture, made onpurely physical environmental factors suchas climate and soil. Compare land suita-bility

COMMENT: In 2004 the total area of agri-cultural land in the UK was 18,436,000hectares occupying more than 70% ofthe total land area. On average only16.1% of this is Grade 1 or 2.

land classificationland classification noun the classifica-tion of land into categories, according to itsvalue for a broad land use type

COMMENT: In England and Wales, theDefra classification map has five maingrades, between Grade 1 (completelysuitable for agriculture) and Grade 5(land with severe limitations, because ofits soil, relief or climate).

land clearanceland clearance noun the removal oftrees or undergrowth in preparation forploughing or buildingland consolidationland consolidation /�l�nd kən |

�sɒlideiʃ(ə)n/ noun joining small plots ofland together to form larger farms or largefieldsland drainageland drainage noun the process ofremoving surplus water from land

COMMENT: If surplus water is preventedfrom moving through the soil and sub-soil, it soon fills all the pore spaces in thesoil and this will kill or stunt the growingcrops. Well-drained land is better aer-ated, and crops are less likely to be dam-aged by root-destroying fungi. Aeratedsoil also warms up more quickly inspring. Plants form deeper and moreextensive roots systems, grassland isfirmer, and disease risk from parasites isreduced. The main methods of drainingland are underground pipe drains, moledrains and ditches.

land erosion control

land erosion control noun a methodof preventing the soil from being wornaway by irrigation, planting or mulchinglandfilllandfill noun 1. the disposal of waste byputting it into holes in the ground andcovering it with earth 2. same as landfillsitelandfillinglandfilling /�l�ndfiliŋ/ noun the practiceof disposing of waste by putting it intoholes in the ground and covering it withearthlandfill site

landfill site noun an area of land wherewaste is put into holes in the ground andcovered with earth � The council hasdecided to use the old gravel pits as a land-fill site. � Landfill sites can leak pollutantsinto the ground water. � Landfill sites, ifproperly constructed, can be used toprovide gas for fuel. Also called landfilllandfill tax

landfill tax noun a tax on every metricton of waste put in a landfill site instead ofbeing recycled that is paid by companiesand local councilsland improvement

land improvement noun the process ofmaking the soil more fertilelandlordlandlord noun the owner of land orbuilding who lets it to a tenant for anagreed rentland managementland management noun the use andmaintenance of land according to a set ofprinciples for a particular purpose such asthe cultivation of crops or recreationalactivities


145 laxative

‘The skylark and lapwing have alldeclined in the UK because of loss ofhabitat and changes in land management.Stone-curlew numbers plummeted afterthe Second World War but this year hit anational recovery target five years early.’[Farmers Guardian]

land managerland manager noun someone who isresponsible for the condition of land, e.g. afarmer or landownerlandownerlandowner noun a person who ownsland freehold, and may let it to a tenant, ormay farm it himselflandracelandrace /�l�ndreis/ noun a localvariety of plant or animal developed overmany thousands of years by farmersselecting for favourable characteristicswithin a speciesland reformland reform noun a government policyof splitting up agricultural land anddividing it up between those people who donot own any landlandscapelandscape noun the scenery, generalshape, structure and features of the surfaceof an area of landlandscape gardenerlandscape gardener noun a gardenerwho creates a new appearance for a gardenlandscape managerlandscape manager noun somebodysuch as a farmer or landowner who isresponsible for the way land is used andlooked after

COMMENT: Many farmers find themselvesas landscape managers, required tomaintain the countryside in an aestheti-cally and environmentally pleasing con-dition for the predominantly urbanpopulation to enjoy.

landsidelandside /�l�ndsaid/ noun the part of theplough which takes the sideways thrust asthe furrow is turnedland suitabilityland suitability noun the suitability ofland for a certain agricultural purpose

COMMENT: Land suitability is similar toland capability, but defines its usefulnessfor a particular purpose. Suitability tendsto emphasise the positive value of land,while capability emphasises its limita-tions.

land tenureland tenure noun the way in which landis owned and possessed. This may be by anindividual owning the freehold, by atenancy agreement between freeholder andtenant, or by a form of community owner-ship.land useland use noun the way in which land isused for different purposes such as farmingor recreation � a survey of current land use

COMMENT: In the UK, the main uses ofland are classified as: crops and fallow,temporary grass, permanent grass,rough grazing, other land, urban land,forestry and woodland, and miscellane-ous.

land use classificationland use classification noun the clas-sification of land according to the way it isusedlanolinlanolin /�l�nəlin/ noun a fat extractedfrom sheep’s wool used in making soaps,skin creams and shampoosLantraLantra /�l�ntrə/ noun an organisationwhich works with employers in the agri-culture and land industries to ensure thatworkers in those industries have the neces-sary skills and trainingLAQMLAQM abbreviation local air qualitymanagementlarchlarch /lɑ�tʃ/ noun a deciduous Europeansoftwood tree that has cones. It is fast-growing and used as a timber crop. Genus:Larix.Large BlackLarge Black noun a dual-purpose hardybreed of pig that is black with long lop earsLarge WhiteLarge White noun an importantcommercial breed of pig that is white withpricked up earslarvalarva noun the form of an insect or otheranimal in the stage of development afterthe egg has hatched but before the animalbecomes adult (NOTE: The plural is larvae.)larvallarval /�lɑ�v(ə)l/ adjective referring tolarvae � the larval stagelassolasso /lə|�su�/ noun a rope with a noose atthe end, used to catch cattle � verb to catchcattle, using a lassolaterallateral noun a shoot which branches offfrom the leader or main branch of a tree orshrublatexlatex noun 1. a white fluid from a plantsuch as poppy, dandelion or rubber tree 2.a thick white fluid from a rubber tree,which is treated and processed to makerubberlauricslaurics /�laυriks/, lauric oils plural nounoils from palm seed and coconutlavenderlavender noun a shrub (Lavandula offic-inalis) with small lilac-coloured flowersand narrow leaves, cultivated for perfumelaverlaver /�lɑ�və/ noun Welsh name for avariety of seaweed which is ediblelaxativelaxative adjective, noun substance whichencourage movements of the bowel �Succulent food such as root crops have alaxative effect.


Laxton’s Superb 146Laxton’s SuperbLaxton’s Superb /�l�kstənz sυ |�p��b/noun a variety of dessert apple formerlygrown commercially in the UKlaylay noun � hen in lay bird which is layingeggs � verb to produce an egglayerlayer noun 1. a flat area of a substanceunder or over another area (NOTE: Ingeological formations, layers of rock arecalled strata; layers of soil are called hori-zons.) 2. a stem of a plant which has maderoots where it touches the soil 3. a bird thatis in lay � verb to propagate a plant bybending a stem down until it touches thesoil and letting it form roots therelayeringlayering noun 1. a method of propagationwhere the stem of a plant is bent until ittouches the soil, and is fixed down on thesoil surface until roots form 2. a process bywhich the half-cut stems of hedge plantsare bent over and wove around stakes set inthe ground, to form a new hedgelayers’ ailmentslayers’ ailments plural noun disordersof fowls in lay, especially birds that are inheavy production. These disorders includeegg binding, internal laying and layer’scramp.layer’s cramplayer’s cramp noun a condition found inpullets after the first few weeks of theirlaying life. The bird appears weak, but thetrouble usually disappears after a few days.layinglaying noun the action of producing eggslaying cagelaying cage noun a specially built cagefor laying hens. The cages are arranged intiers and each cage should allow the birdsto stand comfortably, allow the eggs rollforward and permit access to food andwater, easy cleaning and easy handling ofthe birds.laying henlaying hen noun a female domestic fowlwhich is kept primarily for egg productionlaying periodlaying period noun the period duringwhich a hen will continue to lay eggs. Thisbegins at 18 weeks of age and normallylasts for 50 weeks.lazy-bedlazy-bed noun a small arable plot usedfor growing potatoes, cereals and othercrops, found in the West Highlands ofScotland. If the soil is thin, seed potatoesare placed on the surface of the soil andcovered with turf.lealea /li�/ noun open ground left fallow orunder grassleachleach /li�tʃ/ verb to be washed out of thesoil by water � Excess chemical fertiliserson the surface of the soil leach into riversand cause pollution. � Nitrates have

leached into ground water and contami-nated the water supply.leachateleachate /�li�tʃeit/ noun 1. a substancewhich is washed out of the soil 2. a liquidwhich forms at the bottom of a landfill siteleachingleaching noun the process by which asubstance is washed out of the soil bywater passing through itleaderleader noun an animal which goes first,which leads the flock or herdleader-follower systemleader-follower system noun asystem of grazing where priority is given toa group of animals (the leaders) and thecrop is later grazed by a second group ofanimals (the followers). So first-yearheifers might be followed by second-yearheifers.leafleaf noun a structure growing from a plantstem, with a stalk and a flat blade. It isusually green and carries out photosyn-thesis. (NOTE: A leaf stalk is called apetiole, and a leaf blade is called alamina.)LEAFLEAF noun an independent organisationthat promotes better understanding offarming by the public and helps farmersimprove the environment by combining thebest traditional farming methods withmodern technology. Full form LinkingEnvironment and Farmingleaf area indexleaf area index noun the area of greenleaf per unit area of ground. Abbr LAIleaf blotchleaf blotch noun a disease of cereals(Rhynchosporium secalis) where dark greylesions with dark brown margins occur onthe leavesleaf burnleaf burn noun same as leaf scorchleaf cuttingleaf cutting noun a piece of a leaf, rootor stem cut from a living plant and put insoil where it will sproutleaf jointleaf joint noun a point on the stem of aplant where a new shoot may growleaf rollleaf roll noun a viral disease of potatoes,transmitted by aphids. The leaves roll upand become dry, and the crop yield isaffected.leaf scorchleaf scorch noun damage done to leavesby severe weather conditions or herbicides.Also called leaf burnleaf spotleaf spot noun a fungal disease ofbrassicas, where the leaves develop brownand black patchesleaf stripeleaf stripe noun a disease of barley andoats (Pyrenophora graminea) where theyoung leaves show pale stripes and seed-lings often die


147 lettucelean meatlean meat noun meat with very little fat� Animals are bred to produce lean meat.leaselease noun a written contract for lettingor renting a piece of equipment for a periodagainst payment of a fee � verb 1. to let orrent land or equipment for a period � Thecompany has a policy of only using leasedequipment. 2. to use land or equipment fora time and pay a fee � All the farm’s trac-tors are owned, but the combines areleased.leasebackleaseback /�li�sb�k/ noun arrangementwhere property is sold and then taken backby the former owner on a leaseleaseholdleasehold /�li�shəυld/ noun, adjective,adverb possessing property on a lease, fora fixed time � to purchase a property lease-hold � The property is for sale leasehold.leaseholderleaseholder /�li�shəυldə/ noun a personwho holds a property on a leaseleatherleather noun the skin of an animal,tanned and prepared for useleatherjacketleatherjacket /�leðəd��kit/ noun thelarva of the cranefly (Tipuda paludosa)which hatches from eggs laid on theground and feeds on the young crop inspring. When grass is ploughed for cerealcrops, the larvae feed on the seedlingwheat, damaging the plants at or just belowground level.leekleek noun a hardy winter vegetable(Allium ameloprasum) with a mild oniontaste (NOTE: To produce high-quality leeks,the lower parts of the stems need to beblanched. The stems are used in soupsand stews.)LeghornLeghorn /le�|�hɔ�n/ noun an excellentlaying breed of hen. It is a hardy bird,coloured black, brown and white.Leghorns produce good-sized white eggs.legumelegume /�le�ju�m/ noun 1. a member ofthe plant family that produces seeds inpods, e.g. peas and beans. Family: Legumi-nosae. 2. a dry seed from a single carpel,which splits into two halves, e.g. a pea

COMMENT: There are many species oflegume, including trees, and some areparticularly valuable because they haveroot nodules that contain nitrogen-fixingbacteria. Such legumes have specialvalue in maintaining soil fertility and areused in crop rotation. Peas, beans, clo-ver and vetch are all legumes.

LeguminosaeLeguminosae /le|��u�min |�əυsi/ noun afamily of plants including peas and beans,that produce seeds in pods

leguminousleguminous /li|��ju�minəs/ adjectivereferring to a legumeLehmann systemLehmann system /�leimən �sistəm/noun a system of pig breeding developedin Germany, where bulk food such as pota-toes and fodder beet are fed after a basicration of mealLeicester longwoolLeicester longwool /�lestə �lɒŋwυl/noun a breed of large hornless white-facedsheep, used a lot by Robert Bakewell, butnow rare. � Border Leicester, Blue-facedLeicesterlemmalemma /�lemə/ noun the outer bractwhich encloses the flowers of grasslemonlemon noun a yellow edible fruit of anevergreen citrus tree (Citrus limon).Lemons have a very tart flavour and areused in flavouring and in making drinks.Leptospira hardjoLeptospira hardjo /�leptəυspairə�hɑ�djəυ/ noun a bacterium which infectscattle and humans, causing leptospirosisand Weil’s disease. Abbr LH, lep hardjoleptospirosisleptospirosis /�leptəυspai |�rəυsis/noun a disease of cattle caused by bacteria,which causes abortions and low milkyields. It can be carried by sheep or inrunning water.LERAPLERAP abbreviation Local EnvironmentRisk Assessment for Pesticideslesionlesion noun an open wound on thesurface of a plant or on the skin of ananimal, caused by disease or physicaldamageless favoured arealess favoured area noun a formername for land in mountainous and hillyareas, which is capable of improvementand use as breeding and rearing land forsheep and cattle. It is now called Disadvan-taged or Severely Disadvantaged Areas.The EU now recognises such areas andgives financial help to farmers in them.Abbr LFALess Favoured Areas Support SchemeLess Favoured Areas SupportScheme noun formerly, a governmentscheme providing financial support toensure that farming continued in moun-tainous or hilly areaslet-downlet-down noun � let-down of milk therelease of milk from the mammary gland

COMMENT: The hormone oxytoxin acti-vates the release of milk. The let-downlasts between seven and ten minutes,when the extraction of milk from theudder is easiest.

lettucelettuce noun a salad vegetable (Lactucasativa) which comes in a variety of formsand leaf textures. The commonest are cos


leucine 148

lettuce, cabbage lettuce, crisphead andloose-leaved lettuces. Cabbage lettuceshave roundish heads, while cos lettuceshave longer leaves and are more upright.leucineleucine /�lu�si�n/ noun an essentialamino acidleucocyteleucocyte noun a white blood celllevellevel adjective having a flat, smooth hori-zontal surface � noun 1. a relative amount,intensity or concentration � an unsafe levelof contamination � reduced noise levels 2.a flat low-lying area of usually marshyland, often reclaimed by artificial drainagein parts of Fen Country in Eastern Englandround the Washlevylevy noun money which is demanded andcollected by a governmentleyley /lei/ noun 1. a field in which crops aregrown in rotation with periods when thefield is sown with grass for pasture (NOTE:Leys are an essential part of organicfarming.) 2. land which has been sown tograss for a timeley farmingley farming noun farming system inwhich fields are left to pasture in rotation

COMMENT: Strictly speaking, ley farmingis a system where a farm or group offields is cropped completely with leyswhich are reseeded at regular intervals;alternatively, any cropping system whichinvolves the use of leys is called leyfarming. Ley farming is an essential partof organic farming. Pasture land is ferti-lised by the animals which graze on it,and then is ploughed for crop growing.When the land has been exhausted bythe crops, it is put back to pasture torecover.

LFALFA abbreviation less favoured areaLHLH abbreviation Leptospira hardjolicelice plural of louselicencelicence noun an official document whichallows someone to do somethinglielie noun a place where an animal lies down� Livestock benefit from a dry lie atpasture.lifestyle farmland buyerlifestyle farmland buyer noun some-body who purchases farmland for leisureor investment purposes rather than as aworking farmerlifetimelifetime noun 1. the time during which anorganism is alive � Humans consume tonsof sugar in a lifetime. 2. the approximatetime it would take for the part of an atmos-pheric pollutant concentration created byhumans to return to its natural levelassuming emissions cease � Average life-

times range from about a week for productssuch as sulphate aerosols to more than acentury for CFCs and carbon dioxide.Also called atmospheric lifetimeliftlift verb to harvest root crops such as pota-toes by digging them out of the ground.Potatoes can be lifted from the soil and,using a spinner or an elevator digger, left inrows for hand-picking.lifterlifter /�liftə/ noun same as lifting unitliftingsliftings /�liftiŋz/ plural noun crops whichhave been liftedlifting unitlifting unit noun a pair of wheels or atriangular-shaped share, used on aharvester to lift the roots and pass them tothe main elevator. Also called lifter

COMMENT: The roots are lifted by beingsqueezed out of the ground in betweenthe two wheels. The distance betweenthe two wheels or shares can beadjusted to suit the size of the crop. Thewheels should be set quite closetogether at the bottom when harvestingsmall roots. The wheels run at an angleto each other so that their rims lie closetogether when in the soil and fartherapart at the top.

light grainslight grains plural noun cereals such asbarley and oats. Compare heavy grainslight leaf spotlight leaf spot noun a disease Pyrenope-ziza brassicae which affects oilseed rape,causing light green or pale areas to appearon the leaveslight soillight soil noun soil consisting mainly oflarge particles which are loosely heldtogether because of the relatively largepore space. Light soil is usually easier tocultivate than heavy soil, but may dry outtoo quickly.Light SussexLight Sussex noun a dual-purposebreed of poultry, one of the several varie-ties of the Sussex breed. The birds arewhite, with black stripes to the feathers ofthe neck and black feathers on the wingsand tail.lignifylignify /�li�nifai/ verb to become hardand woody � Plants are less digestible asthey become lignified.ligninlignin /�li�nin/ noun the material in plantcell walls that makes plants woody andgives them rigidity and strengthLimLim abbreviation Limousin (informal)Lima beanLima bean /�li�mə bi�n/ noun same asbutter beanlimblimb noun the leg of an animallimelime noun 1. calcium oxide made fromburnt limestone, used to spread on soil to


149 liquefied petroleum gas

reduce acidity and add calcium 2. a hard-wood tree. Genus: Tilia. 3. a citrus fruittree, with green fruit similar to, but smallerthan, lemons. Latin name: Citrus auranti-folia. � verb to treat acid soil by spreadinglime on itlimestonelimestone /�laimstəυn/ noun a commonsedimentary rock, formed of calciumminerals and often containing fossilisedshells of sea animals. It is porous in itsnatural state and may form large caves bybeing weathered by water. It is used in agri-culture and building. � carboniferous lime-stone

COMMENT: Limestone is formed of cal-cium minerals and often contains fossil-ised shells of sea animals. It is animportant source of various types oflime.

limingliming /�laimiŋ/ noun the spreading oflime on soil to reduce acidity and addcalcium. Also called lime treatmentLimousinLimousin /�limu |�z�n/ noun a relativelyhardy French breed of beef cattle, devel-oped on the uplands around Limoges incentral France. The cattle are red, withlarge bodies. Limousin bulls are used ondairy cattle producing a good crossbredcalf.linch pinlinch pin /�lintʃ pin/ noun a pin used tolock an implement onto the three-pointlinkage at the rear of a tractorLincoln longwoolLincoln longwool /�liŋkən �lɒŋhɔ�n/noun a rare breed of sheep now foundmainly in Lincolnshire, with white facesand long shiny wool. The animals are verylarge and slow to mature.Lincoln redLincoln red noun a breed of cattle bredfrom the shorthorn. The animals are deepred in colour. The breed was originallydual-purpose, but now is mainly used forcrossing with dairy cows to produce beefcalves.lindanelindane /�lindein/ noun an organochlo-rine pesticide. It is a persistent organicpollutant and has been banned for all agri-cultural uses in the European Union.Formula: C6H6Cl6.lineline verb to cover the inside of a containerto prevent the contents escaping � Landfillsites may be lined with nylon to preventleaks of dangerous liquids.line breedingline breeding noun the deliberatecrossing or mating of closely related indi-viduals in order to retain characteristics ofa common ancestor

COMMENT: The purpose of line breedingis to try to preserve in succeeding gener-ations the mix of genes responsible for aparticularly excellent individual speci-men.

linerliner noun the rubber inner tube of a teatcup in a milking machinelingling /liŋ/ noun a variety of heather(Calluna vulgaris)linklink noun a measurement, forming oneloop of a chain (one-hundredth of asurveying chain, or 7.92 inches) � verb tobe related to or associated with something� Health is linked to diet or Health and dietare linked.linkagelinkage /�liŋkid�/ noun the process oftwo or more genes situated close togetheron a chromosome being inherited togetherLinking Environment and FarmingLinking Environment and Farmingnoun full form of LEAFLinnaean systemLinnaean system noun the scientificsystem of naming organisms devised bythe Swedish scientist Carolus Linnaeus(1707–78) (NOTE: Carl von Linné is anotherform of his name.)

COMMENT: The Linnaean system (orbinomial classification) gives eachorganism a name made up of two mainparts. The first is a generic name refer-ring to the genus to which the organismbelongs, and the second is a specificname which refers to the particular spe-cies. Organisms are usually identified byusing both their generic and specificnames, e.g. Homo sapiens (man) andFelix catus (domestic cat). The genericname is written or printed with a capitalletter. Both names are usually given initalics, or are underlined if written ortyped.

linoillinoil /�linɔil/ noun linseed oillinseedlinseed /�linsi�d/ noun a variety of flax(Linum usitatissimum) with a short straw.It produces a good yield of seed used forproducing oil.LinumLinum /�li�nəm/ noun the Latin name forflaxlinuronlinuron /�linju�rɒn/ noun a residualherbicide which acts in the soilLion QualityLion Quality noun the symbol used oneggs in the UK to show that they comefrom a British Egg Industry Council-approved supplierlipaselipase /�lipeiz/ noun an enzyme thatbreaks down fatsliquefied petroleum gasliquefied petroleum gas nounpropane or butane or a combination of bothproduced by refining crude petroleum oil.


liquid 150

Abbr LPG (NOTE: Liquefied petroleum gasis used for domestic heating and cookingand for powering vehicles.)liquid

liquid adjective having a consistency likethat of water � Liquid oxygen is stored incylinders. � noun a substance with aconsistency like water � Water is a liquid,ice is a solid.liquid fertiliserliquid fertiliser noun a simple solution,not kept under pressure, of the normal rawmaterials of solid fertilisers, as opposed topressurised solutions such as aqueousammonialiquid manureliquid manure noun a manureconsisting of dung and urine in a liquidform (NOTE: Manure in semi-liquid form isslurry.)liquorliquor noun a concentrated liquidsubstance. � rumen liquor, silage liquorliquoriceliquorice noun the root of a plant(Glycyrrhiza glabra) used in makingsweets and soft drinks. It also has medic-inal properties.listerialisteria /li|�stiəriə/ noun a bacteriumfound in human and animal faeces, onespecies of which can cause meningitis ifingested in contaminated food. Genus:Listeria.List of Chemicals of ConcernList of Chemicals of Concern nouna list of chemicals believed to be producedor used in the UK in substantial amountsand which meet specific criteria forconcern relating to risks to the environ-ment and human health. The list is drawnup by the UK Chemicals StakeholderForum and is intended for discussion andinput.litrelitre noun a measure of capacity equal to1000cc or 1.76 pints. Symbol l, Llitterlitter noun 1. a group of young mammalsborn to one mother at the same time � Thesow had a litter of ten piglets. 2. beddingfor livestock (NOTE: Straw is the best typeof litter, although bracken, peat moss,sawdust and wood shavings can be used.)� verb 1. to leave rubbish in a place 2. togive birth � Bears litter in early spring.Little Red TractorLittle Red Tractor noun the symbolused on food packaging in the UK to showthat it comes from a British FarmStandard-approved supplierliverliver noun a large gland in the upper partof the abdomen, the main organ forremoving harmful substances from theblood

liver flukeliver fluke noun a parasitic trematodewhich lives in the liver and bile ducts ofanimals, e.g., Fasciola hepatica whichinfests sheep and cattle, causing loss ofconditionliverylivery /�livəri/ noun a stable which keepsa horse for the owner and usually feeds,grooms, and exercises the horselivestocklivestock noun cattle and other farmanimals which are reared to produce meat,milk or other products � Livestock produc-tion has increased by 5%.livestock auctionlivestock auction noun an auction salewhere livestock are shown in a ring andsold to the highest bidderlivestock recordslivestock records plural noun simplerecords of all livestock, which each farmhas to make and which are then availablefor the Defra returns which are compiledeach yearlivestock registerlivestock register noun same as herdregisterlivestock unitlivestock unit noun the part of a farmwhere livestock are rearedliveweightliveweight /�laivweit/ noun the weightof a live animal. Compare deadweightliveweight marketingliveweight marketing noun themarketing of live animalsllamallama /�lɑ�mə/ noun a pack animal in theAndes of South America. It is a ruminant,and belongs to the camel family.LlanwenogLlanwenog /l�n |�wenɒ/ noun a breedof sheep found in many parts of WestWales. The fleeces are considered to be thefinest produced in the UK. The wool has avery soft handle.LleynLleyn /lein/ noun a breed of sheep nativeto the Lleyn peninsula in North Wales. Theanimals are small, hornless and hardy,good milkers, and very productive, oftenproducing triplets.loaderloader /�ləυdə/ noun a machine used toload crops, manure, etc., into trailers orspreaders. The front-end tractor-mountedloader is the most common.loamloam /ləυm/ noun 1. dark soil, withmedium-sized grains of sand, which crum-bles easily and is very fertile 2. a mixtureof clay, sand and humus, used as a pottingcompostloamyloamy /�ləυmi/ adjective referring to soilthat is dark, crumbly and fertilelocal air quality managementlocal air quality management nounthe process of taking steps to improve theair quality in an area where it does not meetaccepted standards. Abbr LAQM


151 lowlockjawlockjaw /�lɒkjɔ�/ noun same as tetanuslockslocks plural noun small tufts of woolseparated from the fleece during shearinglocomotor disorderlocomotor disorder /�ləυkə|�məυtədis|�ɔ�də/ noun a disease caused by skeletalgrowth not keeping pace with the rate ofmuscle developmentlocuslocus /�ləυkəs/ noun the position of agene on a chromosome (NOTE: The plural isloci.)locustlocust /�ləυkəst/ noun a flying insectwhich occurs in subtropical areas, flies inlarge groups and eats large amounts ofvegetationlocust beanlocust bean noun the broken-down podsof the carob tree, used as animal feedlodelode /ləυd/ noun a deposit of metallic orelodgepole pinelodgepole pine /�lɒd�pəυl pain/ nouna slow growing tree which thrives on poorsoil and is used as a pioneer crop (Pinuscontorta)lodginglodging noun the tendency of cerealcrops to bend over, so that they lie more orless flat on the groundloessloess /�ləυis/ noun a fine fertile soilformed of tiny clay and silt particles depos-ited by the windloganberryloganberry /�ləυ�ənb(ə)ri/ noun a softfruit, a cross between a raspberry and ablackberryLoghtanLoghtan /�lɒhtən/ noun � Manx LoghtanLomé ConventionLomé Convention /�ləυmei kən |

�venʃ(ə)n/ noun an agreement reached in1975 between the European Communityand 66 developing nations (the ACPstates). It gives entry into the EU forcertain agricultural produce without duty,with sections on guaranteed prices. �

Cotonou Agreementlong-day plantlong-day plant noun a plant thatflowers as the days get longer in the spring.Compare short-day plantlong-grain ricelong-grain rice noun varieties of ricewith long grains, grown in tropicalclimates such as India. See Comment atriceLonghornLonghorn /�lɒŋhɔ�n/ noun a dual-purpose hardy breed of cattle, with longdown-curving horns. The animals areusually red or brown in colour, with whitemarkings. The breed is now rare.long tonlong ton noun same as ton 1longwoollongwool /�lɒŋwυl/, longwoolledsheep noun the name of several breeds ofsheep with long wool

LonkLonk /lɒŋk/ noun a breed of moorlandsheep, found in the Pennines of Lancashireand Yorkshire. It is one of the Swaledalegroup, although larger than other varieties,and produces finer wool than most hillsheep. The face and legs are white withdark markings.loose-boxloose-box noun a stable for animals thatare kept untied (NOTE: A loose-box shouldhave a hay rack, manger, water bowl andtying rings. It should also have a groovedfloor to make cleaning and drainage easier.Loose-boxes are also useful for housingsick animals.)loose-leavedloose-leaved adjective referring to aplant such as a lettuce with a loose collec-tion of leaves and no heartloose silky bentloose silky bent noun a plant with thingreen or purple stems which affects wintercereals (Apera spica-venti)loose smutloose smut noun a fungus (Ustilagonuda) affecting wheat and barley. Massesof black spores collect on the diseasedheads; the spores are dispersed in the wind,and only a bare stalk is left.loplop /lɒp/ verb to cut the branches of a treelop earslop ears plural noun long ears whichhang down on either side of the animal’sheadlouping-illlouping-ill /�lu�piŋ il/ noun an infectiveparasitic disease of sheep (Ixodes ricinus),carried by ticks in hill pastures. Animalssuffer acute fever and nervous twitch andstaggers. Also called staggers, twitch,trembleslouselouse noun a small wingless insect thatsucks blood and lives on the skin as a para-site on animals and humans. There areseveral types, the commonest being bodylouse, crab louse and head louse. Somediseases can be transmitted by lice. Genus:Pediculus. (NOTE: The plural is lice.)louse diseaselouse disease noun an external para-sitic disease of cattle. Severe infectionleads to loss of condition, wasting andanaemia.lovagelovage /�l�vid�/ noun a herb used as avegetable and for making herbal teaslove-in-idlenesslove-in-idleness /�l�n in �aid(ə)lnəs/noun same as field pansylowlow noun 1. same as depression � Aseries of lows are crossing the NorthAtlantic towards Ireland. 2. a sound madeby a cow � verb (of a cow) to make a sound.Compare bleat, grunt, neigh


low-input farming 152low-input farminglow-input farming, lower inputfarming noun a system of farming basedon restricted use of chemical fertilisers,pesticides and herbicideslow-intensity landlow-intensity land noun land on whichcrops are not intensively cultivatedlowlandslowlands noun an area of low land whereconditions are usually good for farming, asopposed to hills and mountains, or high-lands � Vegetation in the lowlands issparse.low loaderlow loader noun a farm trailer with itsflat floor near the ground to make loadingeasierLPGLPG abbreviation liquefied petroleum gasLSULSU abbreviation livestock unitlucernelucerne /lu|�s��n/ noun a perennial,drought-resistant, leguminous plant that isrich in protein. It is mainly used either forgreen feed for animals or for hay or silage.Latin name: Medicago sativa. (NOTE: TheUS name is alfalfa.)lugslugs /l��z/ plural noun projections fromthe tyres of tractor wheels. They increasetraction by digging into the soil and bykeeping the tyre in contact with solidsurfaces in muddy conditions.LuingLuing /liŋ/ noun a hardy breed of beefcattle, found mainly in North-West Scot-landlump limelump lime noun another name for burntlime or quicklimelumpy jawlumpy jaw noun same as actinomycosislungwormlungworm /�l�ŋw��m/ noun a parasiticworm which infests the lungs. Infestationcan be cured with anthelmintics. Alsocalled hooselupinlupin noun a leguminous plant (Lupinuspolyphyllus) grown as a crop for proteinand seed oil

COMMENT: Lupins were originally grownin the UK as green manure on acidsandy soils, and for some sheep folding.They are now grown for grain produc-tion. The seeds of lupin contain 30–40%protein and 10–12% edible oil. The whitelupin is an early-ripening sweet type, butis difficult to harvest and must be com-bined carefully.

lush

lush adjective referring to vegetationwhich is thick and green � The cattle wereput to graze on the lush grass by the river.� Lush tropical vegetation rapidly coveredthe clearing.lymph

lymph /limf/ noun a colourless liquidcontaining white blood cells, which circu-lates in the body, carrying waste matteraway from tissues to the veins (NOTE: It isan essential part of the body’s defenceagainst infection.)lynchet

lynchet /�lintʃit/ noun 1. a strip of landformed as the result of a movement of soildown a slope as a result of cultivation.Negative lynchets form at the top of theslope and positive lynchets at the bottom.2. an unploughed strip of land forming atemporary boundary between fields

COMMENT: Lynchets on former prehis-toric fields can still be seen in the form ofsteps on the sides of hills.

lyophilise

lyophilise /lai|�ɒfilaiz/, lyophilize verbto preserve food by freezing it rapidly anddrying in a vacuumlysimeter

lysimeter /lai |�simitə/ noun a deviceused for measuring the rate of drainage ofwater through soil and the soluble particlesremoved in the processlysine

lysine /�laisi�n/ noun an essential aminoacid in protein foodstuffs, essential foranimal growth


MMAMA abbreviation modified atmospheremachinery syndicatemachinery syndicate noun a group offarmers who join together to buy very largeitems of equipment, which they can use inturnmacroclimatemacroclimate /�m�krəυklaimət/ nounthe climate over a large area such as aregion or country. � mesoclimate, micro-climatemacronutrientmacronutrient /�m�krəυ|�nju�triənt/noun a nutrient that an organism uses invery large quantities, e.g. oxygen, carbon,hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, calcium, magnesium or ironmad cow diseasemad cow disease noun same as BSE(informal )Maedi-VisnaMaedi-Visna /�maidi �viznə/ noun avirus disease of sheep, which causesbreathing difficulties. Abbr MV

‘All exported Shropshires are selectedfrom flocks that are scrapie monitored andMaedi Visna accredited. Animals are alsoscrapie genotyped.’ [Farmers Guardian]

maggotmaggot noun a soft-bodied, legless larvaof a fly such as a bluebottle, warble fly orfrit fly. Maggots may attack crops and live-stock.magnesiummagnesium noun a light, silvery-whitemetallic element that burns with a brilliantwhite flame

COMMENT: The addition of magnesium tosoil may prevent deficiency diseases incrops or in livestock, such as interveinalyellowing of leaves in potatoes andsugar beet, and hypomagnesaemia or‘grass staggers’ in grazing animals.Heavy spring applications of potash(potassium) fertilisers will increase thechance of grass staggers occurring.

magnetic resonance imagingmagnetic resonance imaging /m��|

�netik �rezənəns �imid�iŋ/ noun a tech-nique that uses electromagnetic radiationto obtain images of invisible parts of a

structure or the body’s soft tissues. AbbrMRI (NOTE: The object is subjected to apowerful magnetic field which allowssignals from atomic nuclei to be detectedand converted into images by computer.)mahoganymahogany noun a tropical hardwoodtree producing a dark timber, nowbecoming rare. Genus: especially: Swiet-enia.maidenmaiden, maiden tree noun a tree in itsfirst year after grafting or budding, when itis formed of a single stemmaincrop potatoesmaincrop potatoes /�meinkrɒp pə |

�teitəυz/ plural noun varieties of potatogrown as a main crop. Compare earliesMaineMaine /mein/ noun � Bleu du MaineMaine-AnjouMaine-Anjou /�mein �ɒn�u�/ noun abreed of dual-purpose cattle developed inBrittany, now imported into the UK fromFrance, and exported to many other coun-tries. The animals are roan or red and whitein colour.maintenance rationmaintenance ration noun the quantityof food needed to keep a farm animalhealthy but not productive

‘Head herdsman Reginald Green believedthat most people didn’t know how to feedcows: You have got to know the propermaintenance ration for a cow according toher size and weight before you can start tofeed for milk, he said.’ [Dairy Farmer]

maizemaize noun a tall cereal crop grown inwarm climates, that carries its grains on alarge solid core (cob) of which there areonly one or two per plant. Latin name: Zeamays. (NOTE: The US term is corn.)

COMMENT: Maize is a tall annual grassplant, with a strong solid stem. The maleflowers form a tassel on the top of theplant and the females some distanceaway in the axils of some of the middlestem leaves. After wind pollination of thefilament-like styles or silks, the grain


maize gluten 154

develops into long ‘cobs’ of tightlypacked seeds. In Great Britain the cropis grown for making silage, or for har-vesting as ripened grain; some is grazedor cut as a forage crop, while a small pro-portion is sold for human consumptionas ‘corn on the cob’. Maize needs richdeep well-drained soils and ideally afrost-free growing season with a lot ofsunshine before harvest. Maize is theonly grain crop which was introducedfrom the New World into the Old World,and it owes its name of Indian corn to thefact that it was cultivated by AmericanIndians before the arrival of Europeansettlers. It is the principal crop grown inthe United States, where it is used asfeed for cattle and pigs. In Mexico it is astaple food, being coarsely ground intoflour from which tortillas are made.Maize is also a staple food grain in thewetter parts of Africa; in South Africa thecobs are known as ‘mealies’.

maize glutenmaize gluten noun a type of animalfeedingstuff obtained after maize has beenmilled. It is high in protein.malathionmalathion /�m�lə |�θaiən/ noun an orga-nophosphorus insecticide used to killaphids, mainly on flowers grown in glass-housesmalemale adjective 1. referring to an animalthat produces sperm 2. referring to a flowerthat produces pollen, or a plant thatproduces such flowers � noun a maleanimal or plantmalnutritionmalnutrition noun the state of nothaving enough to eatmalodoursmalodours /m�l |�əυdəz/ plural noununpleasant smellsmaltmalt noun best-quality barley grainswhich have been through the maltingprocess and are used in breweries to makebeer and in distilleries to make whisky �verb to treat grain such as barley byallowing it to sprout and then drying it. Themalted grain is used for making beer.maltasemaltase /�mɔlteiz/ noun an enzyme inthe small intestine that converts maltoseinto glucosemalt culmsmalt culms plural noun roots and shootsof partly germinated malting barley. A by-product of the malting process, the culmsare used as a feedingstuff for livestock.malted mealmalted meal noun a brown wheat flourmixed with flour made from barleymaltingmalting noun the process by whichbarley grain is soaked in water, thensprouted on a floor to produce an enzyme.

It is then dried in a kiln and the roots andshoots are removed to leave the maltgrains.malting barleymalting barley noun best-quality barleyused for maltingmaltosemaltose /�mɔltəυs/ noun a sugarformed by digesting starch or glycogenmaltstermaltster /�mɔltstə/ noun a person whomakes malt for sale to breweriesMalusMalus /�meiləs/ noun the Latin name forthe apple treemammalmammal noun an animal that gives birthto live young, secretes milk to feed them,keeps a constant body temperature and iscovered with hair. Class: Mammalia.mammalian meat and bone mealmammalian meat and bone mealnoun same as meat and bone mealmammary glandsmammary glands /�m�məri �l�ndz/plural noun glands in females that producemilk. In cows, sheep and goats, the glandsare located in the udder.managemanage verb 1. to organise something orcontrol the way in which somethinghappens � The department is in charge ofmanaging land resources. 2. to succeed indoing something � We managed to preventfurther damage occurring.managed woodlandmanaged woodland noun a woodlandwhich is controlled by felling, coppicing,planting, etc.managementmanagement noun 1. the organised useof resources or materials 2. the people whocontrol an organisation or businessmanagement practicemanagement practice noun practicalways of using management decisions toorganise the use of resources or materials

‘Vaccination of ewes and lambs is one ofthe more common management practicesperformed by sheep producers each andevery year. Some producers will vaccinatetheir flock for “everything”, while otherschoose a more conservative approach.’[Farmers Guardian]

managermanager noun a person who is in chargeof an organisation or part of onemanemane noun a long hair on the neck of ahorsemanganesemanganese /�m�ŋ�əniz/ noun ametallic trace element. It is essential forbiological life and is also used in makingsteel.

COMMENT: Manganese deficiency isassociated with high pH and soils thatare rich in organic matter. It can causegrey leaf of cereals, marsh spot in peasand speckled yellowing of leaves of


155 marginal

sugar beet. It is usually cured by apply-ing manganese sulfate as foliar spray.

mangemange /meind�/ noun a skin disease ofhairy or woolly animals, caused by mites,including Sarcoptes, the itch mitemangelmangel /�m�ŋ�əl/, mangel wurzel/�m�ŋ�əl �w��zəl/ noun a plant similar tosugar beet, but with larger roots. Mangel ismainly grown in southern England as afodder crop. Also called mangold

COMMENT: Varieties of mangels includeGlobes, Tankards (oblong-shaped),Longs and Intermediates. Mangels con-tain less than 15% dry matter and arenormally harvested before maturity anddried off in a clamp.

mangel flymangel fly noun a fly whose yellow-white legless larvae cause blistering of theleaves of mangels and sugar beet. Thisholds back plant growth and in severecases can kill the plant. Also calledmangold flymangermanger noun a trough in a stable, fromwhich horses and cattle feedmangetoutmangetout /�mɒn�tu�/ noun a variety ofpea, which is picked before the seeds aredeveloped, and of which the whole pod iscooked and eatenmangomango /�m�ŋ�əυ/ noun a tropical tree(Mangifera indica) and the fruit itproduces (NOTE: The tree originated inIndia, but is grown widely in tropical coun-tries. The fruit is large, yellow or yellowish-green, with a soft orange pulp surroundingthe very large seed. The seeds and barkare also used medicinally.)mangoldmangold /�m�ŋ�əυld/ noun same asmangelmangold flymangold fly noun same as mangel flymangosteenmangosteen /�m�n�əsti�n/ noun a tree(Garcinia mangostana) which is native ofMalaysia, but which is now cultivated inthe West Indies. The fruit has a dark shinyrind and a soft sweet white flesh.maniocmanioc /�m�niɒk/ noun the Frenchname for cassava, used as an animal feed-ingstuffmanivemanive /�m�ni�v/ noun cassava meal,used as an animal feedingstuffmanuremanure noun animal dung used as ferti-liser (NOTE: In liquid or semi-liquid form it iscalled ‘slurry’.) � verb to spread animaldung on land as fertiliser

COMMENT: All farm manures and slurriesare valuable, and should not beregarded as a problem for disposal, butrather as assets to be used in place of

expensive fertilisers which would other-wise need to be bought. Manure andslurry have to be spread in a controlledway, or pollution can result from runoffsinto streams after rainfall.

manure cyclemanure cycle noun the process bywhich waste materials from plants, animalsand humans are returned to the soil torestore nutrientsmanure spreadermanure spreader noun a trailer with amoving floor conveyor and a combinedshredding and spreading mechanism, usedto distribute manure over the soil. Alsocalled muck spreaderManx LoghtanManx Loghtan noun a rare breed ofsheep, which is native to the Isle of Man.The wool is mouse-brown and the animalsare multi-horned.maplemaple noun a hardwood tree of northerntemperate regions, some varieties of whichproduce sweet sap which is used formaking sugar and syrup. Genus: Acer.mappingmapping /�m�piŋ/ noun the process ofcollecting information and using it toproduce mapsMaranMaran /�m�rɒn/ noun a heavy conti-nental breed of fowl, which has a greyish-brown barred plumage and produces darkbrown eggsmarblingmarbling /�mɑ�b(ə)liŋ/ noun the appear-ance of muscle with intramuscular fat, seenon the cut surface of meatMarchigianaMarchigiana /�mɑ�kid�i|�ɑ�nə/ noun abreed of white beef cattle from Italy, nowimported into the UK and used for cross-breeding to improve beef-calf quality indairy cowsmaremare noun a female horse, five years oldor moreMarek’s diseaseMarek’s disease /�m�reks di|�zi�z/noun a virus disease of poultry, causinglameness and paralysismarginmargin noun 1. the edge of a place orthing � unploughed strips at the margins ofthe fields � a leaf margin 2. the differencebetween the amount of money received fora product and the money which it cost toproducemarginalmarginal /�mɑ�d�in(ə)l/ adjective 1.referring to areas of land such as fieldedges or banks beside roads which are atthe edge of cultivated land 2. referring to aplant which grows at the edge of two typesof habitat � marginal pond plants such asirises 3. referring to land of poor qualitywhich results from bad physical conditionssuch as poor soil, high rainfall or steep


margin over purchased feed 156

slopes, and where farming is often difficult� Cultivating marginal areas can lead toerosion.margin over purchased feed

margin over purchased feed nounthe amount of money received for producesuch as per litre of milk, shown as apercentage above the amount spent inpurchasing feed for the animals. AbbrMOPFmariculture

mariculture /�m�rik�ltʃə/ noun thebreeding and keeping of sea fish or shell-fish for food in seawater enclosures

COMMENT: Mariculture refers to aquacul-ture in seawater, such as raising oysters,lobsters and fish in special enclosures.

marine flora

marine flora noun the plants that live inthe seamarjoram

marjoram /�mɑ�d�ərəm/ noun a Medi-terranean aromatic herb (Origanum), thedried leaves of which are used asflavouringmarket garden

market garden noun a place for thecommercial cultivation of plants, usuallyvegetables, soft fruit, salad crops andflowers, found near a large urban centrethat provides a steady outlet for the sale ofits producemarket gardener

market gardener noun a person whoruns a market gardenmarket gardening

market gardening noun the business ofgrowing vegetables, salad crops and fruitfor salemarket town

market town noun a town with a perma-nent or regular market, which serves as atrading centre for the surrounding area.Some markets specialise in certain types oflivestock or produce.market weight

market weight noun the target weight atwhich livestock will be sold at market orslaughtered

‘The emphasis in the UK has been toachieve maximum growth rates from theearliest possible time, using high price,high density diets to achieve the leastnumber of days to reach market weight.’[Pig Farming]

marking

marking noun 1. the practice of putting amark on an animal to identify who itbelongs to, e.g. a brand on the skin 2. (byan animal) the act of using urine to identifyits territory and warn away competitorsmarkings

markings plural noun coloured patternson the coat of an animal or in the feathersof a bird

marlmarl /mɑ�l/ noun a fine soil formed of amixture of clay and lime, used for makingbricksmarram grassmarram grass /�m�rəm �rɑ�s/ noun atype of grass planted on sand dunes toprevent them being spread by the wind.Latin name: Ammophila arenaria.marrowmarrow noun a large vegetable (Cucur-bita pepo) of the pumpkin family, whichmay be grown as bush or trailing varietiesmarrowstem kalemarrowstem kale /�m�rəυstem �keil/noun a variety of kale with a thick stem andlarge leaves, grown as feed for livestock inthe autumn and winter months, though it isnot winter hardymarshmarsh noun an area of permanently wetland and the plants that grow on it (NOTE:Marshes may be fresh water or salt waterand tidal or non-tidal. A marsh usually hasa soil base, as opposed to a bog or fen,which is composed of peat.)

COMMENT: Many former areas of marsh-land have been reclaimed and havebeen artificially drained by an system ofditches and sluices which allow surfacewater to escape to the sea, but preventsalt water entering the area. The drainedsoils are usually fertile and some ofthese areas are important for agriculture.

marshlandmarshland /�mɑ�ʃl�nd/ noun land thatis covered with marshmarsh spotmarsh spot noun a disease affectingpeas, caused by manganese deficiencymarshy soilmarshy soil noun a very wet soilmartingalemartingale /�mɑ�tiŋ�eil/ noun a deviceused to regulate the way a horse’s carriesits head. It consists of a strap or straps,attached to the girth at one end, and at theother to the reins or to the noseband.mashmash noun a mixture of feeding mealscombined to provide all the necessaryelements for a balanced dietMashamMasham /�m�ʃəm/ noun a crossbredtype of sheep which results from a Wens-leydale or Teeswater ram mated with a hillewe of the Swaledale type and has blackmarkings on the face and legs. The breed isan economical ewe with a good lambingaverage and a useful fleece.mashlummashlum /�m�ʃl�m/ noun a mixture ofoats and barley (and sometimes wheat),sown to provide grain for feeding to live-stock. Also called maslin, meslen, meslinmastmast noun the small hard fruits that havefallen from a beech tree, used as food bypigs and other animals


157 Meat and Livestock CommissionMaster of Foxhounds AssociationMaster of Foxhounds Associationnoun a group which provides informationto foxhunters and hunt leaders. AbbrMFHAmasticationmastication /�m�sti |�keiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process of grinding food in the mouth,using the teeth and jawsmastitismastitis /m� |�staitis/ noun a commonbacterial disease affecting dairy animals inwhich the udders become inflamed andswollen, and the passage of the milk isblocked

COMMENT: Common causes are staphy-lococci such as Staphylococcus aureus(staphylococcal mastitis), streptococci(Streptococcus uberis) or other bacteria(E. coli mastitis). The condition can betreated with antibiotics.

mastitis-metritis-agalactiamastitis-metritis-agalactia noun fullform of MMAmast swinemast swine noun a German term for afattening pigmatmat noun a covering of undecayed grass-land vegetation which forms on very acidsoil, when the soil lacks the microorgan-isms necessary to break decaying matterdownmatemate noun an animal that reproducessexually with another � verb to reproducesexually with another of same speciesmating likesmating likes noun same as assortivematingmattedmatted /�m�tid/ adjective with manyfibres woven togethermattockmattock /�m�tək/ noun a heavy hoematuritymaturity noun 1. the time when a plant’sseeds are ripe 2. the time when an animalhas become an adult 3. the time when ananimal is ready for slaughtermawmaw /mɔ�/ noun a stomach, especially thelast of a ruminant’s four stomachsmaximum residue levelmaximum residue level noun themaximum amount of a pesticide that canremain in crops or foodstuffs under Euro-pean Union regulations. Abbr MRL

‘Amendments to EU legislation governingpesticide maximum residue levels havebeen voted through with the result thatMRL controls will be extended on a rangeof crops including cereals, potatoes andsugar beet.’ [Farmers Guardian]

maymay noun a popular name for hawthorn, acommon plant for making hedgesmayweedmayweed /�maiwi�d/ noun one of agroup of weeds which affect cereals(Chamomilla spp, Anthemis spp, Matri-

caria spp). The weeds affect winter cropsand vegetables, and are found on head-lands. They can cause considerable prob-lems to machinery. Also called dogdaisy,wild chamomileMBMMBM abbreviation meat and bone mealMCPAMCPA noun a herbicide that kills the mostpersistent broad-leaved weeds, such asnettles, buttercups, charlock, dock seed-lings, plantains and thistles (NOTE: Its fullname is 2-methyl-4chloro-phenoxy-acetic acid.)MCPPMCPP abbreviation mecopropMDCMDC abbreviation Milk DevelopmentCouncilMEME abbreviation 1. metabolisable energy �ME levels in concentrates 2. metabolisedenergymeadowmeadow noun a field of grass and wildplants, sometimes grown for fodder. �

water meadowmeadow fescuemeadow fescue noun a perennial grass(Festuca pratensis) which has considerableimportance for hay and grazing. It is ahighly productive grass which flourisheswhen sown with Timothy.meadowgrassmeadowgrass /�medəυ�rɑ�s/ nounvarieties of grass of the genus Poamealmeal noun a finely ground compoundfeedingstuff for poultry and pigs,containing all the elements necessary forgood health and steady growthmealwormmealworm /�mi�lw��m/ noun the larvaof various beetles of the genus Tenebriothat infests and pollutes grain productsmeatmeat noun animal flesh that is eaten asfood (NOTE: Meat is formed of the animal’smuscle.)-meat-meat suffix showing the flesh of ananimal, used in particularly in the EU �pigmeat � sheepmeatmeat and bone mealmeat and bone meal noun meal madefrom waste meat and bones, formerly usedin animal feed but now banned in the EUbecause of fears that it was a contributingfactor in the spread of BSE. Abbr MBMMeat and Livestock CommissionMeat and Livestock Commissionnoun an organisation which provides serv-ices to livestock breeders, including theevaluation of breeding stock potential andcarcass grading and classification. TheCommission also carries out variousresearch projects. Its staff also provideservices for abattoirs and livestock auctionmarkets. The Commission promotes thesale of British meat. Abbr MLC


meat chicken 158meat chickenmeat chicken noun a chicken which israised for its meat rather than for its eggs orto produce chicks

‘While breeding for improved welfare canbe economically beneficial whenindividual animals have high value, likethe dairy cow, the meat chicken’s value isvery low.’ [Farmers Guardian]

meat-eating animalmeat-eating animal noun same ascarnivoremeat extendermeat extender /�mi�l ik|�stendə/ nounany foodstuff or mixture of foodstuffsadded to meat preparations to increasetheir bulkmeat flymeat fly noun same as blowflyMeat Hygiene ServiceMeat Hygiene Service noun a divisionof the Food Standards Agency which dealswith hygiene in slaughterhouses and meatpreparation facilities. Abbr MHSMeatlincMeatlinc /�mi�tlink/ noun a new breed ofsheep used as a terminal sire. Only therams are sold.mechanically recovered meatmechanically recovered meat nounthe scraps of meat which remain on ananimal’s carcass after the prime cuts havebeen removed, which are removed usingmachinery, ground and used as cheap fillerfor burgers, pies, sausages, etc. Abbr MRMmechanisationmechanisation /�mekənai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/,mechanization noun the introduction ofmachines for agricultural workingpurposes

COMMENT: Mechanisation has been animportant factor in the contraction of theagricultural labour force. Mechanisationhas not only involved increases in thenumber and range of machines, but alsodramatic increases in their size andpower. This has enabled slopes previ-ously regarded as too steep for plough-ing to be cultivated. The increased sizeof tractors and combines has encour-aged enlargement of fields and theremoval of hedgerows. This has causedalarm amongst conservationists and ledto increased erosion in wet weather insome areas.

mecopropmecoprop /�mekəυprɒp/ noun acommonly used herbicide, mostly used tocontrol weeds in cereal and grass crops,that is found as a contaminant of water.Abbr MCPP, CMPPmediummedium noun a substance in which anorganism lives or is grownmelonmelon noun a plant of the cucumberfamily (Cucumis melo) with a sweet fruit.

The flesh of the fruit varies from green toorange or white.Mendel’s laws

Mendel’s laws /�mendəlz lɔ�z/ pluralnoun the laws governing heredity

COMMENT: The two laws set out by Gre-gor Mendel following his experimentsgrowing peas, were (in modern terms):that genes for separate genetic charac-ters assort independently of each otherand that the genes for a pair of geneticcharacters are carried by different gam-etes. For animal breeders, the main fea-ture of Mendelism is that it is based onsimple and clearly-defined traits that areinherited as separate entities: thesewere traits such as colour, which arecontrolled by single genes.

merchantmerchant noun a person who sells aproduct � seed merchant, corn merchanttrader who sells seed or corn, usuallywholesalemercuric chloridemercuric chloride noun same asmercury (II) chloridemercury

mercury /�m��kjυri/ noun a metalelement that is liquid at room temperature.It is used in thermometers, barometers andelectric batteries and is poisonous. Alsocalled quicksilvermercury chloridemercury (I) chloride noun a poisonouswhite compound of mercury and chlorine,used as a moss killer and laxative.Formula: Hg2Cl2. Also called mercurouschloride, calomelmercury chloridemercury (II) chloride noun apoisonous compound of mercury and chlo-rine, used as an antiseptic and woodpreservative. Formula: HgCl2. Also calledmercuric chlorideMerino

Merino /mə|�ri�nəυ/ noun a breed ofsheep which originated in North Africaand was then introduced into Spain. It isnow bred in all parts of the world, espe-cially in Australia, South Africa and NewZealand, for its dense soft fine fleece, withstrong and curly fibres.MerinolandschafMerinolandschaf /mə |�ri�nəυ |

�l�ntʃ�f/ noun a breed of sheep found inSouth Germany. Large travelling flocks arecommon.meslenmeslen /�mezlən/, meslin noun same asmashlummesoclimatemesoclimate /�mezəυ|�klaimət/ nounthe climate over a specific locality such asa hillside or valley, extending no more thana few kilometres in radius. � macrocli-mate, microclimate


159 methioninemesotrophicmesotrophic /�mezəυ |�trɒfik/ adjectivereferring to water that contains a moderateamount of nutrients. Compare eutrophic,oligotrophicmeta-meta- /metə/ prefix 1. changing 2.followingmetabolicmetabolic /�metə |�bɒlik/ adjective refer-ring to metabolismmetabolic diseasemetabolic disease noun one of agroup of diseases that are caused byanimals being called upon to produce anend-product faster than their bodies canprocess their intake of feedmetabolic sizemetabolic size noun the size of ananimal to which the metabolic rate isproportionalmetabolisable proteinmetabolisable protein /mə|

�t�bəlizəb(ə)l �prəυti�n/ noun a type ofprotein which can be metabolised by ananimal, used as a feed supplement toimprove lactation

‘The next and possibly most sophisticatedpart of the new predictions is that forpredicting protein requirements. Thisinvolves designating three types ofmetabolisable protein, namely MPE(metabolisable protein from rumenavailable energy); MPN (metabolisableprotein from N sources); and finally MPBwhich is effectively metabolisable bypassprotein.’ [Dairy Farmer]

metabolisemetabolise /mə|�t�bəlaiz/ verb to breakdown or build up organic compounds bymetabolism � The liver metabolisesproteins and carbohydrates.metabolised energymetabolised energy, metabolisableenergy noun the proportion of energyfrom feed which is used by an animalthrough its metabolism. Abbr ME (NOTE:Metabolised energy is the measure ofenergy following digestion, after thealimentary gases and urinary losses havebeen subtracted. Animals cannot beexpected to transfer energy from feed withperfect efficiency as there will always belosses through undigested food and asalimentary gases. The energy needs oflivestock can be calculated from their size.)metabolismmetabolism noun the chemical proc-esses of breaking down or building uporganic compounds in organisms

COMMENT: Metabolism covers allchanges which take place in the body:the building of tissue (anabolism), thebreaking down of tissue (catabolism),the conversion of nutrients into tissue,

the elimination of waste matter and theaction of hormones.

metaldehydemetaldehyde /met|��ldihaid/ noun asubstance used in the form of pellets to killslugs and snails, or in the form of smallblocks to light firesmetamorphosismetamorphosis noun a process ofchange into a different form, especially thechange of a larva into an adult insectmetermeter noun a device to measure a phys-ical property such as current, rate of flowor air speed � verb to count or measurewith a metermethanemethane /�mi�θein/ noun a colourlessflammable gas produced naturally fromrotting organic waste, as in landfill sites oranimal excreta. Formula: CH4.

COMMENT: Methane is produced natu-rally from rotting vegetation in marshes,where it can sometimes catch fire, creat-ing the phenomenon called will o’ thewisp, a light flickering over a marsh.Large quantities may also be formed inthe rumen of cattle. It occurs as the prod-uct of animal excretions in livestockfarming. Excreta from livestock can bepassed into tanks where methane isextracted leaving the slurry which is thenused as fertiliser. The methane can beused for heating or as a power source.Methane is also a greenhouse gas, andit has been suggested that methane fromrotting vegetation, from cattle excreta,from water in paddy fields, and evenfrom termites’ nests, all contribute to thegreenhouse effect.

methanolmethanol /�meθənɒl/ noun an alcoholmanufactured from coal, natural gas orwaste wood, which is used as a fuel orsolvent. Formula: CH3OH. Also calledmethyl alcohol, wood alcohol

‘Biodiesel is made by mixing vegetable oilwith methanol, giving glycerine as a by-product. Its source is natural andrenewable and it dramatically reducesexhaust emissions of smoke and soot,carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide, thecause of acid rain.’ [Farming News]COMMENT: Methanol can be used as afuel in any type of burner. Its main disad-vantage is that it is less efficient than pet-rol and can cause pollution if it escapesinto the environment, as it mixes easilywith water. Production of methanol fromcoal or natural gas does not help fuelconservation, since it depletes Earth’sfossil fuel resources.

methioninemethionine /�meθiəni�n/ noun anessential amino acid


methyl alcohol 160methyl alcoholmethyl alcohol noun same as meth-anolmethyl bromidemethyl bromide noun an effectivechemical for sterilising soil and fumigatingspacesmethyl phosphinemethyl phosphine noun a compoundwith specific action against phosphine-resistant strains of storage pestsmetremetre noun an SI unit of length � Thearea is four metres by three. Symbol m(NOTE: The US spelling is meter.)metric tonmetric ton noun same as tonnemetritismetritis /me |�traitis/ noun an infectionof the lining of the womb in cattle, thesymptoms of which are a white dischargeand/or a high temperature. Also calledwhitesMeuse-Rhine-IjsselMeuse-Rhine-Ijssel noun a dual-purpose breed of cattle, originating fromthe Netherlands. It is used by breeders inBritain to upgrade Dairy Shorthorn. Thebreed’s dairy performance is similar to thatof the British Friesian, and it has a fine beefconformation. Cattle are red and white incolour. Abbr MRImezzadriamezzadria /me|�ts�driə/ noun a systemused in Southern Italy, where a vineyard isleased and the landlord is paid a half-shareof the wine producedMFHAMFHA abbreviation Master of FoxhoundsAssociationMgMg symbol magnesiumMGAMGA abbreviation 1. Maize GrowersAssociation 2. Mushroom Growers’ Asso-ciationMHCMHC abbreviation moisture holdingcapacityMHSMHS abbreviation Meat Hygiene Servicemicrobemicrobe noun a microorganism (NOTE:Viruses, bacteria, protozoa and micro-scopic fungi are informally referred to asmicrobes.)microbialmicrobial /mai |�krəυbiəl/ adjectivereferring to microbesmicrobial ecologymicrobial ecology noun the study ofthe way in which microbes develop innaturemicrobial insecticidemicrobial insecticide noun an insecti-cide based on fungal, bacterial or othermicroorganisms that are pathogens ofinsects, or their toxins, e.g. the fungus Vert-icillium lecanii is used to control whiteflyin glasshousesmicrobial proteinmicrobial protein noun a proteinsource in ruminants from dead rumen

microbes, usually forming 70% to 100% ofthe ruminant’s supply of protein

‘The water soluble carbohydrate contentof grass is well recognised as a key factorin determining how efficiently ruminantscan turn the nitrogen in their diets intomicrobial protein for milk and meatproduction.’ [Dairy Farmer]

microclimatemicroclimate /�maikrəυ |�klaimət/ nounthe climate over a very small area such as apond, tree, field, or even a leaf. � macrocli-mate, mesoclimatemicroenvironmentmicroenvironment noun same asmicrohabitatmicrohabitatmicrohabitat /�maikrəυ |�h�bit�t/noun a single small area such as the bark ofa tree, where fauna and/or flora live. Alsocalled microenvironmentmicronmicron /�maikrɒn/ noun a measurementof thickness, one millionth of a metre, usedin measuring the fineness of hair or woolmicronutrientmicronutrient /�maikrəυ |�njutriənt/noun a nutrient which an organism uses invery small quantities, e.g. iron, zinc orcoppermicroorganismmicroorganism noun an organism thatcan only be seen with a microscope.Compare microbe (NOTE: Viruses,bacteria, protozoa and fungi are all formsof microorganism.)micropropagationmicropropagation /�maikrəυ |

�prɒpəeiʃ(ə)n/ noun the propagation ofplants by cloning a small piece of planttissue cultured in a growth mediummiddenmidden /�midən/ noun a heap of dungMiddle WhiteMiddle White noun a breed of white pigwhich comes from a cross between theLarge White and the Small White. It isshort and compact with long upright earsand a turned-up snout. It is now a rarebreed.midsmids /midz/ plural noun middle-sizedpotatoes which are graded and sold forhuman consumptionMidterm ReviewMidterm Review noun the review of theCommon Agricultural Policy of the Euro-pean Union carried out in 2003migrantmigrant noun an animal or bird thatmoves from one place to another accordingto the season. Compare nomadmilch cowmilch cow /�milk kaυ/ noun a cowwhich gives milk or is kept for milkproductionmildewmildew /�mildju/ noun a disease causedby a fungus which produces a fine powderyfilm on the surface of an organism


161 milk producermilfoilmilfoil /�milfɔil/ noun same as yarrowmilkmilk noun an opaque white liquid secretedby female mammals during lactation �verb to extract milk from a cow’s udder.Pressure on the teats makes the milk spurtout. Milking can be done by hand, but isusually done by machines in a milkingparlour.

COMMENT: In the UK, most milk comesfrom Friesian cows, and has been heat-treated, pasteurised, sterilised or ultra-heat-treated before it is sold to the pub-lic. It may also be calcium-enriched orlactose-reduced. Milk is sold in cartonsor plastic bottles, either as homoge-nised, semi-skimmed or skimmed. Inglass bottles it is sold with various col-oured metal tops: ‘silver top’ is pasteur-ised with an average 3.9% fat and has anoticeable cream line; ‘red top’ is similarto the silver, but the milk is homogenisedto distribute the cream throughout; ‘goldtop’ is pasteurised milk from Guernsey orJersey breeds of cow, and has an aver-age fat content of 4.9%; ‘red and silverstriped top’: pasteurised semi-skimmedmilk with average 1.6% fat content; ‘blueand silver checked top’: pasteurisedskimmed milk, with an average 0.1% fatcontent; ‘green top’: untreated wholemilk, with an average 3.9% fat (no longersold in the UK). Sterilised whole milk withfat content of 3.9% is sold in bottles withcrown caps or blue foil tops. UHT milk isalso available as whole, semi-skimmedor skimmed: it is milk with a shelf life of 6months, though when opened it shouldbe kept cold and used as ordinary pas-teurised milk.

milk compositionmilk composition noun the percent-ages of protein, lactose, fat, minerals andwater which make up milk. The composi-tion varies according to the breed of cow,but average percentages are: protein(3.4%), milk sugar (4.75%), fat (3.75%),minerals (0.75%), water (87.35%).milk coolermilk cooler noun a stainless steel bulkstorage tank, in which milk is cooled byrunning water passing over the outside ofthe tankMilk Development CouncilMilk Development Council noun abody which collects levies on milk anddistributes the money to research anddevelopment projects. Abbr MDCmilkermilker /�milkə/ noun 1. a cow which isgiving milk 2. a cow which is kept for milk3. a farmworker who supervises themilking of cows 4. the part of the milkingmachine which is attached to the cow’steats with teat cups

milk fevermilk fever noun a disease of milk cows,milk goats and ewes. Technical namehypocalcaemia (NOTE: In spite of itsname, the disease is not a fever, and mayaffect a dairy cow just before calving orduring the seven days which follow calving.The first symptoms are restlessness,moving the hind feet up and down whilestanding; these symptoms are followed byloss of balance and later loss of conscious-ness. The disease is common at the third,fourth or fifth time of calving, and is causedby a metabolic disturbance or imbalance inthe system, due to a low calcium content inthe blood. The disease is treated by injec-tions of calcium borogluconate.)

‘Cows that have had a difficult calving ormilk fever prefer a drink of warm waterafter calving, while Mr Bloweyrecommends offering good quality hay aspart of the feed.’ [Farmers Weekly]

milk goatmilk goat noun a goat which is reared forits milkmilking machinemilking machine noun a machinewhich imitates the sucking action of a calf,used to extract milk from the cow’s udder(NOTE: It uses a pulsator mechanism toapply pressure to the teats, causing therelease of the milk. The milk is then passedinto a collecting jar or may pass by pipelineto a large tank.)milking parlourmilking parlour noun a building inwhich cows are milked, and often are alsofed, washed and cleaned

COMMENT: There a four basic designs ofparlour: the herringbone parlour, wherethe cow stands at an angle of 45° to themilker, is commonest for large herds; theabreast parlour, where the cows standside by side with their backs to themilker; the tandem parlour where theystand in line with their sides to the milker;the most expensive and complex of thefour systems is the rotary parlour, wherethe cows stand on a rotating platformwith the milker in the middle.

Milk Marketing BoardMilk Marketing Board noun until1994, the board which organised thecollection and buying of milk from farmersand its sale to customersMilk MarqueMilk Marque noun the name of anational cooperative which replaced theMilk Marketing Board, with the aim ofliberalising the milk market. It was splitinto 3 regional companies in 1999.milk producermilk producer noun a farmer who isregistered with Defra, and produces milkin compliance with the regulations


milk products 162

concerning clean milk production. In 2006the estimated number of registeredproducers was just under 19,000 in GreatBritain.milk productsmilk products plural noun milk andother foodstuffs produced from it, whichare sold for human consumption. The mainmilk products are liquid milk (homoge-nised, pasteurised, sterilised or UHT),butter, cheese, cream, condensed milk andmilk powder.milk quotamilk quota noun a system by whichfarmers are only allowed to producecertain amounts of milk, introduced torestrict the overproduction of milk inmember states of the EU. Abbr MQ

COMMENT: Quotas were introduced in1984, and were based on each state’s1981 production, plus 1%. A further 1%was allowed in the first year. A supple-mentary levy or superlevy, was intro-duced to penalise milk production overthe quota level. In the UK, milk quotascan be bought and sold, either togetherwith or separate from farmland, and area valuable asset. The government isresponsible for the setting of quotas formilk production, according to the direc-tives of the EU commission.

milk recordingmilk recording noun keeping a recordof the milk given by each cow at eachmilking, the quality of the milk is analysedeach monthmilk ripe stagemilk ripe stage noun a stage in thedevelopment of grain such as wheat wherethe seed has formed but is still soft andwhite and full of white sap. Also calledmilky stagemilk sheepmilk sheep noun a sheep which is rearedfor its milkmilk sinusmilk sinus noun the space in each teatinto which the milk is secretedmilk sugarmilk sugar noun same as lactosemilk yieldmilk yield noun the quantity of milkproduced each year by a cow

COMMENT: In the UK, the average annualmilk yield per dairy type cow increasedfrom 3,989 litres per cow in 1974/5 to6,530 litres per cow in 2006.

milky stagemilky stage /�milki steid�/ noun sameas milk ripe stagemillmill noun a factory where a substance iscrushed to make a powder, especially onefor making flour from the dried grains ofcereals � verb to crush a substance to makea powder

milletmillet /�milit/ noun a cereal crop grown inmany of the hot, dry regions of Africa andAsia, where it is a staple food. Genera:especially: Panicum or Eleusine.

COMMENT: The two most important spe-cies are finger millet and bulrush millet.Millet grains are used in various types offood. They can be boiled and eaten likerice, made into flour for porridge, pastaor chapatis, and mixed with wheat flourto make bread. Millets can be malted tomake beer. Millets are also grown as for-age crops, and the seed is used as apoultry feed.

milling qualitymilling quality noun the calculation ofhow easy it is to separate the whiteendosperm from the brown seed coat orbran in the milling process. In general hardwheats are of higher milling quality thansoft wheats.

‘Feed wheat started the season at about£60/t at harvest, but heavy rain delayedprogress, and decent premiums wereavailable for anyone with wheat in thebarn. As the rain continued, millingquality fell and much was downgraded tofeed.’ [Farmers Weekly]

milling wheatmilling wheat noun best-quality wheatused to make flour for making breadmillstonemillstone /�milstəυn/ noun a heavyround slab of stone, used to grind cornmilomilo /�mailəυ/ noun US sorghummineralmineral noun an inorganic solidsubstance with a characteristic chemicalcomposition that occurs naturally (NOTE:The names of many minerals end with thesuffix -ite.)

COMMENT: The most important mineralsrequired by the body are: calcium (foundin cheese, milk and green vegetables)which helps the growth of bones andencourages blood clotting; iron (found inbread and liver) which helps produce redblood cells; phosphorus (found in breadand fish) which helps in the growth ofbones and the metabolism of fats; andiodine (found in fish) which is essential tothe functioning of the thyroid gland.

mineralisationmineralisation /�minərəlai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/,mineralization noun the breaking down oforganic waste into its inorganic chemicalcomponentsmineral matter contentmineral matter content noun theamount of minerals found in plantsmineral nutrientsmineral nutrients plural noun nutrientsexcept carbon, hydrogen and oxygenwhich are inorganic and are absorbed byplants from the soil


163 modified atmosphereminimalminimal adjective very small in amountor importance � the minimal area forsampling in which specimens of all speciescan be foundminimal cultivationminimal cultivation noun a system ofcultivation which subjects the land toshallow working and minimises thenumber of passes of machinery. Noploughing is needed.

COMMENT: Although suitable for cerealproduction, minimal cultivation is notsuitable for all crops or soil conditions.Crops like sugar beet and potatoes needa deeper tilth than that obtained by mini-mal cultivation.

minimal disease herdminimal disease herd noun a herd oflivestock with a very low level of infec-tious diseasesminimum tillageminimum tillage noun a method ofploughing in which disturbance of the soildoes not affect the deeper layers. The bene-fits are conservation of organic matter,leading to a better soil structure and lesssoil erosion, better soil biodiversity and theuse of less energy. The disadvantagesinclude the easier germination of grassseeds. Also called min-till

‘Twenty varieties, includingcommercially available and yet-to-bereleased types, are being grown afterseedbeds were prepared afterploughing/pressing, a minimum tillageapproach involving two passes of adiscs/tine combination rig, or the cropdirect drilled into wheat stubble.’ [ArableFarming]

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and FoodMinistry of Agriculture Fisheriesand Food noun the former UK govern-ment department with responsibility foragricultural and food matters. � Depart-ment for Environment, Food and RuralAffairsMinorcaMinorca /mi |�nɔ�kə/ noun a breed ofpoultry, originating in the Mediterranean.The birds are black or white in colour.min-tillmin-till noun same as minimum tillageMirandaMiranda /mi |�r�ndə/ noun a breed ofcattle found in Portugal. The animals aredark brown in colour, with horns colouredwhite with black tips. Mirandas are bredfor meat and for draught.miscanthusmiscanthus /mis|�k�nθəs/ noun a plantrelated to sugar cane that is grown for useas a fuel. Also called elephant grassmiscarrymiscarry verb same as abort 3(technical)

mitemite noun a tiny animal of the spiderfamily which may be free-living in the soilor on stored products, or parasitic onanimals or plantsmiticidemiticide /�mitisaid/ noun a substancethat kills mitesmixed croppingmixed cropping noun the practice ofgrowing more than one type of plant on thesame piece of land at the same time. Oppo-site monocroppingmixed culturemixed culture noun the process ofgrowing several species of tree together onthe same piece of landmixed farmingmixed farming noun the practice ofcombining arable and dairy farmingmixed fertilisermixed fertiliser noun same ascompound fertilisermixed grazingmixed grazing noun a grazing systemwhere more than one type of animal grazesthe same pasture at the same time

‘Mixed grazing regimes provide a range ofsward lengths which are attractive areasfor birds to nest and feed and encourageregeneration of grassland and moorlandareas.’ [Farmers Guardian]

mixed woodlandmixed woodland noun a wooded areawhere neither conifers nor broadleavedtrees account for more than 75% of thetotalMLCMLC abbreviation Meat and LivestockCommissionMMAMMA noun same as farrowing feverMMBMMMBM abbreviation mammalian meatand bone mealMnMn symbol manganesemode of actionmode of action noun the way in whicha pesticide acts. For example, organophos-phorous compounds disrupt the nerveimpulses in insects.modermoder /�məυdə/ noun humus which ispartly acid mor and partly neutral mullmodified atmospheremodified atmosphere noun anoxygen-depleted atmosphere enrichedwith carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide,used for disinfestation of pests or forincreasing the shelf life of food. Abbr MA

‘After seven weeks lambs wereslaughtered, then carcases conditioned at1°C for seven days, after which steakswere displayed in modified atmospherepacks under retail conditions formeasurement of fat oxidation (shelf life).A muscle was taken for fatty acid analysisand eating quality assessed after grilling.’[Farmers Guardian]


MOET 164MOETMOET abbreviation multiple ovulationand embryo transfermohairmohair noun fine wool from a goat, over30 microns. Compare cashmereMoiledMoiled /mɔild/ � Irish Moiledmoistmoist adjective slightly damp, containinga small amount of watermoisturemoisture noun a slight amount of wateras found in soil, grain, etc.moisture contentmoisture content noun the percentageof moisture in something, e.g. harvestedcrops

COMMENT: The safe moisture content forstorage of all grains is 14% or less. In theUK, only fully ripe grain in a very dryperiod is likely to be harvested at lessthan 14% moisture content. In a wet sea-son, the moisture content may be ashigh as 30%, and these grains will haveto be dried. The moisture content of hayis 80% when cut, and has to be reducedto below 20% for safe storage.

moisture-holding capacitymoisture-holding capacity noun theamount of water held by soil between fieldcapacity and the permanent wilting point.The amount of moisture will varyaccording to the texture and structure ofthe soil. Abbr MHCmolassesmolasses noun a dark brown syrup, aby-product of sugar production left aftersugar has been separated. It is used as abinding agent in compound animal feedsand is also added to silage.molemole noun 1. a small dark-grey mammalwhich makes tunnels under the ground andeats worms and insects 2. an SI unit ofmeasurement of the amount of a substance.Symbol mol 3. the part of a mole ploughthat cuts a round channel undergroundmole drainmole drain noun an underground drainformed under the surface of the soil by amole plough as it is pulled across a field(NOTE: Mole drains are usually made 3 to 4metres apart, and are used in fields with aclay subsoil.)molehillmolehill /�məυlhil/ noun a small heap ofearth pushed up to the surface by a mole asit makes its tunnelmole ploughmole plough noun a plough used tomake mole drains, pulled by a tractor, andforming a wide round hole undergroundMoliniaMolinia /mə|�liniə/ noun a poor type ofgrass found in rough mountain or hill graz-ings. It is of little value as grazing.molluscmollusc noun an invertebrate animalwith a soft body, a muscular foot on theunderside used for movement and, in many

species, a protective shell (NOTE: Molluscsare found on land as well as in fresh andsalt water. Slugs, snails and shellfish aremolluscs. The US spelling is mollusk.)molluscicidemolluscicide /mə|�l�skisaid/ noun asubstance used to kill molluscs such assnailsmono-mono- /mɒnəυ/ prefix single or one.Opposite multi-monocotmonocot /�mɒnəυkɒt/ noun same asmonocotyledon (informal)monocotyledonmonocotyledon /�mɒnəυ|�kɒti |

�li�d(ə)n/ noun a plant with seeds that havea single cotyledon, e.g. a grass or lily.Compare dicotyledon. � cotyledonmonocroppingmonocropping /�mɒnəkrɒpiŋ/,monocrop system /�mɒnəυkrɒp�sistəm/, monoculture /�mɒnək�ltʃə/noun a system of cultivation in which asingle crop plant such as wheat is grownover a large area of land often for severalyears. Opposite mixed cropping

COMMENT: Monocropping involving cashcrops, groundnuts, cotton, etc., exposesfarmers in Africa to price fluctuations onthe world market. Diversification isneeded to stabilise farm incomes.

monoeciousmonoecious /mɒ |�ni�ʃəs/ adjective withmale and female flowers on separateplants. Compare dioeciousmonogastricmonogastric /�mɒnəυ|��strik/ adjec-tive referring to animals with only onestomach, e.g. pigs. Compare ruminantmonophagousmonophagous /mɒ|�nɒfə�əs/ adjectivereferring to an organism that feeds on onlyone kind of food. Compare polyphagousmonopitchmonopitch /�mɒnəυpitʃ/ noun a type ofpiggery with artificially controlled naturalventilationmoormoor noun an area of often high land thatis not cultivated, and is formed of acid soilcovered with grass and low shrubs such asheathermoorlandmoorland /�mυələnd, �mɔ�lənd/ noun alarge area of moorMOPFMOPF abbreviation margin overpurchased feedmormor /mɔ�/ noun a type of humus found inconiferous forests, which is acid andcontains few nutrients. Compare mullmorbiditymorbidity /mɔ� |�biditi/ noun a state ofbeing diseased or sick

‘In all, pneumonia was seen and treated in186 of the 272 calves at risk on the dairyfarms in question. The level of morbidityvaried widely from 42 to 91% and the


165 mucosal disease

signs presented by the calves werevariable.’ [Dairy Farmer]

MoredunMoredun /�mɔ�d�n/ noun a scientificresearch institute which investigatesdiseases in animals, their prevention andtreatmentMorrey systemMorrey system /�mɒri �sistəm/ noun apaddock system of rotational grazing, usedin the management of dairy herdsmortalitymortality noun the occurrence of death �The population count in spring is alwayslower than that in the autumn because ofwinter mortality.mosaicmosaic noun a disease of plants thatmakes yellow patterns on the leaves andcan seriously affect some crops. It is oftencaused by viruses.mossmoss noun a very small plant withoutroots, which grows in damp places andforms mats of vegetation � Sphagnum is atype of moss.mouldmould noun 1. a fungus, especially onethat produces a fine powdery layer on thesurface of an organism (NOTE: The USspelling is mold.) 2. soft earthmouldboardmouldboard /�məυldbɔ�d/ noun thepart of a plough which lifts and turns theslice of earth, so making the furrow (NOTE:Mouldboards are made of steel, and aremade in many different styles, eachproducing a different surface finish. Themain ones are general-purpose, diggerand semi-digger.)moultmoult noun an occasion of sheddingfeathers or hair at a specific period of theyear � verb to shed feathers or hair at aspecific period of the year � Most animalsmoult at the beginning of summer. (NOTE:The US spelling is molt.)mountmount verb to attach an implement to atractor so that it is held by the tractor andhas no other support

COMMENT: If the implement is simplypulled by the tractor and is supported byits own wheels, then it is said to be‘trailed’ (a rotary cultivator can be eithermounted or trailed). If the implement issupported both by the tractor and by itsown wheels it is said to be ‘semi-mounted’.

mountainmountain noun a surplus or largeamount of something, especially some-thing that is being stored � butter mountain� fridge mountain � lakemountain sheepmountain sheep noun a sheepbelonging to a breed which lives in orcomes originally from a mountain region

movement licencemovement licence noun a licencewhich is needed in order to move animalsfrom areas of infectious disease. Restric-tion on the movement of animals is ameasure used to prevent the spread ofdisease.movement record

movement record noun a record keptby a farmer of all movements of animals onand off the farm premises. These recordshave been compulsory in the UK since1925.

‘As only one of those farms is farmassured, all animals have to have a three-month residency period at the Bradleys toattain assured status. This means allmovement records being kept up to date toprove the status of the cattle.’ [FarmersGuardian]

mow

mow /məυ/ verb to cut grass or a foragecropmowermower noun a machine used to cut grassand other upright crops

COMMENT: The cut crop is left in a swathbehind the cutting mechanism for furthertreatment in the process of making hayor silage. There are four main types ofmower. Cutter bar mowers are rear-mounted and consist of a framework witha hinged cutter bar, the cutter bar havinga number of fingers with a cutting edgeon each side, which support the knife.Rotary mowers are made with two orfour rotors, each having two, three orfour turning blades. Flail mowers have ahigh-speed rotor fitted with swingingflails which cut the grass and leave itbruised in a fluffy swath. Cylinder mow-ers are used for lawns, but rarely usedon farms.

MQMQ abbreviation milk quotaMRI

MRI abbreviation 1. magnetic resonanceimaging 2. Meuse-Rhine-IjsselMRLMRL abbreviation maximum residue levelMRMMRM abbreviation mechanically recov-ered meatMTR

MTR abbreviation Midterm Reviewmucinmucin /�mju�sin/ noun a glycoproteinthat is a constituent of mucusmuck

muck noun same as manuremuck spreader

muck spreader noun same as manurespreadermuck weedmuck weed noun same as fat henmucosal disease

mucosal disease /mju�|�kəυz(ə)l di |

�zi�z/ noun a livestock disease caused by avirus, often fatal


mucus 166mucusmucus noun a slimy solution of mucinsecreted by vertebrates onto a mucousmembrane to provide lubricationmudflatsmudflats /�m�d �flts/ noun areas of flatmud, usually near the mouths of riversmulberrymulberry /�m�lb(ə)ri/ noun a tree(Morus nigra) with dark fruit, similar toblackberriesmulberry heart diseasemulberry heart disease noun a fataldisease of pigs, caused by a lack of vitaminE and seleniummulchmulch /m�ltʃ/ noun an organic materialused to spread over the surface of the soilto prevent evaporation or erosion, e.g. deadleaves or straw � verb to spread organicmaterial over the surface of the soil toprevent evaporation or erosion

COMMENT: Black plastic sheeting is oftenused by commercial horticulturists, butthe commonest mulches are organic.Apart from preventing evaporation,mulches reduce weed growth andencourage worms.

mulemule noun 1. a hybrid and usually sterileoffspring of a male ass and a mare 2. acrossbred sheep from a Blue-facedLeicester ram and a Swaledale ewe. Muleshave speckled faces and a high lambingrate.mulesingmulesing /�mju�lziŋ/ noun an operationto cut away loose skin on sheep to preventblowfly attacksmullmull /m�l/ noun a type of humus found indeciduous forests. Compare mor (NOTE: Itis formed of rotted leaves, is PH neutraland contains many nutrients.)multicropmulticrop /�m�lti �krɒpiŋ/ verb to growmore than one crop of something on thesame piece of land in one year � Wet rice isoften multicropped.multicroppingmulticropping /�m�lti |�krɒpiŋ/ nounthe cultivation of more than one crop on thesame piece of land in one year

‘Farming’s future lies in pests and weedscontrolled by ecological/organic methods:rotations, multicropping, intercroppingspecies and varieties, working with nature’beneficial insects and birds.’ [FarmersGuardian]

multifactorial inheritancemultifactorial inheritance/�m�ltif�k |�tɔ�riəl in|�herit(ə)ns/ nounthe control of an inherited characteristic byseveral genesmultigerm seedmultigerm seed /�m�ltid��m �si�d/noun a seed which occurs as a cluster ofseeds fused together and which produces

more than one plant when it germinates, acommon example of which is the sugarbeet seed. The multiple plants must bereduced to one by a process called‘singling’.multi-hornedmulti-horned adjective referring to ananimal such as a Jacob’s sheep which hasmore than two hornsmultiple croppingmultiple cropping noun the process ofgrowing more than one crop on the samepiece of land in one yearmultiple ovulation and embryo transfermultiple ovulation and embryotransfer noun a method of inseminationwhere embryos are transferred to cows.Abbr MOET. Compare artificial insemi-nationmultiple sucklingmultiple suckling noun a system indairy breeding where nurse cows suckleseveral beef calves at the same timeMurray GreyMurray Grey noun a breed of beef cattle,silver grey in colour. It is a polled early-maturing hardy breed, and the carcass hasa high proportion of lean meat.musclemuscle noun an organ that contracts tomake part of the body moveMuscovyMuscovy /�m�skəvi/ noun a utilitybreed of duck which is large in size, andcoloured either black and white, or black,blue and whitemushroommushroom noun a common ediblefungus, often grown commerciallymushroom compostmushroom compost noun a specialgrowing medium for the commercialproduction of mushroomsmushroom spawnmushroom spawn noun a mass ofspores of edible mushrooms, used in prop-agationmusk melonmusk melon noun a variety (Cucumismelo) of melon, with large scented fruitmustmust noun grape juice which has beenextracted for wine, but which has notstarted to fermentmustardmustard noun a species of brassica(Sinapsis), whose seeds are among themost important spices. Mustard is alsoused as green manure.

COMMENT: Much of the mustard growncommercially is rape (Brassica napus).The seeds of black mustard (Brassicanigra) are ground to produce the yellowspice. White mustard (Brassica alba) isgrown as a salad crop (used in mustardand cress).

mutagenmutagen /�mju�təd�ən/ noun an agentthat causes mutation, e.g. a chemical orradiation


167 myxomatosismutantmutant adjective referring to a gene inwhich a mutation has occurred, or to anorganism carrying such a gene � mutantmice � noun an organism carrying a genein which mutation has occurred � Newmutants have appeared. Also called muta-tionmutatemutate verb (of a gene or organism) toundergo a genetic change that can be inher-ited � Bacteria can mutate suddenly andbecome increasingly able to infect.mutationmutation /mju�|�teiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. aheritable change occurring in a gene 2.same as mutantmuttonmutton noun the meat of a mature sheep,produced from older sheep such as eweswhich are finished for breedingmutualismmutualism /�mju�tʃuəliz(ə)m/ nounsame as symbiosismuzzlemuzzle noun the projecting part of ananimal’s head, especially the mouth, jawsand noseMVMV abbreviation Maedi-VisnaMV Accreditation SchemeMV Accreditation Scheme noun asystem which enables farms to set up andmaintain sheep known to be free of Maedi-Visna disease after appropriate blood tests,which are continued for member flocksmyc-myc- /maik, mais/ prefix same as myco-(NOTE: used before vowels)myceliummycelium /mai|�si�liəm/ noun a mass ofhyphae which forms the main part of afungusmyco-myco- /maikəυ/ prefix fungus or fungalmycologymycology /mai|�kɒləd�i/ noun the studyof fungimycoplasmmycoplasm /�maikəυ|�pl�z(ə)m/,mycoplasma /�maikəυ|�pl�zmə/ noun a

microorganism that lacks rigid cell walls.Genus: Mycoplasma. (NOTE: Some speciescause respiratory diseases.)mycorrhiza

mycorrhiza /�maikəυ |�raizə/ noun amutual association of a fungus with theroots of a plant in which the fungussupplies the plant with water and mineralsand feeds on the plant’s sugars (NOTE:Many different fungi form mycorrhizas,especially with trees, and many plantssuch as orchids cannot grow withoutthem.)

‘Selective herbicide was applied toremove the ryegrass. It is possible toproduce plants without mycorrhiza on theroots and, in this trial, control wassignificantly better when mycorrhiza werepresent.’ [Arable Farming]

mycosis

mycosis /mai|�kəυsis/ noun an infectionwith or a disease caused by fungimycotic dermatitis

mycotic dermatitis /mai |�kɒtik�d��mə|�taitis/ noun a disease affectingsheep, caused by fungal-like bacteriawhich multiply on the skin and causeinflammation. Severe infections causefleece loss.mycotoxin

mycotoxin /�maikəυ |�tɒksin/ noun atoxic substance produced by a fungusgrowing on crops in the field or in storage.There are regulations controlling theamount of some mycotoxins such as afla-toxin and ochratoxin permitted in food.myiasis

myiasis /�maiəsis/ noun an infestation ofanimals by the larvae of fliesmyxomatosis

myxomatosis /�miksəmə|�təυsis/ nouna usually fatal virus disease affectingrabbits, transmitted by fleas


NNN symbol nitrogenNaNa symbol sodiumNABIMNABIM abbreviation National Associa-tion of British and Irish MillersNACNAC abbreviation National AgriculturalCentrenaked grainnaked grain noun a grain such as wheatthat is easily separated or threshed outfrom its husk, i.e. in its caryopsis statenanny goatnanny goat noun a female goatNASPMNASPM abbreviation National Associa-tion of Seed Potato MerchantsNational Agricultural CentreNational Agricultural Centre nounthe site of the annual Royal Show (atStoneleigh, in Warwickshire), owned bythe RASE. Abbr NACNational Animal Welfare TrustNational Animal Welfare Trust nouna rescue centre with branches across theUK, which provides short-term care andrehabilitation for unwanted and abusedanimals. Abbr NAWTNational Assembly for Wales Agriculture and Rural Affairs DepartmentNational Assembly for Wales Agri-culture and Rural Affairs Depart-ment noun the department of thedevolved Welsh Assembly governmentwhich deals with farming, the environ-ment, animal welfare and rural develop-ment in Wales. Abbr NAWARADNational Canine Defence LeagueNational Canine Defence Leaguenoun former name for Dogs TrustNational EnvelopeNational Envelope noun a source ofadditional funds to help livestockproducers, e.g. a beef national envelopeand a sheep national envelopeNational Farmers’ UnionNational Farmers’ Union noun anorganisation representing the interests ofBritish farmers in negotiations with thegovernment and other agencies. Abbr NFUNational Institute of Agricultural BotanyNational Institute of AgriculturalBotany noun an organisation in the UKwhich tests all new varieties of crops. After

successful testing, the varieties are madeavailable to farmers. Abbr NIABnational list

national list noun a list of agriculturalcrop varieties tested by the NIAB andavailable for sale. Under EU regulations,all seeds sold to farmers or horticulturistsmust be tested and certified.National Milk Records

National Milk Records noun acompany which keeps central records fordairy farmers. Abbr NMRNational Nature Reserve

National Nature Reserve noun anationally important example of a type ofhabitat, established as reserve to protectthe most important areas of wildlife habitatand geological formations. Abbr NNR(NOTE: There are over 200 National NatureReserves in England, owned or controlledby English Nature or held by approvedbodies such as Wildlife Trusts.)National Office of Animal Health

National Office of Animal Healthnoun an organisation which represents theBritish animal medicines industry. AbbrNOAHnational park

national park noun a large area of landselected because of its scenic, recreational,scientific, or historical importance forspecial protection from development, andmanaged by a local government body forrecreational use by the public and thebenefit of the local communityNational Soil Resources Institute

National Soil Resources Institutenoun an association formed in 2001 whichprovides education and training in thefields of soil and land management prac-tice. Abbr NSRINational Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers

National Union of Agricultural andAllied Workers noun former name forRAAWnative

native adjective always having lived,grown or existed in a place � Tigers arenative to Asia.


169 necrosisnative breedsnative breeds plural noun breeds whichhave been developed in a country, and notbrought in from other countries

‘Three years on the project includes 17farmers who have received grants toestablish herds of eight different nativebreeds of cattle – and the beef from thesecattle is now being marketed as LimestoneBeef, generating a premium for theproducers involved.’ [Farmers Guardian]

naturalnatural adjective referring to nature, orproduced by nature not by humans �natural materials � areas of natural beautynatural environmentnatural environment noun 1. same asnatural habitat 2. the part of the Earth thathas not been built or formed by humans.Compare built environmentNatural Environment Research CouncilNatural Environment ResearchCouncil noun a group which carries outresearch and training in the environmentalsciences. Abbr NERCnatural habitatnatural habitat noun the usualsurroundings in which an organism lives inthe wild. Also called natural environmentnatural immunitynatural immunity noun immunity fromdisease inherited by newborn offspringfrom birth, acquired in the womb or fromthe mother’s milknatural insecticidenatural insecticide noun an insecti-cide produced from plant extractsnaturalisenaturalise /�n�tʃ(ə)rəlaiz/, naturalizeverb to introduce a species into an areawhere it has not lived or grown before sothat it becomes established as part of theecosystem � Rhododendron ponticum hasbecome naturalised in parts of Britain.natural resourcenatural resource noun a naturallyoccurring material that can be put to use byhumans, e.g. wood or oil (often plural)natural selectionnatural selection noun the process ofevolutionary change, by which offspring oforganisms with certain characteristics aremore able to survive and reproduce thanoffspring of other organisms, thus gradu-ally changing the composition of a popula-tionnatural vegetationnatural vegetation noun the range ofplant communities that exist in the naturalenvironment without being planted ormanaged by peoplenaturenature noun 1. the characteristics thatmake someone or something what they are� the nature of the task 2. all living organ-isms and the environments in which theylive � They try to live in harmony withnature.

nature conservationnature conservation noun the activemanagement of the Earth’s naturalresources, plants, animals and environ-ment, to ensure that they survive or areappropriately usednature managementnature management noun the activityof managing a natural environment toencourage plant and animal life. Alsocalled habitat managementnature reservenature reserve noun an area whereplants, animals and their environment areprotectednature trailnature trail noun a path through thecountryside with signs to draw attention toimportant and interesting features aboutplants, animals and the environmentnavel-illnavel-ill noun a disease of young live-stock, especially newborn calves, kids andlambs. It causes abscesses at the navel andswellings in some joints. Also known asjoint-illnavy beannavy bean noun a dried seed of thecommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, used inparticular for canning as baked beans. Alsocalled haricot beanNAWARADNAWARAD abbreviation NationalAssembly for Wales Agriculture and RuralAffairs DepartmentNAWTNAWT abbreviation National AnimalWelfare TrustNCDLNCDL abbreviation National CanineDefence League (NOTE: Now called the‘Dogs Trust’.)near infrared spectrophotometrynear infrared spectrophotometrynoun a method of establishing tissuecomposition, used in agriculture to assessthe quality of meat and of grain crops

‘Pre-germination in malting barley couldbecome easier to test using near infra redspectroscopy, according to researchfunded by HGCA. Germination in the earcan lead to poor malting quality andproblems in the brewing process.’[Farmers Weekly]

neatneat noun an old term meaning a cow oroxneck collarneck collar noun a leather band putround the neck of a horse or cow, to holdthe animal in a stallneck rotneck rot noun a disease affecting bulbonions during storage. The onions becomesoft and begin to rot from the stem down-wards.necrosisnecrosis /ne|�krəυsis/ noun the death oftissue or cells in an organism


nectar 170nectarnectar noun a sweet sugary liquidproduced by flowers, which attracts birdsor insects which pollinate the flowersnectarinenectarine noun a smooth-skinnedvariety of peach (Prunus persica necta-rina)neighneigh noun a sound made by a horse �verb (of a horse) to make the characteristicsound of a horse. Compare bleat, grunt,lownematicidenematicide /ne |�m�tisaid/ noun asubstance which kills nematodesnematodenematode /�nemətəυd/ noun a type ofroundworm, some of which, e.g. hook-worms, are parasites of animals whileothers, e.g. root knot and cyst nematodes,live in the roots or stems of plantsnematode diseasenematode disease noun a disease ofthe alimentary tract and lungs, caused bynematodes. Infection is transmitted fromone group of animals to another by meansof infective larvae in herbage.Nematodirus diseaseNematodirus disease noun a diseaseof lambs caused by parasitic roundworms.The animals suffer diarrhoea and loss ofcondition.NERCNERC abbreviation Natural EnvironmentResearch Councilnestnest noun 1. a construction built by birdsand some fish for their eggs 2. a construc-tion made by some social insects such asants and bees for the colony to live in �verb to build a nestnest boxnest box noun an open-fronted box inwhich a hen lays eggs. The box may be asingle unit or part of a series of boxes.net blotchnet blotch noun a fungal disease ofbarley, with dark brown blotches affectingthe leavesnettlenettle /�net(ə)l/ noun a plant, especiallyone of the genus Urtica which possessesstinging hairs. � hemp nettle, red dead-nettlenet value addednet value added noun the annual valueof goods sold and services paid for inside acountry, less tax and Government subsidiesand also allowing for the depreciation ofcapital assets. Abbr NVAneutraceuticalneutraceutical /�nju�trə|�sju�tik(ə)l/,neutriceutical noun same as functionalfoodneutralneutral adjective referring to the state ofbeing neither acid nor alkali � pH 7 isneutral.neutraliseneutralise /�nju�trəlaiz/, neutralizeverb 1. to make an acid neutral � Acid in

drainage water can be neutralised by lime-stone. 2. to make a bacterial toxin harmlessby combining it with the correct amount ofantitoxin 3. to counteract the effect ofsomethingneutralising valueneutralising value noun a measure-ment of the capability of a lime material toneutralise soil acidity. It is the same as thecalcium oxide equivalent.

‘Principally a liming agent, slag containsburnt lime, which gives it a neutralisingvalue of more than 50 per cent. In addition,its naturally-occurring minerals and traceelements have generated reports fromcereal growers of yield increases in theregion of half a tonne an acre.’ [FarmingNews]

new bloodnew blood noun genetic variationbrought into a breed by, e.g., introducing anew male to a flock or herdNewcastle diseaseNewcastle disease noun an acutefebrile contagious disease of fowls.Affected birds suffer loss of appetite, diar-rhoea and respiratory problems, andmortality rates are high. It is a notifiabledisease.new chemicalsnew chemicals plural noun the chemi-cals that were not listed in the EuropeanInventory of Existing Commercial Chem-ical Substances between January 1971 andSeptember 1981. Compare existingchemicalsNew Hampshire RedNew Hampshire Red noun a breed ofpoultry with red plumage, lighter in weightthan Rhode Island Red. New HampshireReds are mainly kept as layers, producingbrownish-tinted eggs.new variant CJDnew variant CJD noun � variant CJDnew woodnew wood noun growth made during thecurrent yearNFENFE abbreviation nitrogen-free extractNFFONFFO abbreviation Non-Fossil Fuel Obli-gation � adjective referring to technologieswhich are designed to ensure diversity ofpower supply, such as hydro power, energycrops and wind power, according to theNon-Fossil Fuel ObligationNFUNFU abbreviation National Farmers’UnionNFYFCNFYFC abbreviation National Federationof Young Farmers’ ClubsNIABNIAB abbreviation National Institute forAgricultural Botanynicotinenicotine noun a harmful substance intobacco. It is used as an insecticide.


171 nitrogen-free extractnightshadenightshade /�naitʃeid/ noun a plant ofthe family Solanaceae which, if eaten bystock, are likely to cause sickness or deathnight soilnight soil noun human excreta, collectedand used for fertiliser in some parts of theworldnip barnip bar noun a bar fitted to moving mech-anisms to prevent parts of the body beingdrawn into the machinenipplewortnipplewort /�nip(ə)lw��t/ noun anannual weed, Lapsana communisnitratenitrate noun 1. an ion with the formulaNO3 2. a chemical compound containingthe nitrate ion, e.g. sodium nitrate 3. anatural constituent of plants. Beets,cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli cancontain up to 1mg/kg.

COMMENT: Nitrates are a source of nitro-gen for plants. They are used as fertilis-ers but can poison babies if they get intodrinking water.

nitrate-sensitive areanitrate-sensitive area, nitrate-vulnerable zone noun a region of thecountry where nitrate pollution is likelyand where the use of nitrate fertilisers isstrictly controlled. Abbr NSA, NVZ (NOTE:Thirty new areas are proposed by agovernment scheme which will restrictnitrogen use to 150 kg/ha for five years. AnEU directive in 1994 was aimed atreducing nitrate pollution on up to 2 millionhectares of farmland in the UK.)nitrificationnitrification /�naitrifi|�keiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process by which bacteria in the soilbreak down nitrogen compounds and formnitrates which plants can absorb (NOTE: It ispart of the nitrogen cycle.)nitrification inhibitornitrification inhibitor noun a chemicalproduct used to slow down the release ofnitrate in organic manurenitrifiernitrifier /�naitrifaiə/ noun a microor-ganism that is involved in the process ofnitrificationnitrifynitrify /�naitrifai/ verb to convertnitrogen or nitrogen compounds intonitratesnitritenitrite /�naitrait/ noun 1. an ion with theformula NO2 2. a chemical compoundcontaining the nitrite ion, e.g. sodiumnitrite

COMMENT: Nitrites are formed by bacteriafrom nitrogen as an intermediate stage inthe formation of nitrates.

nitrogennitrogen noun a chemical element that isthe main component of air and an essential

part of protein. It is essential to biologicallife.

COMMENT: Nitrogen is taken into the bodyby digesting protein-rich foods. Excessnitrogen is excreted in urine. When theintake of nitrogen and the excretion rateare equal, the body is in nitrogen bal-ance or protein balance. Nitrogen is sup-plied to the soil by fertilisers, organicmatter, nodule bacteria on legumes, andby nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in thesoil.

nitrogen compoundnitrogen compound noun a substancesuch as a fertiliser containing mostlynitrogen with other elementsnitrogen cyclenitrogen cycle noun the set of proc-esses by which nitrogen is converted froma gas in the atmosphere to nitrogen-containing substances in soil and livingorganisms, then converted back to a gas(NOTE: Nitrogen is absorbed into greenplants in the form of nitrates, the plants arethen eaten by animals and the nitrates arereturned to the ecosystem throughanimals’ excreta or when an animal or aplant dies.)nitrogen deficiencynitrogen deficiency noun a lack ofnitrogen in the soil, found where organicmatter is low and resulting in thin, weakgrowth of plantsnitrogen fertilisernitrogen fertiliser noun a fertilisercontaining mainly nitrogen, e.g. ammo-nium nitratenitrogen fixationnitrogen fixation noun the process bywhich nitrogen in the air is converted bybacteria in some plant roots into nitrogencompounds (NOTE: When the plants die thenitrogen is released into the soil and actsas a fertiliser.)

‘One of the biggest misconceptionscurrently circulating is a grass ley forgrazing and cutting on an organic farmrequires a greater range of legumes than innormal practice. In particular, red clover isbeing prescribed for use in grazing leys inthe mistaken belief the nitrogen fixationfor the accompanying grass crop will bedramatically increased.’ [FarmersGuardian]

nitrogen-fixing plantnitrogen-fixing plant noun a legumi-nous plant which forms an association withbacteria that convert nitrogen from the airinto nitrogen compounds in the soil, e.g. apea plantnitrogen-free extractnitrogen-free extract noun used in thechemical analysis of animal feeding stuffs,the nitrogen-free extract consists mainly of


nitrogen-hungry plants 172

soluble carbohydrates (sugars) and starch.Abbr NFEnitrogen-hungry plants

nitrogen-hungry plants plural nounplants which need a lot of nitrogennitrogenous fertiliser

nitrogenous fertiliser /nai|�trɒd�ənəs�f��tilaizə/ noun a fertilisers such assulphate of ammonia which is based onnitrogennitrogen oxide

nitrogen oxide noun an oxide formedwhen nitrogen is oxidised, e.g. nitric oxideor nitrogen dioxide. Formula: NOx.NMRNMR abbreviation National Milk RecordsNNR

NNR abbreviation National NatureReserveNOAH

NOAH abbreviation National Office ofAnimal Healthnodenode /nəυd/ noun a point on the stem ofa plant where a leaf is attachednodule

nodule noun a small lump found on theroots of leguminous plants such as peaswhich contains bacteria that can convertnitrogen from the air into nitrogencompoundsnomad

nomad noun an animal that moves fromplace to place without having a fixed range.Compare migrantnomadicnomadic /nəυ |�m�dik/ adjective refer-ring to nomadsnomadism

nomadism /�nəυm� |�diz(ə)m/ noun ahabit of some animals that move fromplace to place without having a fixed rangenominated servicenominated service noun artificialinsemination with semen from a namedand tested male animalnon-centrifugal sugar

non-centrifugal sugar noun a darksemi-solid sugar made by boiling the juicesobtained from crushed sugar cane. India isthe principal producer.non-EU

non-EU adjective not in the EUnon-flammable

non-flammable adjective referring to amaterial that is difficult to set on firenon-food cropsnon-food crops plural noun cropswhich are grown for purposes other thanproducing food, such as to provide renew-able energy or chemicals

‘Oilseeds are an ideal vector to deliverlarge industrial volumes to a range oftechnical industries, and have the potentialto be one of the major non-food crops usedby industry alongside starch. So says DrJeremy Tomkinson of the National Non-Food Crop Centre (NNFCC) at York.’[Arable Farming]

Non-Fossil Fuel ObligationNon-Fossil Fuel Obligation noun aBritish government policy to promote theuse of energy from renewable sources,such as solar or wind power. Abbr NFFOnon-organicnon-organic adjective referring to cropsthat are not produced according to guide-lines restricting the use of fertilisers andother practicesnon-persistent pesticidenon-persistent pesticide noun apesticide which does not remain toxic forlong, and so does not enter the food chainnon-selective herbicidenon-selective herbicide noun achemical herbicide which kills all vegeta-tionnon-tillnon-till adjective same as no-till agricul-turenoosenoose noun a loop in a rope, with a looseknot which allows it to tighten, e.g. in ahalter or a lassoNorfolk hornNorfolk horn noun a rare breed of sheepadapted to dry heathland. Black-faced andhorned.Norfolk rotationNorfolk rotation noun a system forfarming, using arable farming for foddercrops, and involving the temporary sowingof grass and clover (NOTE: The Norfolk rota-tion system was introduced into England inthe early 18th century and involved rootcrops (turnips or swedes), then cereal(barley), followed by ley (usually redclover), and ended with cereal (usuallywheat). The Norfolk rotation provided awell-balanced system for building up andmaintaining soil fertility, controlling weedsand pests, providing continuous employ-ment and profitability.)NormandyNormandy /�nɔ�məndi/ noun a breed ofcattle from north-west France that have awhite coat with red-brown patches. Theanimals are reared for meat and for milk,from which Camembert cheese is made.North Country CheviotNorth Country Cheviot noun a large-sized breed of sheep with fine good-qualitywool. This variety of the Cheviot is foundin Caithness and Sutherland.North DevonNorth Devon � DevonNorthern Dairy ShorthornNorthern Dairy Shorthorn noun adairy breed of cattle, which comes from theold Teeswater cattle, with perhaps a littleAyrshire blood. it is now established as apure breed. The most popular colour islight roan, but red, white and mixtures ofshades are found. The animals are thrifty,hardy and suitable for harsh upland condi-tions.


173 nutritionnorth-facingnorth-facing adjective directed towardsthe north � a north-facing slopeNorth RonaldsayNorth Ronaldsay /�nɔ�θ �rɒn(ə)ldsi/noun a rare breed of small sheep, whichvaries in colour from white through grey,brown and black, and also combinations ofthese colours. The tail is short, and most ofthe animals have horns.Norway ratNorway rat /�nɔ�wei r�t/ noun same asbrown ratnosebandnoseband /�nəυzb�nd/ noun a broadleather band worn around the horse’s noseand above the bit, used to prevent a horsefrom opening its mouth too widenotifiable diseasenotifiable disease noun a seriousinfectious disease of plants, animals orpeople that has to be officially reported sothat steps can be taken to stop it spreading

‘The safe haven scheme aims to keepBritain free from the damaging bacterialdisease ring rot, by creating a supply chainwhere all seed has been traceablyproduced from ring rot free stocks. Itfollows two outbreaks of the notifiabledisease in two years.’ [Farmers Weekly]COMMENT: The following are notifiablediseases of humans: cholera, diphtheria,dysentery, encephalitis, food poisoning,jaundice, malaria, measles, meningitis,ophthalmia neonatorum, paratyphoid,plague, poliomyelitis, relapsing fever,scarlet fever, smallpox, tuberculosis,typhoid, typhus, whooping cough, yellowfever. The following are some of the noti-fiable diseases of animals: anthrax,BSE, foot and mouth disease, Newcastledisease, rabies, sheep pox, sheep scab,swine fever.

no-till agricultureno-till agriculture, no-till farmingnoun a system of cultivation in whichmechanical disturbance of the soil byploughing is kept to a minimum to reducesoil erosion. Also called non-tillnovel cropnovel crop noun a non-traditional crop,e.g. miscanthus grown as an energy crop orevening primrose grown for supply to thepharmaceutical industrynozzlenozzle noun a projecting part with anopening at the end of a pipe, for regulatingand directing a flow of fluidNPKNPK noun nitrogen, phosphorus andpotassium, used in different proportions asa fertiliserNSANSA abbreviation nitrate-sensitive areaNSRINSRI abbreviation National SoilResources Institute

Nubian goatNubian goat /�nju�biən �əυt/ noun abreed of goat of mixed Egyptian andIndian origin, now crossed with Britishgoats to produce the Anglo-Nubian breednucleusnucleus noun the central body in a cell,containing DNA and RNA, and controllingthe function and characteristics of the cellnurse cownurse cow noun a cow used to suckle thecalves of othersnurse cropnurse crop noun a crop grown to giveprotection to young plants of a perennialcrop which is being established. Nursecrops provide shade and act as windbreaks.

‘Last year two, one acre trial plots of Sitellucerne were grown, the first sown in earlyApril under a nurse crop of spring barleyto protect the emerging crop and helpestablishment.’ [Farmers Guardian]

nurserynursery noun a place where plants aregrown until they are large enough to beplanted in their final positionsnursery bednursery bed noun a bed in which seed-lings are planted out from the seedbed untilthey are large enough to be put in perma-nent positionsnursery plotnursery plot noun an area of cultivatedsoil used for growing plants on before theyare planted out, or for sowing seed. Alsocalled seed plotnutnut noun 1. a hard indehiscent fruit withone seed 2. any hard edible seed containedin a fibrous or woody shell, e.g. groundnuts3. a small cube of compressed meal, aconvenient form of animal feednutraceuticalnutraceutical /�nju�trə|�sju�tik(ə)l/,nutriceutical noun same as functionalfoodnutrientnutrient noun a substance that anorganism needs to allow it to grow, thriveand reproduce, e.g. carbon, hydrogen,oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,calcium, magnesium or sulphur. Plantsobtain their nutrients from the soil, whilehumans and other animals obtain themfrom their food, including plants.nutrient leachingnutrient leaching noun the loss ofnutrients from the soil caused by waterflowing through it, which deprives the soilof nutrients and may pollute water coursesnutrigenomicsnutrigenomics /�nju�trid�i|�nɒmiks/noun the study of the way in which geneticand environmental influences act togetheron an animal, and how this information canbe used to boost productivity, health etc.nutritionnutrition noun 1. the process of taking inthe necessary food components to grow


nutritional 174

and remain healthy. � soil nutrition 2.nourishment or food which an animal eatsnutritional

nutritional /nju� |�triʃ(ə)n(ə)l/ adjectivereferring to nutrition � the nutritionalquality of meatnutritious

nutritious adjective providing the nutri-ents that are needed for growth and healthnutritive

nutritive /�nju�trətiv/ adjective 1. refer-ring to a substance that provides the neces-sary components for growth and health �plants grown in a nutritive solution 2.referring to nutritionnutritive value

nutritive value noun the degree towhich a food is valuable in promoting

health � The nutritive value of white flouris lower than that of wholemeal flour.

‘While enzyme supplements are nowwidely used to improve the nutritive valueof feeds for non-ruminants, the responseof ruminants to direct fed fibrolyticenzymes has been both unclear and highlyinconsistent, according to a presentation atBSAS in York.’ [Farmers Guardian]

NVA

NVA abbreviation net value addedNVZ

NVZ abbreviation nitrate-vulnerable zonenymph

nymph noun an insect at the stage in itsdevelopment between the larval stage andadulthood


OOO symbol 1. oxygen 2. Below Average (inthe EUROP carcass classification system)oakoak noun a deciduous or evergreen hard-wood tree of which there are many species.Latin name: Quercus.oarweedoarweed /�ɔ�wi�d/ noun a commonseaweed (Laminaria digitata) used as foodOASOAS abbreviation Organic Aid Schemeoasis effectoasis effect noun the loss of water froman irrigated area due to hot dry air comingfrom an unirrigated area nearbyoasthouseoasthouse /�əυsthaυs/ noun a buildingcontaining a kiln for drying hops. It is acircular or square building with a charac-teristic conical roof.oatoat /əυt/ noun a hardy cereal crop grownin most types of soil in cool wet northerntemperate regions. Latin name: Avenasativa. (NOTE: Oats are regarded as envi-ronmentally friendly because they requirefewer inputs than other cereals.)oatmealoatmeal noun a type of feeding stuffproduced when the husk is removed fromthe oats kernel by a rolling process.Oatmeal is particularly good for horses andvaluable for cattle and sheep, but not assuitable for pigs because of its high fibrecontent.OBFOBF abbreviation officially brucellosisfreeoccupational asthmaoccupational asthma noun asthmacaused by materials with which peoplecomes into contact at work, e.g. asthma infarm workers (farmer’s lung), caused byhayOCDSOCDS noun a temporary scheme underwhich farmers receive payment andsupport for the disposal of cattle that wereborn or reared in the United Kingdombefore August 1996. The scheme wasintroduced in 2006 to replace the OTMSand will run until the end of 2008. Fullform Older Cattle Disposal Scheme

odour nuisanceodour nuisance noun a smell which isannoying or unpleasantOECDOECD abbreviation Organization forEconomic Cooperation and DevelopmentOELSOELS abbreviation Organic Entry LevelStewardshipoestrogenoestrogen noun a steroid hormonebelonging to a group of hormones thatcontrols the reproductive cycle and thedevelopment of secondary sexual charac-teristics in female primates (NOTE: The USspelling is estrogen.)oestrous cycleoestrous cycle noun the pattern ofreproductive activity shown by mostfemale animals, except most primatesoestrusoestrus /�i�strəs/ noun one of the periodsof the oestrous cycle that occurs in maturefemale mammals that are not pregnant. Inthis period ovulation normally occurs andthe female is ready to mate. Also calledheatOestrusOestrus /�i�strəs/ noun a family of flies,including the bot flyoffaloffal noun the inside parts of an animal,e.g. liver, kidney or intestines, when usedas food, as opposed to meat, which ismuscleoff-going cropoff-going crop noun a crop sown by atenant farmer before leaving the farm at theend of his tenancy. He is permitted toreturn and harvest the crop and remove it.officinalisofficinalis /ɒ|�fisi |�nɑlis/, officinale /ɒ|

�fisi |�nɑli/ adjective ‘used in medicine’,often part of the generic name of plantsoffspringoffspring noun a child, the young of ananimal, or a descendant of a plant (NOTE:The plural is offspring: The birds usuallyproduce three or four offspring each year.)OFSOFS abbreviation Organic FarmingSchemeoiloil noun a liquid compound which doesnot mix with water, occurring as vegetable


oilcake 176

or animal oils, essential volatile oils andmineral oils

COMMENT: There are three types of oil:fixed vegetable and animal oils, essen-tial volatile oils, and mineral oils. Themost important oil-producing crops arethe coconut palm, the oil palm, ground-nuts, linseed, soya beans, maize andcotton seed. Other sources are olives,rape seed, lupin, sesame and sunflow-ers. After the nuts or seed have beencrushed to extract the oil, the residuemay be used as a livestock feed or as afertiliser.

oilcakeoilcake /�ɔilkeik/ noun same as oilseedcakeoil cropoil crop noun a crop grown for extractionof the oil in its seeds, e.g. sunflower oroilseed rape

‘In the mid-1970s the first 13-acre rapecrop was grown alongside 200 acres ofwheat and a few acres of oats and barleyfor the cattle. Now 550 acres of the oilcrop is alternated with wheat in a 1:2rotation to provide a high proportion offirst wheat, which yields 10–15cwts/acremore than second wheat at around3.75t/acre.’ [Arable Farming]

oilseed cakeoilseed cake /�ɔilsi�d �keik/ noun afeedingstuff concentrate, high in protein,made from the residue of seeds which havebeen crushed to produce oil. Also calledoilcakeoilseed rapeoilseed rape noun a plant of thecabbage family with bright yellow flowers,grown to provide an edible oil and animalfeed from the processed seeds. Latin name:Brassica napus. Also called rape (NOTE:Oil produced from oilseed rape is oftencalled ‘vegetable oil’.)oilseedsoilseeds plural noun crops grown for theoil extracted from their seeds, e.g. oilseedrape or linseedOld English gameOld English game noun a breed ofpoultry, now mainly a fancy breed. Thebirds are coloured black and white withblue wing tips.Older Cattle Disposal SchemeOlder Cattle Disposal Schemenoun full form of OCDSold woodold wood noun growth made duringprevious yearsoligotrophicoligotrophic /�ɒli�əυ |�trɒfik/ adjective(of water) referring to water that containsfew nutrients. � dystrophic, eutrophic,mesotrophicoliveolive noun a Mediterranean tree withsmall yellowish-green edible fruit from

which an edible oil can be produced. Latinname: Olea europaea.OMOM abbreviation organic matteromasumomasum /əυ |�meisəm/ noun the thirdstomach of a ruminant, which acts as afilter, and where much of the water in foodis taken out before the food passes onto theabomasum. � abomasum, reticulum,rumen (NOTE: The omasum is also collo-quially called the Bible or the Book.)omnivoreomnivore /�ɒmnivɔ�/ noun an animalthat eats both plant and animal foods. �

carnivore, detritivore, frugivore,herbivore (NOTE: Humans and pigs areexamples of omnivores.)omnivorousomnivorous /ɒm|�niv(ə)rəs/ adjectivereferring to an animal that eats both plantand animal foodsonce grown seedonce grown seed noun seed obtainedfrom plants grown from a certified seedand intended for use by the farmer on hisown farm, and not for resaleoniononion noun a vegetable crop (Alliumcepa), grown either for cooking or foreating in salads. The ripe onion consists ofthe edible swollen leaf bases surroundedby scale leaves. It is harvested when thegrowing tops have fallen over. It is thedormant bulbs which are harvested andeaten.onion couchonion couch noun a grass weed(Arrhenatherum elatius) which grows to24–48 inches and develops long oat-likehairs like flower heads. Onion couchaffects cereals.onion flyonion fly noun an insect pest (Hylemyiaantiqua) the maggots of which causedamage to onions by eating into the devel-oping bulbonion setonion set noun a seed onion, a smallonion grown from seed, which has beendried, and which is planted the followingyear so that it will root and grow on tomaturityon-off grazingon-off grazing noun same as rotationalgrazingon-the-hoofon-the-hoof adjective referring toanimals which are sold live for slaughteropen countrysideopen countryside noun an area ofcountry without many trees or high moun-tainsopen fieldsopen fields plural noun fields which arenot separated by hedges or walls, but bybanks of earth. Formerly fields weredivided into strips, each worked by a


177 organic farming

farmer; the system was used originally bythe Saxons.

COMMENT: In recent years the removal ofmany field boundaries as a result of farmconsolidation has led to an increase inthe size of the average British field, andcreated large open fields again. Hedgeshave been removed to allow large farmmachinery to be used more economi-cally, and the loss of hedgerows has hada marked effect on the wildlife in thecountryside.

open furrowopen furrow noun a furrow shaped likea V, with the furrow slices laid in oppositedirections to each otheropening bidopening bid noun the first bid at anauctionoptimiseoptimise /�ɒptimaiz/, optimize verb tomake something as efficient as possibleoptimumoptimum adjective referring to the pointat which the condition or amount of some-thing is the best � optimum heightoracheorache /�ɒritʃ/ noun a common weed(Atriplex patula) which affects sugar beetand maize crops, and makes harvesting thecrop difficultorangeorange noun the fruit of the Citrusaurantium, a native tree of China, whosenutritional value is due mainly to its highvitamin C content. Grown in semi-tropicaland Mediterranean regions, it is eaten asfresh fruit or used for juice and for makingpreserves. The USA, Brazil, Spain,Morocco and Israel are large exporters oforanges.

COMMENT: Blood oranges are colouredby the presence of anthocyanins. Man-darin oranges such as satsumas andtangerines have loose peel. The Sevilleorange is a bitter orange, grown in Spainand used by marmalade manufacturers.

orchardorchard noun an area of land used forgrowing fruit trees

COMMENT: Orchards were once a com-mon feature of most farms, but now fruitis commercially produced by specialisedcommercial growers. The modernorchard consists of trees grafted ontodwarfing rootstock, shaped by pruningand closely planted in rows which areseparated to allow room for tractors andsprayers to pass. Apples, plums, pearsand cherries are the most important treefruits in Britain, with Kent, Worcester-shire and parts of East Anglia being themost important growing regions. In theUSA, oranges and other citrus fruits aregrown in orchards in the Southern

States, in particular in Florida and Cali-fornia.

Ordnance SurveyOrdnance Survey /�ɔ�dnəns �s��vei/noun an agency which generates accuratemapping data for Great Britain. Abbr OSorforf /ɔ�f/ noun a virus disease affectingsheep, cattle and goats and easily passed onto humans. The disease causes scabs andulcers which affect the mouth, nose andeyes. In its later stages legs, genitals andudders may be affected.organorgan noun a part of an organism that isdistinct from other parts and has a partic-ular function, e.g. an eye or a flowerorganelleorganelle /�ɔ��ə |�nel/ noun a specialisedstructure within a cell, e.g. a mitochon-drion or nucleusorganicorganic adjective 1. referring to acompound containing carbon 2. referringto food produced using only a restrictednumber of permitted pesticides and ferti-lisers, or to the production of such food 3.referring to a substance which comes froman animal or plantorganic agricultureorganic agriculture noun same asorganic farmingOrganic Aid SchemeOrganic Aid Scheme noun a govern-ment-funded scheme that gives one-offsupport payments to organic farmers, espe-cially to cover their set-up costs. AbbrOASorganicallyorganically /ɔ� |��nikli/ adverb usingonly a restricted number of permittedpesticides and fertilisers in growing a croporganic conversionorganic conversion noun the processof converting from conventional agricul-ture to organic production

‘While the Herdman family made theformal move into organic conversion justbefore the foot-and-mouth outbreak, theyhad been gradually adopting organic andsustainable farming practices on aninformal basis as a practice’ to findwhether or not they would worksuccessfully at Acton Farm.’ [FarmersGuardian]

Organic Entry Level StewardshipOrganic Entry Level Stewardshipnoun one of the categories under the Envi-ronmental Stewardship scheme, underwhich organic farmers can apply forfunding in return for implementing certainenvironmental management schemes ontheir land. Abbr OELSorganic farmingorganic farming noun a method offarming which does not involve the use ofartificial fertilisers or pesticides � Organic


Organic Farming Scheme 178

farming may become more economic thanconventional farming.

COMMENT: Organic farming uses naturalfertilisers and rotates stock farming (i.e.raising of animals) with crop farming.Soil nutrients are maintained by the addi-tion of plant and animal manures, andpest control is achieved by the use ofnaturally derived pesticides, and by croprotation, which allows natural predationto take place. Organic farming may pro-duce lower yields than traditional orintensive farming, but the lower yieldsmay be offset by the high cost of thechemical fertilisers used in intensivefarming. It may become more economicthan conventional farming due to pre-mium prices which are paid for organicproducts. In areas of overproduction,organic farming has the advantage ofreducing crop production without loss ofquality and without taking land out ofagricultural use. At the present time,Scotland has the UK’s largest proportionof organic farmland, at 7%, with an aver-age of 4% across the the rest of the UK.The main factor in controlling conversionto organic farming is the capital cost. Agovernment scheme to encourage farm-ers to convert to organic agriculture hasbegun. Payments will be made to farm-ers in England over a 5-year period toassist with the costs of converting land toorganic production. The scheme is alsodesigned to stimulate a form of produc-tion which emphasises soil improvementand the control of pests and diseases. In2004 there were 678,630 hectares regis-tered as organic land in the UK.

Organic Farming Scheme

Organic Farming Scheme noun aformer support scheme which gavepayments for organic farmers wanting toincrease their production, now adminis-tered under the Organic Entry Level Stew-ardship scheme. Abbr OFSorganic fertiliserorganic fertiliser noun a fertiliser madefrom dead or decaying plant matter oranimal wastes, e.g. leaf mould, farmyardmanure or bone mealorganic material

organic material /ɔ� |��nik �m�tə/,organic matter noun carbon-based mate-rial derived from organisms, e.g. decom-posed plant material or animal dungorganic matter

organic matter noun 1. a combinationfound in soil of plant material that isdecomposing, microorganisms such asfungi, and humus. Also called soil organicmatter 2. same as organic material

COMMENT: Organic matter is acted on bybacteria, fungi, earthworms, and it

decomposes to form humus. Humus isfinally broken down by an oxidation proc-ess. The organic matter content of soilvaries according to soil type, and usuallyincreases with clay content. Peaty soilshave a high organic matter content andsome are totally made up of organic mat-ter.

Organization for Economic Cooperation and DevelopmentOrganization for Economic Coop-eration and Development noun aninternational intergovernmental associa-tion set up in 1961 to coordinate theeconomic policies of member nations.Abbr OECDorganochlorineorganochlorine /ɔ��nəυ|�klɔ�ri�n/noun a chemical compound containingchlorine, used as an insecticide

COMMENT: Organochlorine insecticidesare very persistent, with a long half-life ofup to 15 years. Chlorinated hydrocarboninsecticides can enter the food chain andkill small animals and birds which feedon insects.

organophosphateorganophosphate /ɔ��ənəυ |�fɒsfeit/noun a synthetic insecticide that attacks thenervous system, e.g. chlorpyrifos

COMMENT: Organophosphates are not aspersistent as organochlorines and do notenter the food chain. They are, however,very toxic and need to be handled care-fully, as breathing in their vapour may befatal.

organophosphorous insecticideorganophosphorous insecticide/ɔ��ənəυ |fɒsfərəs in |�sektisaid/ nounsame as organophosphateorganophosphorus compoundorganophosphorus compoundnoun an organic compound containingphosphorusorphaned animalorphaned animal noun a young animalwhose mother has died, and is thereforeeither fostered onto another animal or hasto be hand-rearedOrpingtonOrpington /�ɔ�piŋtən/ � Buff OrpingtonOryzaOryza /�ɒrizə/ noun the Latin name forriceOSOS abbreviation Ordnance Surveyosierosier /�əυziə/ noun a species of willow,the shoots of which are used in makingbasketsosmosisosmosis noun the movement of mole-cules of a solvent from a solution of oneconcentration to a solution of a higherconcentration through a semi-permeablemembrane until the two solutions balancein concentrationosmotic pressureosmotic pressure /ɒz|mɒtik �preʃə/noun the pressure required to prevent the


179 overgrown

flow of a solvent into a solution through asemi-permeable membraneOSROSR abbreviation oilseed rapeosteo-osteo- /ɒstiəυ/ prefix boneosteomalaciaosteomalacia /�ɒstiəυmə|�leiʃə/ noun acondition where the bones become softbecause of lack of calcium or phosphateostrichostrich noun a large flightless bird(Struthio camelus) raised in farms for itsmeatOTMSOTMS noun until 2005, a scheme underwhich all cattle slaughtered over the age of30 months were incinerated or rendered forsafe disposal. Full form Over ThirtyMonth Schemeoutbreedingoutbreeding /�aυtbri�diŋ/ noun 1.breeding between individuals that are notrelated 2. fertilisation between two or moreseparate plants, rather than within a floweror between flowers of the same plant �Outbreeding occurs in broad beans. �compare inbreedingoutcrossingoutcrossing /�aυtkrɒsiŋ/ noun theprocess of bringing some new genetic vari-ation (‘new blood’) into a flock or herd,usually by introducing a new maleoutfalloutfall noun a pipe from which sewage,either raw or treated, flows into a river, lakeor the sea. Also called outfall seweroutfieldsoutfields /�aυtfi�ldz/ noun in hill farms,the fields furthest from the homestead,cropped only from time to time andallowed to lie fallow for long periodsouthouseouthouse /�aυthaυs/ noun a farmbuilding which is not attached to the mainfarmhouse, and may be used for storage orfor keeping poultryoutline planning permissionoutline planning permission nounpermission in principle to build a propertyon a piece of land, but not the finalapproval because further details must besubmittedout-of-seasonout-of-season adjective, adverb refer-ring to a plant which is grown or sold at atime when it is not naturally available fromoutdoor cultivation � Out-of-season straw-berries are imported from Spain. � Glass-houses provide out-of-season tomatoes.outstationoutstation /�aυtsteiʃən/ noun in NewZealand and Australia, a sheep stationseparate from the main stationoutwinteroutwinter /�aυtwintəriŋ/ verb to keepcattle and sheep outdoors in fields duringthe winter months � a herd of outwinteredheifers

‘It was estimated that savings achieved byoutwintering compared with inwinteringwould be in the region of pounds 30 perhead in terms of feed costs plus savings inlabour and time.’ [Farmers Guardian]

ovaova /�əυvə/ plural of ovumovaryovary noun 1. one of two organs in awoman or female animal that produce ovaor egg cells and secrete the femalehormone oestrogen 2. the part of a flowerthat contains the ovules, at the base of acarpeloven-ready poultryoven-ready poultry noun poultrywhich has been slaughtered and dressed sothat it can be cooked without any furtherpreparationovercroppingovercropping /�əυvə |�krɒpiŋ/ noun thepractice of growing too many crops onpoor soil, which has the effect of greatlyreducing soil fertilityovercultivatedovercultivated /�əυvə|�k�ltiveitid/adjective referring to land that has been toointensively cultivated and has reducedfertilityoverexploitoverexploit /�əυvərik |�splɔit/ verb tocultivate soil too intenselyoverexploitationoverexploitation /�əυvəreksplɔi|

�teiʃ(ə)n/ noun the uncontrolled use ofnatural resources until there is very littleleft � Overexploitation has reducedherring stocks by half.overfeedoverfeed /�əυvə |�fi�d/ verb to giveanimals too much feedoverfertilisationoverfertilisation /�əυvəf��tilai |

�zeiʃ(ə)n/, overfertilization noun theapplication of too much fertiliser to land(NOTE: Excess fertiliser draining from fieldscan cause pollution of the water in riversand lakes.)overgrazeovergraze /�əυvə |��reiz/ verb to graze apasture so much that it loses nutrients andis no longer able enough to provide foodfor livestockovergrazingovergrazing /�əυvə |��reiziŋ/ noun thepractice of grazing a pasture so much thatit loses nutrients and is no longer able toprovide food for livestock � Overgrazinghas led to soil erosion and desertification.

‘Examples of the steps farmers will haveto take include reducing the risk of soilerosion and avoiding the deterioration ofhabitats by preventing undergrazing aswell as overgrazing.’ [Farmers Weekly]

overgrownovergrown /�əυvə |��rəυn/ adjectivereferring to a seedbed or field which is


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covered with weeds or other unwantedvegetationoverlyingoverlying /�əυvə|�laiiŋ/ noun thecrushing of piglets by the sow which lieson top of themoverproductionoverproduction /�əυvəprə |�d�kʃən/noun the production of more of somethingthan is wanted or neededovershot wheelovershot wheel /�əυvəʃɒt �wi�l/ nouna type of waterwheel where the water fallson the wheel from above. It is more effi-cient than an undershot wheel, where thewater flows underneath the wheel.overstoreyoverstorey /�əυvə |�stɔ�ri/ noun thetopmost vegetation layer in a forest,formed by the tallest trees. Also calledoverwoodOver Thirty Month SchemeOver Thirty Month Scheme nounfull form of OTMSovertoppingovertopping /�əυvə |�tɒpiŋ/ nouncutting too much off the top of a plantwhen preparing it, e.g. when preparingsugar beetoverwinteroverwinter /�əυvə|�wintə/ verb 1. tospend winter in a particular place � Theherds overwinter on the southern plains. 2.to remain alive though the winter � Manyplants will not overwinter in areas thathave frost.overwoodoverwood /�əυvəwυd/ noun same asoverstoreyovicideovicide /�əυvisaid/ noun a substance,especially an insecticide, that kills eggsoviductoviduct /�əυvid�kt/ noun a tube thattransports eggs from the ovary to the uterusin mammals or in birds and reptilessecretes the eggshell and conveys the eggto the outside (NOTE: In mammals it is alsocalled the fallopian tube.)oviparousoviparous /əυ |�vipərəs/ adjective refer-ring to an animal that carries and lays eggs.Compare viviparousOvisOvis /�əυvis/ noun the Latin name for thesheep genusovulateovulate /�ɒvjυleit/ verb to release anovum from the mature ovarian follicle intothe fallopian tubeovulationovulation /�ɒvjυ|�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun therelease of an ovum from the matureovarian follicle into the fallopian tubeovuleovule /�ɒvju�l/ noun an immature egg oran unfertilised seedovumovum /�əυvəm/ noun a female egg cellwhich, when fertilised by a spermatozoon,begins to develop into an embryo (NOTE:

The plural is ova. For other terms referringto ova, see words beginning with oo-.)

COMMENT: At regular intervals (in thehuman female, once a month) ova, orunfertilised eggs, leave the ovaries andmove down the fallopian tubes to theuterus. Ovulation is regular in the mare,sow, ewe and cow.

ox

ox noun a male or female beast fromdomestic cattle, and also the castratedmale, especially when used as a draughtanimal (NOTE: The plural is oxen.)ox-eye

ox-eye noun any flower with a roundyellow centre, e.g. the ox-eye daisyOxford Down

Oxford Down /�ɒksfəd daυn/ noun thelargest of the down breeds of sheep,produced by crossing Southdownimproved stock with the longwoolled Cots-wold. It has a dark-brown face and legs anda conspicuous topknot.oxidase

oxidase /�ɒksideiz/ noun an enzymewhich encourages oxidation by removinghydrogenoxidise

oxidise /�ɒksidaiz/, oxidize verb to forman oxide by the reaction of oxygen withanother chemical substance � Over aperiod of time, the metal is oxidised bycontact with air.oxygen

oxygen noun a colourless, odourless gas,essential to human life, constituting 21%by volume of the Earth’s atmosphere � Ourbodies obtain oxygen through the lungs inrespiration.

COMMENT: Oxygen is an important con-stituent of living matter, as well as waterand air. It is formed by plants from car-bon dioxide in the atmosphere duringphotosynthesis and released back intothe air. Oxygen is absorbed from the airinto the bloodstream through the lungsand is carried to the tissues along thearteries. It is essential to normal metab-olism.

oxygenate

oxygenate /�ɒksid əneit/ verb 1. totreat blood with oxygen 2. to become filledwith oxygenoxygenation

oxygenation /�ɒksid ə |�neiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process of becoming filled with oxygenoxytocin

oxytocin /�ɒksi|�təυsin/ noun a hormonewhich activates the release of milk in theudder and the contractions in the uterusduring birth. It is also possibly important incontracting the uterus during mating. Itsaction is blocked by the release of adren-alin.


PPP symbol Poor (in the EUROP carcassclassification system)packhousepackhouse /�p�khaυs/ noun a buildingused for grading, cleaning and packingproduce on a farm, before it is sent to thecustomerpaddockpaddock noun a small enclosed field,usually near farm buildingspaddock grazingpaddock grazing noun a rotationalgrazing system which uses paddocks ofequal area for grazing, followed by a restperiodpalatabilitypalatability /�p�lətə|�biliti/ noun theextent to which something is good to eatpalatablepalatable adjective good to eat � Sometypes of grass are less palatable thanothers. � Big bales preserve the grass in analmost cut state which is very palatable.palepale noun 1. a pointed piece of wood usedfor fencing 2. a husk on grass or cerealseedspale leaf spotpale leaf spot noun white spots whichform on leaves of clover plants due topotash deficiencypale persicariapale persicaria /�peil �p��si |�keəriə/noun a weed found in spring-sown cropspale soft exudative musclepale soft exudative muscle noun acondition where an animal’s meat becomespale and lacks firmness. Abbr PSEpalmpalm noun 1. a large tropical plant like atree with branching divided leaves, thatproduces fruits which give oil and otherfoodstuffs 2. the inner surface of the handor the underside of a mammal’s forefootthat is often in contact with the groundpalynologypalynology /�p�li|�nɒləd�i/ noun thescientific study of pollen, especially ofpollen found in peat and coal deposits.Also called pollen analysispanpan noun 1. a wide shallow pot forgrowing seeds 2. a hard cemented layer ofsoil, impervious to drainage, lying below

the surface. It is formed by the depositionof iron compounds or by ploughing at thesame depth every year. Pan may be brokenup by using a subsoiler.pan-pan- /p�n/ prefix affecting everything oreverywherepandemicpandemic /p�n|�demik/ adjective, nounreferring to an epidemic disease whichaffects many parts of the world. � endemic,epidemicpanemonepanemone /�p�niməυn/ noun a type ofwindmill in which flat surfaces spin rounda vertical axispaniclepanicle /�p�nik(ə)l/ noun a flower head(inflorescence) with many branches thatcarry small flowers, e.g. the flower head ofa rice plantPanicumPanicum /�p�nikəm/ noun the Latinname for milletpannagepannage /�p�nid�/ noun 1. pasturagefor pigs in a wood or forest 2. the corn andbeech mast on which pigs feedpapainpapain /pə |�peiin/ noun an enzyme foundin the juice of the papaya, used as a meattenderiser and in medicine to help woundsto healPapaverPapaver /pə|�pɑ�və/ noun the Latin namefor poppyparameterparameter noun 1. a factor that definesthe limits or actions of something 2. a vari-able quantity or value for which a measure-ment is attempted, e.g. mean heightparaquatparaquat /�p�rəkwɒt/ noun a herbicidethat destroys a wide range of plants bykilling their foliage and becomes inert oncontact with the soil. It is poisonous tomammals, including humans.parasiteparasite noun a plant or animal whichlives on or inside another organism, thehost, and derives its nourishment and otherneeds from it � a water-borne parasite

COMMENT: The commonest parasitesaffecting animals are lice on the skin and


parasitic 182

various types of worms in the intestines.Many diseases of humans such asmalaria and amoebic dysentery arecaused by infestation with parasites.Viruses are parasites on animals, plantsand even on bacteria. Fungal diseasesin plants, such as mildews and rusts, arecaused by the action of parasitic fungi ontheir hosts.

parasiticparasitic /�p�rə|�sitik/ adjective refer-ring to animal or plant parasites � a para-sitic worm � Dodder is a parasitic plant.parasitic gastro-enteritisparasitic gastro-enteritis noun aninfection of the stomach caused by round-worms, especially Osteragia. It can becured by anthelmintics. Abbr PGEparasiticideparasiticide /�p�rə|�saitisaid/ noun asubstance that kills parasitesparasitiseparasitise /�p�rəsitaiz/, parasitizeverb to live as a parasite on anotherorganism � Sheep are parasitised by flukes.parasitismparasitism /�p�rəsaitiz(ə)m/ noun astate in which one organism, the parasite,lives on or inside another organism, thehost, and derives its nourishment and otherneeds from itparasitoidparasitoid /�p�rəsaitɔid/ noun anorganism that is a parasite only at one stagein its developmentparasitologyparasitology /�p�rəsai |�tɒləd�i/ nounthe scientific study of parasitesparathionparathion /p�rə|�θaiən/ noun an organo-phosphorus insecticide no longer approvedfor use in the UKparatyphoidparatyphoid /�p�rə|�taifɔid/ noun adisease of pigs caused by infection withsalmonella bacteria. Young pigs run a highfever and may die within 24 hours.parentparent noun a male or female that hasproduced offspringparent material rockparent material rock noun theunweathered base rock which breaks downto form a constituent part of the surface soilparent plantparent plant noun a plant from whichothers are producedparklandparkland /�pɑ�kl�nd/ noun grazedgrassland or heathland with large indi-vidual trees or small groups of large trees,usually part of a designed and managedlandscapeparlour systemsparlour systems plural noun the fourbasic designs of milking parlour: theherringbone parlour, the abreast parlour,the tandem parlour and the rotary parlour

‘In normal milking parlour systems, thedairyman has to be present two or threetimes a day to carry out the milking.

Robotic milking does away with thisstructured, time-consuming job, but itrelies on continuous operation ofsophisticated machinery.’ [FarmersWeekly]

parrot mouthparrot mouth noun a malformation ofthe upper jaw of horses, preventing propermastication. The condition prevents thehorse from grazing.parsleyparsley noun a common herb(Petroselinum crispum) used forgarnishing and flavouringparsley piertparsley piert /�pɑ�sli �pi��t/ noun acommon weed (Aphanes arvensis)affecting winter cereals. Also calledlamb’s footparsnipparsnip noun a plant (Pastinaca sativa)whose long white root is eaten as a vege-tableParthenaisParthenais /�pɑ�tənei/ noun a breed ofcattle originating in France. It producescalves for a suckler herd, and is known foreasy calving and high growth rate.parthenocarpyparthenocarpy /�pɑ�θenəυ|�kɑ�pi/noun the production of seedless fruitswithout fertilisation having taken placeparthenogenesisparthenogenesis /�pɑ�θənəυ|

�d�enəsis/ noun a form of reproduction inwhich an unfertilised ovum develops intoan individualpartial droughtpartial drought noun in the UK, periodof at least 29 consecutive days when themean rainfall does not exceed 2.54mmparticleparticle noun a very small piece of asubstance � soil particles � Particles ofvolcanic ash were carried into the upperatmosphere.particle size distributionparticle size distribution noun a wayof measuring the composition of soil,which can be used in planning irrigationand crop arrangementpartitionpartition noun a moveable wall whichdivides a room, e.g. a partition in a stablepartly mixed rationpartly mixed ration noun a winter feedfor livestock which combines total mixedration and separate concentrate feeding, bymixing some concentrates with theroughage and keeping the rest aside asadditional feed for higher-yieldinganimals. Abbr PMRpart-time farmingpart-time farming noun a type offarming, where the farmer has a regularoccupation other than farming and which iscommon throughout much of central andEastern Europe. In the UK, part-timefarmers are mainly wealthy people who


183 pathogenesis

farm as a hobby or as a second form ofbusiness.parturitionparturition /�pɑ�tjυ|�riʃ(ə)n/ noun theact of giving birth to offspring, when thefoetus leaves the uterus, called by differentnames according to the animal. � calving,farrowing, foaling, lambingparvovirusparvovirus /�pɑ�vəυ|�vairəs/ noun anyof a group of viruses that have a singlestrand of DNA, especially those causinginfertility in pigspassive immunitypassive immunity noun immunityreceived in the womb from the mother.Antibodies produced by her immunesystem to resist diseases that she has expe-rienced or been vaccinated against aretransferred to the embryo.

‘Colostrum management is becoming anincreasing problem on many large USdairy farms with the result that up to 60%of calves do not have the required levels ofpassive immunity to protect them againstdisease.’ [Dairy Farmer]

passportpassport noun an official documentissued to many types of animals or plantsbeing moved from one country to another,certifying freedom from disease � verb toissue a plant or animal passportpassportingpassporting noun the provision of aplant or animal passportpasternpastern /�p�st��n/ noun the thin part ofa horse’s leg, between the fetlock and thehoofpasteurellosispasteurellosis /�pɑ�stʃərə|�ləυsis/noun a clostridial disease mainly affectingyoung lambs, adult sheep and store lambs.It may be caused by contaminated food orwater. Symptoms are high temperature anddifficult breathing, and death may follow afew days after the symptoms becomeapparent.pasteurisationpasteurisation /�pɑ�stʃərai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/,pasteurization noun the heating of food orfood products for a specific period todestroy bacteria

COMMENT: Pasteurisation is carried outby heating food for a short time at a lowertemperature than that used for sterilisa-tion. The two methods used are heatingto 72°C for fifteen seconds (the high-temperature-short-time method) or to65°C for half an hour, and then coolingrapidly. This has the effect of killingtuberculosis bacteria.

pasteurisepasteurise /�pɑ�stʃəraiz/, pasteurizeverb to kill bacteria in food by heating it

pastoralpastoral adjective 1. referring to agricul-ture based on grazing animals 2. referringto land available for pasture

COMMENT: Pastoral farming ranges fromlarge-scale highly scientific systemssuch as cattle- or sheep-ranching toprimitive systems of nomadism. In rela-tively dry or inhospitable regions, theneed to find pastures for grazing animalscauses the farmers to lead a nomadicexistence.

pastoralistpastoralist /�pɑ�stərəlist/ noun afarmer who keeps grazing animals onpasture � The people most affected by thedrought in the Sahara are nomadic pasto-ralists.pasturagepasturage /�pɑ�stʃərid�/ noun a placewhere animals are pasturedpasturepasture noun land covered with grass orother small plants, used by farmers as afeeding place for animals � a mixture ofpasture and woodland � Their cows are onsummer pastures high in the mountains. �verb to put animals onto land covered withgrass or other small plants � Their cows arepastured in fields high in the mountains.pasturelandpastureland /�pɑ�stʃəl�nd/ noun landcovered with grass or other small plants,used by farmers as a feeding place foranimalspasture managementpasture management noun thecontrol of pasture by grazing, cutting,reseeding and similar techniques

‘In terms of pasture management for earlygrazing, the recommendation is to ensureswards are grazed down fully this autumn,as leaving old grass over winter willincrease the risks of winterkill and reduceproductivity next spring.’ [FarmersGuardian]

pasture topperpasture topper noun a piece ofmachinery that is attached to the back of atractor and used to keep grassy areas suchas pastures free from weeds and coarsegrassespatchpatch noun a small cultivated area withone type of plant growing in it, e.g. apumpkin patch or onion patchpatent flourpatent flour noun a very fine good-quality wheat flourpatho-patho- /p�θəυ/ prefix diseasepathogenpathogen /�p�θəd�ən/ noun an agent,usually a microorganism, that causes adiseasepathogenesispathogenesis /�p�θə|�d�enəsis/ nounthe origin, production or development of adisease


pathogenetic 184pathogeneticpathogenetic /�p�θəd�ə |�netik/ adjec-tive referring to pathogenesispathogenicpathogenic /�p�θə|�d�enik/ adjectiveable to cause or produce a diseasepathogenicitypathogenicity /�p�θəd�ə|�nisiti/ nounthe ability of a pathogen to cause a diseasepathogenic organismpathogenic organism noun anorganism responsible for causing a diseasepathologypathology noun the study of diseasesand the changes in structure and functionwhich diseases can causepausepause noun a rest period in a bird’slaying cyclePCV2PCV2 noun a virus which is thought to bea key cause of PMWS in pigs. Full formporcine coronavirus type 2PDAPDA abbreviation Potash DevelopmentAssociationPDNSPDNS abbreviation Porcine Dermatitisand Nephropathy Syndromepeapea noun an important grain legume

COMMENT: Peas are grown for pulsesand for their immature seeds which areeaten fresh as a green vegetable andare also often frozen. The young podsare also occasionally eaten as manget-outs. Peas are also grown for forage andmay be used for hay and silage. Theyare often grown following a cereal crop inrotation, and enrich the soil with nitro-gen. Most peas are harvested, trans-ported and processed on the same dayand the majority are taken for freezingand canning. Vining peas are Britain’smost important contract vegetable crop.

pea and bean weevilpea and bean weevil noun a pest(Sitona sp) affecting peas, beans and otherlegumes. The eggs are laid in soil near theplants, allowing the larvae to feed on theroots. The adult weevils feed on the leaves,making U-shaped notches in the edges ofthe leaves.peachpeach noun a small deciduous tree(Prunus persica) found particularly inMediterranean areas, though it will growas far north as southern England. The fruitare large and juicy, with a downy skin, butthey cannot be kept for any length of time.(NOTE: Peaches are divided into twogroups: the freestone (where the flesh isnot attached to the stone), and the cling-stone. The nectarine is a form of peachwith a smooth skin.)peach-leaf curlpeach-leaf curl noun a fungal diseasewhich affects peaches, where the leavesswell and become red

pear

pear noun a pome fruit of the genus Pyrusused for dessert fruit, cooking or forfermenting to make perry. In the UK,William’s Bon Chretien, Conference andDoyenne du Comice are popular dessertvarieties, while William’s is alsocommonly used for canning.peat

peat noun the accumulated partlydecayed mosses and other plants whichform the soil of a bog, often forming a deeplayer

COMMENT: Acid peats are formed inwaterlogged areas where marsh plantsgrow, and where decay of dead materialis slow. Black fen soils found in EastAnglia are very fertile. These soils con-tain silts and calcium carbonate in addi-tion to the remains of vegetation. Peatcan be cut and dried in blocks, which canthen be used as fuel. It is also widelyused in horticulture, after drying andsterilising. Peat was used as a fuel insome areas and was widely used in gar-dens to improve the texture of the soil ormixed with soil or other materials to growplants in pots. These practices are nowdiscouraged in order to prevent the over-use of peat bogs.

peat-free

peat-free adjective referring to materialsuch as compost that does not contain peatpeatland

peatland /�pi�tl�nd/ noun an area ofland covered with peat bogpeaty

peaty /�pi�ti�/ adjective containing peat �peaty soil � peaty waterpecan

pecan noun a North American tree(Carya illinoensis) which produces sweetnuts which are eaten as dessert nuts andused in many forms of confectionerypeck

peck noun a measure of capacity of drygoods, equal to a quarter of a bushel or twogallons. Pecks are used as a measure ofgrain. � verb to pick up food with the beakpecking order

pecking order noun the order of socialdominance in a group of birds, and alsoanimals (NOTE: The equivalent in cattle isthe ‘bunt order’.)pectin

pectin /�pektin/ noun a sticky mixture ofvarious polysaccharides found in plant cellwallsped

ped /ped/ noun an aggregate of soil parti-clespedigree

pedigree noun the ancestral line ofanimals bred by breeders, or of cultivatedplants � adjective descended from a line ofanimals whose pedigree has been recordedover several generations � a pedigree dog


185 performance testpedigree marketpedigree market noun the market foranimals sold for breeding rather than forslaughter. Compare commercial marketpedigree recordspedigree records plural noun recordsof pedigree stock kept by the breeder andby breed societies. Pedigree animals areregistered at birth and given officialnumbers.pedigree selectionpedigree selection noun the selectionof animals for breeding based on therecords of their ancestorspedologistpedologist /pə|�dɒləd�ist/ noun a scien-tist who specialises in the study of the soilpedologypedology /pə|�dɒləd�i/ noun the study ofthe soilpeelpeel noun 1. the outer layer of a fruit �Oranges have a thick peel. � Lemon peel isused as flavouring. 2. the skin of a potato �verb to remove the peel from a fruit orpotatoPEGPEG abbreviation production entitlementguaranteePekinPekin /pi� |�kin/ noun a breed of tableduck. It has buff coloured feathers andbright orange feet, legs and bill.pelletpellet noun a form of feedingstuff,usually mash, which has been moistenedand pressed to form small grainspelleted seedpelleted seed noun a seed coated withclay to produce pellets of uniform size anddensity. Pelleting is done to make thesowing of very fine seed easier.penpen noun a small enclosure for animals orpoultry � verb to enclose animals such assheep in a penpenicillinpenicillin noun an antibiotic, originallyproduced from a fungus, that controlsbacterial and fungal infections (NOTE: Peni-cillin and the related family of drugs havenames ending in -cillin: amoxycillin.)

COMMENT: Penicillin is effective againstmany microbial diseases, such as masti-tis in cattle.

PenicilliumPenicillium /�peni|�siliəm/ noun thegenus of fungus from which penicillin isderivedPenistonePenistone /�penistən/ noun same asWhite-faced Woodlandpen matingpen mating noun the practice of usingone male animal to mate with a number offemalespepino mosaic viruspepino mosaic virus /pə|�pi�nəυ məυ |

�zeiik �vairəs/ noun a highly contagiousvirus affecting tomato plantspepperpepper noun 1. a spice, either black orwhite, made from the berry-like fruit of the

pepper vine 2. the fruit of the Capsicum,either red, yellow or greenpepper and saltpepper and salt noun same as shep-herd’s pursepeppermintpeppermint noun an aromatic herb(Mentha piperata) which is cultivated toproduce an oil used in confectionery,drinks and toothpastepepsinpepsin /�pepsin/ noun an enzyme in thestomach which breaks down the proteins infoodpepticpeptic /�peptik/ adjective referring todigestion or to the digestive systempeptonepeptone /�peptəυn/ noun a substanceproduced by the action of pepsins onproteins in foodPERPER abbreviation protein efficiency ratioPercheronPercheron /�p�ʃərɒn/ noun a heavybreed of horse, developed in Normandy. Itis grey in colour.PerendalePerendale /�perəndeil/ noun a NewZealand breed of sheepperennialperennial adjective referring to plantswhich persist for more than two years �noun a plant that lives for a long time,flowering, often annually, without dying. �annual, biennial (NOTE: In herbaceousperennials the parts above ground dieback in winter, but the plant persists underthe ground and produces new shoots in thespring. In woody perennials, permanentstems remain above the ground in thewinter.)perennial agricultureperennial agriculture noun a systemof agriculture in regions where there is nowinter and several crops can be grown onthe same land each yearperennial irrigationperennial irrigation noun a systemwhich allows the land to be irrigated at anytime. This may be by primitive means suchas shadufs, or by distributing water frombarrages by canal and ditches.perennial ryegrassperennial ryegrass noun a grass(Lolium perenne) which forms the basis ofthe majority of long leys in the UK. It is themost important grass in good permanentpasture and is often sown mixed with othergrasses and clover (NOTE: Perennialryegrass has a long growing season, isquick to become established and respondswell to fertilisers. It is best suited to grazingand is highly palatable for animals.)performance testperformance test noun a record ofgrowth rate in an individual animal over agiven period of time, when fed on astandard ration. Performance testing gives


pericarp 186

the breeder a better chance of identifyinggenetically superior animals.pericarppericarp /�perikɑ�p/ noun the part of afruit that encloses the seed or seedsperi-urbanperi-urban /�peri ��b(ə)n/ adjective onthe edge of a built-up areapermaculturepermaculture /�p��mək�ltʃə/ noun asystem of permanent agriculture, whichinvolves carefully designing human habi-tats and food production systemspermanent grasslandpermanent grassland, permanentpasture noun land that remains as grass-land for a long time and is not ploughedpermanent wilting pointpermanent wilting point noun thesoil water content below which plants wiltand are unable to recoverpermeabilitypermeability /�p��miə|�biliti/ noun 1.the ability of a rock to allow water to passthrough it 2. the ability of a membrane toallow fluid or chemical substances to passthrough itperpetual-floweringperpetual-flowering adjective refer-ring to a variety of plant which bearsflowers more or less all year roundperryperry /�peri/ noun fermented pear juicepersimmonpersimmon /pə|�simən/ noun a nativetree (Diospyros kaki) of Japan and China,which produces reddish-orange fruit,similar in appearance to tomatoes. Thefruit are eaten either as dessert or may becooked; they are very rich in vitamins.persistpersist verb 1. to continue to exist �Snow cover tends to persist on north-facing slopes of mountains. 2. (of a chem-ical compound) to remain active withoutbreaking down in the environment for aperiod of time � The chemical persists inthe soil. 3. (of a plant) to grow for severalseasonspersistencepersistence /pə |�sistəns/ noun 1. theability of a chemical to remain activewithout breaking down in the environmentfor a period of time 2. (of a plant) theability to grow for several seasonspersistencypersistency /pə|�sistənsi/ noun abilityof a plant to survive for a long time, evenwhen the soil is cultivated � Ryegrasses areused for leys where persistency is notimportant.persistentpersistent adjective 1. remaining activewithout breaking down for some time �persistent chemicals 2. growing for severalseasons � persistent speciespestpest noun 1. an organism that carriesdisease or harms plants or animals � a

spray to remove insect pests 2. the namegiven to some diseases, e.g. fowl pestpest controlpest control noun the process ofkeeping down the number of pests byvarious methodspesticidepesticide noun a chemical compoundused to kill pests such as insects, otheranimals, fungi or weeds

COMMENT: There are four basic types ofpesticide: 1. organochlorides, whichhave a high persistence in the environ-ment of up to about 15 years (DDT, diel-drin and aldrin); 2. organophosphates,which have an intermediate persistenceof several months (parathion, carbaryland malathion); 3. carbamates, whichhave a low persistence of around twoweeks (Tenik, Zectran and Zineb); 4.synthetic pyrethroids, which are non-persistent, contact and residual actinginsecticides (cypermethrin, permethrin),suitable for a wide range of crops andtarget insects. Most pesticides arebroad-spectrum, that is they kill allinsects in a certain area and may killother animals like birds and small mam-mals. Pesticide residue levels in food inthe UK are generally low. Pesticide resi-dues have been found in bran products,bread and baby foods, as well as in milkand meat. Where pesticides are found,the levels are low and rarely exceedinternational maximum residue levels.

pesticide residuepesticide residue noun the amount ofa pesticide that remains in the environmentafter application

‘Technical solutions and risk managementtools have been developed for six watercatchments to communicate best practiceto reduce pesticide residues in water.’[Arable Farming]

Pesticide Safety Precaution SchemePesticide Safety PrecautionScheme noun an agreement between theagrochemical industry and the govern-ment, supported by Health and Safetyregulations, which designates products assafe to use, provided recommendedprecautions are taken during their use. �

FEPA. Abbr PSPSPesticides Safety DirectoratePesticides Safety Directorate nounan executive agency of Defra which over-sees the development, licensing and safeuse of pesticides in the UK. Abbr PSDPesticides TrustPesticides Trust noun a group thatworks to minimise and eventually elimi-nate the hazards of pesticidespesticide taxpesticide tax noun a proposed tax torestrict the use of pesticides


187 photoperiodicityPesticide Usage SurveyPesticide Usage Survey noun anannual survey of the range and amount ofpesticides used on cropspetalpetal noun a single part of the corolla of aflower � A buttercup flower has yellowpetals.petiolepetiole /�petiəυl/ noun the stalk of a leafPGEPGE abbreviation parasitic gastro-enteritisPGRPGR abbreviation plant growth regulatorPGROPGRO abbreviation Processors andGrowers Research OrganisationpHpH noun a measure of the acidity of a solu-tion, determined as the negative logarithmof the hydrogen ion concentration, on ascale from 0 to 14 � soil pH

COMMENT: A pH value of 7 is neutral, thesame as that of pure water. Lower val-ues indicate increasing acidity andhigher values indicate increasing alkalin-ity: 0 is most acid and 14 is most alkaline.Acid rain has been known to have a pHof 2 or less, making it as acid as lemonjuice. Plants vary in their tolerance of soilpH. Some grow well on alkaline soils,some on acid soils only, and some cantolerate a wide range of pH values. Thesoil pH value for rye and lupins isapproximately 4.5, for oats and potatoes5.0, for wheat, beans, peas, turnips andswedes 5.5, for clover, maize andoilseed rape 6.0, and for barley, sugarbeet and lucerne 6.5.

phaceliaphacelia /fə|�si�liə/ noun a plant used as aground cover crop. It was introduced intothe UK from the USA.-phage-phage /feid�/ suffix eatingphago-phago- /f��əυ/ prefix eatingphagocytephagocyte /�f��əυsait/ noun a cell thatcan surround and destroy other cells suchas bacteria, e.g. a white blood cellphagocyticphagocytic /�f��ə |�sitik/ adjectivereferring to phagocytespharmingpharming /�fɑ�miŋ/ noun the productionof proteins that have medicinal value ingenetically modified livestock or cropsPhaseolusPhaseolus /�f�zi |�əυləs/ noun the Latinname for beans such as the French beanand butter beanpheasantpheasant noun a game bird (Phasianuscolchicus) with long tail feathersphenolicsphenolics /fi|�nɒliks/ noun organicchemicalsphenotypephenotype /�fi�nətaip/ noun the phys-ical characteristics of an organism,produced by its genes. Compare genotype

‘For centuries, farmers have usedphenotype to improve livestock. Theyselected the best looking and performinganimals to produce their next generations.’[Farmers Weekly]

phenotypicphenotypic /�fi�nəυ |�tipik/ adjectiverelating to a phenotypephenylalaninephenylalanine /�fi�nail |��ləni�n/ nounan essential amino acidpheromonepheromone /�ferəməυn/ noun a chem-ical substance produced and released intothe environment by an animal, influencingthe behaviour of another individual of thesame species � Some insects producepheromones to attract mates.phloemphloem /�fləυəm/ noun the vasculartissue in a plant that is formed of livingcells and conducts organic substances fromthe leaves to the rest of the plant. � xylemphosphatephosphate /�fɒsfeit/ noun a salt ofphosphoric acid which is formed naturallyby weathering of rocks

COMMENT: Natural organic phosphatesare provided by guano and fishmeal, oth-erwise phosphates are mined. Artificiallyproduced phosphates are used in agri-culture: the main types of phosphate fer-tiliser are ground rock phosphate,hyperphosphate, superphosphate, triplesuperphosphate and basic slags. Phos-phate deficiency is one of the common-est deficiencies in livestock, and givesrise to osteomalacia (also known ascreeping sickness). Phosphates escapeinto water from sewage, especiallywaste water containing detergents, andencourage the growth of algae byeutrophication.

phosphorusphosphorus /�fɒsf(ə)rəs/ noun a chem-ical element that is essential to biologicallife

COMMENT: Phosphorus is an essentialpart of bones, nerve tissue, DNA andRNA and is important in many biochem-ical processes, although in its pure formit is highly toxic. When an organism diesthe phosphorus contained in its tissuesreturns to the soil and is taken up byplants in the phosphorus cycle. Phos-phorus deficiency in plants causesstunted growth, discoloration of leavesand small or misshapen fruit.

photo-photo- prefix lightphotoperiodicityphotoperiodicity /�fəυtəυpi�riə |

�disiti/ noun the degree to which plantsand animals react to changes in the lengthof the period of daylight from summer towinter


photorespiration 188photorespirationphotorespiration /�fəυtəυrespi |

�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun a reaction that occurs inplants, alongside photosynthesis, in whichthe plant fixes oxygen from the air andloses carbon dioxide (NOTE: Photorespira-tion reduces the production of sugars byphotosynthesis. Some crop plants havebeen bred to reduce their photorespirationrate.)photosensitisationphotosensitisation /�fəυtəυsensitai|

�zeiʃ(ə)n/, photosensitization noun adisease of livestock caused by activation ofphotodynamic agents in the skin by light.Skin becomes pink and inflamed and maydevelop deep cracks.photosynthesisphotosynthesis /�fəυtəυ |�sinθəsis/noun the process by which green plantsconvert carbon dioxide and water intosugar and oxygen using sunlight as energyphototrophphototroph noun an organism thatobtains its energy from sunlight. Comparechemotrophphototrophicphototrophic /�fəυtəυ|�trɒfik/ adjec-tive obtaining energy from sunlight.Compare chemotrophic (NOTE: Plants arephototrophic.)PHSIPHSI abbreviation Plant Health and SeedsInspectoratephylloxeraphylloxera /fi|�lɒksərə/ noun an aphidwhich attacks vines. It threatened todestroy the vineyards of Europe in the 19thcentury, but the vines were saved bygrafting susceptible varieties onto resistantAmerican rootstock.physiologyphysiology noun the scientific study ofthe functions of living organismsphyto-phyto- /faitəυ/ prefix plantphytomephytome /�faitəυm/ noun a plantcommunityphytonutrientphytonutrient /�faitəυ|�nju�triənt/noun a substance in plants that is beneficialto human health, e.g. a vitamin or antioxi-dantphytophagousphytophagous /fai |�tɒfə�əs/ adjectivereferring to an animal that eats plantsphytotoxicphytotoxic /�faitəυ |�tɒksik/ adjectivepoisonous to plantsphytotoxicantphytotoxicant /�faitəυ|�tɒksikənt/noun a substance that is phytotoxicphytotoxinphytotoxin /�faitəυ|�tɒksin/ noun apoisonous substance produced by a plantpickpick verb to take ripe fruit or vegetablesfrom plantspickerpicker /�pikə/ noun a person who picksfruit or vegetables � a strawberry picker

pickingpicking /�pikiŋ/ noun the work of takingfruit or vegetables from plants � Teams ofworkers are employed on raspberrypicking in July.picklepickle verb to preserve food by keeping itin vinegar � pickling cabbage, picklingonions cabbage or onions specially grownfor picklingpick-up attachmentpick-up attachment noun an attach-ment used on a combine to lift grass swathand feed it into the main elevator. It is fittedover the combine cutter bar.pick-up balerpick-up baler noun a machine whichpicks up cut grass and makes small bales.A machine which makes big bales is calleda ‘big baler’.pick-up reelpick-up reel noun a part of a combineharvester with spring tines, used toimprove cutting efficiency in tangled cropspick-your-ownpick-your-own noun a system wherecustomers are allowed onto the farm topick what they need from the field. It isused with most types of soft-fruit andmany vegetables. Abbr PYO

COMMENT: The existence of a large car-owning population helped in the growthof PYO farms, especially close to largeurban populations.

PIDCPIDC abbreviation Potato Industry Devel-opment Council Order (1997)piebaldpiebald /�paibɔ�ld/ adjective, noun refer-ring to an animal whose coat has twocolours, especially black and white, inirregular shapespieceworkpiecework /�pi�sw��k/ noun work forwhich workers are paid for the productsproduced or for the piece of work done,and not at an hourly rate. Potato pickersand strawberry pickers are paid in this way.PiedmontesePiedmontese /�pi�dmən|�ti�z/ noun abreed of beef cattle from north-west Italy.The animals are light or dark grey, withblack horns, ears and tail.piertpiert /�pi��t/ � parsley piertPietrainPietrain /�pi�trein/ noun a Belgian breedof pig imported into the UK for cross-breeding, which is very muscular and hasprick ears and irregular dark spots over thewhole body. It is very lean but carries thehalothane gene.pigpig noun an animal of the Suidae familykept exclusively for meat production(NOTE: The males are called boars, thefemales are sows, the young are piglets.Pigs reared for pork meat are called


189 pig production

porkers and those reared for bacon arebaconers.)

COMMENT: There have been changes inpig types and breeds because of theneeds of the meat industry. The mainbreeds used in the UK include the LargeWhite, Landrace, Welsh, Hampshire,Duroc and Pietrain. In pig farming, thecommon practice is to use a white qual-ity-type pig which may be crossed withother breeds to produce good-qualitycommercial pigs. A large number ofcrossbred sows are being used. Good-quality pigs are needed for fresh meatand for manufacturing, and they arereared to provide pork, bacon, hams,pies and sausages. Some pig productiondeals with the specialised business ofpig breeding and some farmers onlybreed and sell the young pigs as wean-ers or stores. Most pig farming, however,consists of rearing pigs for pork andfresh meat, or for bacon, ham and otherprocessed foods. Pigs mature quicklyand are marketed at between four andsix months of age. Bacon pigs are mar-keted at about 90kg liveweight and pork-ers from around 60kg. Most pigs areintensively housed in prefabricatedbuildings with mechanical ventilationand often automated feeding, althoughthere is a movement towards ‘free range’pig farming. Pig rearing is carried on inmost parts of the UK, but is beingincreasingly concentrated in the Easternpart of the country. Rare breeds (non-commercial breeds) include the BritishSaddleback, Large Black, GloucesterOld Spot, Berkshire, Tamworth, MiddleWhite and Chester White.

pigeonpigeon noun a bird which is regarded asa pest, and can cause severe damage tosmall plants. The wood pigeon eats cerealseed and causes damage to young andmature crops of peas and brassicas.pig futurespig futures plural noun sales on thecommodity market of pigmeat for futuredeliverypiggerypiggery /�pi�əri/ noun a place wherepigs are housed

COMMENT: Pigs can be kept successfullyunder all sorts of conditions, but housingsystems must provide efficient feedingfacilities. Individual feeding of sows isessential, and confining dry sows installs is common. Farrowing sows andtheir litters need careful housing; farrow-ing should take place in a special cratewhich prevents overlying of piglets(where the sow crushes the piglets bylying on them). Breeding pigs may bereared outdoors and housed in move-

able arks. Fattening pigs can be housedin yards, usually covered with straw bed-ding and provided with a shelter, butmore commonly they are kept in specialbuildings with controlled environmentsand ventilation, feeding, watering andefficient disposal of dung through specialchannels. There are many systems ofpig housing, ranging from the traditionalcottage piggery, with its low-roofed pensand open yard; the Danish type, a totallyenclosed building with a controlled envi-ronment; the flat deck type, used forrearing young pigs, with special heatingand ventilation controls; the Solari pig-gery, with fattening pens on each side ofa central feeding passage, housed in anopen-sided Dutch barn; and the mono-pitch type, incorporating artificially con-trolled natural ventilation.

pigletpiglet noun a young pigpiglet anaemiapiglet anaemia noun a metabolicdisease caused by milk deficiency. It cancause death of piglets. Iron compounds areadministered as treatment.pigmanpigman /�pi�m�n/ noun a term formerlyused for a male farm worker who looksafter pigs. It is now replaced, in advertise-ments, by ‘pigperson’.pigmeatpigmeat /�pi�mi�t/ noun a term used inthe EU for meat from pigspigpersonpigperson /�pi�p��sən/ noun a farmworker who looks after pigs. This is a termused in job advertisements.pig poxpig pox noun a disease of pigs caused byinfection with one of two different viruses,most commonly the swinepox virus.Young pigs have red spots on belly, faceand head which turn into blisters. Fevermay follow.pig productionpig production noun the commercialfarming of pigs

COMMENT: Sows are mature enough tobreed at around six months of age. Theyare usually mated with the boar every140–150 days. After a gestation periodof 115 days a litter is born and is usuallyallowed to suckle for 21–28 days. Four toseven days after separating the sowfrom her piglets, she comes into oestrusand allows the boar to mate. Each of theresulting litters will consist of about tenpiglets, and over her lifetime the sow willmother six to eight litters. Sows may bekept in stalls, sometimes completelyclosed, and sometimes open-ended.Sows are also kept in covered yards onstraw. New systems are being intro-duced, such as the use of a collar foreach sow marked with its computer code


pigstock 190

number. The number is relayed to acomputer which allocates a measuredamount of feed to the sow. Herds ofsows are also kept in open fields, usingarks for shelter.

pigstockpigstock /�pi�stɒk/ noun herds of pigspigstock personpigstock person noun a farm workerwho looks after pigspigstypigsty noun same as stypig typhoidpig typhoid noun same as swine feverpigweedpigweed /�pi�wi�d/ noun same as knot-grasspinch outpinch out verb to remove small shoots bypinching between finger and thumb.Pinching out is done when training youngplants.pinepine noun 1. an evergreen coniferous tree.Genus: Pinus. � The north of the country iscovered with forests of pine. 2. same aspiningpine kernelspine kernels plural noun seeds of theMediterranean pine (Pinus pinea) eatenraw or roasted and salted, and also used incooking and confectionerypinewoodpinewood /�painwυd/ noun a woodedarea containing mainly pinespiningpining /�painiŋ/ noun a disease of sheep,caused by shortage of cobalt, which causesthe animals to lose condition, and havepoor fleece, dull eyes and general weak-nesspintpint noun a non-metric measure of liquidsand dry goods such as seeds. It is equal to0.56 litres. (NOTE: usually written pt afterfigures: 4pts of water)pinwormpinworm /�pinw��m/ noun a thin para-sitic worm Enterobius, which infests thelarge intestine. Also called threadwormPinzgauerPinzgauer /�pints�aυə/ noun a breed ofcattle from Austria, used for both meat anddraught. The animals are coloured reddishor dark brown with a distinctive white stripalong the back.pioneer croppioneer crop noun a crop grown toimprove general soil fertility, prior to thesowing of another more valuable crop.Pioneer crops are grazed by livestock withthe result that their dung improves thesoil’s fertility.piperazinepiperazine /pi|�perəzi�n/ noun a drugused to treat worm infestationpippinpippin /�pipin/ noun a name given toseveral dessert applespistachiopistachio /pi |�st�ʃiəυ/ noun a small tree(Pistacia vera) native of central Asia andnow cultivated in Mediterranean regions.

The nuts are eaten salted or in confec-tionery.pistilpistil /�pistil/ noun the female reproduc-tive part of a flower, made up of the ovary,the style and the stigmaPisumPisum /�paisəm/ noun the Latin name forpeapitpit noun the stone in certain fruit, e.g. incherries, plums, peaches or dried fruit suchas raisins and datespitchpitch noun a dark sticky substanceobtained from tar, used to make objectswatertightpitch polepitch pole noun a harrow with double-ended tinesplacement drillplacement drill noun a machine whichdrills seeds and fertiliser at the same time,and places the fertiliser close to the side ofand below the rows of seedsplacentaplacenta /plə|�sentə/ noun the tissuewhich grows inside the uterus in mammalsduring pregnancy and links the baby to themotherplacentalplacental /plə|�sent(ə)l/ adjective refer-ring to the placentaplacental mammalplacental mammal noun same as euth-erianplagueplague noun 1. an infectious disease thatoccurs in epidemics which kill manyorganisms 2. a widespread infestation by apest � A plague of locusts has invaded theregion and is destroying crops.plainplain plural noun plains a large area offlat country with few trees, especially inthe middle of North Americaplane treeplane tree noun a common temperatedeciduous hardwood tree, frequentlygrown in towns because of its resistance toair pollutionplanning authorityplanning authority noun a localauthority which gives permission fordevelopment such as changes to existingbuildings or new use of landplanning controlsplanning controls plural noun legisla-tion used by a local authority to controlbuildingplanning departmentplanning department noun a sectionof a local authority which deals withrequests for planning permissionplanning inquiryplanning inquiry noun a hearing beforea government inspector relating to a deci-sion of a local authority in planningmattersplanning permissionplanning permission noun an officialagreement allowing a person or company


191 plough

to plan new buildings on empty land or toalter existing buildingsplantplant noun an organism containing chlo-rophyll with which it carries out photosyn-thesis � verb to put plants in the ground �to plant a crop of riceplantainplantain /�pl�ntein/ noun 1. a namegiven to various types of banana, used forcooking and brewing. It has a lower sugarcontent than dessert bananas. 2. a commonweed (Plantago major). Compare ribwortplantationplantation noun 1. an estate, especiallyin the tropics, on which large-scale produc-tion of cash crops takes place (NOTE: Plan-tations specialise in the production of asingle crop such as cocoa, coffee, cotton,tea or rubber.) 2. an area of land plantedwith trees for commercial purposes. Alsocalled plantation forestplant breederplant breeder noun a person whoproduces new forms of ornamental or cropplantsplant breedingplant breeding noun the practice ofproducing new forms of ornamental andcrop plants by artificial selectionplant coverplant cover noun the percentage of anarea occupied by plants � Plant cover atthese altitudes is sparse.plant ecologyplant ecology noun the study of therelationship between plants and their envi-ronmentplanterplanter /�plɑ�ntə/ noun 1. a person whoplants, especially a person who plants andlooks after a plantation 2. a device forplanting. � potato planterplant food ratioplant food ratio noun the ratio ofnitrogen to phosphate and potash in a ferti-liserplant genetic resourcesplant genetic resources plural nounthe gene pool of plants, especially of plantsregarded as of value to humans for food orpharmaceuticalsplant growth regulatorplant growth regulator noun a chem-ical treatment which slows the growth ofplants, used in low-maintenance areas suchas roadside verges. Abbr PGRplant healthplant health noun the areas related tothe prevention of pests and diseasesaffecting plants and plant produce,including the control of imports andexportsPlant Health and Seeds InspectoratePlant Health and Seeds Inspec-torate noun a branch of Defra whichdeals with plant health in the UK. AbbrPHSI

plant hormonesplant hormones plural noun hormonessuch as auxin which particularly affectplant growth. They are more accuratelycalled ‘plant growth substances’.plant nutrientplant nutrient noun a mineral whosepresence is essential for the healthy growthof plantsplant passportplant passport noun � passportplant protectionplant protection noun the activity ofprotecting plants from disease by biocon-trol, cultivation practices and especially bythe application of pesticidesplant protection productplant protection product noun ageneral term for a chemical such as a pesti-cide or fungicide that is used to keep plantsfree from disease and pestsplant senescenceplant senescence noun the final stagein the life cycle of a plant, leading to thedeath of part or all of the plant (NOTE:Knowledge of plant senescence is impor-tant for farmers as it determines when theyshould harvest a crop in order to ensure itis of the highest possible quality.)Plant Variety Rights OfficePlant Variety Rights Office noun thecertifying authority for agricultural andhorticultural seeds in England and Wales,based in Cambridge. Abbr PVROplasticplastic noun a man-made material, usedas a cover to protect young crops. Thinfilms of polythene may be used to coverand warm soil, while black plastic sheetingis used as a form of mulch, and also tocover clamps and bales. � adjectivedescribing the state of a soil when it is toowet. The soil deforms and does not recover.plate and flickerplate and flicker noun a type ofmachine used for distributing fertiliserplateauplateau noun an area of high flat land(NOTE: The plural is plateaux.)plate millplate mill noun a type of mill used forgrinding grain. The machine is made oftwo circular plates, one of which is fixed,while the other rotates against it.plotplot noun a small area of cultivated land,which has been clearly definedploughplough noun an agricultural implementused to turn over the surface of the soil inorder to cultivate crops � verb to turn overthe soil with a plough (NOTE: [all senses]The US spelling is plow.)

COMMENT: The modern plough is usuallyfully mounted on a tractor’s hydraulicsystem, though some are semi-mounted, with the rear supported by oneor more wheels, and some may betrailed. The principal parts of a ploughare the beam or frame, made of steel, to


plough body 192

which are attached a number of partswhich engage the soil, such as the disccoulter, the share and the mouldboardwhich turns the furrow slice. There arethree main types of plough: conven-tional, with right-handed mouldboards,reversible, with left- and right-handedmouldboards, and disc ploughs, whichare used for deep rapid cultivation ofhard dry soils, and are not common inthe UK. There are many designs ofplough body, the main ones being thegeneral purpose plough, the semi-dig-ger, the digger and the Bar Point. Thethree main methods of ploughing are:systematic, where the field is dividedinto lands by shallow furrows; roundand round ploughing, in which fieldsare ploughed from the centre to the out-side or from the edge to the centre (seealso square ploughing); reversibleploughing, where the field is ploughedup and down the same furrow, giving avery level surface.

plough bodyplough body noun the main part of theplough, consisting of the frog, mould-board, share and landsideplough inplough in verb to cover a crop, stubble orweeds with soil, by turning over the surfacewith a ploughploughlandploughland /�plaυl�nd/ noun arable orcultivated landploughmanploughman /�plaυmən/ noun a manwho ploughsplough panplough pan noun a hard layer in the soilcaused by ploughing at the same depthevery yearploughshareploughshare /�plaυʃeə/ noun a heavymetal blade of a plough, which cuts thebottom of the furrow. It can be in one pieceor three sections, the point, wing and shin.Also called shareplough to plateplough to plate noun same as farm toforkplough upplough up verb to plough a pasture,usually in order to use it for growing cropspluckpluck verb 1. to remove the feathers froma bird’s carcass. This is usually done bymachine, but still also done by hand. 2. toremove the internal organs from an animalcarcass after slaughter 3. to remove theleaves from a plant such as the tea plantplumplum noun a stone fruit (Prunus domes-tica)

COMMENT: There are many varieties ofcultivated plums, and they vary in colour,shape, size and flavour. Pond’s Seed-ling, Monarch and Pershore are cookingvarieties, while the rich-flavoured des-

sert varieties include Victoria, Laxtonand Kirke’s Blue. American varietiesinclude Chickasaw and the OregonPlum. In the UK, plums are grown mainlyin the south and in the west Midlands; inthe USA, they are common in the Pacificstates.

plumageplumage noun the feathers of a birdplum poxplum pox noun a viral disease affectingplums, damsons and peaches. The fruit hasdark blotches and ripens prematurely, andit is often sour.plumuleplumule /�plu�mju�l/ noun the tiny struc-ture in a plant embryo from which a shootwill developPlymouth rockPlymouth rock /�pliməθ �rɒk/ noun alarge heavy hardy dual-purpose breed ofpoultry, originally coming from the USA.The feathers are rich lemon-buff.PMGPMG abbreviation processing andmarketing grantPMRPMR abbreviation partly mixed rationPMWSPMWS noun a disease which causeswasting, paleness and diarrhoea in pigsbetween 6 and 14 weeks old and is oftenfatal. Full form post-weaning multisys-temic wasting syndrome

‘The Danish sector is still suffering fromthe pig wasting disease PMWS with thenumber of infected herds now at 270, butLundholt is optimistic that farmers cancontrol the condition and manage theirway clear.’ [The Grocer]

pneumatic distributorpneumatic distributor noun amachine which conveys fertiliser from ahopper to nozzles for spreading by astream of air. Both trailed and mountedmodels are made.pneumatic grain drillpneumatic grain drill, pneumaticdrill noun a machine which sows grain, theseed being moved from a hopper down thedrill pipe by compressed airpneumoniapneumonia noun the inflammation of alung, where the tiny alveoli of the lungbecome filled with fluidPoaceaePoaceae /pəυ|��siai/ noun the grasses,which is a very large family of plantsincluding bamboo and cereals such aswheat and maize. Former nameGramineaepoachpoach verb 1. to catch animals, birds orfish illegally on someone else’s property 2.to trample the ground in wet weather.Heavy soils such as clays are particularlysusceptible to poaching.


193 pollutionpoacherpoacher noun a person who catchesanimals, birds or fish illegally on someoneelse’s landpocketpocket noun a large sack of dry hopspodpod noun a container for several seeds,e.g. a pea pod or bean podpodsolpodsol /�pɒdsɒl/, podzol /�pɒdzɒl/ nouna type of acid soil where organic matterand mineral elements have been leachedfrom the light-coloured top layer into adarker lower layer through which waterdoes not flow and which contains littleorganic matter. Compare chernozem

COMMENT: On the whole podsols makepoor agricultural soils, owing to their lownutrient status and the frequent pres-ence of an iron pan. Large areas of theconiferous forest regions of Canada andRussia are covered with podsols.

podsolicpodsolic /pɒd|�sɒlik/, podzolic /pɒd |

�zɒlik/ adjective referring to podsolpodsolisationpodsolisation /�pɒdsɒlai|�zeiʃ(ə)n/,podsolization noun the process by whicha podsol formspod uppod up verb to begin to develop podspointpoint noun the forward end of a plough-sharepoint of laypoint of lay noun a term referring topullets that are approaching the time whenthey will lay their first eggs

‘The new building was erected last yearand the first batch of hens, 16 weeks oldand at point of lay, were brought in.’[Farmers Weekly]

polderpolder /�pəυldə/ noun a piece of low-lying land which has been reclaimed fromthe sea and is surrounded by earth banks,especially in the NetherlandsPolicy Commission on Farming and FoodPolicy Commission on Farmingand Food noun � Curry Reportpollpoll noun the top of an animal’s head �verb to dehorn an animalpollardpollard /�pɒləd/ noun a tree of which thebranches have been cut back to a height ofabout 2m above the ground � verb to cutback the branches on a tree every year orevery few years to a height of about 2mabove the ground. Compare coppice

COMMENT: Pollarding allows new shootsto grow, but high enough above theground to prevent them from being eatenby animals. Willow trees are often pol-larded.

Poll DorsetPoll Dorset noun an Australian breed ofsheep similar to the Dorset Horn, but withno horns

polled stockpolled stock noun 1. animals which arenaturally hornless 2. animals which havehad their horns removedpollenpollen noun the mass of small grains inthe anthers of flowers which contain themale gametes

COMMENT: Grains of pollen are releasedby trees in spring and by flowers andgrasses during the summer. The pollenis released by the stamens of a flowerand floats in the air until it finds a femaleflower. Pollen in the air is a major causeof hay fever. It enters the eyes and noseand releases chemicals which force his-tamines to be released by the sufferer,causing the symptoms of hay fever toappear.

pollen analysispollen analysis noun same as paly-nologypollen beetlepollen beetle noun a pest of Brassica,which makes buds wither. The beetle feedson buds and flower parts.pollinatepollinate /�pɒlineit/ verb to transferpollen from the anther to the stigma in aflowerpollinationpollination /�pɒli |�neiʃ(ə)n/ noun theaction of pollinating a flower (NOTE: Thereis no English noun ‘pollinisation’.)pollinatorpollinator /�pɒlineitə/ noun 1. anorganism which helps pollinate a plant,e.g. a bee or bird � Birds are pollinators formany types of tropical plant. 2. a plantfrom which pollen is transferred by bees topollinate another plant, especially a fruittree, that is not self-fertile � Some appleand pear trees need to be planted withpollinators.pollinosispollinosis /�pɒli |�nəυsis/ noun inflam-mation of the nose and eyes caused by anallergic reaction to pollen, fungal spores ordust in the atmosphere. Also called hayfeverpollutantpollutant noun 1. a substance that causespollution 2. noise, smell or anotherunwanted occurrence that affects aperson’s surroundings unfavourablypollutepollute verb to discharge harmfulsubstances in unusually high concentra-tions into the environment � Pollutinggases react with the sun’s rays. � Pollutedsoil must be removed and buried.polluterpolluter /pə|�lu�tə/ noun a person orcompany that causes pollutionpollutionpollution noun 1. the presence of unusu-ally high concentrations of harmfulsubstances or radioactivity in the environ-ment, as a result of human activity or a


Polwarth 194

natural process such as a volcanic eruption� In terms of pollution, gas is by far thecleanest fuel. � Pollution of the atmospherehas increased over the last 50 years. � Soilpollution round mines poses a problem forland reclamation. 2. the unwanted pres-ence of something such as noise or artifi-cial lightPolwarthPolwarth /�pɒlwɔ�θ/ noun an Australianbreed of sheep (from Lincoln and Merino)which gives a fine woolpoly-poly- /pɒli/ prefix 1. many 2. made ofpolythene 3. touching many organspolyculturepolyculture /�pɒlik�ltʃə/ noun therearing or growing of more than onespecies of plant or animal on the same areaof land at the same timepolyethylenepolyethylene /�pɒli |�eθili�n/ noun sameas polythenepolyphagouspolyphagous /pə|�lifə�əs/ adjectivereferring to an organism that eats morethan one type of food. Compare monopha-gouspolysaprobicpolysaprobic /�pɒlis� |�prəυbik/ adjec-tive referring to organisms that can survivein heavily polluted waterpolythenepolythene noun a type of plastic used tomake artificial fibres, packaging, boxesand other articles. Also called polyeth-ylenepolytunnelpolytunnel /�pɒlit�nəl/ noun a cover forgrowing plants, like a large greenhouse,made of a rounded plastic roof attached tosemi-circular supports

‘The family are also looking to installmore polytunnels, which will increase theduration of the picking season and allowpickers to work in poor weatherconditions. The confidence for thesemoves has been brought about by theinvestment of around pounds 90,000 in anew packing house at the farm.’[Farmers Guardian]

pomepome /pəυm/ noun a fruit with a corecontaining the seeds enclosed in a fleshypart that develops from the receptacle of aflower and not from the ovary (NOTE: Thefruit of apples and pears are pomes.)pomegranatepomegranate noun a semi-tropical tree(Punica granatum) native to Asia, but nowcultivated widely. The fruit are round andyellow, with masses of seeds surroundedby sweet red flesh.pomologypomology /pə|�mɒləd�i/ noun the studyof fruit cultivation

pondpond noun a small area of still waterformed artificially or naturally. � dewpondponypony noun a small breed of horse, oftenridden by children, but also living wild insome parts of the worldpony-trekkingpony-trekking noun a recreationalactivity where people hire ponies to ridealong country paths, now sometimesorganised from farms as a form of diversi-ficationporcineporcine /�pɔ�sain/ adjective referring topigsporcine coronavirus type 2porcine coronavirus type 2 nounfull form of PCV2Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy SyndromePorcine Dermatitis and Nephrop-athy Syndrome noun a disease of pigscausing blotches under the skin. The causeof this disease is not yet known. AbbrPDNSporcine reproductive respiratory syndromeporcine reproductive respiratorysyndrome noun a viral disease of pigswhich leads to fertility and breathing prob-lems, as well as to high mortality rates inpiglets. Abbr PRRSporcine somatotropinporcine somatotropin noun ahormone administered to feeder pigs,which has been shown to increase feedefficiency, the ratio of lean meat to carcassweight, and market weight. Abbr PSTporcine spongiform encephalopathyporcine spongiform encephalop-athy noun a brain disease which has beeninduced in pigs experimentally. Abbr PSEporcine stress syndromeporcine stress syndrome noun agroup of conditions which are associatedwith the halothane gene and which causerapid respiration, twitching and suddendeath in affected pigs. The condition isusually triggered by stress and can bescreened for by exposing the animals to theanaesthetic halothane. Abbr PSSporepore noun 1. a tiny hole in the skinthrough which sweat passes 2. a tiny spacein a rock formation or in the soil 3. same asstomapore spacepore space noun the space in the soilnot filled by soil particles, but which maybe filled with water or airporkpork noun fresh meat from pigs, asopposed to cured meat, which is bacon orham. � pigmeatpork bellypork belly noun the part of a pig which isprocessed to produce baconporkerporker /�pɔ�kə/ noun a pig speciallyreared for fresh meat, as opposed to baconor other processed meats


195 potato harvesterPortlandPortland /�pɔ�tlənd/ noun a rare breed ofsheep. Both sexes are horned, with brownor tan faces and legs.postpost noun a solid wooden or concretepole, placed in a hole in the ground, andused to support a fence or a gatepost hole diggerpost hole digger noun an implementdriven by a tractor, shaped like a very largescrew which bores holes in the ground inwhich posts are placedpost-weaning multisystemic wasting syndromepost-weaning multisystemicwasting syndrome noun full form ofPMWSpotpot verb to put a plant into a potpotashpotash /�pɒt�ʃ/ noun any potassium salt(NOTE: Potash salts are crude minerals andcontain much sodium chloride.)

COMMENT: The main types of potashused are muriate of potash (potassiumchloride), sulphate of potash (potassiumsulphate), kainite, nitrate of potash(potassium nitrate) or saltpetre, and pot-ash salts. The quality of a potash ferti-liser is shown as a percentage ofpotassium oxide K2O equivalent. Potashdeposits are mined in Russia, the USA,Germany and France.

Potash Development AssociationPotash Development Associationnoun an organisation which providesindustry information for those working infertiliser sales. Abbr PDApotash fertiliserpotash fertiliser noun a fertiliser basedon potassium, e.g. potassium sulphatepotassiumpotassium noun a soft metallic element,essential to biological life

COMMENT: Potassium is one of the threemajor soil nutrients needed by growingplants. The others are nitrogen andphosphorus. potassium also plays animportant part in animal physiology andoccurs in a variety of plant and animalfoodstuffs. Potassium deficiency causesspotted leaves, weak growth and smallfruit.

potassium chloridepotassium chloride noun a colourlesscrystalline salt used as a fertiliser and inphotography and medicine. Formula: KCl.potassium nitratepotassium nitrate noun a white crys-talline salt, used as a fertiliser and meatpreservative and in fireworks, explosivesand matches. Formula: KNO3.potassium sulphatepotassium sulphate noun a fertilisermade from the muriate of potash. Itcontains about 50% potash and is used bypotato growers and market gardeners.Formula: K2SO4. Also called sulphate ofpotash

potatopotato noun a tuber of Solanumtuberosum, one of the most importantstarchy root crops. Apart from being grownfor human consumption, potatoes also areused to produce alcohol and starch, and areused as stock feed.

COMMENT: The potato originated in SouthAmerica. Its introduction into almostevery country of the world has proved ofgreat importance on account of itsextreme productiveness, its easy cultiva-tion and its remarkable powers of accli-matisation. Varieties of potato can becultivated from the tropics to the furthestlimits of agriculture, even further than thepolar limit of barley. Huge quantities aregrown in Russia, Poland, Germany, andthe USA. Potatoes vary in shape andmay be round, oval, kidney-shaped orjust irregular. They also vary in colour,from cream to brown or red. In the UK,varieties are classified as the first andsecond earlies (harvested from May toAugust), and early and late maincrop(harvested in September/October).About 20% of the potatoes grown in theUK are earlies. Seed potatoes are grownunder a certification scheme. In the UK,potatoes are grown mainly for humanconsumption, either in tubers, or forprocessing into chips, crisps, for canningor dehydration.

potato blightpotato blight noun a fungus disease(Phytophthora infestans) which killspotato foliage and rots the tuberspotato clamppotato clamp noun a heap of storedpotatoes covered with straw and earthpotato cyst nematodepotato cyst nematode noun a pestfound in most soils that have grown pota-toes. The eggs hatch in the spring, and thelarvae invade the roots. The leaves of planteventually yellow and are stunted.potato elevator diggerpotato elevator digger noun amachine which lifts potatoes

COMMENT: A wide flat share runs underthe potato ridge and lifts the soil onto arod-link conveyor. Most of the soil isreturned to the ground and the potatoesmove on to a second elevator, whichreturns the potatoes to the ground forhand picking.

potato harvesterpotato harvester noun a machinewhich lifts the crop onto a sorting platform,where up to six pickers sort the potatoesfrom soil and stones. The potatoes are thenraised onto a trailer.potato harvesterPotato Industry DevelopmentCouncil Order (1997) noun the statutewhich allowed the British Potato Councilto be set up. Abbr PIDC


Potato Marketing Board 196Potato Marketing BoardPotato Marketing Board noun formername for British Potato Councilpotato planterpotato planter noun a machine forplanting potatoes

COMMENT: A coulter makes a furrow andthe seed potatoes are carried forward bya conveyor mechanism from the hopperand placed at regular intervals in therow. Potatoes are carried in self-fillingcups from the hopper to the ground.Many potato planters have a fertiliserattachment. Automatic planters are bestfor handling unchitted seed.

potato spinnerpotato spinner noun a machine forlifting the potato crop

COMMENT: A spider wheel rotates and theloosened potato ridge is pushed side-ways. The potatoes hit a net at the sideof the spinner and fall to the ground,where they are left for the hand pickers.

pot-bound plantpot-bound plant noun a plant which isin a pot which is too small and which itsroots fillpotential transpirationpotential transpiration noun thecalculated amount of water taken up fromthe soil and transpired through the leavesof plants. The amount varies according tothe climate and weather conditions.pot onpot on verb to take a plant from one potand repot it in a larger one so that it candeveloppotting compostpotting compost noun a mixtureusually of soil and fibrous matter used tofill containers in which plants are grown(NOTE: Peat has often been used in suchcomposts, but alternatives such as coirfibre from coconut husks are being intro-duced in an attempt to conserve peatbogs.)poultpoult /pəυlt/ noun a young turkey, lessthan 8 weeks oldpoultrypoultry noun a general term for domesticbirds kept for meat and egg production.Chickens are the most common. Turkeysand geese are mainly kept as meat birds,while ducks and guinea fowl also producesignificant quantities of meat and eggs.(NOTE: The word poultry does not have aplural form.)poultrymanpoultryman /�pəυltrimən/ noun a farmworker who looks after and raises poultrypoundpound noun a measure of weight, equalto 16 ounces or 453.592 grams. Symbol lbpoussinpoussin /�pu�s�n/ noun a youngchicken killed for the tablepowderpowder noun a substance made ofground or otherwise finely dispersed solid

particles � Dry chemical fire-extinguisherscontain a non-toxic powder.powdered sulphurpowdered sulphur noun sulphurwhich is used to dust on plants to preventmildewpowdery mildewpowdery mildew /�paυd(ə)ri �mildju�/noun a fungal disease (Erysiphe graminis)affecting cereals and grasses. Anotherform also affects sugar beet and brassicas.

‘Trials have shown it gives excellentcontrol of botrytis and blackspot instrawberries, along with additionalprotection against powdery mildew.’[Farmers Guardian]

powerpower noun the energy, especially elec-tricity, which makes a machine or deviceoperatepower harrowpower harrow noun a harrow with arotary system of bars driven from thepower take-off. Power harrows are used toprepare seedbeds of fine tilth.power take-offpower take-off noun a mechanismproviding power to drive field machinesfrom a tractor. Abbr p.t.o.poxpox /pɒks/ noun � fowl pox, sheep pox,cowpoxprairieprairie noun a large area of grass-coveredplains in North America, mainly withouttrees (NOTE: The prairies of the UnitedStates and Canada are responsible formost of North America’s wheat production.In Europe and Asia, the equivalent term issteppe.)Préalpes-du-SudPréalpes-du-Sud /�prei�lp dυ �su�d/noun a hardy breed of sheep found inAlpes-Provençales region of Franceprecision chop forage harvesterprecision chop forage harvesternoun a type of harvester which cuts thecrop with flails, chops it into preciselengths and blows it into a trailer. It may beself-propelled, off-set trailed or mounted.It is used for harvesting green material formaking silage.precision drillprecision drill noun a seed drill whichsows the seed separately at set intervals inthe soilpredationpredation /pri |�deiʃ(ə)n/ noun thekilling and eating of other animalspre-emergentpre-emergent adjective before a plant’sleaves appear from the seed in the soilpre-emergent herbicidepre-emergent herbicide noun aherbicide such as paraquat which is used toclear weeds before the crop leaves haveemergedpregnancy toxaemiapregnancy toxaemia noun a meta-bolic disorder affecting ewes and does


197 producer-retailer

during late pregnancy. Animals wobbleand fall, breathing is difficult, and deathmay follow. It is associated with lack offeed in late pregnancy. Also called twinlamb diseasepremiumpremium noun a special extra paymentpreservationpreservation noun the process ofprotecting something from damage ordecay � the preservation of herbariumspecimens � Food preservation allowssome types of perishable food to be eatenduring the winter when fresh food is notavailable.preservativepreservative noun a substance added tofood to preserve it by slowing naturaldecay caused by microorganisms (NOTE: Inthe EU, preservatives are given E numbersE200 – E297.)preservepreserve verb 1. to protect somethingfrom damage or decay 2. to stop food fromchanging or rottingpresspress verb to crush fruit or seeds toextract juice or oilprick earsprick ears plural noun ears of an animalwhich stand up straight. Compare lop earsprick outprick out verb to transplant seedlingsfrom trays or pans into pots or flowerbedsprillprill /pril/, prilled fertiliser /�prild�f��tilaizə/ noun a form of fertiliser sold insmall round granulesprimariesprimaries plural noun the main featherson a bird’s wing. Also called flightfeathersprimaryprimary adjective 1. first, basic or mostimportant 2. being first or before some-thing else. � secondary, tertiaryprimary commodityprimary commodity noun a basic rawmaterial or foodprimary industryprimary industry noun an industrydealing with raw materials such as coal,food, farm produce or woodprimary producerprimary producer noun a farmer whoproduces basic raw materials, e.g. wood,milk or fishprimary productprimary product noun a product whichis a basic raw material, e.g. wood, milk orfishprimary productivityprimary productivity noun the amountof organic matter produced in a specificarea over a specific period, e.g. the yield ofa crop during a growing seasonprimed seedprimed seed noun seed which has beenmoistened to start the germination processbefore sowingprimitiveprimitive adjective referring to an earlystage in an organism’s development

primitive breedsprimitive breeds plural noun old breedsof livestock which have not been bredcommercially, but which are the descend-ants of wild livestockprionprion /�pri�ɒn/ noun a variant form of aprotein found in the brains of mammalsand causing diseases such as scrapie insheep, BSE in cattle and variant CJD inhumansprocessprocess verb to treat produce in a waythat will make it keep longer or becomemore palatableprocessed meatsprocessed meats plural noun meatproducts such as bacon, sausages, etc.

‘The firm, which owns several farms, ahatchery and feed mill, produces about400,000 chickens a week as well assausages and other processed meats.’[Farmers Weekly]

processing and marketing grantprocessing and marketing grantnoun a sum of money given to farmersunder the ERDP to help with packagingand marketing their productsProcessors and Growers Research OrganisationProcessors and GrowersResearch Organisation noun a cropresearch and development centre fundedby levies. Abbr PGROprodprod noun a spiked metal rod, used tomake cattle move forwardproduceproduce verb to make something usingmaterials contained within itself or takenfrom the outside world � a factoryproducing agricultural machinery � a drugwhich increases the amount of milkproduced by cows � noun foodstuffs suchas vegetables, fruit and eggs which areproduced commerciallyproducerproducer noun 1. a person or companythat produces something. Compareconsumer 2. an organism that takesenergy from outside an ecosystem andchannels it into the system, e.g. greenplants (primary producers) and herbiv-ores (secondary producers) (NOTE:Producers are the first level in the foodchain.)producer-retailerproducer-retailer noun a person whoproduces a commodity for sale directly tothe public, as through a farm shop or bymilk delivery

‘Over the past three years – when the UKwholesale pool fell below quota –producer-retailers used temporarytransfers to move quota away fromwholesale to cover their direct sales. That


product 198

reduced the wholesale pool by an averageof 41m litres.’ [Farmers Weekly]

productproduct noun 1. something that isproduced by manufacture or in a chemicalreaction 2. the result or effect of a processproductionproduction noun the act of manufac-turing or producing somethingproduction diseasesproduction diseases plural nounmetabolic disorders of animals which arecaused by high levels of productionproduction entitlement guaranteeproduction entitlement guaranteenoun a proposed alternative to current agri-cultural subsidy schemes, in which eachfarmer’s subsidy payment is limited to afixed proportion of their historical output,with market forces determining anypayment on top of this. Abbr PEGproduction rationproduction ration noun the quantity offood needed to make a farm animalproduce meat, milk or eggs, which isalways more than the basic maintenanceration

‘The production ration for the winter isbased on grass and whole crop fermentedsilage, pressed pulp, brewers grains, androlled wheat plus a balancer.’ [FarmersGuardian]

productiveproductive adjective producing a lot ofsomething that can be used or sold �making productive use of waste ground �highly efficient and productive farmsproductive agricultureproductive agriculture noun same asintensive agricultureproductive soilproductive soil noun soil which is veryfertile and produces large cropsproductivityproductivity noun the rate at whichsomething is produced � With new strainsof rice, productivity per hectare can beincreased.profusionprofusion noun a very large number orquantity of something � a profusion ofsmall white flowersprogenyprogeny /�prɒd�əni/ noun the young orchildren produced by any living thingprogeny testprogeny test noun the evaluation of thebreeding value of an animal or plantvariety by examining the performance ofits progenyprogesteroneprogesterone /prəυ |�d�estərəυn/ nouna female sex hormone produced by thecorpus luteum of the ovary to prepare thelining of the womb for a fertilised ovum.Formula: C21H30O2.prolactinprolactin /prəυ|�l�ktin/ noun a hormoneproduced by the pituitary gland that stimu-lates milk production

prolificprolific adjective referring to an animal orplant which produces a large number ofoffspring or fruitprolongedprolonged adjective lasting for a longtime � prolonged droughtpromotepromote verb to encourage or enablesomething to take place � Growth-promoting hormones are used to increasethe weight of beef cattle.promotionpromotion noun the activity of encour-aging or enabling something to take place� the promotion of recycling schemesprongprong noun one of the long pointedpieces of metal which make up the end of aforkpropagatepropagate verb to produce new plants bya technique such as taking cuttings,grafting, budding or layering � fuschiaspropagated from cuttingspropagationpropagation /�prɒpə |��eiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe production of new plants � propagationby runners

COMMENT: The most common of the var-ious forms of plant propagation are sem-inal propagation, growing from seed orfrom tubers as with potatoes, and vege-tative propagation, by taking cuttings,grafting, dividing, budding roses, layer-ing, etc.

propagatorpropagator /�prɒpə|��eitə/ noun aclosed but transparent container in whichseed can be sown or cuttings grown in amoist, warm atmosphereprostaglandinprostaglandin /�prɒstə |��l�ndin/ nouna hormone that is used to make oestrushappen in many animals at the same timeand to start the birth process or abortionproteaseprotease /�prəυtieiz/ noun a digestiveenzyme which breaks down proteinsprotectant fungicideprotectant fungicide /prə|�tektənt�f�ŋ�isaid/ noun a fungicide applied tothe leaves of plants. It can be washed off byrain, so removing the protection.protected croppingprotected cropping, protected culti-vation noun the growing of crops undersome form of protection, e.g. in green-houses or under polythene sheeting

‘Meanwhile New Zealand is seeing aresurgence in its blueberry industry withthe introduction of new varieties which,with protected cropping, have extendedthe season by as much as six weeks,according to its HortResearch Institute. Itis also looking at the potential forboysenberries and cranberries.’ [TheGrocer]


199 pulseProtection of Animals Act 1911Protection of Animals Act 1911noun legislation which makes it an offenceto mistreat a domestic or captive animal orto cause it unnecessary sufferingproteinprotein noun a nitrogen compoundformed by the condensation of amino acidsthat is present in and is an essential part ofliving cells

COMMENT: Proteins are necessary for thegrowth and repair of the body’s tissue.They are mainly formed of carbon, nitro-gen and oxygen in various combinationsas amino acids. Foods such as beans,meat, eggs, fish and milk are rich in pro-tein. Although ruminant animals canmake use of cellulose and non-proteinnitrogen (which human beings cannotmetabolise), animal feeds are often sup-plemented with grains, pulses and otherfoods that contain protein.

protein efficiency ratioprotein efficiency ratio noun ameasure of the nutritional value of proteinscarried out on young growing animals. Theprotein efficiency ratio is defined as thegain in weight per gram of protein eaten.Abbr PERprotein equivalentprotein equivalent noun a measure ofthe digestible nitrogen of an animal feed-ingstuff in terms of proteinprotein qualityprotein quality noun a measure of theusefulness of a protein food for variouspurposes, including growth, maintenance,repair of tissue, formation of new tissueand production of eggs, wool and milkproteolysisproteolysis /�prəυti |�ɒləsis/ noun thebreaking down of proteins in food bydigestive enzymesproteolyticproteolytic /�prəυtiəυ |�litik/ adjectivereferring to proteolysis � a proteolyticenzymeprotoplasmprotoplasm /�prəυtəυ |�pl�z(ə)m/ nouna substance like a jelly which makes up thelargest part of each cellprotoplasmicprotoplasmic /�prəυtəυ |�pl�zmik/adjective referring to protoplasmprotoplastprotoplast /�prəυtəυplɑ�st/ noun abasic cell unit in a plant formed of anucleus and protoplasmproudproud adjective referring to excessivegrowth or development in crops or live-stockprovenderprovender /�prɒvəndə/ noun a generalterms used to describe dry feeds for live-stockproven sireproven sire noun a bull, boar or ramwhich has been shown to sire progeny thatproduce milk, meat or wool of high quality

proventriculusproventriculus /�prəυven |�trikjələs/noun the gizzard of birds, or the thick-walled stomach of insects and crustaceansproximate analysisproximate analysis noun a method ofchemical analysis used on animal feeding-stuffs, which measures the amounts of ash,crude fibre, crude protein, ether extract,moisture content and nitrogen-free extractPRRSPRRS abbreviation porcine reproductiverespiratory syndromepruneprune noun a black-skinned dried plum �verb to remove pieces of a plant, in order tokeep it in shape, or to reduce its vigourprunerspruners /�pru�nəz/ noun a type of seca-teurs, used for pruning fruit treespruning knifepruning knife noun a special knife witha curved blade, used for pruning fruit treesPrunusPrunus /�pru�nəs/ noun the Latin namefor the family of trees including the plum,peach, almond, cherry, damson, apricotPSDPSD abbreviation Pesticides Safety Direc-toratePSEPSE abbreviation 1. pale soft exudativemuscle 2. porcine spongiform encephalop-athyPSPSPSPS abbreviation Pesticide SafetyPrecaution SchemePSSPSS abbreviation porcine stress syndromePSTPST abbreviation porcine somatotropinp.t.o.p.t.o. abbreviation power take-off � Thep.t.o. shaft from a tractor drives a baler orrotavator.public elevatorpublic elevator noun an elevator whichis used for storage by several farmers, anddoes not belong to one farmer alonepulletpullet /�pυlit/ noun a young female fowl,from hatching until a year oldpulling peaspulling peas plural noun peas harvestedby removing the pods when fresh and soldas young peas in podspulppulp noun 1. the soft inside of a fruit orvegetable 2. a thick soft substance made bycrushing � wood pulppulpy kidney diseasepulpy kidney disease /�p�lpi �kidnidi |�zi�z/ noun a disease caused by a strainof the same bacteria which cause lambdysentery. It occurs in older lambs and canbe fatal.pulsatorpulsator /p�l|�seitə/ noun the part of amilking machine which causes the suctionaction and release of the milk from theudderpulsepulse noun a general term for a certaintype of seed that grows in pods, and whichis often applied to an edible seed of a legu-


pumpkin 200

minous plant used for human or animalconsumption, e.g. a lentil, bean or peapumpkin

pumpkin noun a large round yellowvegetable, eaten both as a vegetable and inpies as a dessertpungent

pungent adjective with a sharp taste orsmell, like, e.g., mustardpupa

pupa /�pju�pə/ noun a stage in the devel-opment of some insects such as butterflieswhen the larva becomes encased in a hardshell (NOTE: The plural is pupae.)pupal

pupal /�pju�pəl/ adjective referring to apupapupate

pupate /pju�|�peit/ verb (of an insect) tomove from the larval to the pupal stagepurebred

purebred /�pjυəbred/ adjective referringto an animal which is the offspring ofparents which are themselves the offspringof parents of the same breed

pure breedingpure breeding noun the mating of pure-bred animals of the same breedput toput to verb to bring a female animal to beimpregnated by a male � Ewes are put tothe ram.PVROPVRO abbreviation Plant Variety RightsOfficepygmy beetlepygmy beetle noun a beetle pestaffecting sugar beet (Atomaria linearis)PYOPYO abbreviation pick-your-ownpyrethrumpyrethrum /pai|�ri�θrəm/ noun 1. anorganic pesticide, developed from a formof chrysanthemum, which is not very toxicand is not persistent 2. an annual herb,grown for its flowers which are used in thepreparation of pyrethrumpyridoxinepyridoxine /�piri |�dɒksin/ noun vitaminB6PyrusPyrus /�pairəs/ noun the Latin name forthe pear


QQMS

QMS abbreviation Quality Meat Scotlandquadrat

quadrat /�kwɒdrət/ noun an area of landmeasuring one square metre, chosen as asample for research on plant populations �The vegetation of the area was sampledusing quadrats.quail

quail /kweil/ noun a small game bird(Coturnix coturnix), now reared to produceoven-ready birds and also for their eggsquality assurance

quality assurance noun the system ofprocedures used in checking that thequality of a product is good

‘British producers have been forced toachieve higher standards in terms ofquality assurance, traceability andenvironmental protection, yet they aregetting a price that fails to cover costs.’[Farmers Weekly]

quality grain

quality grain noun the application ofquality standards when selling grain. Goodquality is indicated by a high specificweight.Quality Meat Scotland

Quality Meat Scotland noun the redmeat marketing board for Scotland. AbbrQMSquarantine

quarantine noun the period when ananimal, person, plant or ship just arrived ina country is kept separate in case it carriesa serious disease, to allow the disease timeto develop and so be detected � verb to puta person, animal or ship in quarantine

COMMENT: Some animals coming intoBritain are quarantined for six monthsbecause of the danger of rabies, but petssuch as cats and dogs can now have ‘petpassports’ to prove that they are freefrom infection. This only applies to petscoming from European countries, anddoes not apply to pets coming fromNorth America. People suspected of

having an infectious disease can be keptin quarantine for a period which variesaccording to the incubation period of thedisease. The main diseases concernedare cholera, yellow fever and typhus.

quart

quart noun a measure of liquids and drygoods such as grain equal to two pints, or1.14 litresQuercus

Quercus /�kw��kəs/ noun the Latinname for the oak treequick-freeze

quick-freeze verb to preserve food prod-ucts by freezing them rapidlyquicklime

quicklime /�kwiklaim/ noun a calciumcompound made from burnt limestone(NOTE: It is used in the composition ofcement and in many industrial processes.)quince

quince /kwins/ noun a small tree(Cydonia vulgaris) native of western Asia,the hard pear-shaped sour fruit of whichare rich in pectin and used to make jelliesand other preservesquintal

quintal /�kwintəl/ noun a unit of weightsometimes used to measure bulk agricul-tural commodities, equal to 100kgquota

quota noun a fixed amount of somethingwhich is allowed � A quota has beenimposed on the fishing of herring.

COMMENT: Quotas were introduced in theEuropean Community in 1984, and werebased on each state’s 1981 production,plus 1%. A further 1% was allowed in thefirst year. A supplementary levy, orsuperlevy, was introduced to penalisemilk production over the quota level. Inthe UK, milk quotas can be bought andsold, either together with or separatefrom farmland, and are a valuable asset.

quota system

quota system noun a system whereimports or supplies are regulated by fixingmaximum or minimum amounts


RR

R symbol Average (in the EUROP carcassclassification system)RAAW

RAAW noun an independent section ofthe Transport and General Workers Unionrepresenting the interests of farmworkersin negotiating terms and conditions of theiremployment. Full form Rural, Agricul-tural and Allied Workers’rabbit

rabbit noun a common furry herbivorousrodent (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

COMMENT: Rabbits are raised for meatand for their fur. Wild rabbits are a majorpest in some parts of the world, espe-cially in Australia, where myxomatosiswas introduced to attempt to eradicatethe wild rabbit population.

rabi

rabi /�rɑ�bi/ noun � kohlrabirabies

rabies noun a frequently fatal notifiableviral disease transmitted to humans byinfected animals

COMMENT: Rabies affects the mental bal-ance of a person or animal, and thesymptoms include difficulty in breathingor swallowing and an intense fear ofwater (hydrophobia) to the point of caus-ing convulsions at the sight of water.Rabies is not present in Britain.

race

race noun 1. a group of individuals withina species that are distinct, especially phys-iologically or ecologically, from othermembers of the species. � landrace 2. animprovised wooden way along whichanimals are made to walk, such as whenbeing loaded into a vehicle. Also calledracewayraceme

raceme /�r�si�m/ noun an inflorescencein which flowers are borne on individualstalks on a main flower stem with theyoungest flowers at the top of the mainstalkraceway

raceway /�reiswei/ noun same as race

rackrack noun a frame of wooden or metalbars which holds fodder, and from whichanimals can eatraddleraddle /�r�d(ə)l/ noun a flexible lengthof wood used for making hurdles or fencesradicleradicle /�r�dik(ə)l/ noun the tiny struc-ture in a plant embryo from which the rootwill developradishradish noun a small plant with red orwhite roots used mainly in saladsRadnorRadnor /�r�dnə/ noun a breed of smallhill sheep similar to the Welsh Mountainrafterrafter verb to plough land, leaving a spacebetween the furrowsragwortragwort /�r��w��t/ noun a weed(Senecio jacobea) found in grassland. Itcan cause poisoning of cattle, horses andsheep, and must therefore be controlled.

‘Ragwort is one of five injurious weedsspecified in the Weeds Act 1959, whichempowers the Secretary of State to takeaction to prevent the spread of commonragwort, creeping or field thistle, spearthistle, curled dock and broad-leaveddock.’ [Farmers Guardian]

rainrain noun water that falls from clouds assmall drops � plural noun rains in somecountries, repeated heavy falls of rainduring a season of the year

COMMENT: Rain is normally slightly acid(about pH 5.6) but becomes more acidwhen pollutants from burning fossil fuelsare released into the atmosphere.

rainfallrainfall noun the amount of water thatfalls as rain on an area over a period of time� an area of high/low rainfallrain gunrain gun noun a spraying device used forapplying irrigation water, which it shootsout in a powerful jetrainmakingrainmaking /�reinmeikiŋ/ noun theattempt to create rain by releasing crystals


203 recessive

of salt, carbon dioxide and othersubstances into cloudsrainwaterrainwater noun the water which falls asrain from cloudsraiseraise verb 1. to make plants germinateand nurture them as seedlings � The plantsare raised from seed. 2. to breed and keeplivestockrakerake noun an implement with a handle, acrossbar with several prongs, used forpulling hay together, or for smoothingloose soil to form a seedbed � verb 1. topull hay or dead grass with a rake 2. tosmooth loose soil to form an even seedbed3. to move a flock of sheep from onepasture to anotherramram noun a male sheep or goat, that hasnot been castratedranchranch noun 1. a large farm, specialisingin raising cattle, sheep or horses 2. a largefarm, specialising in raising any type ofanimal or growing any type of croprancherrancher /�rɑ�ntʃə/ noun 1. the owner of aranch 2. somebody who works on a cattleranchranchingranching /�rɑ�ntʃiŋ/ noun 1. an agricul-tural system based on commercial grazingon ranches 2. the raising of cattle on largegrassland farmsrangerange noun 1. a large area of grass-covered farmland used for raising cattle orsheep 2. open space, particularly forpoultry. � free-range eggs (NOTE: Eggsproduced on a range are called ‘free-rangeeggs’.)raperape noun same as oilseed raperapeseedrapeseed /�reipsi�d/ noun the seed ofthe raperare breedrare breed noun a breed of farm animalwhich is protected because its numbers arefalling and it is in danger of becomingextinct

‘In the months before coming to HardwickHall Mr Aldis had started to source hislivestock, with a view to introducing rarebreeds. Hardwick Hall has a longassociation with Longhorn cattle, havinghad a famous showing herd many yearsago.’ [Farmers Guardian]

Rare Breeds Survival TrustRare Breeds Survival Trust noun atrust established in 1973 to foster interestin breeds which have historical importanceand may prove useful in the futureRASRAS abbreviation Royal AgriculturalSocieties

RASERASE abbreviation Royal AgriculturalSociety of Englandraspberryraspberry noun a cane (Rubus idaeus)which provides a most important soft fruit,sold fresh, sent for freezing and also usedfor processing into jamsraspberry beetleraspberry beetle noun a serious pest(Byturus tomentosus) whose larvae feed onyoung raspberry fruitratrat noun a rodent Genus Rattus with a longtail, similar to but larger than a mouse,which can be very destructive of growingand stored crops and also carry disease tocattle and pigs. � brown ratrationration noun an amount of food given to ananimal or personration formulationration formulation noun the process ofputting together different types of feedstuffin order to provide the amount of nutrientsrequired by a particular animal or type ofanimalratoonratoon /r�|�tu�n/, ratoon crop noun thesecond and later crops taken from theregrowth of a crop after it has beenharvested once. Sugar cane plants, e.g., canbe harvested many times.ray fungusray fungus noun a bacterium whichaffects grasses and cereals, and can causeactinomycosis in cattleRCGMRCGM abbreviation rectified concen-trated grape mustRCVSRCVS abbreviation Royal College ofVeterinary SurgeonsRDARDA abbreviation 1. Recommended DailyAmount 2. Regional Development AgencyREACHREACH abbreviation Registration, Evalu-ation, Authorisation and Restrictions ofChemicalsreafforestationreafforestation /ri�� |�fɒris |�teiʃ(ə)n/noun the planting of trees in an area whichwas formerly covered by forestreapreap verb to cut a grain cropreaping hookreaping hook noun a short-handledsemicircular implement with a sharp blade,formerly used for cutting corn by handrearrear verb to look after young animals untilthey are old enough to look after them-selvesrearerrearer /�riərə/ noun a person who rearslivestockreceptaclereceptacle /ri |�septək(ə)l/ noun the toppart of a flower stalk that supports theflower (NOTE: In some plants such asstrawberry it develops into the fruit.)recessiverecessive /ri|�sesiv/ adjective (of a geneor genetically controlled characteristic)


recessiveness 204

suppressed by the presence of a corre-sponding dominant gene. Compare domi-nant

‘Breed society secretary MichaelWoodhouse believes the breed willcompete as a terminal sire. “Blue Texelsresemble both the larger type of Texelcommon to the UK and the smaller well-muscled Dutch type. The blue gene isrecessive, meaning crossbred lambs willnormally be white. However, the bluegene will breed true in pedigree flocks”.’[Farmers Weekly]COMMENT: Since each physical charac-teristic is governed by two genes, if onegene is dominant and the other reces-sive, the resulting trait will be that of thedominant gene. Traits governed byrecessive genes will appear if genesfrom both parents are recessive.

recessiveness

recessiveness /ri |�sesivnəs/ noun thecharacteristic of a gene that leads to its notbeing expressed in the individual carryingit when a corresponding dominant gene isalso present. Compare dominancereclaim

reclaim verb to make land usable for agri-cultural or commercial purposes, usuallymarshy land, a waste site, land which haspreviously been built on or used forindustry, or land which has never beencultivated � to reclaim land from the seareclamationreclamation /�reklə |�meiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1.the act of reclaiming land � land reclama-tion schemes in urban centres 2. landwhich has been reclaimed

COMMENT: Reclamation includes thedrainage of marshes and lakes, and theimprovement of heathland and moor-land.

Recommended Daily Amount

Recommended Daily Amount nounthe amount of a substance, e.g. a vitamin ormineral, that should be consumed each dayfor a person or animal to be healthy. AbbrRDArecord keeping

record keeping noun the act of makingrecords such as a livestock register, whichare open to examination by the Govern-ment and welfare authoritiesrectal palpationrectal palpation /�rekt(ə)l p�l|

�peiʃ(ə)n/ noun a technique used to diag-nose pregnancy in cowsrectified concentrated grape must

rectified concentrated grape must/�rektifaid �kɒnsəntreitid ��reip �m�st/noun a form of grape sugar produced bydistillation from surplus wine, used to addto new wine during chaptalisation

rectumrectum noun the last part of the largeintestine, where waste material accumu-lates before leaving the body through theanusrecumbentrecumbent /ri|�k�mbənt/ adjectivereferring to animals which are lying down,as in the case of cows after illness or injury� Reduced phosphorus levels may alsoplay a part in keeping affected animalsrecumbent.RedRed noun the English name for the Rougede l’Ouest breed of sheepred cloverred clover noun a short-lived deep-rooting species of clover (Trifolium prat-ense)red corpusclered corpuscle noun a red blood cellwhich contains haemoglobin and carriesoxygen to the tissuesred currantred currant noun a soft fruit, growing onbushes, and used mainly for making jamsRed Data BookRed Data Book noun a catalogueformerly published by the IUCN, listingspecies which are rare or in danger ofbecoming extinct. The information is nowavailable in a searchable database. � Redlistred deadnettlered deadnettle noun a weed (Lamiumpurpureum) which is common in gardens,and now affects cereals and oilseed rape.Also called French nettlered fescuered fescue noun a species of grass(Festuca rubra), used on hill and marginalland and in fine-leaved lawnsred grousered grouse noun � grouseredistribution of landredistribution of land noun the prac-tice of taking land from large landownersand splitting it into smaller plots for manypeople to ownredlegsredlegs /�redle�z/ noun a common weed(Polygonum persicaria) which affectsspring crops, and causes problems whenharvesting. Also called redshanksRed listRed list noun 1. a searchable databasemaintained by IUCN that records theconservation status of different organismsthroughout the world. Full form IUCN RedList of Threatened Species 2. a listrecording the conservation status of aparticular type of organism in a specificgeographical area � the Red list of theepiphytic lichens of SwitzerlandRed PollRed Poll noun a dual-purpose breed ofcattle, which originated in East Anglia. It isdeep red in colour, with a white swish atthe end of the tail.


205 regulationredshanksredshanks /�redʃ�ŋks/ noun same asredlegsredwaterredwater /�redwɔ�tə/ noun a parasiticdisease of cattle transmitted by thecommon tick. The affected animalbecomes very dull, feverish, salivatesfreely and often staggers and falls. Theacute form of the disease is often fatal.reedreed /ri�d/ noun an aquatic plant growingnear the shores of lakes, used to makethatched roofsreedbedreedbed /�ri�dbed/ noun a mass of reedsgrowing togetherreedbed filterreedbed filter noun a reedbed used aspart of a system of cleaning sewage or dirtywaterreelreel noun part of the mechanism of acombine harvester, which holds the cropagainst the cutter bar for cutting (NOTE:The reel directs the crop after it has beencut onto the cutter bar table or platform.Most combines have a pick-up reel whichcan be adjusted to deal with inlaid ortangled crops.)refectionrefection /ri|�fekʃən/ noun consumptionby an animal of its own faecesreference pricereference price noun the minimumprice at which certain fruit and vegetablescan be imported into the EUrefinerefine verb to process something toremove impurities � a by-product ofrefining oilrefinedrefined adjective having had impuritiesremoved � refined oilrefrigeraterefrigerate verb to cool produce andkeep it at a cool temperaturerefrigerated lorryrefrigerated lorry noun a special lorrywhich carries produce under refrigerationrefrigerated processed foods of extended durabilityrefrigerated processed foods ofextended durability noun preparedand chilled food such as ready meals,which can be kept for longer than freshfood. Abbr REPFEDsrefrigerationrefrigeration /ri |�frid�ə|�reiʃ(ə)n/ nouna method of prolonging the life of variousfoods by storing them at very low temper-atures

COMMENT: Low temperature retards therate at which food spoils, because all thecauses of deterioration proceed moreslowly. In freeze-drying, the food has tobe quick-frozen and then dried by vac-uum, so removing the moisture. Pre-cooked foods should be cooled rapidlydown to –3°C and eaten within five daysof production. Certain high-risk chilledfoods should be kept below 5°C. These

foods include soft cheese and variouspre-cooked products. Eggs in shells canbe chilled for short-term storage (i.e. upto one month) at temperatures between–10°C and –16°C. Bakery products,including bread, have storage tempera-tures between –18°C and –40°C; breadgoes stale quickly at chill temperatureswhich are above these. Potatoes in theform of pre-cooked chips can be storedat –18°C or colder, but ordinary potatoesmust not be chilled at all. Apples andpears can be kept in air-cooled boxes atbetween –1°C and +4°C (this is knownas ‘controlled temperature storage’). Let-tuces and strawberries (which normallymust not be chilled) can be kept fresh byvacuum cooling, while celery and carrotscan be chilled by hydrocooling.

refrigeratorrefrigerator noun a device for coolingproduce and keeping it coolrefrigerator shiprefrigerator ship noun a ship whichcarries produce under refrigerated condi-tionsregenerateregenerate verb to grow again, or growsomething again � A forest takes about tenyears to regenerate after a fire. � Salaman-ders can regenerate limbs.regenerationregeneration /ri |��enə|�reiʃ(ə)n/ nounthe process of vegetation growing back onland which has been cleared or burnt �Grazing by herbivores prevents forestregeneration.regenerativeregenerative /ri|�d�enərətiv/ adjectiveallowing new growth to replace damagedtissueRegional Development AgencyRegional Development Agencynoun an organisation which promotes thesocial and economic benefits of living in aregion and undertakes projects to bringnew industries and jobs to the region. AbbrRDARegistration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of ChemicalsRegistration, Evaluation, Authori-sation and Restrictions of Chemi-cals noun a proposed review of the EU’schemicals policy, in which comprehensivehealth and safety research will be carriedout for all substances. Abbr REACHregrowthregrowth /ri|��raυθ/ noun the growth thatoccurs after a cut or harvest, or after acci-dental damage or fireregulateregulate verb 1. to change or maintainsomething by law � Development is regu-lated by local authorities. 2. to control thegrowth of a plantregulationregulation noun 1. a rule made by agovernment or official body 2. a rule madeby the Council of Ministers or the


regulator 206

Commission of the EU, which has legalforce in all member countries. Europeanregulations require, e.g., that animals beingtransported should be rested, fed andwatered every 24 hours.regulatorregulator /�re�jυleitə/ noun somethingor someone controlling a process oractivityreinrein noun a long narrow strap used tocontrol a horse, each end of which isattached to the bit in the horse’s mouthRELURELU abbreviation rural economy andland userendzinarendzina /ren|�zi�nə/ noun soil devel-oped on chalk and limestone rocks charac-terised by its shallowness and lack of truesubsoilrenewablerenewable adjective referring to some-thing that can be replaced or can renewitself by regrowing, reforming or breeding� Herring stocks are a renewable resourceif the numbers being caught are controlled.� renewable sources of energy energyfrom the sun, wind, waves, tides or fromgeothermal deposits or from burningwaste, none of which uses up fossil fuelreservesrenewable energyrenewable energy noun energy fromthe Sun, wind, waves, tides, fromgeothermal deposits or from burning waste

‘In a recent report to the DTI, it called forgovernment to ensure that more renewableenergy is sourced straight from UK farms.The NFU also urged ministers to takeadvantage of crops such as wheat andsugar beet, to produce renewablebiofuels.’ [Farmers Weekly]

renewable resourcerenewable resource noun a naturalresource that replaces itself unless over-used, e.g. animal or plant life, fresh wateror wind energyrennetrennet /�renət/ noun an extract from thestomach of a calf; it contains the enzymerennin, which clots milk. It is used in theproduction of certain milk products such ascheese.renninrennin /�renin/ noun an enzyme whichmakes milk coagulate in the stomach, so asto slow down the passage of the milkthrough the digestive systemrentrent noun money paid to use a farm orland for a period of time � verb to paymoney to hire a farm or land for a period oftime

COMMENT: Since 1950, there has been adecline in the area and number of farm

holdings which are rented in Great Brit-ain. In 1950, rented agricultural land inEngland, Wales and Scotland accountedfor 60% of the holdings. By 2000 the fig-ure was 37%.

REPFEDsREPFEDs /�repfedz/ abbreviationrefrigerated processed foods of extendeddurabilityreplacement milkreplacement milk noun milk which isused to feed young animals which cannotbe fed by their mothers, e.g. ‘lamb replace-ment milk’replacement ratereplacement rate noun the rate ofintroduction of heifers into a dairy herd toreplace ageing cows or cows with low milkyieldsreplantreplant /ri� |�plɑ�nt/ verb 1. to grow plantsin an area again � After the trees werefelled, the land was cleared and replantedwith mixed conifers and broadleavedspecies. 2. to put a plant in the groundagainreplant diseasereplant disease noun a conditionaffecting apple trees planted in an orchardwhich has been grubbed outrepotrepot /ri�|�pɒt/ verb to take a plant out ofits pot and plant it in another, changing oradding to the soil at the same timereproducereproduce verb 1. to produce offspring2. (of bacteria) to produce new cellsreproductionreproduction noun the production ofoffspring

COMMENT: Service by the male is onlyallowed by the females of most animalsduring the heat period or oestrus. Thisacts as a natural check on the breedingrate of animals. The length of the oestrusvaries with the animal.

reproductivereproductive /�ri�prə|�d�ktiv/ adjectivereferring to the production of offspring �Pollination is a reproductive process.reproductive organsreproductive organs plural noun partsof the bodies of animals which areinvolved in the conception and develop-ment of a foetusRESRES abbreviation Rural EnterpriseSchemereseedreseed /ri�|�si�d/ verb to reestablish a leyby sowing seed again

COMMENT: Reseeding is carried out toimprove permanent pasture. This isdone by direct reseeding which involvessowing again without a cover crop, or byundersowing, where the seed mixturesare sown with another crop, usually acereal.


207 retardreservereserve noun an area of land maintainedfor the benefit of plant or animal life whereno commercial exploitation is allowed. �

nature reserve, wildlife reservereservoirreservoir noun an artificial or naturalarea of water, used for storing water fordomestic or industrial use � The town’swater supply comes from reservoirs in themountains. � After two months of droughtthe reservoirs were beginning to run dry.residualresidual adjective referring to theamount of something that is left behindresidual herbicideresidual herbicide noun a herbicideapplied to the surface of the soil which actsthrough the roots of existing plants andalso new plants as they germinateresidueresidue noun the material left after aprocess has taken place or after a materialhas been usedresinresin noun a sticky oil secreted by someconifers or other trees, especially whenthey are cutresinousresinous /�rezinəs/ adjective like resin,or producing resinresistresist verb to fight off or not be subject tothe effects of somethingresistanceresistance noun the ability of anorganism not to be affected by somethingsuch as a disease, stress factor, process ortreatment � Increasing insect resistance tochemical pesticides is a major problem. �Crop plants have been bred for resistanceto disease.resistantresistant adjective referring to some-thing which is unaffected by a disease,stress factor, process or treatment � Somealloys are less resistant to corrosion thanothers. � The plants were not resistant tomildew.

COMMENT: Resistant strains developquite rapidly after application of the treat-ment. Some strains of insect have devel-oped which are resistant to DDT. Theresistance develops as non-resistantstrains die off, leaving only individualswhich possess a slightly different andresistant chemical makeup. Hence apesticide will select out only resistantindividuals. This can be avoided by usingpesticides in combination or by not usingthe same chemical (or chemicals with asimilar mode of action) repeatedly.

-resistant-resistant suffix not adversely affectedby something � a DDT-resistant strain ofinsects � disease-resistant genetic material� a new strain of virus-resistant rice

respirationrespiration /�respə |�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun theaction of breathing

COMMENT: Respiration includes twostages: breathing in (inhalation) andbreathing out (exhalation). Air is takeninto the respiratory system through thenose or mouth and goes down into thelungs through the pharynx, larynx andwindpipe. In the lungs, the bronchi takethe air to the alveoli (air sacs) where oxy-gen in the air is passed to the blood-stream in exchange for waste carbondioxide which is then breathed out.

respiratoryrespiratory adjective referring to respi-rationrespiratory quotientrespiratory quotient noun the ratio ofthe amount of carbon dioxide passed fromthe blood into the lungs to the amount ofoxygen absorbed into the blood from theair. Abbr RQrespiratory systemrespiratory system noun a series oforgans and passages that take air into thelungs and exchange oxygen for carbondioxideresponseresponse noun the beneficial reaction ofa growing crop to the application of ferti-liserresponse curveresponse curve noun a graph showingthe yield (or some associated factor)against fertiliser input, level of feed, antibi-otics, etc.responsible careresponsible care noun an initiative ofthe chemical industry which requiresmember firms to follow codes of conducton such matters as toxic materials, wastereduction, chemical-accident minimisa-tion, worker safety and community consul-tationrestrest verb � to rest land to let land liefallow, without growing any cropsrestorerestore verb to give something back, orput something back to a previous state orposition � By letting the land lie fallow fora couple of years, farmers hope to restoresome of the natural nutrients which havebeen removed from the soil.retailretail noun the sale of small quantities ofgoods to the general publicretained placentaretained placenta /ri |�teind plə|

�sentə/, retained afterbirth noun adisease of cattle caused by interference atcalving, premature calving or milk fever.The placenta should be removed by aveterinary surgeon.retardretard /ri|�tɑ�d/ verb to make somethinghappen later � The injections retard theeffect of the anaesthetic.


reticulum 208reticulumreticulum /ri |�tikjυləm/ noun the secondstomach compartment of ruminants suchas cows and sheepretinolretinol /�retinɒl/ noun a vitamin that issoluble in fat and can be formed in thebody but is mainly found in food such asliver, vegetables, eggs and cod liver oil.Also called vitamin Arettingretting /�retiŋ/ noun a process used in thepreparation of flax, where flax is soaked inwater and allowed to rot, so freeing thefibres from the plant stemsreversible ploughreversible plough noun a plough withleft- and right-handed mouldboards, whichmake it possible to plough up and down thesame furrowrhizoctonia root rotrhizoctonia root rot /�raizəυktəυniə�ru�t �rɒt/ noun a common soil fungus(Rhizoctonia solani) which attacks theroots of seedlings and retards growthrhizomaniarhizomania /�raizəυ|�meiniə/ noun anotifiable virus disease affecting sugarbeet, in which hairs grow on the roots andthe leaves turn yellow. The disease isendemic in the Netherlands, and somecases have been reported in the UK.rhizomerhizome /�raizəυm/ noun a plant stemthat lies on or under the ground and hasleaf buds, adventitious roots and some-times branches

‘Recent announcement of grant aid forplanting miscanthus can help to offsetestablishment costs, and Bical is seekingto reduce the cost of rhizomes by sourcingthem from the West Indies where they canbe multiplied more rapidly. Importclearance depends on the authorities beingconvinced that no pests and diseases willbe imported with the rhizomes.’[Arable Farming]

rhizosphererhizosphere /�raizəυsfiə/ noun the soilsurrounding the roots of a plantRhode Island RedRhode Island Red /�rəυd �ailənd �red/noun a heavy breed of fowl, with redfeathers on the body, and black tail andwing feathers. It produces large browneggs.RHSRHS abbreviation Royal HorticulturalSocietyrhubarbrhubarb noun a perennial plant (Rheumrhaponticum), of which the leaf stalks arecooked and eaten as dessert. It has a highoxalate content and the leaves are toxic.RibesRibes /�raibi�s/ noun the Latin name forblackcurrant

rib grassrib grass noun a palatable deep-rootingherb with a high mineral content, whichmay benefit pastureriboflavinriboflavin /�raibəυ|�fleivin/, riboflavinenoun a vitamin found in eggs, liver, greenvegetables, milk and yeast and also used asan additive (E101) in processed food. Alsocalled vitamin B2 (NOTE: Lack of riboflavinwill affect a child’s growth and can causeanaemia and inflammation of the mouthand tongue.)ribwortribwort /�ribw��t/ noun same as plantainricerice noun a plant that is the most impor-tant cereal crop and the staple food of halfthe population of the world. Latin name:Oryza sativa.

COMMENT: Wet rice is by far the common-est method of cultivation: the paddiesare enclosed by low banks and are keptflooded during the growing season. Theyare allowed to dry out before the crop isharvested. Dry land rice is cultivated in asimilar way to wheat or barley. Rice isclassified according to the length of thegrains: long-grain rice is grown in tropicalclimates such as India, while short-grainrice is grown in colder climates such asJapan. There are over 120,000 varietiesof rice grown world-wide, with more than40,000 varieties being cultivated in Indiaalone. Rice is an important crop in mostcountries of Asia, and is becomingincreasingly important in Africa, SouthAmerica, the USA and Australia. InEurope, Italy, France and Hungary growconsiderable amounts of rice. Theworld’s leading rice exporters are theUSA and Thailand.

richrich adjective (of soil) having many nutri-ents that are useful for plant growthrickrick /rik/ noun a stack, usually of hay,with a sloping roofricketsrickets /�rikits/ noun a disease of younganimals due to deficiency of Vitamin D.Bones fail to ossify and joints becomeswollen.riddleriddle noun a coarse sieve for sieving soil� verb to grade and sort produce accordingto size, using a sieve � Potatoes are riddledto separate the best potatoes, called‘wares’ from the small potatoes, called‘chats’.ridgeridge noun 1. a long raised section ofground, occurring as part of a mountainrange, in a field, on a beach or on the oceanfloor 2. a long narrow band of high pres-sure leading away from the centre of ananticyclone � A ridge of high pressure islying across the country. 3. a long raised


209 rock phosphate

section of earth, made by ploughing up anddown on either side of the furrow. Insystematic ploughing, ridges first mark outland in a field before the plough is reset fornormal work and the field is ploughed.ridgerridger /�rid�ə/ noun a type of ploughused to form ridges for earthing up cropssuch as potatoesrigrig noun a male animal in which one orboth testicles have not descended into thescrotum at the usual timeright of accessright of access noun 1. the right ofsomeone to be able to get to land bypassing over someone else’s property 2.the right of the public to walk in areas ofthe countryside, providing they do notharm crops or farm animalsright of wayright of way noun a legal right to goacross someone else’s propertyrillrill /ril/ noun 1. a very narrow stream 2. asmall channel eroded in soil by rainwater.It can be removed during ordinary cultiva-tion.ringring noun a metal circle which goesthrough the nose of an animal � verb 1. toattach a numbered ring to the leg of a birdso that its movements can be recorded 2. toattach a ring to an animal, such as to thenose of a bull

COMMENT: Some animals can be ringedto allow them to be led, while others areringed to prevent excessive grubbing inthe ground.

ring-barkingring-barking noun the cutting of a stripof bark from a tree as a means of makingthe tree more productive. It restricts growthand encourages fruiting.ring bonering bone noun a growth of bony tissuein the joints of a horse’s footring rotring rot noun a disease affecting potatoesringwormringworm /�riŋw��m/ noun any ofvarious infections of the skin by a fungus,in which the infection spreads out in acircle from a central point (NOTE: Ring-worm is very contagious and very difficultto get rid of. In animals, it is most commonin young store cattle, but it also affectshumans.)riparianriparian /ri|�peəriən/ adjective referringto the bank of a river � riparian faunariperipe adjective referring to fruit or grainthat is ready for eating � When the corn isripe the harvest can start. � The early vari-eties of apple are ripe in August. � Ripepeaches cannot be kept very long. �Bananas should be picked before they are

ripe, and allowed to ripen during transportand storage. (NOTE: The opposite isunripe.)ripenripen verb to become ready for eating, orto make something, especially a fruit,ready for eating � Unripe bananas areshipped in special containers and willripen in storage. � Tomatoes can be pickedwhen still pink and allowed to ripen off theplant.ripperripper /�ripə/ noun a heavy cultivatorconsisting of a strong frame with long tinesattached to it. It is used to break upcompacted soil to allow free passage of airand water. Also called subsoilerriskrisk noun 1. a combination of the likeli-hood of injury, damage or loss beingcaused by a potentially dangeroussubstance, technology or activity, or by afailure to do something, and the serious-ness of the possible consequences 2. some-thing that is regarded as likely to causeinjury, damage or loss � a fire risk � ahealth risk Compare hazard

COMMENT: A substance or practice mayhave the potential to cause harm, i.e.may be a hazard, but risk only arises ifthere is a likelihood that something willbe harmed by it in a specific set of cir-cumstances. A highly dangerous thingmay in fact present only a small risk. Riskassessment is used to decide what thedegree and nature of the risk, if any, maybe so that measures to reduce or avoid itcan be taken.

riverriver noun a large flow of water, runningfrom a natural source in mountains or hillsdown to the seariverineriverine /�rivərain/ adjective referring toa river � The dam has destroyed theriverine fauna and flora for hundreds ofkilometres.RIWRIW abbreviation Rural InspectorateWalesRLRRLR abbreviation Rural Land Registerroanroan /rəυn/ noun the coat of an animal inwhich the main colour is mixed withanother, as e.g. red and white, or black andwhiterobot milkerrobot milker noun a system used in acompletely automated milking parlour.Lasers, mirrors and cameras are used to putall four caps on the teats simultaneously.rockrock noun a solid mineral substancewhich forms the outside crust of the Earthrock phosphaterock phosphate noun a natural rockground to a fine powder, used as a fertiliser


rod 210rodrod noun an old measurement of land.When used as a measurement of length arod equals 5 metres, and when used as ameasurement of area it equals 25 squaremetres.rodentrodent noun a mammal that has sharpteeth for gnawing, e.g. a rat or mouseroe deerroe deer /�rəυ diə/ noun one of thebreeds of deer which are found wild in theUKroguerogue noun a plant of a different varietyfound growing in a crop � verb to removeunwanted plants from a crop, usually byhandroguing gloveroguing glove noun a glove impreg-nated with herbicide, used to destroy wildoatsrollroll noun a tractor-drawn implement usedfor breaking clods, firming the soil,pushing stones into the soil and providinga smooth firm surface for drilling (NOTE:The two main types are the Cambridge roll,with a number of cast iron rings on an axlewhich leave a corrugated surface, and aflat roll which leaves a smooth surface.)rolled grainrolled grain noun a grain which has beenthrough a roller mill before it is fed to live-stock. Rolled grain, usually barley, is moreeasily digested.rollerroller noun same as roll � The mostcommon bearings used in gas turbineengine are the ball or roller type.roller crusherroller crusher noun a machine used tocondition freshly-cut grass. The swath ofcut grass is picked up by the rolls and thestems are flattened as the grass is passedbetween them. With the sap removed fromthe stems, the drying process is muchfaster.roller millroller mill noun a piece of equipmentused in the preparation of flour and animalfeed. It has two smooth steel rollers whichcrush the grain.roller tableroller table noun a machine, consistingof a horizontal line of rotating rollers, usedfor removing stones and clods from a cropsuch as potatoesRomagnolaRomagnola /�rɒmə|�njəυlə/ noun alarge docile hardy breed of beef cattle fromnorth-east Italy. The animals are grey witha black muzzle and hooves.RomanRoman noun a breed of white goose, nowquite rareRomneyRomney /�rɒmni/ noun a hardy breed ofsheep found in large numbers on RomneyMarsh, which has heavy fine-quality long

wool fleece. The Romney half-breed hasbeen developed by crossing Romney eweswith North Country Cheviot rams, and hasbeen widely exported. Also called Kentrookrook noun a crow-like bird which causesmuch damage to cropsrookeryrookery /�rυkəri/ noun breeding placefor a colony of rooksroostroost /ru�st/ noun a place where birdsrest at night � verb to sleep on a perch atnightroosterrooster /�ru�stə/ noun a cock, a maledomestic fowl (especially US)rootroot noun a part of a plant which isusually under the ground and absorbswater and nutrients from the surroundingsoil � verb (of a plant) to produce roots �The cuttings root easily in moist sand.root croproot crop noun a plant that stores ediblematerial in a root, corm or tuber and isgrown as food (NOTE: Root crops includecarrots, parsnips, swedes and turnips.Starchy root crops include potatoes,cassavas and yams.)

‘Some 40 acres of root crops are grown forsheep feed over the winter and the cerealsfrom 40 acres of combinable crops are alsoused on-farm.’ [Farmers Guardian]

root harvesterroot harvester noun a machine forlifting root crops out of the ground, e.g. asugar beet harvesterrooting compoundrooting compound noun a powdercontaining plant hormones (auxins) intowhich cuttings can be dipped to encouragethe formation of rootsrooting depthrooting depth noun the depth of soilfrom which plant roots take up water, orthe depth of soil to which roots reachrootletrootlet /�ru�tlət/ noun a little root whichgrows from a main rootrootstockrootstock /�ru�tstɒk/ noun 1. same asrhizome 2. a plant with roots onto which apiece of another plant is grafted. � scionroot systemroot system noun all the roots of a plantrosemaryrosemary noun an aromatic herb (Rose-marinus officinalis) used for flavouringand also as a source of oil used in soaps andcosmeticsrotrot verb (of organic tissue) to decay orbecome putrefied because of bacterial orfungal actionrotary cultivatorrotary cultivator noun a mounted ortrailed machine with a shaft bearing anumber of L-shaped blades. Rotary culti-vators are used for stubble-clearing,


211 rounds

seedbed work and general land reclama-tion and cleaning.rotary mowerrotary mower noun a machine used forcutting grass and other upright crops.Rotary mowers have two or four rotorseach with three or four swinging blades.The rotors rotate in opposite directions andleave a single swath of cut grass.rotary parlourrotary parlour noun the most expensiveand complex of the four milking systems,where the cows stand on a rotating plat-form with the milker in the middle. Theoperator may work on the inner or outerside of the circle. � abreast parlour,herringbone parlourrotary sprinklerrotary sprinkler noun a machine usedfor irrigation purposes. Sprinklers can befitted with fine spray nozzles for protectionof fruit crops and potatoes against frostdamage.rotaterotate verb to grow different crops fromyear to year in a field (NOTE: The advan-tages of rotating crops include: differentcrops utilising soil nutrients differently,pests specific to one crop being discour-aged from spreading, and some cropssuch as legumes increasing the nitrogencontent of the soil if their roots are left inthe soil after harvesting.)rotating flailsrotating flails plural noun parts used onmanure spreaders to distribute materialsand on machines for cutting crops or grassverges. Used also in mixing machines suchas composters.rotating tinesrotating tines plural noun spikes usedon machines such as rotavators and powerharrows for cultivation purposes. They arealso used on machine pick-ups.rotational grazingrotational grazing noun the movementof livestock around a number of fields orpaddocks in an ordered sequence. Alsocalled on-off grazing

‘While set stocking has been an extremelypopular and successful grazing system formany years, there is now considerableevidence to suggest that rotational grazingcan give greater grass growth throughoutthe season.’ [Farmers Guardian]

rotation designrotation design noun a method ofconserving soil nutrients in organicfarming by planting different crops indifferent yearsrotation of cropsrotation of crops noun same as croprotationrotavatorrotavator /�rəυtəveitə/ a trademark for atype of rotary cultivator

rotavirusrotavirus /�rəυtəvairəs/ noun a wheel-shaped RNA virus that causes diarrhoea inpiglets, calves and foalsrotenonerotenone /�rəυtənəυn/ noun the activeingredient of the insecticide derrisRothamstedRothamsted /�rɒθəmsted/ the site ofthe Agricultural Experimental station,established in 1843 by John BennettLawes. The station specialised in researchinto plant nutrition, and demonstrated theimportance of nitrogen, phosphorus andpotassium to plants. Today it is importantfor its research into biotechnology and is toa large extent sponsored by the BBRSC.RouenRouen /�ru�ɒ̃/ noun a breed of table duck.The drake has a green head and neck, richclaret-coloured breast and grey-blackbody. The female is mostly brown.Rouge de l’OuestRouge de l’Ouest /�ru�� də �lwest/noun a breed of sheep originating inFrance. Also called Redroughageroughage /�r�fid�/ noun 1. fibrousmatter in food, which cannot be digested.Also called dietary fibre 2. animal feed-ingstuffs with high fibre content, e.g. hayor strawRough FellRough Fell noun a hardy moorlandbreed of horned sheep, closely related tothe Swaledale. It has a dark-coloured facewith irregular patterns. The wool is ofcoarse quality.rough grazingrough grazing noun unimprovedgrazing, found in mountain, heath andmoorland areasrough stalked meadow grassrough stalked meadow grass nouna type of grass, highly palatable but low inproduction compared to ryegrass; commonin lowland pastures on rich moist soils.When found in cereal crops it is treated asa weed.rough terrain vehiclerough terrain vehicle noun a vehiclespecially designed to travel over difficultground. Abbr RTVround and round ploughinground and round ploughing noun asystem of ploughing in which fields areploughed from the centre to the outside orfrom the edge to the centreround balerround baler noun a tractor-drawnmachine which straddles the swath with apickup cylinder. The crop is passed over asystem of belts to form a round bale; whenthe bale is complete, twine is wrappedround it and it is thrown out of themachine.roundsrounds plural noun circular walls built toprotect sheep from snow drifts


roundworm 212roundworm

roundworm /�raυndw��m/ noun a typeof worm with a round body, some of whichare parasites of animals, others of roots ofplantsRoussin

Roussin /�ru�s�n/ noun a breed of sheepimported into the UK from Francerow crop

row crop noun a crop planted in rowswide enough to allow cultivators betweenthe rows. Most farm crops are drilled inrows, in preference to broadcasting.row crop tractor

row crop tractor noun a lightweighttractor with a narrow turning circle andadjustable wheel track widths, used bymarket gardeners and farmers who growrow cropsRoyal Agricultural Societies

Royal Agricultural Societies pluralnoun an alliance between the Royal Agri-cultural Society of England, the RoyalHighland and Agricultural Society of Scot-land, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Societyand the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.Abbr RASRoyal Agricultural Society of England

Royal Agricultural Society ofEngland noun an organisation whosemain task is running the annual RoyalShow held at The National AgriculturalCentre, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwick-shire. Abbr RASERoyal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Royal College of VeterinarySurgeons noun a body which organisesthe examinations for veterinary surgeonsand represents them. Abbr RCVSRoyal Horticultural Society

Royal Horticultural Society noun anational society which organises theChelsea Flower Show and has permanentgardens at Wisley in Surrey. Abbr RHSRoyal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Royal Society for the Preventionof Cruelty to Animals noun a UKcharity that runs centres to take care ofanimals in distress and lobbies the govern-ment on animal welfare legislation. AbbrRSPCARoyal Society for the Protection of Birds

Royal Society for the Protection ofBirds noun a UK charity that works toensure a good environment for birds andwildlife. Abbr RSPBroyalty

royalty noun a payment made to plantbreeders for the use of seed of registeredplant varietiesRPA

RPA abbreviation Rural Payments AgencyRQ

RQ abbreviation respiratory quotientRRA

RRA abbreviation Rothamsted ResearchAssociation

RSPBRSPB abbreviation Royal Society for theProtection of BirdsRSPCARSPCA abbreviation Royal Society forthe Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsRTVRTV abbreviation rough terrain vehiclerubbed seedrubbed seed noun same as gradedseedrubberrubber noun 1. a material which can bestretched and compressed, and is madefrom a thick white fluid (latex) from atropical tree 2. the rubber tree, a tropicaltree grown for its latex. In commercialpractice, trees are grafted onto suitablerootstock.RubusRubus /�ru�bəs/ noun a genus of plantsincluding cane fruits such as raspberriesand blackberriesruddleruddle /�r�d(ə)l/ noun a red colouringmaterial on a harness worn by rams so thatewes which have been mated will bemarked and identifiedRules of Good HusbandryRules of Good Husbandry pluralnoun an unwritten set of ‘rules’ which, ifthey are deemed to have been broken by atenant, can give a landlord the excuse toevict himrumenrumen /�ru�mən/ noun the first stomachof ruminating animals such as cows, sheepor goats, all of which have four stomachs.It is used for storage of food after it hasbeen partly digested and before it passes tothe second stomach. � abomasum,omasum, reticulumrumen liquorrumen liquor noun a concentratedliquid found in the rumen of an animal,used to test the digestability of feed or thenutrient balance of an animal’s dietruminantruminant /�ru�minənt/ noun an animalthat has a stomach with several chambers,e.g. a cow

COMMENT: Ruminants have stomachswith four sections, the rumen, the reticu-lum, the omasum and the abomasum.They take in foodstuffs into the upperchamber where it is acted upon by bac-teria. The food is then regurgitated intotheir mouths where they chew it againbefore passing it to the last two sectionswhere normal digestion takes place.

ruminationrumination /�ru�mi|�neiʃ(ə)n/ noun theprocess by which food taken to thestomach of a ruminant is returned to themouth, chewed again and then swallowedrunrun noun 1. an enclosure for animals, e.g.a chicken run 2. an extensive area of landused for sheep grazing � verb to keepanimals


213 rushrunch

runch /r�nʃ/ noun a common weed(Raphanus raphanistrum). Also calledwild radishrunholder

runholder /�r�nhəυldə/ noun a farmerwho owns a sheep runrunner

runner noun a long shoot that grows side-ways from a plant such as a strawberry,ending in a tuft of leaves which will takerootrunner beanrunner bean noun a garden bean(Phaseolus coccineus) grown exclusivelyfor the fresh traderunoff

runoff /�r�nɒf/ noun 1. the flow of rain-water or melted snow from the surface ofland into streams and rivers 2. the flow ofexcess fertiliser or pesticide from farmlandinto rivers � Nitrate runoff causes pollutionof lakes and rivers. � Fish are extremelysusceptible to runoff of organophosphates.3. the portion of rainfall which finallyreaches a stream

‘A land drain gravity-feeds the dirty water(together with runoff from the yards andfield drains) into a settling lagoon situatedaway from the farm to avoid the smell.The water then flows into the adjacentdirty water reservoir where it is storeduntil required.’ [Dairy Farmer]

runoff rate

runoff rate noun the amount of excessfertiliser or pesticide from farmland thatflows into rivers in a specific periodrunt

runt /r�nt/ noun 1. a small individualanimal, one that it is smaller than averagefor its kind 2. the smallest animal in a litterRural, Agricultural and Allied Workers

Rural, Agricultural and AlliedWorkers noun full form of RAAWrural affairs

rural affairs plural noun the activitiesand concerns of rural communitiesrural area

rural area noun an area in the country-side where the main activities are farmingor forestry and where relatively few peopleliverural depopulationrural depopulation /� |�rυərəl�di�pɒpjυ |�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun the loss of popu-lation from the countryside due to variouscauses, including decline in agricultureand increased mechanisationrural development

rural development noun a programmeof activities undertaken to ensure that ruralareas remain economically and sociallysustainablerural development agency

rural development agency noun anofficial body set up to develop policies andoversee rural development

rural development policyrural development policy noun a setof aims and guidelines issued by anauthority, used when planning rural devel-opmentrural economyrural economy noun farming and otherbusinesses in rural areasRural Enterprise SchemeRural Enterprise Scheme noun asystem of government support for theadaptation and development of the ruraleconomy, community, heritage and envi-ronment. It is part of the England RuralDevelopment Programme.rural environmentrural environment noun the country-sideRural Inspectorate WalesRural Inspectorate Wales noun theorganisation that is responsible for admin-istering CAP schemes in Wales. Abbr RIWRural Land RegisterRural Land Register noun a digitisedmap of all registered land parcels in theUK, kept by the Rural Payments Agency.Abbr RLRRural Payments AgencyRural Payments Agency noun theorganisation that is responsible for all CAPschemes in England and for some schemesin the rest of the UK. Abbr RPArural planningrural planning noun same as countryplanningrural recreationrural recreation noun same as country-side recreationRural Stewardship SchemeRural Stewardship Scheme noun inScotland, a scheme of payments toencourage farmers to be involved in theprotection and enhancement of the envi-ronment, to support sustainable ruraldevelopment and to maintain the pros-perity of rural communitiesrural sustainabilityrural sustainability noun the act oftrying to make sure that rural developmentdoes not use too many natural resources orcause other damagerural tourismrural tourism noun holiday and leisureactivities carried out in the countrysiderurbanrurban /�r��b(ə)n/ adjective referring toareas that combine the characteristics ofagricultural activities found in rural zoneswith those of suburban living areas andindustrialised zones

COMMENT: Rapid extension of urbanisa-tion the world over has created areasthat have both urban and rural character-istics. Land planning specialists talkabout ‘rurban areas’ and the ‘rurbanisa-tion’ process.

rushrush noun a common weed (Juncus)growing near water, in moors and marshes,of little nutritional value


russet 214russet

russet /�r�sit/ noun a type of dessertapple with a rough brown skinrusseting

russeting /�r�sitiŋ/ noun the formationof brown patches on the skin of an apple �Cox’s Orange often have some russetingon them, the amount depending on theweather conditionsrust

rust noun a fungal disease that givesplants a reddish powdery coveringrustle

rustle verb to steal livestock, especiallycows and horsesrustler

rustler /�r�s(ə)lə/ noun a person whosteals livestock � a cattle rustlerrustling

rustling /�r�s(ə)liŋ/ noun the crime ofstealing cattle or horses

rutrut noun a period of intense sexual activitythat occurs in males of various mammalssuch as cattle, sheep and particularly deerryerye noun a hardy cereal crop grown intemperate areas. Latin name: Secalecereale.ryegrassryegrass /�rai�rɑ�s/ noun a term for amost important group of grasses

COMMENT: Many varieties of hybrid rye-grass are now used. They are crossesbetween perennial and Italian rye-grasses, and often also tetraploids.

RyelandRyeland /�railənd/ noun a rare breed ofsheep. It is a medium-sized animal, whitefaced and without horns. The sheep has avery symmetrical shape and a thick growthof wool.


SSS symbol sulphurSaanenSaanen /�sɑ�nən/ � British Saanensacksack noun a measure of capacity, particu-larly for cereals, equal to four bushels.Also called coombsaddlesaddle noun 1. a leather seat for a riderplaced on the back of a horse 2. a colouredpatch on the back of an animal such as apig which looks a little as if the animal iscarrying a saddle 3. the part of a shaft-horse’s harness that bears the shaftssaddlebacksaddleback /�s�d(ə)lb�k/ noun 1. abreed of pig now known as the BritishSaddleback 2. any pig with a white saddle,such as the American-bred Hampshirebreedsaddle bowsaddle bow noun a high part of a saddlein front of the ridersafety cabsafety cab noun a protective cab fitted toa tractor to prevent injury to the driver ifthe tractor turns oversafflowersafflower /�s�flaυə/ noun an oilseedcrop (Carthamus tinctorius) grown mainlyin India. The oil is used in the manufactureof margarine, and the residual oilseed cakehas a limited use as a livestock feed.saffronsaffron noun a spice obtained from thedried flowers of the crocus plant Crocussativussagesage noun an aromatic herb (Salvia offic-inalis), the leaves of which are dried andused for flavouringsainfoinsainfoin /�s�nfɔin/ noun a foragelegume very similar to lucerne, grownmainly in areas with calcareous soilSalerSaler /�seilə/ noun a hardy breed ofFrench cattle, found in the Cantal depart-ment of central France. The animals arereddish in colour and are reared both formeat and for milk production. The Saler isone of the best French suckler cows.

salinationsalination /�s�li |�neiʃ(ə)n/ noun aprocess by which the salt concentration ofsoil or water increases, especially as aresult of irrigation in hot climates. Alsocalled salinisationsalinesaline adjective referring to saltsalinisationsalinisation /�s�linai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/, salini-zation noun same as salinationsalinisedsalinised /�s�linaizd/, salinized adjec-tive referring to soil where evaporationleaves salts as a crust on the dry surfacesalinitysalinity /sə|�liniti/ noun the concentrationof salt in an amount of water or soilsalivasaliva noun a clear fluid secreted by thesalivary glands into the mouth, andcontaining water, mucus and enzymes tolubricate food and break down starch intosugars

COMMENT: Saliva is a mixture of a largequantity of water and a small amount ofmucus, secreted by the salivary glands.Saliva acts to keep the mouth and throatmoist, allowing food to be swallowedeasily. It also contains the enzyme ptya-lin, which begins the digestive process ofconverting starch into sugar while food isstill in the mouth.

salivarysalivary /sə |�laiv(ə)ri/ adjective referringto salivasalivary digestionsalivary digestion noun the first partof the digestive process, which is activatedby the saliva in an animal’s mouthsalivary glandsalivary gland noun a gland whichsecretes salivasalivatesalivate verb to produce salivasalivationsalivation /�s�li |�veiʃ(ə)n/ noun theproduction of salivaSalmonellaSalmonella /�s�lmə|�nelə/ noun a genusof bacteria found in the intestines, whichare acquired by eating contaminated food(NOTE: Different species cause foodpoisoning and typhoid fever.)


salmonellosis 216salmonellosissalmonellosis /�s�lməne|�ləυsis/ nouna disease caused by Salmonella bacteriasalsifysalsify /�s�lsəfi/ noun a plant with a longwhite root which is used as a vegetablesaltsalt noun sodium chloride as part of thediet � a salt-restricted diet � He shouldreduce his intake of salt. � verb to preservefood by keeping it in salt or in salt water

COMMENT: Salt forms a necessary part ofdiet, as it replaces salt lost in sweatingand helps to control the water balance inthe body. It also improves the working ofthe muscles and nerves. An adequateintake of sodium chloride is necessary toall animals. Grass is relatively poor insodium and its high potassium contentinduces secretion of sodium in urine.This loss causes a craving for salt, whichmay be supplied by salt licks.

salt poisoningsalt poisoning noun a disease of pigsusually caused by inadequate provision ofwater, but which may also be caused byincreased salt in the ration. Pigs becomeconstipated before twitching, fits anddeath.saltysalty adjective 1. containing salt � Excessminerals in fertilisers combined with natu-rally saline ground to make the land sosalty that it can no longer produce crops. 2.tasting of saltsandsand noun fine grains of weathered rock,usually round grains of quartz, found espe-cially on beaches and in the desertsandstonesandstone noun a sedimentary rockformed of round particles of quartzsandy soilsandy soil noun soil containing a highproportion, approximately 50%, of sandparticles (NOTE: Sandy soil feels gritty.These soils drain easily and are naturallylow in plant nutrients through leaching.They are often called ‘light’ soils, as theyare easy to work and also ‘hungry’ soilssince they need fertiliser. Marketgardening is particularly well-suited tosandy soils.)SAOSSAOS abbreviation Scottish AgriculturalOrganisation Societysapsap noun a liquid carrying nutrientswhich flows inside a plantsaplingsapling noun a young treesappysappy /s�prəυ/ adjective referring to treetrunks or branches, or wood, that are full ofsapsapro-sapro- prefix decay or rottingsaprophagoussaprophagous /sə |�prɒfə�əs/ adjectivereferring to organisms that feed ondecaying organic matter

saprophytesaprophyte /�s�prəfait/ noun anorganism that lives and feeds on dead ordecaying organic matter, e.g. a fungussaprophyticsaprophytic /�s�prə|�fitik/ adjectivereferring to organisms that live and feed ondead or decaying organic mattersapwoodsapwood /�s�pwυd/ noun an outer layerof wood on the trunk of a tree, which isyounger than the heartwood inside andcarries the sap. � heartwoodSardinianSardinian /sɑ�|�diniən/ noun an impor-tant breed of Italian sheep which providesmilk for the manufacture of cheeseSASSAS abbreviation set-aside schemesatellitesatellite noun a man-made device thatorbits the Earth, receiving, processing andtransmitting signals and generating imagessuch as weather picturessativussativus /s� |�ti�vəs/, sativa, sativumadjective a Latin word meaning ‘sown’ or‘planted’, used in the generic names ofmany plantssaturatesaturate verb to fill something with themaximum amount of a liquid that can beabsorbed � Nitrates leached from forestsoils, showing that the soils are saturatedwith nitrogen.

COMMENT: When continuous rainfalloccurs for long periods, the soil becomessaturated with water; no more water canenter the soil and it ponds on the surfaceor runs off down slopes.

saturationsaturation /�s�tʃə|�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun thepoint at which air contains 100% humidity� The various types of fog are classified bythe manner in which saturation is reached.savoysavoy /sə|�vɔi/ noun a type of wintercabbage with crinkly leavessawdustsawdust noun powder produced whensawing wood. Sawdust is used both as amulch for plants and as bedding foranimals.sawflysawfly /�sɔ�flai/ noun a family of insects,the larvae or caterpillars of which causeserious damage to fruit and crops. Theyinclude the apple sawfly, gooseberrysawfly, pear and cherry sawfly and rosesawfly.saw-toothed beetlesaw-toothed beetle noun a darkbrown beetle which lives in stored grain.The eggs are laid in the grain and the larvaefeed on it, causing mould.scabscab noun 1. a disease of which the scabis a symptom. It affects the skin of animals.2. a fungal disease of fruit and vegetables,


217 Scottish Natural Heritage

including potato scab and apple and pearscabscabiesscabies /�skeibi�z/ noun a very irritatinginfection of the skin caused by a mitewhich lives under the skinscaldscald noun 1. a defect in stored apples,where brown patches appear on the skinand the tissue underneath becomes soft 2. abacterial disease of sheep. It causes lame-ness in lambs.scalescale noun a thin membranous leaf struc-turescaly legscaly leg /�skeili le�/ noun a diseaseaffecting the legs of poultry, caused by amite which burrows under the leg scalescausing considerable itching. Large hardscales develop on the unfeathered parts ofthe legs.scarscar noun a mark left on the skin surfaceafter a wound has healedscarecrowscarecrow /�skeəkrəυ/ noun a figureshaped like a man, wearing old clothes, putin fields to keep birds way from growingcropsscarifierscarifier /�sk�rifaiə/ noun a machinewith tines which stirs the soil surfacewithout turning it overscarifyscarify /�sk�rifai/ verb 1. to stir thesurface of the soil with an implement withtines, e.g. a wire rake, but without turningthe soil over. Lawns can be scarified toremove moss and matted grass. 2. to slit theouter coat of seed in order to speed upgerminationSCFSCF abbreviation 1. Scottish CroftingFoundation 2. separate concentrate feedingSchistosomaSchistosoma /�ʃistə|�səυmə/ noun afluke which enters the patient’s blood-stream and causes schistosomiasisschistosomiasisschistosomiasis /�ʃistəsəυ |�maiəsis/noun a tropical disease caused by flukestaken in from water affecting the intestineor bladder. Also called bilharziasisSchleswig-Holstein systemSchleswig-Holstein system/�ʃlesvi� �hɒlstain �sistəm/ noun asystem of cereal cultivation practised inNorth Germany, giving high average yields

COMMENT: The system involves carefulmanagement of the crop and includeshigh seed rates and high amounts of fer-tiliser. Crops are carefully monitored andvisited each day. Disease is controlledby spraying.

SchwarzkopfSchwarzkopf /�ʃvɑ�tskɒpf/ noun abreed of German sheep found mainly inHesse and Westphalia

sciarid flysciarid fly /�saiərid flai/ noun a pest(Bradysia) affecting greenhouse potplants. The larvae feed on fine rootscausing plants to wilt.scionscion /�saiən/ noun a piece of a plantwhich is grafted onto a rootstockscleroticsclerotic adjective referring to the hard-ening and thickening process in plant cellwalls that makes stems woodysclerotiniasclerotinia /�sklerə|�tiniə/ noun a soil-borne disease affecting many crops,including potatoes, oilseed rape and peasScots pineScots pine noun a common commer-cially grown European conifer. Latinname: Pinus sylvestris.Scottish Agricultural Organisation SocietyScottish Agricultural Organisa-tion Society noun a consultancy agencywhich promotes and advises on jointventures between Scottish farmers. AbbrSAOSScottish BlackfaceScottish Blackface noun a very hardybreed of small mountain sheep. The fleecegives a long coarse springy wool, valuedfor making carpets. Older ewes are crossedwith Border Leicester rams to give Grey-face hybrids.Scottish Crop Research InstituteScottish Crop Research Institutenoun a company which researches ferti-lisers and plant growth regulators, pests,pesticides and the genetic modification ofcrops. Abbr SCRIScottish EnterpriseScottish Enterprise noun the maineconomic development agency for Scot-land, dealing with education, communica-tions and the expansion of businesses.Abbr SEScottish Environment Protection AgencyScottish Environment ProtectionAgency noun a public body with respon-sibility for the protection of Scotland’snatural landscape and resources. AbbrSEPAScottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs DepartmentScottish Executive Environmentand Rural Affairs Department nounthe department of the devolved ScottishExecutive government which deals withfarming, the environment, animal welfareand rural development in Scotland. AbbrSEERADScottish halfbreedScottish halfbreed noun a crossbredtype of sheep obtained by using a BorderLeicester ram on a Cheviot ewe. They areused widely in lowland Britain.Scottish Natural HeritageScottish Natural Heritage noun anofficial body responsible for the conserva-tion of fauna and flora in Scotland


scour 218scourScottish Rural Property and Busi-ness Association noun a group whichrepresents the interests of Scotland’s ruralbusinesses. Abbr SRPBAscourscour verb to wash wool to removegrease and contaminantsscouringscouring noun diarrhoea in livestock. Itmay be a symptom of other diseases suchas Johne’s disease, dysentery or coccidi-osis, or it may simply be due to a chill or topoor diet.SCPSCP abbreviation sustainable consump-tion and productionSCPSSCPS abbreviation Suckler CowPremium Schemescraperscraper /�skreipə/ noun a steel-framedattachment for a tractor. It has a rubberscraping edge, and is used for heavy dutywork, clearing slurry from farmyards.scrapiescrapie /�skreipi/ noun a brain disease ofsheep and goats. Affected animals twitch,then suffer intense itching and thirst. Theybecome extremely thin, and death follows.It is a notifiable disease.screenscreen noun a hedge or row of treesgrown to shelter other plants, to protectsomething from the wind or to preventsomething from being seen � verb 1. topass grain through a sieve to grade it 2. toprotect plants from wind, e.g. by plantingwindbreaksscreeningsscreenings /�skri�niŋz/ plural noungrains which are small and pass throughthe sieve when grain is screenedscrewwormscrewworm /�skru�w��m/ noun a flysimilar to the bluebottle, but dark green incolour, common in Central and SouthAmerica. It devastated cattle in the USA inthe 1950s, but has now been eradicatedthere.SCRISCRI abbreviation Scottish CropResearch Institutescrubscrub noun 1. small trees and bushes 2.an area of land covered with small treesand bushesscrublandscrubland /�skr�bl�nd/ noun landcovered with small trees and bushesscursscurs /sk��z/ plural noun small horns thatare not part of the animal’s skull but areattached to the skinscutchscutch /sk�tʃ/ noun same as couchgrassscythescythe noun a hand implement with along slightly curved blade attached to ahandle with two short projecting hand

grips. Scythes are now used for cuttinggrass and were formerly used for reaping.SDASDA abbreviation Severely Disadvan-taged AreaSeSe symbol seleniumSESE abbreviation Scottish Enterpriseseakaleseakale /�si�keil/ noun a plant of thecabbage family whose leaves are used asvegetableseasonseason noun 1. one of the four parts intowhich a year is divided, i.e. spring,summer, autumn and winter 2. the time ofyear when something happens � the matingseason 3. the oestrus period of a femaleanimal � in season ready for matingseasonalseasonal adjective referring to or occur-ring at a season � seasonal changes intemperature � Plants grow according to aseasonal pattern.seaweedseaweed noun any of the large algae thatgrow in the sea and are usually attached toa surfaceSecaleSecale /si|�keili/ noun ryesecateurssecateurs /�sekə|�t��z/ noun a cuttingtool, like small shears with sharp curvedblades, used for pruningsecondsecond adjective coming after the firstsecondarysecondary adjective 1. less importantthan something else � a secondary reason2. coming after something else �secondary thickening of stems in plants �

primary, tertiarysecondary substancessecondary substances plural nounchemical substances found in plant leaves,believed to be a form of defence againstherbivoressecond cutsecond cut noun grass which has beencut a second time in the season for hay orsilagesecond early potatoessecond early potatoes plural nounthe crop of potatoes that follows the firstearly cropsecondsseconds plural noun grain of mediumsizesecretesecrete verb (of a gland) to produce asubstance such as a hormone, oil orenzymesecretionsecretion noun a liquid which issecretedsedentary agriculturesedentary agriculture noun subsist-ence agriculture practised in the sameplace by a settled farmersedgesedge /sed�/ noun one of a number ofgrass or rushlike herbs of the familyCyperaceae, common in marshlands and


219 seed ripeness

poorly drained areas. They have minimalnutritional value.sedimentary rockssedimentary rocks plural noun rockswhich were formed by deposition of loosematerial such as sand and gravel, mainly inwaterseedseed noun a fertilised ovule that forms anew plant on germination � verb 1. (of aplant) to produce offspring by droppingseed which germinates and grows intoplants in following seasons � The poppiesseeded all over the garden. � The tree wasleft standing to allow it to seed the clearedarea around it. 2. to sow seeds in an area �The area of woodland was cut and thenseeded with pines. � to seed itself to sowseeds naturally and grow the followingyear 3. to drop crystals of salt, carbondioxide and other substances onto cloudsfrom an aeroplane in order to encouragerain to fall

COMMENT: EU regulations require allseed sold to farmers to be tested and tobe guaranteed to meet certain standardsof purity and to be free from pests anddiseases.

seedbedseedbed /�si�dbed/ noun an area of landtilled to produce a fine tilth, firm and level,into which seeds will be sown. Some cropssuch as potatoes do not need a fine tilth anda rough damp bed is preferable.

‘While delaying drilling into April willlose some yield potential, seedbeds shouldnot be forced or losses will be evengreater. Patience is key where soils need todry out.’ [Farmers Guardian]

seedbed wheelsseedbed wheels plural noun a set ofwheels bolted onto the front of a tractorwhich will give even compaction and auniform sowing depthseed-borneseed-borne adjective carried by seedsseed-borne diseaseseed-borne disease noun a diseasewhich is carried in the seed of a plantseedboxseedbox /�si�dbɒks/ noun 1. a box inwhich seeds can be planted for cultivationin a greenhouse 2. the part of the plant headwhich contains the seedsseedcaseseedcase /�si�dkeis/ noun a hardoutside cover that protects the seeds ofsome plantsseed certificationseed certification noun the testing,sealing and labelling of seed sold tofarmers. This ensures that the seed is freefrom disease and from weeds.seed coatseed coat noun same as testa

‘Subsequently the grain is passed througha crimping machine which cracks the seedcoat and applies an additive. The grain canthen be ensiled in layers and compacted ina silo as for grass silage.’ [FarmersGuardian]

seed dormancyseed dormancy noun a period when aseed is not activeseed dressingseed dressing noun the treatment ofseeds with a fungicide and/or an insecti-cide to prevent certain soil and seed-bornediseasesseed drillseed drill noun a machine consisting of ahopper carried on wheels with a feedmechanism which delivers grain to seedtubes

COMMENT: Most seed drills are designedto plant seed in prepared seed beds.Drills for cereals and grasses sow theseed at random, while precision drills,used mainly for sugar beet and vegeta-ble crops, place seed at preset intervalsin the rows. Precision drills are alsocalled ‘seeder units’.

seederseeder /�si�də/ noun a machine forsowing seedsseeder unitseeder unit noun a seed drill whichsows the seed separately at set intervals inthe soilseedheadseedhead /�si�dhed/ noun the top of astalk with seeds, either in a seedcase orseparately attached to the stemseeding yearseeding year noun the calendar year inwhich the seed is sownseedlessseedless /�si�dləs/ adjective with noseedsseedless hayseedless hay noun hay obtained from agrass crop after threshing out the seed-headsseedlingseedling noun a young plant that hasrecently grown from a seedseed mixtureseed mixture noun seeds of differentplants supplied by seed merchants tofarmers to produce a new ley. It willinclude grasses and legumes.seed plotseed plot noun same as nursery plotseed potatoseed potato noun a potato tuber whichis sown to produce new plants. In the UK,these are grown mainly in Scotland, andproduced under a certification scheme (theSeed Potato Classification Scheme).seed rateseed rate noun the amount of seed sownper hectare shown as kilos per hectare(kg/ha)seed ripenessseed ripeness noun the stage at whichthe seed can be harvested successfully


seed royalties 220seed royaltiesseed royalties plural noun money paidby seed growers to breeders of seedsseed treeseed tree noun a tree left standing whenothers are cut down, to allow it to dropseeds on the cleared land around itseed trialsseed trials plural noun tests of new seedsto see if they germinate correctlyseed weevilseed weevil noun a pest affectingbrassica seed crops. Seeds are destroyed intheir pods by the larvae.seepseep verb (of a liquid) to flow slowlythrough a substance � Water seepedthrough the rock. � Chemicals seeped outof the container.seepageseepage /�si�pid�/ noun slow oozing outof ground water from the soil surfaceSEERADSEERAD /�si�r�d/ abbreviation ScottishExecutive Environment and Rural AffairsDepartmentselectselect verb to identify plants or animalswith desirable characteristics such as highyield or disease resistance as part of theactivity of breeding new varietiesselectionselection noun 1. the process of identi-fying plants or animals with desirablecharacteristics such as high yield ordisease resistance as part of the activity ofbreeding new varieties 2. an individualchosen from a group in a breedingprogramme on the basis of distinctive char-acteristicsselective herbicideselective herbicide, selective weed-killer noun a weedkiller which is designedto kill only plants with specific characteris-tics and not othersselective pesticideselective pesticide noun a pesticidewhich takes toxic action against specificpests without affecting the growing cropseleniumselenium /sə|�li�niəm/ noun a traceelement, an essential part of the diet for allanimals. White muscle disease is thesymptom of selenium deficiency.

‘Northumberland-based suckler producerCharles Armstrong agrees that breedingherd health status is vital for maximisingcalf returns. His 400-cow suckler herd areblood sampled every year for copper andselenium status, as well as for appropriatevaccination regimes.’ [Farmers Weekly]

self-blanching celeryself-blanching celery noun a varietyof celery where the stalks are naturallywhite, and do not need to be earthed upself-contained herdself-contained herd noun a dairy herdwhich breeds its own replacements, thecalves being kept and reared

self-feedself-feed verb to take a controlledamount of feed from a large container asrequiredself-feed silageself-feed silage noun a feeding systemwhere stock feed from silage, the amountof silage available being centrallycontrolledself-fertileself-fertile adjective referring to a plantthat fertilises itself with pollen from itsown flowersself-fertilisationself-fertilisation /�self �f��təlai|

�zeiʃ(ə)n/, self-fertilization noun thefertilisation of a plant or invertebrateanimal with its own pollen or spermselfingselfing /�selfiŋ/ noun same as self-ferti-lisationself-pollinationself-pollination noun the pollination ofa plant by pollen from its own flowers.Compare cross-pollinationself-purificationself-purification noun the ability ofwater to clean itself of polluting substancesself-raising flourself-raising flour noun a type of flourwith baking powder added to itself-regulatingself-regulating adjective (of anecosystem) controlling itself withoutoutside intervention � Most tropical rain-forests are self-regulating environments.self-seededself-seeded adjective referring to aplant that grows from seed that has fallento the ground naturally rather than beingsown intentionally � Several self-seededpoppies have come up in the vegetablegarden.self-sterileself-sterile adjective referring to a plantthat cannot fertilise itself from its ownflowersself-sufficiencyself-sufficiency noun a simple tradi-tional way of farming with little use ofmodern technology that provides onlyenough food and other necessary materialsfor a familyself-sufficientself-sufficient adjective 1. able toprovide enough food and other necessarymaterials for a family, often by means of asimple traditional way of farming withlittle use of modern technology � We’reself-sufficient in salad crops from thegarden in the summer time. 2. able toprovide the required quantity of a productlocally or for yourself, without needing topurchase or import it � The country is self-sufficient in barley.sell-by datesell-by date noun a date on the label ofa food product which is the last date onwhich the product should be sold and canbe guaranteed as of good quality


221 sexsemensemen noun in mammals, a thick palefluid containing spermatozoa, produced bythe testes and ejaculated from the penissemi-semi- prefix 1. half 2. partlysemi-diggersemi-digger noun a type of mouldboardon a ploughsemi-mountedsemi-mounted adjective referring to animplement which is supported by a tractorbut also has its own wheelsseminalseminal /�semin(ə)l/ adjective referringto semen or to seedseminal propagationseminal propagation noun theprocess of growing new plants from seedor from tubers such as potatoesseminal rootsseminal roots plural noun thesecondary roots of a plant which supportthe primary root. This root system is thenreplaced by adventitious roots.semiochemicalsemiochemical /�semiəυ|�kemik(ə)l/noun a chemical released by animals, espe-cially insects, as a means of communica-tion, e.g. a pheromonesemolinasemolina /�semə|�li�nə/ noun a coarseflour made from wheat after the fine flourhas been ground. It is used to makepuddings.senescencesenescence /si |�nesəns/ noun theprocess of growing older. � plant senes-cencesentientsentient /�sentiənt/ adjective capable offeeling and perception (NOTE: Since 1997EU law has recognised that animals aresentient, and this concept lies behind theanimal welfare codes that set out guide-lines for the treatment of farm animals inthe United Kingdom.)SEPASEPA abbreviation Scottish EnvironmentProtection Agencysepalsepal /�sep(ə)l/ noun a part of the calyxof a flower, usually green and sometimeshairyseparate concentrate feedingseparate concentrate feeding nouna winter feeding system for livestock inwhich the animals are allowed free feedingof roughage and concentrates are fed sepa-rately in restricted quantities. Abbr SCFseparated milkseparated milk noun milk from whichthe cream has been removed. Also calledskimmed milkseptic tankseptic tank noun an underground tankfor household sewage that is not connectedto the main drainage system and in whichhuman waste is decomposed by the actionof anaerobic bacteria

septoriaseptoria /sep|�tɔ�riə/ noun a fungaldisease which affects the leaves of wheatcropssericulturesericulture /�serik�ltʃə/ noun raisingsilkworms for the production of silkserveserve verb of a male animal, to mate witha femaleserviceservice verb of a male animal, to matewith a femalesessilesessile /�sesail/ adjective attacheddirectly to a branch or stem without a stalk� The acorns of a sessile oak tree have nostalks or very short stalks.setset noun 1. a seed potato 2. a seed onion3. a badger’s burrow � verb 1. to harden �The resin sets in a couple of hours. 2. toform fruit or seed 3. to plant somethingset asideset aside verb to use a piece of formerlyarable land for something other thangrowing food cropsset-asideset-aside noun a piece of formerlyarable land used for something other thangrowing food cropsset onset on verb to foster an orphaned animalto another female, as a lamb onto a eweset stockingset stocking noun a grazing systemassociated with extensive grazing. Live-stock graze an area where they remain foran indefinite period. This is the traditionalpractice in Britain.set toset to noun an orphan lamb given to afoster motherSeverely Disadvantaged AreaSeverely Disadvantaged Area nounland which is extremely poor and difficultto farm. Abbr SDA. � disadvantaged areasewagesewage noun waste water and othermaterial such as faeces, carried away insewers. Also called sewage wastesewage sludgesewage sludge noun the solid or semi-solid part of sewagesexsex noun one of the two groups, male andfemale, into which animals and plants canbe divided

COMMENT: In mammals, females have apair of identical XX chromosomes andmales or have one X and one Y chromo-some. Out of the twenty-three pairs ofchromosomes in each human cell, onlytwo are sex chromosomes. The sex of ababy is determined by the father’ssperm. While the mother’s ovum onlycarries X chromosomes, the father’ssperm can carry either an X or a Y chro-mosome. If the ovum is fertilised by asperm carrying an X chromosome, theembryo will contain the XX pair and sobe female.


sex linkage 222sex linkagesex linkage noun an existence of charac-teristics which are transmitted through theX chromosomessex-linkedsex-linked adjective referring to a genet-ically inherited characteristic that appearsin only one sexsex organssex organs plural noun organs which areassociated with reproduction and sexualintercourseSFASFA abbreviation Small Farms Associa-tionSFPASFPA abbreviation Scottish FisheriesProtection AgencySFPSSFPS abbreviation Single Farm PaymentSchemeSGMSGM abbreviation Standard Gross Marginshadeshade noun a place sheltered from directsunlightshade plantsshade plants plural noun plants whichprefer to grow in the shadeshadingshading /�ʃeidiŋ/ noun the action ofcutting off the light of the sun � Parts of thefield near tall trees suffer from shading.

‘In Scotland, shading of weed growth bylate-drilled wheats was more important inthe spring and early summer than insouthern Europe where growers placedmore importance on preventing weedgrowth in the winter and early spring.’[Farmers Guardian]

shaggyshaggy adjective referring to an animalsuch as Highland cattle which has long hairshankshank /ʃ�ŋk/ noun the lower part of ahorse’s leg between the knee and the footshareshare noun same as ploughsharesharecroppersharecropper /�ʃeəkrɒpə/ noun atenant farmer who pays a part of his crop tothe landlord as a form of rentsharecroppingsharecropping /�ʃeəkrɒpiŋ/ noun asystem of land tenure, whereby tenants payan agreed share of the crop to the landlordas a form of rentsharefarmingsharefarming /�ʃeəfɑ�miŋ/ noun a jointenterprise between a party with an interestin the land and another party involved infarming operations. Usually one partyprovides the capital and the other the farmmanagement inputs such as labour andequipment.sharp eyespotsharp eyespot noun a soil-bornefungus (Rhizoctonia solani) affectingcereals, which can cause lodging andshrivelled grainshavingsshavings plural noun thin curled piecesof wood removed when planing, used aslitter for animals

sheafsheaf noun a bundle of corn stalks tiedtogether after reaping (NOTE: The plural issheaves.)shearshear verb to clip the fleece from a sheep

COMMENT: Shearing nowadays is donewith electric shears. Using these, askilled shearer can fleece a ewe in undertwo minutes. Shearers often work ingangs. The fleece is clipped off in onepiece. That of a longwool breed mayweigh over 10kg.

shearershearer /�ʃiərə/ noun a person who clipsthe fleece off a sheepshearlingshearling /�ʃiəliŋ/ noun a young sheepwhich has been sheared for the first timeshearsshears plural noun large clippers used toshear a sheepshedshed verb 1. to separate one or moreanimals from a flock or herd 2. to let leavesor grain fallsheensheen noun the bright shiny appearanceof a surface, used of fruit, animals’ coats,meat, etc.sheep

sheep noun a ruminant of the genus Ovis,family Bovidae. It is one of many domesti-cated varieties, farmed for their wool, meatand milk.

COMMENT: Most sheep in the UK are keptfor meat, and milk production is relativelyunimportant. Wool is an important by-product of sheep farming in the UK, butis the main product of sheep in someother countries, such as Australia. In2005 the total sheep population of theUK was approximately 40 million,accounting for 30% of all sheep in theEU member states. Sheep are keptunder a wide range of environmental andmanagement conditions, from coastallowland areas such as Romney Marsh tothe upland areas of Wales, Scotland andthe North of England. Lambs from theupland areas are moved to lowlandfarms for fattening. In the UK, a greatmany breeds of sheep have survivedand there are some 50 recognisedbreeds as well as a variety of local typesand many crossbreds. More recently, theintroduction of continental breeds hasincreased the variety. A broad classifica-tion into three main categories may bemade: the long-woolled breeds whichinclude the Romney, Lincoln and Leices-ter; the short-woolled breeds includingthe Southdown, Dorset Down and Suf-folk, and the mountain, moorland andhill breeds which include the Cheviot,Radnor, Scottish Blackface, Swaledaleand Welsh Mountain.


223 shinSheep Annual Premium SchemeSheep Annual Premium Schemenoun until 2005, a subsidy for breedingewes (NOTE: Now superseded by theSingle Payment Scheme.)sheep-dipsheep-dip noun a chemical preparationused in a dipping bath to disinfect sheep tocontrol diseases such as sheep scab

COMMENT: All sheep in Britain are dippedfor scale once a year, following the min-isterial decision to have a single nationaldip. Dipping ceased to be compulsory inthe UK in 1992. It is illegal to buy organ-ophosphorous sheep-dip without a cer-tificate of competence.

sheepdogsheepdog noun a breed of dog trainedand used by shepherds in controlling sheepsheep kedsheep ked /�ʃi�p ked/ noun same assheep ticksheep maggot flysheep maggot fly noun a type of flythat lays its eggs on the wool of sheep. Theeggs hatch into maggots that burrow intothe flesh causing a condition known as‘strike’.sheepmansheepman /�ʃi�pmən/ noun a shepherd,a farm worker who looks after sheepsheepmeatsheepmeat /�ʃi�pmi�t/ noun a term usedin the EU for meat from a sheep or lambsheep poxsheep pox noun a highly contagiousviral disease. Symptoms include fever, lossof appetite, difficulty in breathing and inthe final stages scabs and ulcers appear. Itis a notifiable disease.sheep runsheep run noun an extensive area usedfor sheep grazing, especially in NewZealand and Australiasheep scabsheep scab noun a serious disease ofsheep, caused by a parasitic mite, whichresults in intense irritation, skin ulcers, lossof wool and emaciation. It is a notifiabledisease.sheep’s fescuesheep’s fescue noun a species of grassuseful under hill and marginal conditionssheep’s sorrelsheep’s sorrel noun a common weed(Rumex acetosella)sheep ticksheep tick noun a small winglessdipterous insect, parasitic on sheep. Alsocalled sheep kedsheep walksheep walk noun an area of land onwhich sheep are pasturedsheet erosionsheet erosion noun erosion that takesplace evenly over the whole area of a slope,caused by the runoff from saturated soilafter heavy rainfallshelf-lifeshelf-life noun the number of days orweeks for which a product can stay on theshelf of a shop and still be good to use

sheltershelter noun a structure or featureproviding protection from wind, sun, rainor other weather conditions � verb toprotect something from weather conditionsshelter beltshelter belt noun a row of trees plantedto give protection from wind

‘Over the years the family has carried outextensive improvements, putting in shelterbelts, new buildings, land drainage andfarm road layouts.’ [Farmers Guardian]

shelterwoodshelterwood /�ʃeltəwυd/ noun a largearea of trees left standing when others arecut, to act as shelter for seedling treesshepherdshepherd noun a person who looks aftersheepshepherd’s purseshepherd’s purse noun a commonweed (Capsella bursa-pastoris) in gardensand market gardens, found particularlyamong vegetables and root crops. Alsocalled pepper and saltShetlandShetland /�ʃetlənd/ noun 1. a rare breedof cattle, native to the Shetland Isles. It ismedium-sized, black and white, with shortlegs, short horns and a bulky body. 2. abreed of sheep, native to the Shetland Isles.The colour varies from white, through greyand black to light brown; the ewes arepolled and the rams horned; it producesfine soft wool of high quality, used in theShetland wool industry. A small Shetlandewe yields a fleece 1.5–2 kilos in weight.3. a breed of pony, used as a riding horsefor childrenshifting cultivationshifting cultivation noun 1. an agricul-tural practice using the rotation of fieldsrather than of crops. Short croppingperiods are followed by long fallows andfertility is maintained by the regenerationof vegetation. � fallow 2. a form of cultiva-tion practised in some tropical countries,where land is cultivated until it isexhausted and then left as the farmersmove on to another area

COMMENT: In shifting cultivation, thepractice of clearing vegetation by burn-ing is widespread. One of the simplestforms involves burning off thick and drysecondary vegetation. Immediately afterburning, a crop like maize is planted andmatures before the secondary vegeta-tion has recovered. Where fire clearancemethods are used, the ash acts as a fer-tiliser.

shigellashigella /ʃi|��elə/ noun a bacillus whichcauses dysenteryshinshin noun 1. the lower part of the forelegof cattle 2. the upper part of a ploughshare


shire horse 224shire horseshire horse /�ʃaiə hɔ�s/ noun a tallheavy breed of draught horse. The coatmay be of various colours, but there isalways a mass of feather at the feet.shiveringshivering /�ʃivəriŋ/ noun an affliction ofthe nervous system with involuntarymuscular contractions, usually of the hindlegs. It is a progressive condition found inhorses.shockshock noun same as stookshoddyshoddy noun a waste product of the woolindustry. It contains up to 15% nitrogenand is used as a fertiliser, particularly inmarket gardens.shoeshoe verb to make, fit and fix horseshoesto the feet of a horseshootshoot noun 1. a new growth from thestem of a plant 2. part of a young seedplant, the stem and first leaves which showabove the surface of the soil � verb to killsomething with a gunshort-day plantshort-day plant noun a plant thatflowers as the days get shorter in theautumn, e.g. a chrysanthemum. Comparelong-day plantshort duration leyshort duration ley noun a ley which iskept only for a short timeshort duration ryegrassshort duration ryegrass noun a classof grasses which are important to thefarmer, including Westerwolds, Italian andHybrid. These grasses are quick to estab-lish and give early grazing. They are usedwhere persistency is not important.short-grain riceshort-grain rice noun varieties of ricewith short grains, grown in cooler climatessuch as Japan. See Comment at riceshorthornshorthorn /�ʃɔ�thɔ�n/ noun a breed ofcattle, with short horns

COMMENT: In the 18th century, CharlesColling used many of the breeding prin-ciples established by Robert Bakewell todevelop the shorthorn breed, whichbecame the most common in Britain andremained so for over a hundred years. Ithas later developed into three differentstrains: the Beef Shorthorn, the DairyShorthorn and the Lincoln Shorthorn.

short rotation coppiceshort rotation coppice noun varietiesof willow or poplar which yield a largeamount of fuel and are grown as an energycrop

‘Though there are plenty of bio-feedstocksaround, for example short rotationcoppice, few can be cost- and carbon-effectively turned into transport fuel.’[Arable Farming]

short tonshort ton noun US same as tonshredshred verb to tear something into tinypieces � Farmyard manure is shreddedbefore being spread on fields.shreddershredder noun a machine for shreddingwaste vegetable matter before compostingshrivelshrivel verb to become dry and wrinkled� The leaves shrivelled in the prolongeddrought.ShropshireShropshire /�ʃrɒpʃə/ noun a medium-sized breed of sheep with a black face andheavy fleece, now rareshrubshrub noun a perennial plant with severalwoody stemsshrubbyshrubby /�ʃr�bi/ adjective growing like ashrubsicklesickle /�sik(ə)l/ noun a curved knife-edged metal tool with a wooden handle,used for harvesting cerealssidelandsideland /�saidl�nd/ noun a strip of landleft at the side of a field during ploughing.It may be ploughed up with the headlands.side rakeside rake noun a machine which picksup two swaths and combines them into onebefore balingsidewalk farmersidewalk farmer noun US a farmer whocultivates land some way away from his orher house in a townsievesieve noun a garden implement with abase made of mesh or with perforationsthrough which fine particles can pass whilecoarse material is retained. Compareriddle � verb to pass soil, etc. through asieve to produce a fine tilth, or to removethe soil from root crops such as potatoessilagesilage /�sailid�/ noun food for cattleformed of grass and other green plants, cutand stored in silos

COMMENT: Silage is made by fermentinga crop with a high moisture contentunder anaerobic conditions. It may bemade from a variety of crops, the mostcommon being grass and maize,although grass and clover mixtures,green cereals, kale, root tops, sugar beetpulp and potatoes can also be used. Tri-als indicate that very high-quality grasssilage can be fed to adult pigs.

silage additivesilage additive noun a substancecontaining bacteria and/or chemicals, usedto speed up or improve the fermentationprocess in silage or to increase the amountof nutrients in itsilage effluentsilage effluent noun an acidic liquidproduced by the silage process which canbe a serious pollutant, especially if it drainsinto a watercourse


225 slash and burn agriculturesilage liquorsilage liquor noun a liquid which formsin silage and drains away from the silosilage towersilage tower noun a container used formaking and storing silagesilksilk noun a thread produced by the larvaeof a moth to make its cocoon (NOTE: It isused to make a smooth light fabric.)silkssilks plural noun the long thin styles of thefemale flowers of the maize plantsilkwormsilkworm /�silkw��m/ noun a moth larvawhich produces silk threadsilosilo noun a large container for storinggrain or silage

COMMENT: There are many differenttypes of silo. Some are pits dug into theground, others are forms of surfaceclamp, while built silos are towers whichmay be either top- or bottom-loaded andare built of wood, concrete or steel.

silopresssilopress /�sailəυpres/ noun a poly-thene ‘sack’ into which silage is forced. Asthe sack fills up, it gradually grows longerand when completely full is sealed. A‘sack’ may contain up to 80 tonnes ofsilage.siltsilt noun 1. soft mud which settles at thebottom of water 2. particles of fine quartzwith a diameter of 0.002 – 0.06mmsilty soilsilty soil /�silti sɔil/ noun soil containinga high proportion of silt. Such soils aredifficult to work and drainage is a problem.silver-laced Wyandottesilver-laced Wyandotte noun a dual-purpose breed of poultry. The feathers aresilvery, with black edges, especially on thetail.silvi-silvi- /silvi/ prefix trees or woodssilvicidesilvicide /�silvisaid/ noun a substancewhich kills treessilviculturesilviculture /�silvik�ltʃə/ noun thecultivation of trees as part of forestrySimmentalSimmental /�siməntɑ�l/ noun a breed ofcattle originating in Switzerland, thecolour of which is yellowish-brown or red.It is a dual-purpose breed, with a highgrowth rate potential and good carcassquality.Single Farm Payment SchemeSingle Farm Payment Schemenoun � Single Payment Schemesingle flowersingle flower noun a flower with onlyone series of petals, as opposed to a doubleflowerSingle Payment SchemeSingle Payment Scheme noun aninitiative under the CAP which calculatesfarmers’ subsidies with reference to theamount of land used in production, as wellas the total eligible livestock or crop

output. It replaces individual subsidyschemes. Abbr SPSsingle-sucklingsingle-suckling verb a natural methodof rearing beef cattle, where calves arepermitted to suckle their own motherssingletonsingleton /�siŋ�(ə)ltən/ noun a singleoffspringsinglingsingling /�siŋ�(ə)liŋ/ noun 1. the processof reducing the number of plants in a row2. the process of reducing the number ofplants from a multigerm seed to a singleplantsiresire /saiə/ noun 1. the male parent of ananimal 2. a male animal selected forbreedingsisalsisal /�sais(ə)l/ noun a tropical plant(Agave rigida) which yields a hard fibreused for making binder twine and matssitesite noun a geographically defined areawhose extent is clearly markedSite of Special Scientific InterestSite of Special Scientific Interestnoun in England, Wales and Scotland, anarea of land which is officially protected tomaintain its fauna, flora or geology. AbbrSSSISitka spruceSitka spruce /�sitkə spru�s/ noun atemperate softwood coniferous tree, that isfast-growing. It is used for making paper.Latin name: Picea sitchensis.six-tooth sheepsix-tooth sheep noun a sheep betweentwo and three years oldskim coulterskim coulter noun the part of a ploughwhich turns a small slice off the corner ofthe furrow about to be turned and throws itinto the bottom of the one before. It isattached to the beam behind the disc coul-ters.skimmed milkskimmed milk, skim milk noun milkwhich has had both fat and fat-soluble vita-mins removed. It is used as a milk substi-tute for calves and lambs.skinskin noun the outer layer on an animal,fruit or vegetableskin spotskin spot noun a potato disease causingpimple-like dark brown spots which canharm the buds in the eyes of seed tubersslaked limeslaked lime noun same as hydratedlimeslapmarkslapmark /�sl�pmɑ�k/ noun the herd-mark allocated by Defra, put on bothshoulders of a pig. There are no specifica-tions on the size of the slapmark, but itmust be legible.slash and burn agricultureslash and burn agriculture noun aform of agriculture in which forest is cutdown and burnt to create open space for


slatted mouldboard 226

growing crops. Also called swiddenfarming (NOTE: The space is abandonedafter several crops have been grown andthen more forest is cut down.)slatted mouldboardslatted mouldboard noun a type ofmouldboard which breaks up the soil as itis being ploughedslaughterslaughter noun the killing of animals forfood (NOTE: Animal welfare codes lay downrules for how animals should be slaugh-tered to ensure that they are not causedany avoidable and unnecessary pain ordistress.) � verb to kill animals for foodslaughterhouseslaughterhouse noun same as abattoirSlaughter Premium SchemeSlaughter Premium Scheme noununtil 2005, a subsidy that provided directsupport to all producers of domestic cattle(NOTE: Now superseded by the SinglePayment Scheme.)slender foxtailslender foxtail noun same as black-grassslingsling noun a type of harness that is used tosupport the weight of an animal that issuffering from some kind of disabilityslink calfslink calf noun a calf born early, beforethe normal period of gestation is completeslipslip noun a small piece of plant stem, usedto root as a cutting, or in budding � verb (ofan animal) to miscarrysloesloe /sləυ/ noun the wild plum Prunusspinosa. Also called blackthornsludgesludge noun 1. a thick wet substance,especially wet mud or snow 2. the solid orsemi-solid part of sewagesludge compostingsludge composting noun the decom-position of sewage for use as a fertiliser ormulchslugslug noun an invertebrate animal withouta shell. It causes damage to plants byeating leaves or underground parts, espe-cially in wet conditions.slug pelletslug pellet noun a small hard piece of amixture containing a substance such asmetaldehyde which kills slugs. Slug pelletsare usually coloured blue-green.sluicesluice noun a channel for water, espe-cially through a dam or other barrierslurryslurry /�sl�ri/ noun liquid or semi-liquidwaste from animals, stored in tanks orlagoons and treated to be used as fertiliser

‘All the slurry from the cows and pigs isspread on the grass and maize ground.Regular soil testing is used to check thenutrient content, but there is seldom anyneed for artificial fertiliser.’ [FarmersWeekly]

COMMENT: Slurry can be spread on theland using pumps, a pipeline system andslurry guns. More often, slurry spreadersare used, which can load, transport andspread the material. New regulations tocontrol the pollution from slurry wereintroduced in 1989. These require thebase and walls of silage clamps to beimpervious. An artificial embankmentmust be constructed around slurry tanks.Silage clamps in the middle of fields withcovers held down with rubber tyres willbe banned.

slurry gunslurry gun noun a powerful sprayingdevice that spreads slurry. Compare raingunslurry injectorslurry injector noun a tractor-hauledmachine which injects slurry into the soilslurry spreaderslurry spreader noun a machine whichspreads slurrysmall and medium-sized enterprisessmall and medium-sized enter-prises plural noun organisations that havebetween 10 and 500 employees and areusually in the start-up or growth stage ofdevelopmentSmall Farms AssociationSmall Farms Association noun anorganisation which represents the interestsof small farmers on a national scale. AbbrSFAsmallholdersmallholder /�smɔ�lhəυldə/ noun aperson who farms a smallholdingsmallholdingsmallholding /�smɔ�lhəυldiŋ/ noun asmall agricultural unit under 20 hectares inareasmall nettlesmall nettle noun a weed (Urtica urens)which is common on rich friable soils. Itaffects vegetables and other row crops.Also called annual nettle, burning nettleSMDSMD abbreviation 1. soil moisture deficit2. standard man daySMEsSMEs abbreviation small and medium-sized enterprisessmokesmoke verb to preserve food by hangingit in the smoke from a fire (NOTE: Smokingis used mainly for fish, but also for somebacon and cheese.)smooth-stalked meadowgrasssmooth-stalked meadowgrassnoun a species of grass which can with-stand quite dry conditions. It is a perennialgrass with smooth greyish-green leavesand green purplish flowers.SMRSMR abbreviation Statutory ManagementRequirementsmudgingsmudging /�sm�d�iŋ/ noun the processof burning oil to produce smoke to preventloss of heat from the ground and so to


227 soil classification

minimise or prevent frost damage to cropsand orchardssmutsmut /sm�t/ noun a disease of cerealplants, caused by a fungus, that affects thedevelopment of the grain and makes it lookblacksnailsnail noun a mollusc of the class Gastro-poda. It is a pest which can be controlledby molluscicides.snap beanssnap beans noun US beans which areeaten in the pod, e.g. green beans or Frenchbeans, or of which the seed is eaten afterdrying, e.g. haricot beans. As opposed tobroad beans or Lima beans, the seeds ofwhich are eaten fresh.SNF percentageSNF percentage abbreviation solid-not-fat percentagesnoutsnout noun the nose and mouth of someanimals, including the pigsnow mouldsnow mould noun a fungal pre-emer-gent blight and root rot of cereals (Micro-nectriella nivalis)snow rotsnow rot noun a white mould growthaffecting wheat, causing leaves to turnbrown and shrivel (Typhula incarnata)soakawaysoakaway /�səυkəwei/ noun a channelin the ground filled with gravel, whichtakes rainwater from a downpipe or liquidsewage from a septic tank and allows it tobe absorbed into the surrounding soil

‘It is essential to investigate the history ofthe site to avoid the risk of flash flooding,and to ensure that the old clay land drainsystem is fully operational and accessible.If it discharges into soakaways it should bediverted if possible into open ditches.’[Farmers Weekly]

SoaySoay /�səυei/ noun a rare horned breed ofsheep which sheds its fleece naturally,thought to be the link between wild anddomesticated breeds. The short hairyfleece is tan or dark brown. (NOTE: Thebreed originally came from the island ofSoay in the Outer Hebrides.)sodiumsodium noun a chemical element whichis a constituent of common salt and essen-tial to animal lifesodium chloridesodium chloride noun common saltsoft fruitsoft fruit noun a general term for allfruits and berries that grow on bushes andcanes, have a relatively soft flesh, and socannot be kept, except in some cases byfreezing. Typical soft fruit are raspberries,strawberries, blueberries and blackberries,and the various currants.

soft rotsoft rot noun a bacterium, Erwinia caro-tovora, which affects stored potatoes andcarrots. The cell walls dissolve causing thevegetables to become mushy, slimy andfoul-smelling.soft wheatsoft wheat noun wheat containing grainswhich, when milled, break down in arandom manner. Soft wheats have lessprotein than hard wheats and have poormilling qualities.softwoodsoftwood /�sɒftwυd/ noun 1. the open-grained wood produced by pine trees andother conifers 2. a pine tree or other coniferthat produces such wood. Compare hard-woodsoilsoil noun the earth in which plants grow. �chernozem, loess, podsol, subsoil,topsoil

COMMENT: Soil is a mixture of mineralparticles, decayed organic matter andwater. Topsoil contains chemical sub-stances which are leached through intothe subsoil where they are retained.Without care, soils easily degrade, losingthe few nutrients they possess andbecome increasingly acid or sour.

soilagesoilage /�sɔilid�/ noun green foragecrops that are cut and carried to feedanimals grazing on unproductive pastures,in order to supplement their diets. Cropscommonly used for soilage are clovers andlucerne.soil airsoil air noun the air content of the soil. Itcontains the same gases as the atmosphere,but in different amounts, because it ismodified by the constituent parts of thesoil. Also called soil atmospheresoil associationsoil association noun a group of soilsassociated with one area and which occurin a predictable patternSoil AssociationSoil Association noun a UK organisa-tion that certifies organically grown foodsoil atmospheresoil atmosphere noun same as soil airsoil ballsoil ball noun the rooting system of aplant, complete with the soil attached to it,as when a plant is lifted from a pot orseedbedsoil-borne fungussoil-borne fungus noun a funguswhose spores are carried in the soilsoil cappingsoil capping noun a hard crust on thesurface of the soil which can be caused byheavy rain drops or the passage of heavyfarm machinerysoil classificationsoil classification noun in soil surveys,the classification of soils into groups withbroadly similar characteristics


soil compaction 228

COMMENT: Soils are classified accordingto the areas of the world in which theyare found, according to the types of min-erals they contain or according to thestage of development they havereached. All forms of soil classificationare artificial, however, as soils vary inthree dimensions and in time. Thereforeno clear boundaries exist between soiltypes.

soil compactionsoil compaction noun the process inwhich soil is pressed down, e.g. by heavyloads, and becomes very firm with littlespace between its particles

‘The healthy world market price forsoybeans has led to the development ofcontinuous production of this crop andconsequently some problems havedeveloped, particularly soil compaction,weed species development, and reductionof soil fertility.’ [Arable Farming]

soil conservationsoil conservation noun the use of arange of methods to prevent soil frombeing eroded or overcultivated, by irriga-tion, mulching, etc. Also called conserva-tion of soilsoil contaminationsoil contamination noun the presenceof chemical or biological elements whichaffect the soil’s natural functionsoil drainagesoil drainage noun the flow of waterfrom soil, either naturally or through pipesand drainage channels inserted into thegroundsoil erosionsoil erosion noun the removal of soil bythe effects of rain, wind, sea or cultivationpracticessoil fertilitysoil fertility noun the potential capacityof soil to support plant growth based on itscontent of nitrogen and other nutrientssoil horizonsoil horizon noun a layer of soil that isof a different colour or texture from otherlayers (NOTE: There are four soil horizons:the A horizon or topsoil containing humus;the B horizon or subsoil containingminerals leached from the topsoil and littleorganic matter; the C horizon or weatheredrock; and the D horizon or bedrock.)soil improvementsoil improvement noun the practice ofmaking the soil more fertile by methodssuch as draining and manuringsoilless gardeningsoilless gardening /�sɔilləs��ɑ�d(ə)niŋ/ noun same as hydroponicssoil loosenersoil loosener noun a trailed implementwhich loosens the surface of the soilsoil managementsoil management noun the study ofsoil’s physical properties and how to main-tain a healthy and functional soil system

soil mappingsoil mapping noun the process ofmaking maps showing different types ofsoil in an areasoil moisture deficitsoil moisture deficit noun the differ-ence between the amount of water that is ina soil and the amount needed for crops togrow successfully. Abbr SMDsoil nutritionsoil nutrition noun 1. the condition ofsoil in terms of the plant nutrients itcontains 2. the action of putting nutrientsinto soil through the application of ferti-lisers � Use muck and some seaweed forsoil nutrition.soil organic mattersoil organic matter noun decayed ordecaying vegetation that forms part of soil.Abbr SOMsoil pansoil pan noun a hard layer in the soil

‘Greater resistance in digging soils ofsimilar texture and moisture contentindicates poor structure. Concentration ofroots indicates hard to penetrate layers orblocks of soil. A soil pan may be present ifroots grow horizontally or do not penetrateto any depth.’ [Farmers Guardian]

soil parent materialsoil parent material noun materialfrom which soil is formedsoil salinitysoil salinity noun the quantity ofmineral salts found in a soil (NOTE: Highsoil salinity is detrimental to most agricul-tural crops, although some plants areadapted to such conditions.)soil seriessoil series noun the classification ofsoils based on their similarities, used in soilmapping (NOTE: Soil series are definedusing a combination of three main proper-ties: the parent material; the texture of thesoil material and the presence or absenceof material with a distinctive mineralogy;and the presence or absence of distinctivehorizons.)soil sterilantsoil sterilant noun something used toremove microorganisms from soil, e.g. achemical or steamsoil sterilisationsoil sterilisation noun the treatment ofglasshouse, greenhouse and other horticul-tural soils in order to kill weed seeds, plantdisease organisms and pestssoil surveysoil survey noun the mapping of soiltypes using a soil classification systemSolanumSolanum /sə|�leinəm/ noun the Latinname for the potato familysolar dryersolar dryer noun a device for dryingcrops using the heat of the sunSolari piggerySolari piggery /səυ |�lɑ�ri �pi�əri/ nouna type of housing for pigs, with fatteningpens on each side of a central feeding


229 species

passage, housed in an open-sided Dutchbarnsolarisationsolarisation /�səυlərai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/,solarization noun exposure to the rays ofthe sun, especially for the purpose ofkilling pests in the soil, by covering the soilwith plastic sheets and letting it warm up inthe sunshinesole cropsole crop noun a crop grown in a standwith no other cropssole furrowsole furrow noun the last slice cutduring ploughingsolid-not-fat percentagesolid-not-fat percentage noun ameasure of milk quality, showing thepercentages of all substances other than fatin the milk. Abbr SNF percentagesolumsolum /�səυləm/ noun soil, includingboth topsoil and subsoilSOMSOM abbreviation soil organic mattersootsoot noun a black deposit of fine particlesof carbon which rise in the smokeproduced by the burning of material suchas coal, wood or oilsooty mouldsooty mould noun a fungal disease ofwheat (Cladosporium)sorghumsorghum /�sɔ��əm/ noun a drought-resistant cereal plant grown in semi-aridtropical regions such as Mexico, Nigeriaand Sudan. Latin name: Sorghum vulgare.sorrelsorrel /�sɒrəl/ noun a plant with a sourjuice sometimes eaten as a salad. Varietiesinclude the sheep sorrel and the woodsorrel.sourcesource verb to get materials or productsfrom a particular place or supplier

‘It was time people started buying foodmore ethically, said Mr Mitchell, to givethem a sense of pride in their region. Theextra work needed to source from multiplesmall suppliers was well worth it.’[Farmers Weekly]

sour soilsour soil noun soil which is excessivelyacid and hence needs liming to restore thecorrect balance between acidity and alka-linitySouth DevonSouth Devon noun the heaviest breed ofBritish cattle, with a light brownish-redcolour. It was originally a dual-purposebreed, but now is mainly raised for beef.SouthdownSouthdown /�saυθdaυn/ noun thesmallest of the Down breeds of sheep. Ithas a compact body and a dense fleece ofhigh-quality short wool. The Southdown isan early maturing breed and produces meatof high quality.

sowsow verb to put seeds into soil so that theywill germinate and grow � noun a femalepig. � pig, pig productionsoyasoya /�sɔiə/ noun a plant that producesedible beans which have a high protein andfat content and very little starch. Latinname: Glycine max. Also called soyabean, soybeansoya beansoya bean, soybean noun 1. a beanfrom a soya plant 2. same as soya

COMMENT: Soya beans are very rich inprotein and apart from direct human con-sumption are used for their oil and aslivestock feed. After the oil has beenextracted, the residue is used as a highprotein feedingstuff. Other by-productsare soya bean milk and soy sauce, bothwidely used in China and Japan. Soyabeans are widely grown in China, wherethey are the most important food leg-ume, in Brazil and in the USA.

soyoilsoyoil /�sɔiɔil/ noun an oil extracted fromthe soya beansp.sp. abbreviation species (NOTE: The plural,for several species, is spp.)space allowancespace allowance noun the amount ofspace a farmed animal should have inwhich to move around, feed and rest (NOTE:Guidelines on minimum space allowancesare set out in the animal welfare codes.)spaced plantspaced plant noun a plant grown in arow so that its canopy does not touch oroverlap that of any other plantspacingspacing noun the process of makingplaces between things, e.g. between plantsin a rowspacing drillspacing drill noun a precision seed drillspadespade noun a common garden tool, witha wide square blade at the end of a stronghandle. it is used for making holes ordigging by hand.spading machinespading machine noun a machinewhich uses rotating digger blades to culti-vate compacted topsoil and dig out panscreated by other cultivatorsspayspay /spei/ verb to remove the ovaries ofa female animalSPCSSPCS abbreviation Seed Potato Classifi-cation Schemespearspear noun a shoot of a green plant suchas asparagus or broccolispeciationspeciation /�spi�si |�eiʃ(ə)n/ noun theprocess of developing new speciesspeciesspecies noun a group of organisms thatcan interbreed. A species is a division of agenus. Abbr sp. (NOTE: The plural isspecies.)


specific 230specificspecific adjective 1. clearly defined anddefinite � The airframe has to be built tovery specific requirements. 2. character-istic of something 3. referring to species. �interspecific, intraspecificspecificityspecificity /�spesi |�fisəti/ noun the char-acteristic of having a specific range or use� Parasites show specificity in that theylive on only a limited number of hosts.

‘In his view the sensitivity and specificityof the current testing method needed to beimproved in order to increase its accuracyand research work was concentrating onthe problem.’ [Farmers Guardian]

specific weightspecific weight noun the bulk densityof a grain sample measured in hectolitresor bushelsspecklespeckle /�spek(ə)l/ noun a small spot. �

Beulah speckle facespeckled yellowingspeckled yellowing noun a disease ofsugar beet caused by a deficiency ofmanganesespeedwellspeedwell /�spi�dwel/ noun a wide-spread weed (Veronica persica) found incereal crops and oilseed rape. Because itspreads rapidly it is a hazard in row crops.spermatozoonspermatozoon /�sp��mətə |�zəυɒn/noun a mature male sex cell that is capableof fertilising an ovum (NOTE: The plural isspermatozoa.)

COMMENT: A spermatozoon is very smalland comprises a head, neck and verylong tail. It can swim by moving its tailfrom side to side.

spermicidespermicide /�sp��misaid/ noun asubstance that kills spermatozoasphagnumsphagnum /�sf��nəm/ noun a type ofmoss that grows in acid conditionsspicespice noun a substance used as aflavouring in cooking, made from thepungent or aromatic parts of plants. Spicesare obtained from seeds, fruit, flowers,roots, bark or buds of plants. Thecommonest are pepper, mustard, ginger,cloves and nutmeg.spiderspider noun one of a large group ofanimals, with two parts to their bodies andeight legs. Class: Arachnida.spikespike noun 1. a tall pointed flower head(inflorescence) in which small flowerswithout stalks grow from a central flowerstem 2. a pointed end of a pole or piece ofmetalspikedspiked /spaikt/ adjective referring to afarm implement with spikes, e.g. a spikedchain harrow

spikeletspikelet /�spaiklət/ noun part of theflower head of plants such as grass,attached to the main stem without a stalkspike tooth harrowspike tooth harrow noun a tractor-trailed implement consisting of a simpleframe with tines attached where the framemembers crossspinachspinach noun an annual plant (Spinaciaoleracea) grown for its succulent greenleaves and eaten as a vegetablespinach beetspinach beet noun a plant similar tosugar beet, but grown for its leaves whichare cooked in the same way as spinachspinespine noun a pointed structure that iseither a modified leaf, as in cacti, or part ofa leaf or leaf basespinnerspinner /�spinə/ noun a device used forharvesting potatoes. The potatoes are lefton the surface of the soil for picking later.spinneyspinney /�spini/ noun a small wood withundergrowthspinousspinous /�spainəs/ adjective referring toa plant with spinesspirochaetespirochaete /�spaiərəυki�t/ noun abacterium with a spiral shape

‘But there is a difference between bacterianormally associated with foot-rot and atype seen in the new strain. A spirochaete,a bacterium that can penetrate the skinsurface and is more usually linked withdigital dermatitis in cattle, has beenidentified.’ [Farmers Weekly]

spitspit noun the depth of soil that is dug witha spadesplay legsplay leg noun a disorder in piglets,which are born unable to stand properlyspoilspoil verb (of food) to rot or decayspoilagespoilage /�spɔilid�/ noun the process offood becoming inedible, especiallybecause of poor storage conditionssporespore /spɔ�/ noun the microscopic repro-ductive body of fungi, bacteria and somenon-flowering plants such as ferns

COMMENT: Spores are produced byplants such as ferns or by algae andfungi. They are microscopic and float inthe air or water until they find a restingplace where they can germinate.

sporicidalsporicidal /�spɔ�ri |�said(ə)l/ adjectiveable to kill sporessporicidesporicide /�spɔ�risaid/ noun a substancethat kills sporesSporozoaSporozoa /�spɔ�rə |�zəυə/ noun a type ofparasitic Protozoa which includes Plasmo-dium, the cause of malaria


231 stabilisation lagoonspot pricespot price noun the market price forproduce or livestock at a specific time

‘If most of the feeds needed can be boughtforward during dips in the market, the endresult is a high quality, highly competitivediet and significant feed cost savingscompared to spot prices.’ [FarmersGuardian]

spp.spp. abbreviation species (plural) (NOTE:The singular is sp.)spraingspraing /spreiŋ/ noun a disease of pota-toes spread by nematodes in the soilsprayspray noun 1. a mass of tiny drops ofliquid 2. special liquid for spraying onto aplant to prevent insect infestation ordisease � verb 1. to send out a liquid in amass of tiny drops � They sprayed the roomwith disinfectant. 2. to send out a specialliquid onto a plant to prevent insect infes-tation or disease � Apple trees are sprayedtwice a year to kill aphids.spraybarspraybar /�spreibɑ�/ noun an attachmentconsisting of a horizontal tube withnozzles or jets, used for spraying over awide areasprayersprayer /�spreiə/ noun a machine whichforces a liquid through a nozzle under pres-sure, used to distribute liquids such asherbicides, fungicides, insecticides andfertilisersspray irrigationspray irrigation noun a system of irri-gation using sprinklers which are locatedalong a boom. Some booms rotate and candistribute water over a large circular area.spray linesspray lines plural noun a method ofdistributing irrigation water using flexiblehose, mainly used for horticultural cropsspreadspread verb to put something such asmanure, fertiliser or mulch on an area ofgroundspreaderspreader /�spredə/ noun 1. a device usedfor spreading, e.g. one for spreading gran-ules of fertiliser evenly over a lawn 2. anagent added to an insect spray in order tomake sure that the foliage is covereduniformlysprigsprig noun a small shoot or twigspringspring noun 1. a place where watercomes naturally out of the ground 2. theseason of the year following winter andbefore summer, when days become longerand the weather progressively warmer 3. ametal device which, when under tension,tries to resume its previous position �spring-tined harrow, harrow withspring-loaded tines a cultivator which has

tines of spring steel which vibrate in thesoil. This gives fast seedbed preparation.springerspringer /�spriŋə/ noun a cow almostready to calve. Also called down-calverspringtailspringtail /�spriŋteil/ noun a primitivewingless insect very common in soils,where they may do damage to fine rootsspring wheatspring wheat noun wheat which is sownin spring and harvested towards the end ofthe summersprinklesprinkle verb to water something withdrops in a light showersprinklersprinkler noun a hose which sends out ashower of dropssproutsprout noun a little shoot growing outfrom a plant, with a stem and small leaves� verb (of a plant) to send out new growthsprucespruce noun a temperate softwood conif-erous tree. Genus: Picea.spruce-larch adelgidspruce-larch adelgid /�spru�s lɑ�tʃ ə|

�del�id/ noun a relative of the aphid,which may cause serious damage onspruce grown for Christmas trees (Adelgesviridis)SPSSPS abbreviation Single Payment Schemespurspur noun 1. a ridge of land that descendstowards a valley floor from higher landabove 2. a tubular projection from a flowersepal or petal often containing nectar 3. ashort leafy branch of a tree with a cluster offlowers or fruitsspurreyspurrey /�sp�ri/ noun a common weedon arable land. Also called corn spurreysquare ploughingsquare ploughing noun a method ofploughing suitable for large areas. A pieceof land is ploughed in the centre of a fieldand then the field is ploughed in a clock-wise direction starting from this centralpoint.squashsquash noun a plant of the Cucurbita-ceae family, e.g. a marrow or cucumbersquirrelsquirrel noun a medium-sized rodentliving in trees (NOTE: Squirrels are harm-less as far as crops are concerned. Thereare two types of squirrel in the UK: the greysquirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the redsquirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).)SRPBASRPBA abbreviation Scottish RuralProperty and Business AssociationSSSISSSI abbreviation Site of Special Scien-tific Intereststabilisation lagoonstabilisation lagoon /�steibilai|

�zeiʃ(ə)n lə|��u�n/ noun 1. a pond used forstoring liquid waste 2. a pond used forpurifying sewage by allowing sunlight tofall on a mixture of sewage and water


stabilise 232stabilisestabilise /�steibəlaiz/, stabilize verb totake measures to prevent soil being eroded,especially from a hillsidestabiliserstabiliser /�steibilaizə/, stabilizer nounan artificial substance added to processedfood such as sauces containing water andfat to stop the mixture from changing. Alsocalled stabilising agent (NOTE: In the EU,emulsifiers and stabilisers have E numbersE322 to E495.)stabilitystability noun the state of being stableand not changingstablestable adjective 1. steady and not easilymoved � a stable surface 2. not changing �In parts of Southeast Asia, temperaturesremain stable for most of the year. � nouna building in which horses are keptstable flystable fly noun a fly which is like thehouse fly, but with a distinct probosciswhich can pierce the skin. It breeds instable manure and is a serious pest toanimals as the bites cause irritation.stackstack noun a pile of sheaves of grain, hayor straw. Stacks can be round or square.stagstag noun 1. a male deer 2. the male ofvarious animals castrated after maturity 3.a male turkeystages of growthstages of growth plural noun same asgrowth stagesstaggersstaggers /�st��əz/ noun a condition ofanimals in which they stagger about, as inlooping-ill and swayback disease. Grassstaggers in cattle is caused by hypomagne-saemia.stakestake noun a thick wooden post, to whicha tree or shrub is attached to keep it upright� A newly planted tree needs to have astake. � verb to attach a plant to a stakestakeholderstakeholder /�steikhəυldə/ noun aperson who has an interest in somethingsuch as a new environmental policy and ispersonally affected by how successful it isand how difficult it is to put in place

‘Officials told a recent stakeholdermeeting that this was one of the conditionsthe EU had imposed, followingdiscussions with DARD in December overits original Nitrates Action Programme.’[Farmers Weekly]

stale seedbedstale seedbed noun a method of killingweeds by using a contact herbicide justbefore drillingstalkstalk noun 1. the main stem of a plantwhich holds the plant upright 2. a subsid-iary stem of a plant, branching out from the

main stem or attaching a leaf, flower orfruitstalk rotstalk rot noun a disease of maize causedby a fungusstallstall noun a single compartment in astable or cowshed, where an animal canstand or lie downstallionstallion noun an uncastrated full-grownmale horse, especially one kept forbreedingstamenstamen /�steimən/ noun a male part of aflower consisting of a stalk (filament)bearing a container (anther) in whichpollen is producedstancestance noun � feed stancestandstand noun a group of plants or treesgrowing together � a stand of conifersstandardstandard noun 1. something which hasbeen agreed on and is used to measureother things by � set higher standards forwater purity 2. a plant grown on a singlelong stem that is kept from formingbranches except at the top 3. a type of fruittree or rose tree where the stem is abouttwo metres high, on top of which the headis developed � standard apple, standardpear an apple or pear tree grown as astandard 4. a large tree in a woodland � acoppice with standards � adjective usual orofficially accepted � standard procedures

COMMENT: In UK orchards, standardtrees have been replaced by bush varie-ties which are easier and cheaper toprune, spray and harvest.

Standard Gross MarginStandard Gross Margin noun ameasure of the business size of a farm,calculated by looking at the different typesof enterprises on the farm and how mucheach contributes to the overall profit made.Abbr SGMstandard man daystandard man day noun eight hours ofwork, used as a measure for calculatinglabour costs on a farm. Abbr SMD

COMMENT: One milking cow is calculatedas equal to ten SMDs, and one hectareof barley or wheat is equal to 50 SMDs;if a farm has less than 275 SMDs it is notcounted as a full-time farm.

standingstanding adjective growing uprightstanding cropstanding crop noun a crop such aswheat which is still growing in a fieldstandstillstandstill noun the keeping of animals inthe same place for 6 days to prevent thespread of diseasestaphylococcalstaphylococcal /�st�filə|�kɒk(ə)l/adjective caused by staphylococci


233 stewardship

COMMENT: Staphylococcal infections aretreated with antibiotics such as penicillin,or broad-spectrum antibiotics such astetracycline.

staphylococcal mastitisstaphylococcal mastitis noun acondition of cows caused by several typesof staphylococci especially when accom-panied by stress resulting from liver flukeor cold conditions. Milk becomes wateryand the cow has a high temperature.staphylococcusstaphylococcus /�st�filə|�kɒkəs/noun a bacterium that causes boils andfood poisoning. Genus: Staphylococcus.(NOTE: The plural is staphylococci.)staplestaple noun the length and fineness offibres such as wool or cotton, used in deter-mining qualitystaple commoditystaple commodity noun a basic foodor raw materialstaple lengthstaple length noun the length of thewool fibrestarchstarch noun a substance composed ofchains of glucose units, found in greenplants

COMMENT: Starch is the usual form inwhich carbohydrate is present in food,especially in bread, rice and potatoes,and it is broken down by the digestiveprocess into forms of sugar. Carbohy-drate is not stored in the bodies of ani-mals in the form of starch, but asglycogen.

starchystarchy adjective containing a lot ofstarch � Potatoes are a starchy food.starterstarter noun a culture of bacteria, used toinoculate animals or to start growth in milkused in cheese productionState Veterinary ServiceState Veterinary Service noun anationwide service based in Worcester,with 24 regional offices in the UK, set upby the government to deliver its policies onthe health and welfare of livestock. AbbrSVSstationstation noun a very large farm, special-ising in raising sheep or cattleStatutory Management RequirementStatutory Management Require-ment noun a set of environmental andanimal welfare requirements, whichfarmers must meet to receive a Single FarmPayment. Abbr SMRsteam upsteam up verb to feed a cow before itcalves, to prepare it for the next lactationstecklingsstecklings /�stekliŋz/ plural noun youngsugar beet plants grown in seedbeds insummer, to be transplanted in the autumnor following spring

steersteer noun a castrated male bovine overone year old. Also called bullocksteerage hoesteerage hoe noun a hoe mountedbehind a tractor and steered by the driver toavoid crop damagestellstell /stel/ noun a stone shelter for sheepand cattle in upland areasstemstem noun 1. the main stalk of a plant thatholds it upright 2. a subsidiary plant stalk,branching out from the main stalk orattaching a leaf, flower or fruitstem cankerstem canker noun a fungal diseaseaffecting many types of plant includingoilseed rapestem eelwormstem eelworm noun a pest affectingcereals, in particular oats. The plant stemswells and is prevented from growing andproducing any ears.stemmedstemmed /stemd/ adjective with a stem� a short-stemmed variety of rosestem rotstem rot noun a disease caused by defi-ciency of nutrientsstem ruststem rust noun a disease of wheat,infecting the stemsteppesteppe /step/ noun a wide grassy plainwith no trees, especially in Europe andAsia (NOTE: The North American equiva-lent of a steppe is a prairie.)sterilesterile adjective 1. free from microorgan-isms 2. infertile or not able to produceoffspringsterilisationsterilisation /�sterilai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/, steri-lization noun 1. the action of makingsomething free from microorganisms 2. theaction of making an organism unable toproduce offspringsterilisesterilise /�sterilaiz/, sterilize verb 1. tomake something sterile by killing themicroorganisms in it or on it � The soilneeds to be sterilised before being used forintensive greenhouse cultivation. 2. tomake an organism unable to have offspring(NOTE: This may be done by various meansincluding drugs, surgery or irradiation.)sterilised milksterilised milk noun milk prepared forhuman consumption by heating in sealedairtight containers to kill all bacteria. SeeComment at milksterilitysterility /stə |�riliti/ noun 1. the state ofbeing free from microorganisms 2. theinability to produce offspringstewardshipstewardship noun the protection of theenvironment for the benefit of futuregenerations of human beings by devel-oping appropriate institutions and strate-gies


sticker 234stickersticker noun a substance added to afungicide or bactericide preparation to helpit to stick to the sprayed surfacestigmastigma noun the part of a flower’s femalereproductive organ that receives the pollengrains (NOTE: It is generally located at thetip of the style.)stilestile /stail/ noun a set of steps arranged sothat people can climb over a wall or fencestillbirthstillbirth /�stilb��θ/ noun the birth of adead animal or abortion at a late stage ofpregnancystillbornstillborn /�stilbɔ�n/ adjective referring toan animal which is born deadStiltonStilton /�stiltən/ noun English bluecheesestipulastipula /�stipjυlə/ noun a newly sproutedfeatherstipulestipule /�stipju�l/ noun one of the pair ofwing-like growths at the base of a leaf stalkstirkstirk /st��k/ noun a Scottish term forcattle, both male and female, under twoyears oldstockstock noun 1. animals or plants that arederived from a common ancestor 2. a plantwith roots onto which a piece of anotherplant, the scion, is grafted. � rootstock 3. asupply of something available for futureuse � Stocks of herring are being deci-mated by overfishing. � verb 1. to providea supply of something for future use � awell-stocked garden � We stocked theponds with a rare breed of fish. 2. to intro-duce livestock into an area or into a farmstock breederstock breeder noun a farmer whospecialises in breeding livestockstock bullstock bull noun a bull kept for breedingpurposes in a pedigree herdstock farmingstock farming noun the rearing of live-stock for salestocking densitystocking density noun the number ofanimals kept on a specific area of land(NOTE: Animal welfare codes lay downrules for the maximum stocking densityallowed to ensure that the health andwelfare of the animals or birds is good.)stocking ratestocking rate noun a measure of thecarrying capacity of an area in terms of thenumber of livestock in it at a given time,e.g. the number of animals per hectarestockmanstockman /�stɒkmən/ noun a farmworker who looks after animals, especiallycattle (NOTE: Animal welfare codes laydown rules about how well-trainedstockmen should be in order to ensure the

good health and welfare of the animals orbirds in their care.)stockproofstockproof /�stɒkpru�f/ adjective refer-ring to a fence which livestock cannot getthroughstockystocky adjective referring to an animalwith short strong legsstolonstolon /�stəυlɒn/ noun a stem that growsalong the ground and gives rise to a newplant when it roots

‘White clover’s beneficial effect may berelated to the large population of microbesassociated with its root system and theforce the roots exert on the soil inanchoring the plant’s stolons to thesurface.’ [Dairy Farmer]

stomastoma /�stəυmə/ noun a pore in a plant,especially in the leaves, through whichcarbon dioxide is taken in and oxygen issent out. Each stoma in a leaf is surroundedby a pair of guard cells, which close thestomata if the plant needs to conservewater. (NOTE: The plural is stomata.)stomach digestionstomach digestion noun the part ofthe digestive process which takes place inthe animal’s stomachstonestone noun 1. a single small piece of rock2. a hard endocarp that surrounds a seed ina fruit such as a cherrystone-ground flourstone-ground flour noun a type offlour made by grinding with millstonesStoneleighStoneleigh /�stəυnli/ noun the home ofthe National Agricultural Centre andproposed site for the National Museum ofFood and Farmingstone trapstone trap noun in a combine harvester,a trough with a trap door, which preventsstones passing into the concavestookstook /stυk/ noun several (usuallytwelve) corn sheaves gathered together in afield to form a small pyramid. Also calledshockstopstop verb to remove the growing tip of ashoot, to encourage lateral growthsstorage dryingstorage drying noun a method ofdrying bales of hay by blowing air throughthem (NOTE: There are several methods ofstorage drying. In a building with airtightsides, air is forced up through ventilationholes in the floor. In open barns, radialdrying or a centre duct system is used.)storestore noun 1. a supply of something keptfor future use 2. � store cattle, stores,store lambs cattle or lambs bred or boughtfor fattening. The animals are usuallyreared on one farm and then sold on to


235 strip cup

dealers or other farmers. � verb to keepsomething until it is needed � Whales storeenergy as blubber under the skin.stoverstover /�stəυvə/ noun an inferior type offodderstraightstraight noun an animal foodstuffcomposed of one type of foodstraight fertiliserstraight fertiliser noun a fertiliser thatsupplies only one nutrient such as nitrogen.Compare compound fertiliser, mixedfertiliserstrainstrain noun a group within a species withdistinct characteristics � They have devel-oped a new strain of virus-resistant rice.strakestrake /streik/ noun an attachmentbolted onto the rear wheels of a tractor toimprove wheel grip. The strake has spikeswhich can be extended beyond the tyre andwhich dig into the soil.stranglesstrangles /�str�ŋ�əlz/ noun a disease ofmangolds and sugar beet. It occurs in fairlylarge seedlings after singling. The stem isseverely damaged.Strategy for Sustainable Farming and FoodStrategy for Sustainable Farmingand Food noun a scheme administeredby Defra which promotes sustainable,ecologically sound farming methods, andprovides funding for relevant training andmodernisationstrawstraw noun 1. the dry stems and leaves ofcrops such as wheat and oilseed rape leftafter the grains have been removed 2. grasswhich is mowed after flowering. Comparehay

COMMENT: Straw can be ploughed backinto the soil. It is often mixed with animaldung to make manure. Non-agriculturaluses are varied and include thatching,making paper and making bricks. It canbe compressed into bundles to act asfuel and in this way can be used for heat-ing farms and small local industrial build-ings.

strawberrystrawberry noun a soft fruit of theFragaria species, used as a dessert fruit,but also preserved as jamstrawberry foot rotstrawberry foot rot noun a bacterialdisease affecting sheep, causing ulcersstraw burningstraw burning noun a cheap method ofdisposal of straw, which helps to controldiseasesstraw chopperstraw chopper noun a device fitted tothe back of a combine which chops strawinto short lengths and drops it on thestubble. Chopped straw is easier to ploughin.

straw spreaderstraw spreader noun a device attachedto the back of a combine when the straw isnot wanted. The straw is spread over theground and then ploughed in.straw walkerstraw walker noun the part of a combineharvester where straw is carried away fromthe threshed grain after it has been sepa-rated from the stalksstrengthstrength noun the ability of wheat flourto produce a yeasted dough capable ofretaining carbon dioxide bubbles until theproteins in the bubble walls become rela-tively rigid, which happens at about 75°C.The milling quality of wheat is measuredby the Hagberg test.streptococcalstreptococcal /�streptə |�kɒk(ə)l/adjective referring to an infection causedby streptococcistreptococcusstreptococcus /�streptə|�kɒkəs/ nouna bacterium belonging to a genus thatgrows in long chains and causes diseasessuch as strangles and mastitis (NOTE: Theplural is streptococci.)streptomycinstreptomycin /�streptə |�maisin/ nounan antibiotic used against many types ofinfection, especially streptococcal onesstressstress noun 1. a condition where anoutside influence changes the compositionor functioning of something � Plants in dryenvironments experience stress due to lackof water. 2. a state of anxiety or strain thatcan affect an animal’s health � verb toworry an animal so that it becomes illstrikestrike noun the infestation of the flesh ofsheep by the larvae of blowflies. It causesextreme irritation and death can occur in ashort time. � verb to take rootstring beanstring bean noun same as French beanstripstrip noun a long narrow piece, usually ofthe same width from end to end � a strip ofpaper � a strip of land � verb to remove acovering from something � Spraying withdefoliant strips the leaves off all plants.strip croppingstrip cropping noun a method offarming in which long thin pieces of landacross the contours are planted withdifferent crops in order to reduce soilerosionstrip cultivationstrip cultivation noun a method ofcommunal farming in which each familyhas a long thin piece or several long thinpieces of land to cultivatestrip cupstrip cup noun a container into which thefirst drops of milk are drawn by hand fromthe teats of the cow before the milkingmachine is attached to the udder


stripe rust 236stripe ruststripe rust noun same as yellow ruststrip farmingstrip farming noun a method of farmingwhere strips of land across the contours areplanted with different cropsstrip grazingstrip grazing noun a system of grazingwhich allows animals access to a small partof the field. The rest of the field isprotected by a temporary fence, usuallyelectric.stripper-headerstripper-header noun a machine whichharvests a crop such as linseed and stripsoff the seedheadsstrippingsstrippings /�stripiŋz/ noun the lastdrops of milk from a cow’s teats at the endof milking sessionstrobilurinstrobilurin /strɒ|�biljυrin/ noun one of agroup of translaminar and protectant fungi-cides. Strobilurins are used on a wide rangeof crops.struckstruck noun an acute disease of sheepwhich is a form of entero-toxaemia. Itaffects sheep which are one to two yearsold and is very localised. In Britain itoccurs only in the Romney Marsh and insome Welsh valleys.stubblestubble noun the short stems left in theground after a crop such as wheat oroilseed rape has been cutstubble burningstubble burning noun formerly, amethod of removing dry stubble byburning it before ploughing. Stubbleburning was banned under the Crop Resi-dues (Burning) Regulations of 1993.

COMMENT: Stubble burning has theadvantage of removing weed seeds andcreating a certain amount of natural ferti-liser which can be ploughed into the soil.The disadvantage is that it pollutes theatmosphere with smoke, reducing visibil-ity on roads and releasing large amountsof carbon dioxide. This, together with thepossible danger that the fire may get outof control, killing small animals and burn-ing trees and crops, means that it is notrecommended as a means of dealingwith the stalks of harvested plants.

stubble cleaningstubble cleaning noun working thestubble after harvest, using ploughs, culti-vators, and harrows to free the weeds fromthe soilstubble turnipsstubble turnips plural noun quick-growing types of turnip sown into cerealstubble and grown as catch cropsstudstud noun 1. same as stud farm 2. US amale horse kept for breeding 3. metal nailwith a head projecting above the surface

studded roller feed drillstudded roller feed drill noun a typeof external force feed seed drill in whichfluted rollers are replaced by rolls withstuds or pegs. It is suitable for drilling mosttypes of seed.stud farmstud farm noun a farm where horses arekept for breedingstud feesstud fees plural noun money paid to theowner of a stud animal for servicing afemalestumpstump noun � tree stumpstuntstunt verb to reduce the growth of some-thing � The poor soil stunts the growth ofthe trees.stysty noun a structure for housing pigs,usually with a small run next to it. Alsocalled pigstystylestyle noun the elongated structure thatcarries the stigma at its tip in many flowerssub-sub- prefix 1. less important than 2. lowerthansubculturesubculture noun a culture of microor-ganisms or cells that is grown from anotherculture � verb to grow a culture of micro-organisms or cells from another culturesubdominantsubdominant /s�b |�dɒminənt/ adjec-tive (of a species) being not as important asthe dominant speciessubfertilitysubfertility /�s�bf��tiliti/ noun a situa-tion where an animal is less fertile thanexpected

‘When purchasing bulls, also considerfertility. Subfertility in bulls can lead to a5–10% decrease in pregnancy rate, whencompared with a fully fertile bull.’[Farmers Weekly]

suboestrussuboestrus /s�b|�i�strəs/ noun a situa-tion where a female animal comes on heat,but does not show any of the usual signssubsidysubsidy noun money given by a govern-ment or organisation to help an industry,charity or other organisation � The reformwill result in subsidies for farming beingreplaced by payments for caring for theenvironment.subsistencesubsistence /səb|�sistəns/ noun thecondition of managing to live on thesmallest amount of resources includingfood needed to stay alivesubsistence farmingsubsistence farming, subsistenceagriculture noun the activity of growingjust enough crops to feed the farmer’sfamily and having none left to sellsubsoilsubsoil /�s�bsɔil/ noun a layer of soilunder the topsoil (NOTE: The subsoil


237 sugar cane

contains little organic matter but chemicalsubstances from the topsoil leach into it.)subsoiler

subsoiler /�s�bsɔilə/ noun a heavy culti-vator consisting of a strong frame withlong tines attached to it. It is used to breakup compacted soil to allow free passage ofair and water, a process called ‘subsoiling’.substandardsubstandard adjective not up tostandard quality � A load of substandardpotatoes was rejected by the buyer.substratumsubstratum /�s�bstrɑ�təm/ noun alayer of rock beneath the topsoil andsubsoil (NOTE: The plural is substrata.)subtropical

subtropical /s�b |�trɒpik(ə)l/ adjectivereferring to the subtropics � The islandsenjoy a subtropical climate. � Subtropicalplants grow on the sheltered parts of thecoast.subtropicssubtropics /s�b|�trɒpiks/ plural noun anarea between the tropics and the temperatezonesuccession

succession noun a series of stages, oneafter the other, by which a group of organ-isms living in a community reaches a stablestate or climaxsuccessional cropping

successional cropping noun 1. thegrowing of several crops one after the otherduring the same growing season 2. theprocess of sowing a crop such as lettuceover a long period, so that harvesting takesplace over a similarly long periodsucculentsucculent /�s�kjυlənt/ noun a plant thathas fleshy leaves or stems in which it storeswater, e.g. a cactussucculent foodssucculent foods plural noun feeding-stuffs which contain a lot of water; they arepalatable and filling, and usually have alaxative effect. Most root crops, e.g.swedes and turnips, are succulents.suckersucker noun a shoot which developsfrom the roots or lower part of a stemsucklesuckle /�s�k(ə)l/ verb to feed with milkfrom the uddersucklersuckler /�s�klə/ noun a calf or otheryoung animal which is sucklingsuckler cowsuckler cow noun a cow which rears itsown calf and is later used for beef produc-tionSuckler Cow Premium Scheme

Suckler Cow Premium Schemenoun until 2005, a subsidy on female cattleforming part of a suckler breeding herdused for rearing calves for meat production(NOTE: Now superseded by the SinglePayment Scheme.)

suckler herdsuckler herd noun a herd of beef cattle,where each dam suckles its own calf orcalvessucklerssucklers plural noun flowers of cloversucklingsuckling noun the act of nursing a calf atthe udder � single suckling, doublesucking, multiple suckling nursing onecalf, two or several calvessuckling pigsuckling pig noun an unweaned pigletsucrosesucrose /�su�krəυs/ noun a sugar that isabundant in many plants, which consists ofone molecule of glucose joined to one offructoseSuffolkSuffolk /�s�fək/, Suffolk Down noun abreed of sheep developed from crossesbetween the now extinct Norfolk Hornewes and the Southdown ram. It is a largequick-growing animal with a close shortfleece and a black face which has no woolon it. Suffolk crosses perform well under abroad range of farming systems, beingequally effective for over-winter storingand for intensive early lamb production.Suffolk PunchSuffolk Punch noun a heavy draughthorse, coloured chestnut. It is shorter andmore stocky than the shire and lacksfeathers on the fetlocks.suffrutescentsuffrutescent /sə |�fru�|�tesənt/, suffru-ticose /sə |�fru�tikəυz/ adjective referringto a perennial plant that is woody at thebase of the stem and does not die down toground level in wintersugarsugar noun 1. same as sucrose 2. anychemical of the saccharide groupsugar beetsugar beet noun a specialised type ofbeet grown for the high sugar content of itsroots. It is cultivated in temperate regions,and in Britain is an especially importantcrop in East Anglia. The crowns and leavesof the crop are used for feedingstuff, as isalso the residue after the sugar content hasbeen extracted from the roots.sugar beet harvestersugar beet harvester noun a machinefor harvesting sugar beet, which may betrailed or self-propelled. The machine cutsoff the beet tops, lifts the root, cleans offthe soil and conveys the beet to a hopperwhich is then emptied by a second elevatoronto a trailer.sugar beet toppersugar beet topper noun an attachmentto a sugar beet harvester which collects thesugar beet tops. Some have choppers andblower units, which chop up the tops andthen blow them into a trailer.sugar canesugar cane noun a large perennial grass,whose stems contain a sweet sap


suitcase farmer 238

COMMENT: Sugar cane is rich in sucrosewhich is extracted and used for makingsugar. Cane sugar is now one of themost scientifically produced tropicalproducts, although cutting is still oftendone by hand. Cane is grown in manytropical and subtropical regions, in par-ticular in the Caribbean. The principalsugar producers are Cuba, India, Brazil,China, Puerto Rico and Hawaii for canesugar, and Russia, the Ukraine, Franceand Germany for beet sugar. Rum is aby-product of sugar cane.

suitcase farmersuitcase farmer noun US a farmer wholives some distance from his or herholding, i.e. more than 30 milessulphatesulphate noun a salt of sulphuric acidand a metalsulphate of ammoniasulphate of ammonia noun same asammonium sulphatesulphate of potashsulphate of potash noun same aspotassium sulphatesulphursulphur /�s�lfə/ noun a yellow non-metallic chemical element that is essentialto biological life. It is used in the manufac-ture of sulphuric acid and in the vulcanisa-tion of rubber. (NOTE: The usual andrecommended scientific spelling of sulphurand derivatives such as sulphate, sulphideand sulphonate is with an -f-, though thespelling with -ph- is still common in generalusage.)

COMMENT: In the United Kingdom, theremoval of sulphur from the atmospheremeans that some crops such as oilseedrape are deficient and sulphur needs tobe added to fertilisers.

sulphur deficiencysulphur deficiency noun a lack ofsulphur in the soil, leading to deficiency inplantssulphuric acidsulphuric acid /s�l|�fjυərik ��sid/noun a strong acid that exists as a colour-less oily corrosive liquid and is made byreacting sulphur trioxide with water. It isused in batteries and in the manufacture offertilisers, explosives, detergents, dyes andmany other chemicals. Formula: H2SO4.summersummer noun the season followingspring and before autumn, when theweather is warmest, the sun is highest inthe sky and most plants flower and set seedsummer feedingsummer feeding noun the feeding ofcattle on permanent pastures in thesummer monthssummer mastitissummer mastitis noun an infection ofthe udder thought to be spread by bitingflies. Cows become very ill, lameness mayoccur and milk is watery and later bloody.

sunflowersunflower noun an important oilseedcrop grown in temperate areas

COMMENT: The oil extracted from theseeds is used for cooking and for marga-rine production. The residual cake afterpressing is a high-protein livestock feed,and the whole plant can be fed to cattle.It is also useful as a green manure plant.Birds can cause serious damage to sun-flower crops by feeding on the ripeningseeds. The main producing countries areRussia, the Ukraine, Argentina andRomania.

superlevysuperlevy /�su�pəlevi/ noun same assupplementary levysuperovulationsuperovulation /�su�pər|�ɒvjυ |

�leiʃ(ə)n/ noun the process in animalproduction of injecting hormones toincrease the number of eggs released by theovariessuperphosphatesuperphosphate /�su�pə|�fɒsfeit/noun a chemical compound formed fromcalcium phosphate and sulphuric acid,used as a fertilisersupplementsupplement noun something added inorder to make something more complete �vitamin supplements � verb /�s�pliment/to add to something in order to make itmore completesupplementary levysupplementary levy noun in the EU, apayment introduced to penalise milkproduction over the quota levelsupplementary rationsupplementary ration noun a type ofconcentrate fed to livestock to supplementfeeds of hay and rootssupply chainsupply chain noun the sequence offarmers, processors, distributors andretailers who are involved in taking aproduct from the farm to the consumersupportsupport verb 1. to hold the weight ofsomething � to support the saplings withstakes 2. to provide what is necessary foran activity or way of life � These wetlandssupport a natural community of plants,animals and birds.support buyingsupport buying noun same as inter-vention buyingsupport energysupport energy noun the total energyexpenditure necessary for the productionof plant and animal agricultural foodstuffssupport pricesupport price noun the price at whichthe EU will buy farm produce whichfarmers cannot sell, in order to store it.Also called intervention pricesurface drainagesurface drainage noun the removal ofsurplus water from an area of land bymeans of ditches and channels


239 sward height record padsurface-rootingsurface-rooting adjective referring to aplant whose roots are shallow in the soil.Compare deep-rootedsurface runoffsurface runoff noun a flow of rain-water, melted snow or excess fertiliserfrom the surface of land into streams andriverssurface watersurface water noun water that flowsacross the surface of the soil as a streamafter rain and drains into rivers rather thanseeping into the soil itself. Compareground watersurgeonsurgeon noun a person who has quali-fied in the treatment of disease by cuttingout the diseased partsurplussurplus adjective more than is needed �Surplus water will flow away in stormdrains. � noun 1. something that is morethan is needed � produced a surplus ofwheat 2. extra produce, produce which ismore than is neededSussexSussex /�s�siks/ noun a beef breed ofcattle, similar to the North Devon, that ishardy and adaptable. Dark cherry red incolour, they were originally used asdraught animals in preference to draughthorses.sustainabilitysustainability /sə |�steinə |�biliti/ nounthe ability of a process or human activity tomeet present needs but maintain naturalresources and leave the environment ingood order for future generationssustainable agriculturesustainable agriculture noun envi-ronmentally friendly methods of farmingthat allow the production of crops or live-stock without damage to the ecosystemsustainable consumption and productionsustainable consumption andproduction noun the idea that agricul-tural production should not cause environ-mental damage, exploit workers or use upnatural resources that cannot be replaced.Abbr SCPsustainable developmentsustainable development noundevelopment that balances the satisfactionof people’s immediate interests and theprotection of future generations’ interestsSustainable Development CommissionSustainable DevelopmentCommission noun an independent bodywhich advises the UK government onethical considerations in environmental,social and economic developmentsustainable energysustainable energy noun energyproduced from renewable resources thatdoes not deplete natural resourcesSustainable Farming and Food StrategySustainable Farming and FoodStrategy noun a strategy produced by

Defra to support farming and food indus-tries in working towards practices that willlead to a better environment and healthyand prosperous communitiessustainable food chainsustainable food chain noun a foodchain from producer to consumer which isenvironmentally responsible and sustain-able at all stagessustainable production processessustainable production processesnoun agricultural production methodswhich do not damage or deplete naturalresourcessustainable productssustainable products plural nounproducts which are created and suppliedusing sustainable methodssustainable societysustainable society noun a societywhich exists without depleting the naturalresources of its habitatsustainable tourismsustainable tourism noun themanagement of tourist activities to ensureminimum disruption of local infrastructureand environment

‘CCW is looking into the idea inpartnership with the Wales Tourist Boardand others, with the aim of helpingsustainable tourism by developingresources for visitors and local people.’[Farmers Guardian]

sustainable yieldsustainable yield noun the greatestproductivity that can be derived from arenewable resource without depleting thesupply in a specific areaSVDSVD abbreviation swine vesicular diseaseSVSSVS abbreviation State Veterinary ServiceSwaledaleSwaledale /�sweildeil/ noun a veryhardy breed of sheep, with distinctivetwisting horns and a black face with awhite nose, which originated in the NorthPennines of Yorkshire. The fleece has anouter layer of long coarse wool and aninner layer of fine dense wool. TheSwaledale ewe is the mother of the popularlowland ‘mule’ ewe when mated to theBlue-faced (Hexham) Leicester ram.swampswamp noun an area of permanently wetland and the plants that grow on itswamplandswampland /�swɒmpl�nd/ noun anarea of land covered with swampswampyswampy /�swɒmpi/ adjective referring toland that is permanently wetswardsward /swɔd/ noun a cover of grassesand clovers which makes a pasturesward height record padsward height record pad noun anotebook in which the height of a sward isrecorded


swardsman 240swardsmanswardsman /�swɔ�dzmən/ noun a farmworker who looks after or grows pastureswarmswarm noun a large number of insectssuch as bees or locusts flying as a group �verb (of insects) to fly in a large groupswathswath /swɒθ/ noun 1. a row of grass orother plants lying on the ground after beingcut 2. a row of potatoes which have beenlifted and left lying on the groundswath turnerswath turner noun a haymakingmachine used to move individual swathssideways and turn them over at the sametime, so making the drying process faster.It is also used in wet conditions to scatter aswath to dry it more quickly.swayback diseaseswayback disease /�sweib�k di|�zi�z/noun an often fatal disease of lambs causedby copper deficiency in the ewe’s diet.Lambs become unsteady and unable towalk. The disease is often a problem whenthere has been no snow during the winter.swedeswede noun a vegetable (Brassica ruta-baga) with an swollen root. An importantforage crop, it is grown for feeding sheepand cattle, either in the field or as winterfeed for housed livestock. Swedes have aslightly higher feeding value and keepbetter than turnips, so they are often liftedand clamped.Swedish Red and WhiteSwedish Red and White /�swi�diʃred ən �wait/ noun a dual-purpose breedof cattle found in Central and SouthernSweden. The animals are cherry red incolour with white markings.sweeper bullsweeper bull /�swi�pə bυl/ noun a bullused to serve cows that have not been arti-ficially inseminatedsweet cornsweet corn noun a type of maize inwhich the grains contain a large amount ofsugar rather than starch. It is grown forhuman consumption. Also called corn onthe cobsweetenersweetener noun an artificial substancesuch as saccharin added to food to make itsweetsweet potatosweet potato noun a starchy root cropgrown in tropical and subtropical regions

COMMENT: The sweet potato is valuableas famine food in parts of Africa andSouth America. The main producingcountries are Indonesia, Vietnam andJapan. In the Southern USA, the tubersare called ‘yams’. The plant has no con-nection with the ordinary potato.

swellswell verb to grow fat � The rain will helpthe grapes to swell.

swidden farming

swidden farming /�swid(ə)n �fɑ�miŋ/noun same as slash and burn agricultureswill

swill noun waste food from kitchens,formerly used for pig feeding but bannedafter the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001swine

swine noun a collective term for pigsswine erysipelas

swine erysipelas noun an infectiousdisease of pigs caused by bacteria. Symp-toms include inflammation and skinpustules. The red marks on the skin arediamond-shaped, from which the diseasegets its common name of ‘diamonds’. Itoccurs especially in hot muggy weatherand in its acute form can be fatal.swine fever

swine fever noun a notifiable disease ofpigs. Its symptoms are fever, loss of appe-tite and general weakness, and it can befatal. The disease was eradicated inBritain, but some further cases haveoccurred. Also called pig typhoidswine vesicular disease

swine vesicular disease noun a virusinfection similar to foot and mouth disease,but which only attacks pigs. It is a notifi-able disease and infected animals arecompulsorily slaughtered and movementlicences apply.swinging drawbarswinging drawbar noun a moveabledrawbar which is used to pull heavy trailedequipmentswollen shoot

swollen shoot noun a viral diseaseaffecting the cocoa tree (NOTE: swelled –swollen)SWT

SWT abbreviation Scottish Wildlife Trustsycamore

sycamore noun a large hardwood tree ofthe maple family. Latin name: Acer pseu-doplatanus.symbiont

symbiont /�simbaiɒnt/ noun one of theset of organisms living in symbiosis witheach other. Compare commensalsymbiosis

symbiosis /�simbai |�əυsis/ noun acondition where two or more unrelatedorganisms exist together enabling both tosurvive. Also called mutualism

‘The bacteria, a group of 80 differentstrains that live in symbiosis, areincorporated into the slurry and combatthe anaerobic bacteria normally found inslurry pits and which are thought to beresponsible for gas emissions andunpleasant odours.’ [Farmers Guardian]

symbiotic

symbiotic /�simbai |�ɒtik/ adjectivereferring to symbiosis � The rainforest hasevolved symbiotic mechanisms to recycleminerals.


241 systemic weedkillersymbioticallysymbiotically /�simbai |�ɒtikli/ adverbin symbiosis � Colonies of shellfish haveparasites that live symbiotically with them.symptomsymptom noun a change in the func-tioning or appearance of an organism,which shows that a disease or disorder ispresentsymptomaticsymptomatic adjective referring to amedical symptom � The rash is sympto-matic of measles.syndicatesyndicate noun a group of people orcompanies working together to makemoneysyndromesyndrome noun a group of symptomsand other changes in an organism’s func-tions which, when taken together, showthat a particular disease or disorder ispresentsynthetic insecticidesynthetic insecticide noun an insecti-cide that is made artificially from chemi-cals that do not occur naturally in plantssystemsystem noun an arrangement of things orphenomena that act together � a weathersystemsystematicsystematic adjective organised in aplanned waysystematic ploughingsystematic ploughing noun theprocess of ploughing a field by sections,each of which is called a land

systemic

systemic /si|�sti�mik/ adjective affectinga whole organismsystemic compound

systemic compound noun acompound fertiliser which reaches all partsof a plantsystemic fungicide

systemic fungicide noun a fungicidethat is absorbed into a plant’s sap systemthrough its leaves or roots and protects theplant from infection by fungi withoutkilling the plant itself. � systemic pesti-cidesystemic herbicide

systemic herbicide noun a herbicidethat is absorbed into a plant’s sap systemthrough its leaves or roots and is trans-ported through the plant to kill the roots.Also called systemic weedkillersystemic insecticide

systemic insecticide noun an insecti-cide which is taken up by a plant and entersthe sap stream so that biting insects takethe insecticide when they suck the sapsystemic pesticide

systemic pesticide noun a pesticidethat is absorbed into a plant’s sap systemthrough its leaves or roots and protects theplant from pests without killing the plantitselfsystemic weedkiller

systemic weedkiller noun same assystemic herbicide


TTT abbreviation tonnetabanidaetabanidae /tə|�b�nidai/, tabanids pluralnoun a family of horse flies with strongantennae, which are often large and flyfast. Most females suck blood and attacklarge mammals such as cattle with theirblade-like jaws.TabanusTabanus /tə|�beinəs/ noun any of thetabanidaetable birdtable bird noun a poultry bird reared formeattable chickentable chicken noun a chicken raised foreating rather than producing eggstacktack noun 1. harness equipment 2. � ontack taken from or by one farmer to grazeon another farmer’s fields � He takes 360store lambs on tack in the autumn toremove surplus grass.tackroomtackroom /�t�krυm/ noun a room forstoring harness equipment. The tackshould be kept in damp-free conditions.TaeniaTaenia /�ti�niə/ noun a genus of tape-wormtagtag noun a label attached to an animal toidentify ittailbitingtailbiting /�teilbaitiŋ/ noun a form ofbehaviour, especially associated with pigs,in which an animal bites the tail of anotheranimal. The cause is not known but couldbe due to bad housing.tail corntail corn, tailings /�teiliŋz/ noun grainsof corn of inferior sizetailpiecetailpiece /�teilpi�s/ noun an extension ofthe mouldboard of a plough which helps topress down the furrow slicetainttaint /teint/ verb to give an unpleasanttaste to foodtaketake verb to grow successfullytake-alltake-all noun a disease of wheat andbarley, causing black discoloration at thebase of the stem, premature ripening andwhite ears containing little or no grain

(NOTE: This is also called ‘whiteheads’,although whiteheads can be caused byother diseases.)tall fescuetall fescue noun a very hardy perennialgrass often used for winter grazing in hillyor less fertile areastallowtallow /�t�ləυ/ noun a cattle by-productproduced by rendering down all the ined-ible waste, used in the manufacture of soapand formerly incorporated into animalfeedsTamworthTamworth /�t�mw��θ/ noun a breed ofpig, red-gold in colour, which makes theanimal almost immune to sunburn

COMMENT: Tamworths are widelyexported to the USA and Australiabecause of their ability to stand hot sun-shine. They are hardy and can thrive onthe roughest land.

tantan verb to convert animal skins to leathertandem parlourtandem parlour noun a milking parlourwhere the cows stand in line with theirsides to the milkertanktank noun 1. a large container for storingfluid � water tank � fuel tank 2. a largecontainer for liquid, part of a sprayingmachinetankardtankard noun a variety of mangeltankertanker noun a truck used to carry liquidssuch as petrol or milktank mixtank mix noun the process of mixingseveral pesticides into one mixture to beused as a spray

‘Removal of the majority of green materialwill reduce the risk of blight infectionfollowing flailing although advice is toinclude an appropriate fungicide in thetank mix to protect from tuber blight.’[Farmers Guardian]

tannintannin /�t�nin/, tannic acid /�t�nik��sid/ noun 1. a brownish or yellowishcompound formed in leaves and bark


243 Technical Committee

(NOTE: Tannins in forage plants, especiallypeas and beans, prevent nutrients from theplants being fully absorbed by the grazinglivestock.) 2. a substance capable ofchanging animal hides to leather, which isresistant to decay, by precipitating thegelatin in the hides as an insolublecompound. All tannins are obtained fromplants, including tea, and the bark and gallsof oak.tanningtanning /�t�niŋ/ noun the process ofconverting animal skins to leather

COMMENT: Hides are soaked in a mixtureof chromium salts and after a certainperiod of soaking they become leather.

taptap noun a pipe with a handle that can beturned to make a liquid or gas come out ofa container � verb to remove or drain liquidfrom somethingtapewormtapeworm /�teipw��m/ noun a parasiticworm with a long flattened segmentedbody that lives mainly in the guts of verte-brate animals, including humans. Class:Cestoda.

COMMENT: Tapeworms enter the intes-tine when a person eats raw fish or meat.The worms attach themselves withhooks to the side of the intestine andgrow longer by adding sections to theirbodies. Tapeworm larvae do not nor-mally develop in humans, with theexception of the pork and dog tape-worms, Taenia solium. Tapeworms sel-dom need treatment in livestock,although sheepdogs should be wormedregularly.

taproottaproot /�t�p |�ru�t/ noun the thick mainroot of a plant which grows straight downinto the soil (NOTE: A taproot system has amain root with smaller roots branching offit, as opposed to a fibrous root systemwhich has no main root.)taretare /teə/ noun 1. same as vetch 2. theweight of a container or of the packaging inwhich goods are wrappedTarentaiseTarentaise /�t�rən |�teiz/ noun a breedof dairy cattle from the Savoie region ofFrance. The animals are yellowish fawn incolour, with black muzzle, ears and tail.target pricetarget price noun the wholesale pricewithin the EU that market management isintended to achieve for certain productssuch as wheat. It is linked to the supportprice.

COMMENT: Target prices are set in termsof fixed agricultural units of account,which are converted into differentnational currencies using adjusted

exchange rates known as ‘green rates’(in the UK, the ‘green pound’). A systemof levies on non-EU agricultural importsis used to protect target prices when theyare set above the general level of worldprices. In addition, the EU has estab-lished an internal price support systembased on a set of intervention prices setslightly below the target price. If the levelof supply is in excess of what is neededto clear the market at the target price, theexcess supply is bought by the Commu-nity at the intervention price, thereby pre-venting overproduction from depressingthe common price level.

tarifftariff noun a duty or duties levied by agovernment on imported or sometimesexported goodstar oiltar oil noun a winter wash used to controlaphids and scale insects on fruit treestarragontarragon /�t�rə�ən/ noun an aromaticplant (Artemisia dracunculus) of which theleaves are used for seasoningtasseltassel noun 1. a male flower of the maizeplant 2. an appendage of hair hanging fromthe neck of male turkeys � verb to producea tassel � The crop tasselled early.tattootattoo noun a mark made on an animal’sbody to identify itTBCTBC abbreviation total bacterial countteatea noun the dried leaves of one or moreshrubs of the Camellia family, of which thecommonest is Camelia sinensis

COMMENT: Tea is one of the hardiest ofall subtropical plants. The plants arepruned to form low bushes and toencourage the production of leaves andhelp plucking. The principal tea-produc-ing countries are India, Bangladesh, SriLanka, China, Indonesia and Japan.

teaser ramteaser ram noun a vasectomised ram,used to stimulate ewes by ‘non-fertile’mating prior to the introduction of fertileramsteatteat /ti�t/ noun a nipple on an udder. Incattle there are four quarters to the udder,each drained by a teat.teat chapsteat chaps plural noun sores on the teat,probably due to abrasions caused by themilking machineteat cupteat cup noun a tube forming part of amilking machine, which fits over the teatof the cowteat dippingteat dipping noun a measure for controlof mastitis in cattle. The teats are dipped ina cup containing an iodophor disinfectant.Technical CommitteeTechnical Committee noun acommittee appointed by the UK govern-


technology 244

ment in 1965, which reviewed the welfareof animals kept under intensive livestockhusbandry systemstechnologytechnology noun 1. the use of scientificknowledge to develop machines and tech-niques for use in industry 2. machines andtechniques developed using scientificknowledge � The technology has to berelated to user requirements.teddertedder /�tedə/ noun a machine used to liftand loosen a swath, enabling air to circu-late through the cut crop

COMMENT: Tedders may be mounted ortrailed, and some are of the rotary typewith spring tines which rotate on a verti-cal axis and move the crop sideways.Others, overshot hay tedders, have arotor with a series of spring tines whichlift the crop over the rotor and back to theground.

teddingtedding /�tediŋ/ noun the process ofspreading by lifting the swaths of new-mown grass in haymaking, so as to exposemore grass to the sun and air and make itdry more quicklyTeeswaterTeeswater /�ti�zwɔ�tə/ noun a breed oflongwool sheep with a dark muzzle. It isused to provide rams for cross-breedingwith Swaledale ewes to produce the hybridMasham.tegteg /te�/ noun a sheep in its second yearTelemarkTelemark /�telimɑ�k/ noun a Norwegianbreed of dairy cattle. The animals are redwith white patches.tel queltel quel /�tel �kwel/ adjective referring tothe weight of any type of sugar in tonnestemporary grasslandtemporary grassland noun arableland sown to ley for a limited periodtenanttenant noun a person who pays rent forthe use of a farm and land owned by a land-lordTenant Farmers AssociationTenant Farmers Association noun agroup formed to represent the interests oftenant farmers on a national scale. AbbrTFAtendertender adjective 1. soft or susceptible todamage 2. referring to a plant whichcannot tolerate frosttenderisetenderise /�tendəraiz/, tenderize verbto make meat tender by keeping it for acertain time in cold conditions, byapplying substances such as papain, byinjecting with enzymes, etc.tenderometertenderometer /�tendə|�rɒmitə/ noun adevice used for testing vining peas to seehow firm they are, so allowing harvestingto take place at the right time

tendontendon noun a strip of connective tissuethat attaches a muscle to a bonetendriltendril /�tendrəl/ noun a stem, leaf orpetiole of a plant modified into a thintouch-sensitive organ that coils aroundobjects, providing support for climbingplantsterminalterminal adjective referring to a shoot orbud at the end of a shootterminal sireterminal sire noun a sire used in cross-breeding, whose progeny will possess ahigh rate of growth and good carcassquality, but will not be suitable forbreeding themselvesterraceterrace noun a flat strip of land across asloping hillside, lying level along thecontours � verb to build terraces on amountainside � The hills are covered withterraced rice fields.

COMMENT: Terracing is widely used tocreate small flat fields on steeply slopingland, so as to bring more land into pro-ductive use, and also to prevent soil ero-sion.

terrace cultivationterrace cultivation noun hill slopes cutto form terraced fields which rise in stepsone above the other and are cultivated,often with the aid of irrigationterrainterrain noun the ground or an area of landin terms of its physical surface features �mountainous terrainterra rossaterra rossa noun a red soil that developsover limestone, found in Spain, SouthernFrance and Southern Italyterrierterrier noun a record of land held and itsoccupation and usetertiarytertiary adjective coming after two otherthings. � primary, secondaryTeschen diseaseTeschen disease /�teʃən di |�zi�z/ nouna virus disease of pigs caused by an enter-ovirus. It is a notifiable disease whichcauses fever, paralysis and often death.testatesta /�testə/ noun the tough protectiveskin around a seed which protects theembryo inside. Also called seed coattesticletesticle /�testik(ə)l/ noun same as testistestistestis /�testis/ noun one of two male sexglands in the scrotum, producing sperm(NOTE: In mammals, including humans, thepaired testes also secrete sex hormones.The plural of testis is testes.)tetanustetanus noun an infection caused byClostridium tetani in the soil, which affectsthe spinal cord and causes spasms whichoccur first in the jaw


245 three-times-a-day

COMMENT: Livestock, especially horses,can be affected by the disease. Peoplewho work on the land or with soil, suchas farm workers or construction workers,should be immunised against tetanus.

tethertether noun a rope, chain or halter, usedto tie up animals � verb to tie up an animalwith a rope or chain, so that it cannot moveawaytetracyclinetetracycline /�tetrə|�saikli�n/ noun anantibiotic used against various bacterialdiseasestetraploidtetraploid /�tetrəplɔid/ noun forms ofgrass and clover with larger seeds and alarger plant than ordinary grass and clover.Deep green in colour, they are lower in drymatter, palatable and digestible. There arealso tetraploidal varieties of wheat. (NOTE:The number of chromosomes has beendoubled from the normal diploid state inryegrasses.)Texan angora goatTexan angora goat noun a breed ofgoat with very fine hair, imported fromAmericaTexelTexel /�teksel/ noun a breed of sheepfrom the North of Holland, used to cross-breed as a flock sireTFATFA abbreviation Tenant Farmers Associ-ationTGETGE abbreviation transmissible gastro-enteritist/hat/ha abbreviation tonnes per hectarethatchthatch /θ�tʃ/ verb to cover a roof withreeds, straw, grass or other plant material �Reeds provide the longest-lasting materialfor thatching. � noun a covering for a roofmade of reeds, straw, grass or other plantmaterial � birds nesting in the old thatchtheavestheaves /θi�vz/ plural noun female sheepbetween the first and second shearingtheoretical field capacitytheoretical field capacity noun therate of work that would be achieved if amachine were performing its function at itsfull-rated forward speed for 100% of thetimetherophytetherophyte /�θerəυfait/ noun an annualplant that completes its life cycle rapidly infavourable conditions, growing from aseed and dying within one season and thensurviving the unfavourable season in theform of seeds (NOTE: Many desert plantsand plants growing on cultivated land aretherophytes.)thiabendazolethiabendazole /�θaiə|�bendəzəυl/ nouna substance used to worm cattle

thiaminethiamine /�θaiəmin/, thiamin nounvitamin B1, found in yeast, cereals, liverand porkthicketthicket noun a wood of saplings andbushes growing close togetherthinthin verb to remove a number of smallplants from a crop, so allowing theremaining plants to grow more stronglythinningsthinnings /�θiniŋz/ noun small plantsremoved to let others grow more stronglythistlethistle noun a perennial weed (Cirsiumarvense, Cirsium vulgare) with spiny orprickly leaves, which grows as an erectplant and has large purple or white flowerheadsthoraxthorax /�θɔ�r�ks/ noun 1. a cavity in thetop part of the body of an animal above theabdomen, containing the diaphragm, heartand lungs, all surrounded by the rib cage 2.the middle section of the body of an insect,between the head and the abdomenthornthorn noun 1. a sharp woody point onplant stems or branches 2. a plant or treethat has sharp woody points on its stems orbranchesthornlessthornless /�θɔ�nləs/ adjective referringto a plant without thorns � He developed anew thornless variety of blackberry.thornythorny /�θɔ�ni/ adjective with thornsthoroughbredthoroughbred adjective, noun (refer-ring to) a horse that is bred for particularcharacteristics, in particular, a horse bredfor racingthousand grain weightthousand grain weight noun theweight of a thousand grains, used as anindicator of grain qualitythousand-headed kalethousand-headed kale, thousand-head kale noun a variety of kale grown forfeeding to livestock, usually in the wintermonths. It has many branches and smallleaves. The dwarf thousand-head producesa large number of new shoots during thewinter.threadwormthreadworm /�θredw��m/ noun a thinparasitic worm which infests the largeintestine. Genus: Enterobius.three-point linkagethree-point linkage noun a method ofcoupling implements to a tractor. Auto-matic couplers for three-point linkagepermit implements to be attached rapidlyand safely.three-times-a-daythree-times-a-day noun a milkingsystem in which cows are milked threetimes a day. Using this system can increasemilk yields.


thresh 246threshthresh /θreʃ/ verb to separate grains fromstalks and the seedheads of plantsthreshing machinethreshing machine noun a machineformerly used to thresh cereals, nowreplaced by the combine harvesterthreshold pricethreshold price noun in the EU, thelowest price at which farm produceimported into the EU can be sold. This isthe price in the home market below whichthe government or its agencies must buy allthe produce offered by producers for sale atthat price.thriftthrift /θrift/ noun good health in ananimal

‘PMWS is a complex disease. Thedevastating impact seen in newly affectedherds is well recognised. But it may bedifficult to distinguish from other causesof ill thrift if present at a low level.’[Farmers Weekly]

thriftythrifty /�θrifti/ adjective referring to ananimal which is developing wellthripsthrips /θrips/ noun an insect that is a pestof vegetables. Thrips operate on the under-side of leaves, leaving spots of sap or otherliquid which are red or blackish-brown.Typical examples are the onion thrips,grain thrips and pea thrips.thrivethrive verb (of an animal or plant) todevelop and grow strongly � These plantsthrive in very cold environments.throwthrow verb to give birth to youngthrunterthrunter /�θr�ntə/ noun a three-year-oldewethrushthrush noun a disease affecting the frogof a horse’s hoofThuyaThuya /�θu�jə/ noun the Latin name forcedarthymethyme noun a common aromatic Mediter-ranean plant (Thymus) used for flavouringsoups, stuffings and saucesticktick noun a tiny parasite that sucks bloodfrom the skin. Order: Acarida.tick beantick bean noun a small bean (Vicia fabaL), usually used for feeding to horses andother animalstick-borne fevertick-borne fever noun an infectiousdisease transmitted by bites from ticks. Incattle, the disease causes loss of milk yieldand a lower resistance to other diseases. Insheep it causes fever, listlessness and lossof weight. Abortions may occur as a resultof tick-borne fever.tick pyaemiatick pyaemia /�tik pai|�i�miə/ noun adisease affecting young lambs resulting inlimb joint and internal abscesses

tied cottagetied cottage noun a house which can beoccupied by the tenant as long as the tenantremains an employee of the landlordtiertier noun a range of things placed one rowabove another, e.g. the arrangement ofcages in a batterytilapiatilapia /ti|�l�piə/ noun a tropical whitefish, suitable for growing in fish farmstile drainingtile draining noun a means of drainingland using underground drains made ofclay, plastic or concrete. Special machinescalled ‘tile-laying machines’ are availablefor this work.tilltill verb to prepare the soil, especially bydigging or ploughing, to make it ready forthe cultivation of cropstillagetillage /�tilid�/ noun the activity ofpreparing the soil for cultivationtillertiller /�tilə/ noun a shoot of a grass orcereal plant, which forms at ground level inthe angle between a leaf and the mainshoot. True stems are only produced fromthe tillers at a later stage in the plant’sdevelopment.tilleringtillering /�tiləriŋ/ noun the process ofdeveloping several seedheads in a plant ofwheat, barley or oats (NOTE: Tillering leadsto the production of a heavier yield, andcan be induced by rolling the young crop inthe spring when it begins to grow. Tilleringis used to compensate for poor establish-ment. It is also important in grasses.)tilthtilth /tilθ/ noun a good light crumblingsoil prepared to be suitable for growingplants � Work the soil into a fine tilthbefore sowing seeds.timbertimber noun trees which have been or areto be cut down and made into logstimberlinetimberline /�timbəlain/ noun US sameas treelineTimothyTimothy /�timəθi/ noun a palatabletufted perennial grass (Phleum pratense).It grows on a wide range of soils and iswinter hardy. It is used in grazing mixturesand as a hay plant in conjunction withryegrass.tinetine /tain/ noun 1. a pointed spike on acultivator or harrow. Types of tine includerigid, spring-loaded and spring. 2. a sharpprong of a fork or raketinedtined /�taind/ adjective with tines � aspring-tined harrowtine harrowstine harrows plural noun sets of curvedtines sometimes used when the soil surfaceis caked or compacted. A tine harrow willbreak up the soil to depth of several inches.


247 total mixed rationTipulidaeTipulidae /ti |�pju�lidi/ noun a family ofinsects including crane flies and theirlarvae, leatherjackets, which destroy plantrootsTir CymenTir Cymen noun an agri-environmentalscheme for Wales, closed to new entrantssince 1998Tir GofalTir Gofal noun an agri-environmentalscheme for Wales, established in 1999tissue culturetissue culture noun 1. plant or animaltissue grown in a culture medium 2. amethod of plant propagation which repro-duces clones of the original plant on mediacontaining plant hormonestitletitle noun 1. the right to hold goods orproperty 2. a document proving a right tohold propertytitle deedstitle deeds plural noun documentsshowing who is the owner of a propertyTMRTMR abbreviation total mixed rationtoadstooltoadstool noun a fungus that resemblesan edible mushroom, but which may bepoisonoustobacco mosaic virustobacco mosaic virus noun a virusaffecting both tobacco plants and tomatoestocopheroltocopherol /tɒ|�kɒfərɒl/ noun one of agroup of fat-soluble chemicals that makeup vitamin E (NOTE: It is particularly abun-dant in vegetable oils and leafy greenvegetables.)toe-intoe-in noun the shorter distance betweenthe bases of the front wheels of a tractor,compared to their tops. Toe-in improvessteering performance and reduces wear onthe front tyres.ToggenburgToggenburg /�tɒ�ənb��/ noun a smallSwiss breed of goat, which is pale brown incolour with white markings on face, legsand rump. In Britain it has been developedinto a larger, darker animal, which is agood milker with a long lactation period.tolerancetolerance noun the ability of anorganism to accept something, or not toreact to something � plants with frost toler-ancetoleranttolerant adjective not reacting adverselyto something � a salt-tolerant planttolerant varietytolerant variety noun a variety of cropwhich has been developed to withstand adisease or attacks by certain peststoleratetolerate verb not to react adversely tosomethingtolerationtoleration /�tɒlə|�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun theability to tolerate something, or the act oftolerating something � poor toleration ofhigh temperatures

tomatotomato noun an important food crop thatproduces a round fruit with a bright redskin and pulpy flesh with many seeds. Theripe fruit are used in salads and manycooked dishes, and also pressed to makejuice and sauces. Large quantities are alsocanned.tom turkeytom turkey noun a male turkeytonton noun 1. a unit of measurement ofweight, equal to 1016kg. Also called longton 2. US a unit of measurement of weight,equal to 907kg. Also called short tontonnetonne noun a unit of measurement ofweight, equal to 1000kg. Also calledmetric tontop dressingtop dressing noun a fertiliser applied toa growing croptopknottopknot /�tɒpnɒt/ noun a tuft of hair onthe top of an animal’s head, found incertain breeds of cattle and sheeptop link sensortop link sensor noun the mechanism bywhich most draught controls sense thedraught on a tractor implement. It uses thetop link of the three-point linkage.toppertopper /�tɒpə/ noun a machine used tocut the tops off sugar beet. � pasturetoppertopper unittopper unit noun a unit forming part of atwo- or three-stage system, with a chopperand blower unittoppingtopping noun the process of cutting theleaves and stems from the sugar beet root.It must be done accurately, as overtoppingreduces yield.topstops plural noun leaves and stems ofplants such as sugar beet which are cut offand used as fodder for cattle and sheep ormade into silagetop-saving attachmenttop-saving attachment noun anattachment to a topper unit which collectsthe tops of sugar beet after they have beencut offtopsoiltopsoil /�tɒpsɔil/ noun the top layer ofsoil, often containing organic material,from which chemical substances arewashed by water into the subsoil belowtotal bacterial counttotal bacterial count noun a system ofcalculating the strength of an infection bycounting the number of bacteria present ina sample quantity of liquid taken from theanimal. Abbr TBCtotal mixed rationtotal mixed ration noun a winter feedfor livestock involving mixing of concen-trates with roughage and allowing theanimals free feeding of the mix. Abbr TMR


Toulouse 248ToulouseToulouse /�tu�lu�z/ noun a medium-large grey and white breed of goose, whichoriginates in Francetowtow verb to pull another wheeled vehicleor implementtowbartowbar /�təυbɑ�/ noun a strong bar at theback of a car or tractor, to which anothervehicle can be attached to be pulled alongtower silotower silo noun a tall circular tower usedfor storing silageTownshend, Viscount Townshend, Viscount (1674–1738)an 18th-century Norfolk landowner. Nick-named ‘Turnip’ Townshend, he did muchto make the Norfolk four-course rotationsystem popular.tox-tox- /tɒks/, toxi- /tɒksi/ prefix poisontoxaemiatoxaemia /tɒk|�si�miə/ noun bloodpoisoning. � pregnancy toxaemiatoxictoxic adjective referring to a substancethat is poisonous or harmful to humans,animals or the environmenttoxicitytoxicity /tɒk|�sisiti/ noun the degree towhich a substance is poisonous or harmful� They were concerned about the high levelof toxicity of the fumes.toxico-toxico- /tɒksikəυ/ prefix poisontoxicologicaltoxicological /�tɒksikə |�lɒd�ik(ə)l/adjective referring to toxicology � Irradi-ated food presents no toxicological hazardto humans.toxicologisttoxicologist /�tɒksi |�kɒləd�ist/ noun ascientist who specialises in the study ofpoisonstoxicologytoxicology /�tɒksi|�kɒləd�i/ noun thescientific study of poisons and their effectson the human bodytoxicosistoxicosis /�tɒksi |�kəυsis/ nounpoisoningtoxic substancetoxic substance noun a substance thatis poisonous or harmful to humans,animals or the environmenttoxintoxin noun a poisonous substanceproduced by microorganisms. � mycotoxintoxoplasmosistoxoplasmosis /�tɒksəυpl�z |�məυsis/noun an infectious disease affecting ewes,which causes pregnant animals to abortt/pat/pa abbreviation tonnes per annumTPOTPO abbreviation tree preservation ordertracetrace noun a very small amount of some-thing � There are traces of radioactivity inthe sample.traceabilitytraceability /�treisə|�biliti/ noun theconcept that each stage in the supply chainfrom farm to consumer can be traced so

that the quality of the food can be guaran-teed

‘A new survey has found Welsh food isriding high among consumers who areidentifying and asking for local producewhen eating out – and seemingly do notmind paying that little bit extra.Commissioned by the WelshDevelopment Agency and carried out byBeaufort Research, the survey alsohighlights the importance of traceability,with consumers said to be increasinglyinterested in the origin of their food.’[Farmers Guardian]

trace elementtrace element noun a chemical elementthat is essential to organic growth but onlyin very small quantities

COMMENT: Plants require traces of cop-per, iron, manganese and zinc. Humansrequire the trace elements chromium,cobalt, copper, magnesium, manga-nese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc.

tracestraces plural noun side-straps or chainsby which a horse pulls a cart or implementtracklayertracklayer /�tr�kleiə/, tracklayingtractor noun a heavy-duty caterpillartractor, used mainly for earthmoving anddrainage worktractortractor /�tr�ktə/ noun a heavy vehiclewith large wheels used for a range of tasks.On farms it is mainly used for pulling culti-vation and spraying equipment.

COMMENT: The general-purpose tractordoes most of the work on arable and live-stock farms and may have either two- orfour-wheel drive. Lighter tractors, usuallytwo-wheel drive models, are used bymarket gardeners. More powerful four-wheel drive tractors are needed forploughing and heavy cultivation. Theheaviest tractors are tracklayers, or‘crawlers’, which are used for very heavywork and on heavy soils. Besides pullingtrailed implements such as balers, for-age harvesters and drills, the tractor’shydraulic system can be used to raiseand lower mounted implements andoperate lifting and loading equipment.The hydraulic system provides thepower for fertiliser spreaders, hedgetrimmers and a variety of other imple-ments. Medium-sized tractors develop40–60hp, while large models candevelop as much as 200hp. Very mod-ern tractors have in-cab computerswhich can tell the driver how muchground has been covered, and howmuch fuel has been used, and can evenadvise on the gear which will give themost economic use of fuel. In the UK,


249 transpiration

since 1970, all new tractors must be fit-ted with an approved protective cab orframe to prevent the driver beingcrushed in accidents where the tractorrolls over.

tractor-mounted loadertractor-mounted loader noun aloader which is mounted on a tractor, andnot trailedtractor vaporising oiltractor vaporising oil noun a fuelformerly used in many tractors, but nowreplaced by diesel oil. Abbr TVOTrade Union Sustainable Development Advisory CommitteeTrade Union Sustainable Develop-ment Advisory Committee noun aforum for consultation on environmentalissues between the Government and themain TUC-affiliated trade unions in theUK. Abbr TUSDACtrafficabilitytrafficability /�tr�fikə|�biliti/ noun theability of soil to take machinery or stockwithout significant soil damage. It isrelated to the soil water content.trailtrail noun 1. a path or track � created anew nature trail in the forest 2. a mark orscent left by an animal � on the trail of abadger � verb to pull another wheeledvehicle or implementtrailed implementstrailed implements plural noun imple-ments such as harrows which are pulledbehind a tractor. See Comment at mounttrailertrailer noun a machine used for carryingpurposes. Trailers are of the two-wheel orfour-wheel types, and are used for carryingcereal and root crops, and for general useon the farm.trailingtrailing adjective referring to a plantwhose shoots lie on the groundtraintrain verb to make plants, especially fruittrees and climbing plants, become a certainshape, by attaching shoots to supports orby pruningtramlinetramline /�tr�mlain/ noun a path leftclear for the wheels of tractors to driveover. They are used as guidemarks forspraying and when applying fertiliser sothat damage to crops is kept to a minimum.trans-trans- /tr�nz/ prefix through or acrosstransgenesistransgenesis /tr�nz|�d�enəsis/ nounthe process of transferring genetic materialfrom one organism to anothertransgenictransgenic /tr�nz |�d�enik/ adjective 1.referring to an organism into which geneticmaterial from a different species has beentransferred using the techniques of geneticmodification 2. referring to the techniquesof transferring genetic material from oneorganism to another � noun an organismproduced by genetic modification

‘Meanwhile in New Zealand thegovernment has given the green light forfurther research with transgenic cows,despite objections from anti-GM andgreen groups. The research is part of a longterm programme to develop milk capableof treating multiple sclerosis.’ [DairyFarmer]

transhumancetranshumance /tr�ns |�hju�məns/noun the practice of moving flocks andherds up to high summer pastures andbringing them down to a valley again inwintertranslaminar fungicidetranslaminar fungicide/�tr�nzl�minə �f�ŋ�isaid/ noun a fungi-cide that is absorbed into a plant’s systemthrough its leavestranslocatetranslocate /�tr�nslə|�keit/ verb tomove substances through the tissues of aplanttranslocated herbicidetranslocated herbicide noun a herbi-cide that kills a plant after being absorbedthrough its leavestranslocationtranslocation /�tr�nsləυ |�keiʃ(ə)n/noun a movement of substances throughthe tissues of a plant

‘Timing of application is crucial and mustbe when the weed and grass are growing toensure good control and minimal check tograss growth. Grass should not be grazedfor seven days or cut for 28 days afterapplication to allow translocation to takeplace.’ [Dairy Farmer]

transmissible gastro-enteritistransmissible gastro-enteritis nouna very infectious disease, which mainlyaffects very young pigs. Abbr TGEtransmissible spongiform encephalopathytransmissible spongiformencephalopathy noun the name givento the group of spongiform encephalopa-thies which affect animals or humans,including scrapie and BSE. Abbr TSEtransmittransmit verb to pass on a disease toanother animal or plant � Some diseasesare transmitted by insects. (NOTE: trans-mitting – transmitted)transpirationtranspiration /�tr�nspi |�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun1. the loss of water from a plant through itsstomata 2. the removal of moisture fromthe soil by plant roots, which pass themoisture up the stem to the leaves

COMMENT: Transpiration accounts for alarge amount of water vapour in theatmosphere. A tropical rainforest willtranspire more water per square kilome-tre than is evaporated from the samearea of sea. Clearance of forest has theeffect of reducing transpiration, with an


transpire 250

accompanying change in climate: lessrain, leading to eventual desertification.

transpiretranspire verb (of a plant) to lose waterthrough stomata � In tropical rainforests,up to 75% of rainfall will evaporate ortranspire into the atmosphere.transplanttransplant noun 1. taking a growingplant from one place and planting it in thesoil in another place 2. a plant taken fromone place and planted in the soil in anotherplace � verb to take a growing plant fromone place and plant it in the soil in anotherplacetransplantertransplanter /tr�ns |�plɑ�ntə/ noun amachine for transplanting seedlings, espe-cially used for planting brassicas

COMMENT: There are two types of trans-planter. One is the hand-fed machine,where a worker feeds seedlings into themachine as it passes over the field. Theother is the automatic transplanter,where seedlings are raised in specialcontainers and placed in the machinebefore transplanting starts.

transporttransport noun 1. a system of movingthings from one place to another � roadand rail transport � an integrated trans-port policy Also called transportation 2.the activity of moving something from oneplace to another (NOTE: Animal welfarecodes lay down rules on how animals andbirds should be treated during transport inorder to ensure that their health andwelfare is good.)traytray noun a flat shallow container, usuallymade of plastic, in which seeds can besown in a greenhousetreetree noun a plant typically with one mainwoody stem that may grow to a greatheighttree farmingtree farming noun the growing of treesfor commercial purposes

COMMENT: Schemes have been startedto grow trees on surplus agricultural landto provide fuel for wood-burning powerstations. Farmers will be paid to plantgenetically engineered poplars and wil-lows. 90,000 tonnes of dry wood areexpected each year. Grants are availa-ble to cover some of the costs of estab-lishing short rotation coppice as anenergy crop.

treelinetreeline /�tri�lain/ noun 1. a line at aspecific altitude, above which trees will notgrow � The slopes above the treeline werecovered with boulders, rocks and pebbles.2. a line in the northern or southern hemi-

sphere, north or south of which trees willnot growtree nurserytree nursery noun a place where treesare grown from seed until they are largeenough to be planted outtree preservation ordertree preservation order noun anorder from a local government departmentthat prevents a tree from being cut down.Abbr TPOtree ringtree ring noun same as annual ringtree stumptree stump noun a short section of thetrunk of a tree left in the ground with theroots after a tree has been cut downtree surgeontree surgeon noun a person whospecialises in the treatment of diseased orold trees, by cutting or lopping branchestrefoiltrefoil /�tri�fɔil/ noun a leguminous plant,the thin wiry form of a small-floweredyellow clover, sometimes grown in pasturemixtures. It is a useful catch crop, andthrives in marshy acid soils.trematodetrematode /�tremətəυd/ noun a fluke, aparasitic flatwormtremblestrembles noun same as louping-illtrenchtrench noun a long narrow hole in thegroundtrenchingtrenching /�trenʃiŋ/ noun a method ofdouble digging which loosens the soil to adepth of two feet, twice as deep as in plaindiggingtrialtrial noun a test carried out to see if some-thing works welltriazinetriazine /�traiəzi�n/ noun one of a groupof soil-acting herbicides, e.g. Atrazine andSimazine. Maize is tolerant to thesesubstances. (NOTE: Triazines will no longerbe approved for use in the UK afterDecember 2007.)triazoletriazole /�traiəzɒl/ noun one of a groupof systemic, protectant and curative fungi-cides, e.g. tebuconazole or myclobutanil.Triazoles can be used on a wide range ofcrops.trichinosistrichinosis /�triki|�nəυsis/, trichiniasis/�triki |�naiəsis/ noun a disease caused byinfestation of the intestine by larvae ofroundworms or nematodes, which passround the body in the bloodstream andsettle in muscles. Pigs are usually infectedafter eating raw swill.trichlorophenoxyacetic acidtrichlorophenoxyacetic acid/�traiklɔ�rəυfen |�ɒksiə |�setik ��sid/ nouna herbicide which forms dioxin as a by-product during the manufacturing processand is effective against woody shrubs


251 tuberculin

(NOTE: This herbicide is no longerapproved for use in the UK.)TrichomonasTrichomonas /�trikə|�məυnəs/ noun aspecies of long thin parasite which infeststhe intestines. Trichomonas foetus is acause of infertility in cattle.trickle irrigationtrickle irrigation, trickle system nounsame as drip irrigationtrifoliumtrifolium /trai |�fəυliəm/ noun thecrimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), aplant which does best on calcareous loamsand is grown after cereals as a catch crop.It is planted in mixed herbage as a winterannual for forage, particularly for sheep.trifuralintrifuralin /trai|�flu�rəlin/ noun acommonly used herbicide incorporatedinto the soil before planting a wide range ofcrops (NOTE: It is under review for with-drawal from use in the European Union.)trimtrim verb to cut off the end parts of some-thing, e.g. the shoots from a bush or ahedge, usually to give the object a neatershapetrimmertrimmer /�trimə/ noun an implement fortrimming hedgestrimmingstrimmings /�trimiŋz/ plural noun smallpieces of vegetation which have been cutoff a hedge when trimmingtrip devicetrip device noun a device used to sensewhen a person is too close to a hazard andisolate the hazard before contact can occur.Trip devices can take the form of trip bars,as used on some rotating arm bale wrap-pers.triple-purpose animaltriple-purpose animal noun a breed ofanimal, usually cattle, which is used forthree purposes, i.e. for milk, for meat andas a draught animaltripodingtripoding /�traipɒdiŋ/ noun the processof drying hay on a wooden frame in thefield. It is rarely practised in the UK, butstill common in some parts of Europe.Tripoding is also used as a means of dryingout peas.triticaletriticale /�triti |�keili/ noun a new cerealhybrid of wheat and rye. It combines theyield potential of wheat with the winterhardiness and resistance to drought of rye.

COMMENT: Increasingly used in the UK,triticale replaces winter and spring feedbarleys. It has a high level of diseaseresistance and a reduced demand forchemical fertiliser. The name is made upfrom the Latin words for wheat (Triticum)and rye (Secale).

TriticumTriticum /�tritikəm/ noun the Latinname for wheat

trocartrocar /�trəυkɑ�/ noun a pointed rodwhich slides inside a cannula to draw offliquid or to puncture an animal’s stomachto let gas escape, such as in the treatment ofbloatTrondheimTrondheim /�trɒndhaim/ � BlacksidedTrondheimtropicaltropical adjective referring to the tropics� The disease is carried by a tropicalinsect.trottertrotter /�trɒtə/ noun a foot of a pig orsheeptroughtrough noun 1. a long narrow area of lowpressure with cold air in it, leading awayfrom the centre of a depression 2. a longnarrow open wooden or metal container forholding water or feed for livestocktrough spacetrough space noun the length of troughthat should be allowed per animal in anenclosure, so that they each have space tofeed comfortably

‘Troughs should be no more than 500metres apart, otherwise there is a risk thatthe distance that the cow is required totravel for a drink will impinge onproduction. Trough space should besufficient to allow 15% of the herd to drinkat one time.’ [Farmers Guardian]

truck farmingtruck farming noun US a term used todescribe intensive vegetable cultivation ata considerable distance from the urbanmarkets where the produce is soldtrugtrug /tr��/ noun a low fruit or gardenbasket made of willow strips fastened to astrong framework of ash or chestnuttrunktrunk noun the main woody stem of a treetrusstruss /tr�s/ noun 1. a bundle of hay orstraw 2. a compact cluster or flowers orfruit such as tomatoestryptophantryptophan /�triptəf n/ noun an essen-tial amino acidTSETSE abbreviation transmissible spongi-form encephalopathytubertuber /�tju�bə/ noun a swollen under-ground stem or root, which holds nutrientsand which has buds from which shootsdevelop � A potato is the tuber of a potatoplant.

COMMENT: Potatoes, cassavas andsweet potatoes are all tubers from whichnew shoots develop.

tubercletubercle /�tju�bək(ə)l/ noun 1. a smallraised area on part of a plant or an animal2. a small tubertuberculintuberculin /tjυ|�b��kjυlin/ noun asubstance which is derived from the


tuberculin testing 252

culture of the tuberculosis bacillus and isused to test cattle for the presence of tuber-culosistuberculin testingtuberculin testing noun the testing ofcattle for the presence of bovine tubercu-losistuberculosistuberculosis /tjυ |�b��kjυ|�ləυsis/ nounan infectious disease caused by the tuber-culosis bacillus, where infected lumpsform in tissue and which affects humansand other animals. Cattle and pigs are morecommonly affected than other species. It isa notifiable disease.

COMMENT: Tuberculosis in cattle hasbeen eradicated in the UK, by a policy oftuberculin testing and the slaughter ofanimals which react to the test. Bovinetuberculosis is a notifiable disease andcan affect certain wild animals, in partic-ular badgers. Infected badgers arebelieved by some people to be able totransmit the disease to cattle though thishas not been proved.

tuberoustuberous /�tju�bərəs/ adjective 1. like atuber 2. referring to a plant that grows froma tuberTull, Jethro Tull, Jethro (1674–1740) an 18th-century gentleman farmer. He invented themechanical seed drill and the horse-drawnhoe.tunneltunnel noun a long enclosure, coveredwith a semicircular rooftunnel clochetunnel cloche noun a long continuouscovering over rows of plants, usually madeof plastictunnel dryingtunnel drying noun a method of storagedrying of hay, where the bales are stackedin the form of a tunnel over a central ductthrough which unheated air is blowntuptup /t�p/ noun an uncastrated male sheep� verb to serve a eweturbaryturbary /�t��bəri/ noun a place where turfor peat is dug for fuelturfturf noun a surface earth covered withgrass, with its roots matted in the soilturkeyturkey noun a large poultry bird raised formeat (NOTE: The adult males are calledcocks or toms, the adult females arehens.)turnipturnip noun a brassica plant that has aswollen root, is an important forage cropand is also used as a vegetable

COMMENT: Turnips can be harvested bymachine and stored outdoors in clamps.In milder areas they can be left growingin the fields and used when needed. Tur-nips are often grazed off in the field.

turnip-rooted cabbageturnip-rooted cabbage noun same askohlrabiturn outturn out verb to put animals out topasture, after they have been kept indoorsduring the winter � The ewes are turnedout in March.turn out timeturn out time, turnout noun a season,usually in the spring, when animals whichhave been kept indoors during the winterare let out to grassTUSDACTUSDAC abbreviation Trade UnionSustainable Development AdvisoryCommitteetussock grasstussock grass noun a coarse grassgrowing in tuftsTVOTVO abbreviation tractor vaporising oiltwice-a-daytwice-a-day noun a milking system inwhich cows are milked two times a daytwigtwig noun a small woody growth from thebranch of a tree, bearing leaves, flowers orfruittwintwin noun one of two babies or animalsborn at the same time from two ova ferti-lised at the same time or from one ovumthat splits in two � twin embryos embryosof twin young, used in ETtwinetwine /twain/ noun a strong string usedfor binding bales � verb to coil round asupporttwin lamb diseasetwin lamb disease noun same as preg-nancy toxaemiatwinningtwinning /�twiniŋ/ noun the act of givingbirth to twinstwintertwinter /�twintə/ noun a two-year-oldewetwisttwist noun a disease of cereals andgrasses which causes malformation of theleaves and stalks due to the growth ofinternal fungus. This may prevent the earemerging from its sheath (Dilophosporaalopecuri).twitchtwitch noun 1. same as couch grass 2.same as louping-ill2,4-D2,4-D noun a herbicide that is absorbedinto a plant through its leaves and is espe-cially effective against broadleaved weedsgrowing in cerealstwo-sward systemtwo-sward system noun grazingsystem where the area being grazed is keptseparate from the area being conserved forcuttingtwo-toothtwo-tooth noun a sheep showing twopermanent incisors, approximately 18months old


UUU symbol Good (in the EUROP carcassclassification system)udderudder noun the mammary gland of ananimal, which secretes milk. It takes theform of a bag under the body of the animalwith teats from which the milk is sucked.

COMMENT: In the cow there are fourglands, each with a teat. In the ewe thereare two glands, each with a teat, and inthe sow there are two glands per teatand from 12 to 20 teats.

udder oedemaudder oedema noun a livestock diseasein which the udder becomes swollen, prob-ably due to increased pressure in the milkvein around the time of calving. It can becaused by excess sodium in diet.ugliugli /��li/ a trademark for a citrus fruitsimilar to a grapefruit, but of uneven shapeUHTUHT abbreviation 1. ultra heat treated 2.ultra high temperatureUHT sterilisationUHT sterilisation noun sterilisation ofmilk at very high temperatures. Milkwhich has been treated in this way may bestored for periods of up to one year.UKASTAUKASTA abbreviation United KingdomAgricultural Supply Trade AssociationUKBAPUKBAP abbreviation United KingdomBiodiversity Action PlanUKEPRAUKEPRA abbreviation United KingdomEgg Producer Retailer Associationulcerulcer noun an open sore in the skin or inmucous membrane, which is inflamed anddifficult to healulceratedulcerated /��lsəreitid/ adjectivecovered with ulcersulcerationulceration /��lsə|�reiʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. acondition where ulcers develop 2. thedevelopment of an ulcerUlmusUlmus /��lməs/ noun the Latin name forelmUlster WhiteUlster White /��lstə �wait/ noun a breedof pig popular for bacon production in

Northern Ireland. It is quite rare today,having been replaced by the Large White.ultra heat treatedultra heat treated adjective (of milk)treated by sterilising at temperatures above135°C, and then put aseptically intocontainers. Ultra heat treated milk has amuch longer shelf-life than normal milk.ultra high temperatureultra high temperature adjectivereferring to something such as milk whichhas undergone a process of sterilisation atvery high temperatures. Abbr UHTultramicroscopicultramicroscopic /�ltrə |�maikrə |

�skɒpik/ adjective too small to be seenwith a light microscopeultrasonicsultrasonics /��ltrə |�sɒniks/ noun usinghigh-frequency sound waves to tell what isbelow the skin of a live animal. By usingultrasonics, it is possible to tell the amountof fat layers and the muscle area.umbelumbel /��mbəl/ noun a flower cluster inwhich the flowers all rise on stalks fromthe same point on the plant’s stem, e.g. ona carrot or polyanthusumbelliferumbellifer /�m|�belifə/ noun a plantbelonging to the UmbelliferaeUmbelliferaeUmbelliferae /��mbə |�lifəri/ noun afamily of herbs and shrubs, includingimportant food plants such as carrot,parsnip and celeryumbelliferousumbelliferous /��mbə|�lifərəs/ adjec-tive referring to a plant of the Umbelliferaeunavailable waterunavailable water noun water in thesoil which is held in the smallest soil poresand so is not available for plantsuncastrateduncastrated /��nk� |�streitid/ adjectivereferring to a male animal which has notbeen castrated. Also called entireunchittedunchitted /�n|�tʃitid/ adjective referringto seed which has not been chitteduncropped landuncropped land noun land on whichcrops are not currently being grown orhave never been grown


uncultivated 254uncultivateduncultivated /�n|�k�ltiveitid/ adjectivenot cultivated � uncultivated land andsemi-natural areas � The field was leftuncultivated over winter to allow ground-nesting birds such as skylarks to nest andrear young.under-under- prefix 1. below or underneath 2.less than or not as strongundercoatundercoat /��ndəkəυt/ noun a coat offine hair under the main coat of someanimalsunderdeveloped countriesunderdeveloped countries/��ndədiveləpt �k�ntriz/ plural nouncountries which have not been industrial-isedunder-drainunder-drain noun a drain under thesurface of the soil, e.g. a mole drain or pipedrainunderfeedingunderfeeding /��ndə |�fi�diŋ/ noun theaction of giving an animal less feed than itneeds

‘Regular condition scoring has raisedawareness of underfeeding of cows inearly lactation, says Mr Ward. He alsopoints out that acidosis problems were nothelping.’ [Farmers Weekly]

undergrowthundergrowth noun shrubs and otherplants growing under large treesundershot wheelundershot wheel /��ndəʃɒt �wi�l/noun a type of waterwheel where the wheelrests in the flow of water which passesunderneath it and makes it turn. Compareovershot wheel (NOTE: It is not as efficientas an overshot wheel where the water fallson the wheel from above.)undersowundersow /��ndəsəυ/ verb to sow agrass mixture after an arable crop hasestablished, so that both develop at thesame time. Cereals are most often used ascover crops.understoreyunderstorey /��ndəstɔ�ri/ noun thelowest layer of small trees and shrubs in awood, below the canopyundulant feverundulant fever /��ndjυlənt �fi�və/noun same as brucellosisunenclosed landunenclosed land /��ninləυzd �l�nd/noun an area of land without any walls orfences round itUNEPUNEP abbreviation United Nations Envi-ronment ProgrammeUngulataUngulata /��ŋ�ju� |�lɑ�tə/ plural noungrazing animals which have hoofs, e.g.cattle, sheep, goats and horsesungulateungulate /��ŋ�jυleit/ adjective havinghoofs (NOTE: Ungulates are divided intotwo groups, odd-toed such as horses or

even-toed such as cows.) � noun a grazinganimal that has hooves, e.g. a horseunheatedunheated /�n|�hi�tid/ adjective referringto something which is not heatedunheated glasshouseunheated glasshouse, cold glass-house noun a glasshouse with no heatingunimprovedunimproved /��nim |�pru�vd/ adjectivereferring to land which has not been welllooked after, and has not been improved byfertilising and proper husbandryunionunion noun the point of contact betweena scion and stock in a grafted fruit treeunisexualunisexual /�ju�ni |�seksjuəl/ adjectivedescribes a plant which has either male orfemale flowers, but not bothunitunit noun 1. a component of somethinglarger 2. a quantity or amount used as astandard, accepted measurement � Theinternationally agreed unit of pressure isthe millibar.unit costunit cost noun the cost of one item,calculated as the total product cost dividedby the number of units producedUnited Kingdom Agricultural Supply Trade AssociationUnited Kingdom AgriculturalSupply Trade Association nounformer name for Agricultural IndustriesConfederationUnited Kingdom Biodiversity Action PlanUnited Kingdom BiodiversityAction Plan noun the United Kingdom’sresponse to the Convention on BiologicalDiversity in 1992, which contains plans toconserve threatened species and habitats.Abbr UKBAPUnited Nations Environment ProgrammeUnited Nations EnvironmentProgramme noun an organisation whichpromotes international cooperation in thesustainable use of resources. Abbr UNEPUnited States Department of AgricultureUnited States Department of Agri-culture noun a department of the USfederal government, which deals with agri-cultural matters. Abbr USDAunit of accountunit of account noun a currency usedfor calculating the EU budget and farmpricesunit of fertiliserunit of fertiliser noun 1% of onehundredweightunnecessary pain, unnecessary distressunnecessary pain, unnecessarydistress noun any suffering caused tolivestock which can and should be avoided,instances of which will cause a farm to failquality and subsidy-related inspections.Abbr UPUDunpairedunpaired /�n |�peəd/ adjective referringto a chromosome which is not associatedwith another chromosome of the same type� an unpaired X chromosome in males


255 uterusunpalatableunpalatable /�n|�p�lətəb(ə)l/ adjectivehaving an unpleasant tasteunpasteurisedunpasteurised /�n |�p�stʃəraizd/,unpasteurized adjective referring tosomething such as milk which has not beenpasteurised � Unpasteurised milk cancarry bacilli.unploughed landunploughed land /��nplaυd �l�nd/noun land which has not been ploughedunsaturated fatunsaturated fat noun a fat which doesnot have a large amount of hydrogen and socan be broken down more easilyunthriftyunthrifty /�n|�θrifti/ adjective notthriving or not growing welluntreated milkuntreated milk /�n|�tri�tid milk/ nounmilk which has not been treated and whichis sold direct from the farm to the public(NOTE: In the UK this is called ‘green topmilk’ and sales are now banned.)unweanedunweaned /�n|�wi�nd/ adjective refer-ring to a young animal which has not yetbeen weanedupgradeupgrade verb to make improvements to aherd by repeated crossing with superiormalesuplandupland /��plənd/ noun an inland area ofhigh land � The uplands have differentecosystems from the lowlands. � adjectivereferring to an upland � upland farmingupland cropupland crop noun a crop that is grown inhilly areasupland farmupland farm noun same as hill farmuptakeuptake noun the taking in of traceelements or nutrients by a plant or animal

‘Poor rooting is responsible for poornutrient uptake and drought stress duringthe growing season. This phenomenon isnot unique to just direct drilled crops, butthe system exaggerates the problemswhich can be diluted by tillage.’ [ArableFarming]

UPUDUPUD abbreviation unnecessary pain,unnecessary distressurban fringeurban fringe noun an area of land usewhere the urban activities meet the rural,usually a source of conflict between towns-people and farmersureaurea /jυ |�ri�ə/ noun a popular fertiliserused as a top dressing to supply nitrogen.Formula: CO(NH2)2.uric aciduric acid /�jυərik ��sid/ noun a chem-ical compound which is formed fromnitrogen in waste products from the bodyurineurine noun a liquid secreted as wastefrom an animal’s bodyUrticaceaeUrticaceae /��ti |�keisii�/ noun a familyof shrubs and herbs with stinging leavessuch as the common stinging nettle (Urticadioica)urticariaurticaria /��ti |�keəriə/ noun an allergicreaction, e.g. to injections or certain foods,where the skin forms irritating reddishpatchesuterusuterus noun an organ inside which theeggs or young of animals develop (NOTE: Inhumans and other mammals it is oftencalled the womb and has strong muscles topush the baby out at birth.)


Vvaccinatevaccinate verb to use a vaccine to give aperson immunisation against a specificdisease � She was vaccinated againstsmallpox as a child.vaccinationvaccination /�v�ksi |�neiʃ(ə)n/ noun theaction of vaccinating someone against adisease. � immunisation (NOTE: Originallythe words vaccination and vaccineapplied only to smallpox immunisation, butthey are now used for immunisationagainst any disease)vaccinevaccine noun a substance which containsthe germs of a disease, used to inoculate orvaccinate someone against it � The vet iswaiting for a new batch of vaccine to comefrom the laboratory. � New vaccines arebeing developed all the time.

COMMENT: A vaccine contains the germsof the disease, sometimes alive andsometimes dead, and this is injected intothe animal so that its body will developimmunity to the disease. The vaccinecontains antigens, and these provokethe body to produce antibodies, some ofwhich remain in the bloodstream for avery long time and react against thesame antigens if they enter the body nat-urally at a later date when the animal isexposed to the disease.

vacciniavaccinia /v�k|�siniə/ noun same ascowpox (technical)vacuum silagevacuum silage noun silage placed inlarge polythene bags, usually by a balerspecially adapted for this purpose. Air isexcluded, so preventing the developmentof moulds and the green crop is conservedin succulent form.vagal indigestionvagal indigestion /�vei�(ə)l�indid�estʃ(ə)n/ noun a disease of live-stock due to malfunction of the vagusnerve which controls the activity of thestomach and intestinesvalinevaline /�veili�n/ noun an essential aminoacid

value addedvalue added noun the differencebetween the cost of the materialspurchased to produce a product and thefinal selling price of the finished product(NOTE: In agriculture, activities that addvalue include butchering, milling wheat orturning milk into cheese.)vanillavanilla noun a tropical climbing plant(Vanilla planiolia) which produces longpods, used for flavouring in confectioneryvariable premiumvariable premium noun an extrapayment which varies according toproduction qualityvariantvariant noun a specimen of a plant oranimal that is different from the usual typevariant CJDvariant CJD noun a form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease which was observed first inthe 1980s, especially affecting youngerpeople. Abbr vCJDvariegatedvariegated /�veəriə�eitid/ adjectivereferring to a plant with different-colouredpatchesvariegationvariegation /�veəri |��eiʃ(ə)n/ noun aphenomenon in some plants where two ormore colours occur in patches on the leavesor flowersvarietalvarietal /və |�raiətəl/ noun a variety ofcultivated plant such as a grapevinevarietyvariety noun a named cultivated plant � anew variety of wheat Also called cultivarvasectomisevasectomise /və|�sektəmaiz/, vasect-omize verb to perform a vasectomy on ananimalvasectomyvasectomy noun an operation to cut theduct which takes sperm from the testicles,so making the animal infertilevCJDvCJD abbreviation variant CJDvealveal noun meat of a young calf fed solelyon a milk diet, slaughtered between threeand fifteen weeks oldveal crate systemveal crate system noun an intensivemethod of veal production, where calves


257 verroa

are kept in crates. It was abandoned in theUK, but is still practised elsewhere.vectorvector /�vektə/ noun an insect or animalwhich carries a disease or parasite and canpass it to other organisms � The tsetse fly isa vector of sleeping sickness.

‘Despite their leanings towards infectedmilk Defra still cannot rule out pigs eatinginfected wildlife as source of the infection– badgers are well known to be vectors ofthe disease, as are deer.’ [FarmersGuardian]

veerveer verb 1. (of the wind) to change in aclockwise direction, in the northern hemi-sphere � Winds veer and increase withheight ahead of a warm front. Oppositeback 2. to change direction, especially asin an uncontrolled movement � Theaircraft veered off the runway into thegrass.vegetablevegetable noun a plant grown for food,especially plants grown for leaves, roots orpods or seeds that are usually cooked �Green vegetables are a source of dietaryfibre.

COMMENT: The main vegetable cropsbeing grown on a field scale are broad,green and navy beans, vining and driedpeas, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, car-rots, cauliflowers, celery, onions, turnipsand swedes and potatoes. In 2005,139,010 hectares of potatoes and48,043 hectares of other vegetableswere cultivated for human consumptionin England and Wales.

vegetable oilsvegetable oils plural noun oils obtainedfrom plants and their seeds, which are lowin saturated fatsvegetable proteinvegetable protein noun proteinobtained from cereals, oilseeds, pulses,green vegetables and roots, which providesfor the feeding requirements of bothhumans and livestockvegetarianvegetarian noun a person who does noteat meat � adjective referring to vegetar-ians or their diet � He is on a vegetariandiet.vegetationvegetation noun 1. plants that aregrowing � The vegetation was destroyed byfire. � Very little vegetation is found in theArctic regions. 2. the set of plants that isfound in a particular area � He is studyingthe vegetation of the island.vegetativevegetative /�ved�itətiv/ adjective refer-ring to plants � The loss of vegetative coverincreases the accumulation of carbondioxide in the atmosphere.

vegetative propagationvegetative propagation noun the arti-ficial reproduction of plants by takingcuttings or by grafting, not by seedvenisonvenison noun meat from deerventilateventilate verb to cause air to pass in andout of a place freelyventilationventilation noun the process of airpassing in and out of a place freely � Aconstant supply of air for ventilationpurposes is always available from the airconditioning system.ventilatorventilator /�ventileitə/ noun a devicethat causes fresh air to pass into a room orbuildingventricleventricle /�ventrik(ə)l/ noun 1. achamber of the heart that receives bloodfrom the atria and pumps it to the arteries2. one of the cavities of the vertebrate brainthat connects with the others and containscerebrospinal fluidverandahverandah /və |�r�ndə/ noun a type ofhousing for poultry or pigs with a slatted orwire floor, through which the droppingsfallvergeverge noun 1. the edge or boundary ofsomething 2. an area of grass and otherplants at the side of a road � Roadsideverges, especially motorway verges, offersecurity from human disturbance, and thewildlife quickly adapts to the noise andwind generated by passing vehicles.vermicidevermicide /�v��misaid/ noun asubstance that kills wormsvermiculitevermiculite /v�� |�mikju�lait/ noun asubstance that is a form of silica processedinto small pieces. It is used instead of soilin horticulture because it retains moisture.vermifugevermifuge /�v��mifju�d�/ noun asubstance used to get rid of parasiticworms in the intestines of livestockverminvermin noun 1. an organism that isregarded as a pest � Vermin such as rats areoften carriers of disease. � pest (NOTE: Theword vermin is usually treated as plural.)2. insects such as lice which live on otheranimals as parasitesvernalvernal /�v��n(ə)l/ adjective referring tothe springvernalisationvernalisation /�v��nəlai |�zeiʃ(ə)n/,vernalization noun 1. a requirement bysome plants for a period of cold in order todevelop normally 2. the technique ofmaking a seed germinate early by refriger-ating it for a timeverroaverroa /və|�rəυə/ noun a disease whichaffects bees


vertebrate 258vertebratevertebrate /�v��tibrət/ noun an animalthat has a backbone � adjective referring toanimals that have a backbone � compare(all senses) invertebratevertical-looking radarvertical-looking radar noun radarequipment used for analysis of featuressuch as insect populations and movement.Abbr VLRverticillium wiltverticillium wilt /�v��ti|�siliəm �wilt/noun a plant disease caused by a fungus,which makes leaves become yellow andwilt. It is a notifiable disease of hops, andalso a serious disease in lucerne andclovers.vetvet noun same as veterinary surgeonvetchvetch /vetʃ/ noun a leguminous plant(Vicia sativa). Vetches can be sown withoats as an arable silage. Also called tareveterinarianveterinarian /�vet(ə)ri |�neəriən/ nounUS same as veterinary surgeonveterinaryveterinary adjective referring to the careof sick animalsVeterinary Investigation Diagnosis AnalysisVeterinary Investigation Diag-nosis Analysis noun a method of datarecording and retrieval for veterinary diag-nostic laboratories. Abbr VIDAVeterinary Laboratories AgencyVeterinary Laboratories Agencynoun an executive agency of Defra whichdiagnoses, tracks and researches disease inanimals. Abbr VLAVeterinary Medicines DirectorateVeterinary Medicines Directoratenoun an executive agency of Defra whichregulates the development and use of veter-inary medicines. Abbr VMDveterinary scienceveterinary science noun the scientificstudy of diseases of animals and their treat-mentveterinary surgeonveterinary surgeon noun a personwho is qualified to give medical treatmentto animalsVeterinary Surveillance StrategyVeterinary Surveillance Strategynoun a 10-year initiative by Defra tomonitor animal diseases in farms, so thatthe information can be used to plan futurehealth and welfare practicesV-graftV-graft noun a method of grafting, wherethe stem of the stock is trimmed to a point,and the stem of the cutting is split to allowit to be fitted over the point of the stockVIVI abbreviation Voluntary Initiativevibriosisvibriosis /�vibri|�əυsis/ noun a venerealdisease in cattle which leads to a high inci-dence of infertility and abortion. It can beprevented by vaccination.vicevice noun a bad habit in an animal, e.g.the habit of biting other animals’ tails

ViciaVicia /�visiə/ noun the Latin name forbeans such as broad beansVictoriaVictoria /vik|�tɔ�riə/ noun � plumVIDAVIDA abbreviation Veterinary Investiga-tion Diagnosis Analysisvigorousvigorous adjective growing strongly �Plants put out vigorous shoots in a warmdamp atmosphere.

‘Tight grazing is the cheapest and mosteffective way to encourage tillering,particularly during spells of rapid growth.Keep grazing down to 4–5cm to encouragetillers and give grass a competitiveadvantage over less vigorous grasses andweeds.’ [Farmers Guardian]

vigourvigour noun strength and energy (NOTE:The US spelling is vigor.)vinevine noun 1. a plant that supports itself byclimbing up something or creeping along asurface 2. a flexible stem of a vine plant 3.same as grapevinevine cropsvine crops plural noun crops (Cucur-bitaceae) such as cucumber, marrow,gourds and melons, which are annuals andproduce long trailing shoots and heavyfleshy fruitvinerviner /�vainə/ noun a machine forharvesting vining peasvineyardvineyard noun a plantation of grapevinesviningvining /�vainiŋ/ noun the harvesting ofpeas for processingvining peasvining peas plural noun peas used forcanning or freezingviolet root rotviolet root rot noun a common diseaseof sugar beet in which a violet-colouredfungus (Helicobasadium purpureum)grows on the surface of the root. It lowerssugar content of the plant.viralviral adjective referring to or caused by avirus � a viral diseaseviral strikeviral strike noun any apparently newvirus disease, borne by wind or vectors,which travels through a wide area causingdevastating effects for a time, especially inlarge livestock unitsvirginvirgin adjective in its natural state,untouched by humans � Virgin rainforestwas being cleared at the rate of 1000hectares per month.virgin landvirgin land noun land which has neverbeen cultivatedvirusvirus noun a microorganism consisting ofa nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coatwhich can only develop in other cells, andoften destroys them


259 volatile organic compound

COMMENT: Viruses produce disease inman, animals and plants. Many commondiseases such as measles or the com-mon cold are caused by viruses; viraldiseases cannot be treated with antibiot-ics, which only destroy bacteria. Virusescan be transmitted from one animal toanother, reproducing the same disease.Insects, particularly aphids, transmit cer-tain virus diseases in plants.

virus pneumoniavirus pneumonia noun � enzooticpneumoniavirus yellowsvirus yellows noun a disease of sugarbeet and mangolds as a result of which theleaves turn yellow and the sugar content isgreatly reduced. Crops are most at riskwhen virus-carrying aphids infest theplants at the two-leaf stage.visceraviscera /�visərə/ plural noun the internalorgans, in particular the intestines andother contents of the abdomenvitaminvitamin noun a substance not produced inthe body, but found in most foods, andneeded for good health

COMMENT: Vitamins are a group of chem-ical compounds found in a variety offoodstuffs, which are necessary for thehealthy regulation of physical processesin an animal’s body. Vitamin deficienciesin animals can cause serious healthproblems and, once identified, can becured by the use of mineral supplementseither as an individual simple substanceor by complex mixtures added to normalrations and supplied according the ani-mals’ needs.

vitamin Avitamin A noun a vitamin which issoluble in fat and can be synthesised in thebody from precursors, but is mainly foundin food such as liver, vegetables, eggs andcod liver oil. Also called retinol

COMMENT: Lack of Vitamin A affects thebody’s growth and resistance to diseaseand can cause night blindness. The pri-mary source of this vitamin is the greenplant. It is of great importance for dairycows: lack of the vitamin leads to retar-dation of growth in young stock and inadult animals appears to lower theirresistance to infectious diseases.

vitamin Bvitamin B1 noun a vitamin found inyeast, liver, cereals and pork. Also calledthiaminevitamin Bvitamin B2 noun a vitamin found in eggs,liver, green vegetables, milk and yeast.Also called riboflavinvitamin Bvitamin B6 noun a vitamin found inmeat, cereals and molasses. Also calledpyridoxine

vitamin Bvitamin B12 noun a water-solublevitamin found especially in liver, milk andeggs but not in vegetables, and importantfor blood formation, nerve function, andgrowth. Also called cyanocobalamin(NOTE: A deficiency of B12 causes perni-cious anaemia.)vitamin B complexvitamin B complex noun a group ofvitamins which are soluble in water,including folic acid, pyridoxine and ribo-flavinevitamin Cvitamin C noun a vitamin which issoluble in water and is found in fresh fruit,especially oranges and lemons, raw vege-tables and liver. Also called ascorbic acid(NOTE: Lack of vitamin C can causeanaemia and scurvy.)vitamin Dvitamin D noun a vitamin which issoluble in fat, and is found in butter, eggsand fish (NOTE: It is also produced by theskin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin Dhelps in the formation of bones, and lack ofit causes rickets in children.)vitamin Evitamin E noun a vitamin found in vege-tables, vegetable oils, eggs and wholemealbreadvitamin Kvitamin K noun a vitamin found in greenvegetables such as spinach and cabbage,which helps the clotting of blood and isneeded to activate prothrombinviticultureviticulture /�vitik�ltʃə/ noun the culti-vation of grapesviviparousviviparous /vi|�vipərəs/ adjective 1.referring to an animal such as a mammal orsome fish that give birth to live young.Compare oviparous 2. reproducing bybuds that form plantlets while still attachedto the parent plant or by seeds that germi-nate within a fruitVLAVLA abbreviation Veterinary LaboratoriesAgencyVLRVLR abbreviation vertical-looking radarVMDVMD abbreviation Veterinary MedicinesDirectorateVOCVOC abbreviation volatile organiccompoundvolatile oilsvolatile oils plural noun concentratedoils from a scented plant used in cosmeticsor as antisepticsvolatile organic compoundvolatile organic compound noun anorganic compound which evaporates at arelatively low temperature. Abbr VOC(NOTE: Volatile organic compounds suchas ethylene, propylene, benzene andstyrene contribute to air pollution.)


Voluntary Initiative 260Voluntary Initiative

Voluntary Initiative noun a five yearprogramme of measures aimed at mini-mising the environmental impact of cropprotection products. It was introduced in2003 under agreement between the agri-culture industry and the government toprevent the introduction of a pesticide tax.Abbr VIvoluntary restraint agreement

voluntary restraint agreement nounan agreement by which farmers agree notto spray in windy conditions. Such agree-ments are not legally binding. Abbr VRA

volunteervolunteer, volunteer plant noun a plantthat has grown by natural propagation, asopposed to having been planted � Volun-teer cereals are a problem in establishingoilseed rape.vomiting and wasting diseasevomiting and wasting disease nouna disease of piglets, symptoms of whichinclude vomiting and loss of appetiteVRAVRA abbreviation voluntary restraintagreementVulgareVulgare /v�l |��ɑ�ris/, Vulgaris adjectivea Latin word meaning ‘common’, oftenused in plant names


Wwageswages plural noun money paid to anemployee for work donewall barley grasswall barley grass noun a weed(Hordeum murinum) found in grasslandwalnutwalnut noun a hardwood tree of the genusJuglans, with edible nuts. The timber isused in furniture making.WAOSWAOS abbreviation Welsh AgriculturalOrganisation Societywarble flywarble fly noun a parasitic fly whoselarvae infest cattle. Infestation by warblefly is a notifiable disease.

COMMENT: Eggs of warble flies are laidon the legs or bellies of cattle. On hatch-ing, the maggots burrow into the skinand cause swellings on the back of theanimal. When adult, the maggots leavethe body through the skin and fall to theground to pupate. They cause severeirritation, loss of condition and in younganimals may cause death.

warbleswarbles /�wɔ�b(ə)lz/ plural noun swell-ings on the backs of cattle caused by thewarble flyware growersware growers plural noun farmers whogrow potatoes for consumption, not forseedware potatoesware potatoes plural noun potatoesgrown for human consumption, as opposedto those grown for seed

COMMENT: Ware potatoes are used inmany ways: for crisps, chips, canningand dehydration. Good quality warepotatoes should not be damaged or dis-eased, should not be green in colour,and should be between 40 and 80mm insize.

warfarinwarfarin /�wɔ�f(ə)rin/ noun a substanceused to poison rats, to which many rats insome areas are now resistantwarpingwarping /�wɔ�piŋ/ noun a farming prac-tice which permits a river to flood low-lying land to cover it with silt in whichcrops will be grown

wartwart noun a small often infectiousgrowth, caused by a virus, that appears onthe skin of an animal, or a similar growthon a plantwart diseasewart disease noun a notifiable diseaseof potatoes, in which warts appear on thesurface of the tubers, and develop intolarge eruptions which may become largerthan the potatoes themselvesWASKWASK abbreviation Welfare of Animals(Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995wastewaste noun material that is thrown awayby people or is an unwanted by-product ofa process � household waste � industrialwaste � adjective without a specific useand unwanted � Waste products aredumped in the sea. � Waste matter isexcreted by the body in the faeces or urine.� verb to use more of something than isneeded

‘There are estimated to be 300000 tonnesof non-natural wastes produced onagricultural holdings in England andWales each year. These include a widerange of materials such as wastepackaging, silage plastics, metal, tyres,oils and animal health products.(Agricultural Waste: Opportunities forChange. Information from theAgricultural Waste Stakeholders’ Forum2003)’

wastelandwasteland noun an area of land that is nolonger used for agriculture or for any otherpurpose � Overgrazing has producedwastelands in Central Africa.waste limewaste lime noun lime obtained fromindustrial concerns after it has been used asa purifying materialwaterwater noun a liquid which forms rain,rivers, lakes and the sea and which makesup a large part of the bodies of organisms.Formula: H2O. � verb to give water to aplant


water abstraction 262

COMMENT: Water is essential to plant andanimal life. Water pollution can takemany forms: the most common are dis-charges from industrial processes,household sewage and the runoff ofchemicals used in agriculture.

water abstractionwater abstraction noun the diversionor removal of water from any surface orunderground source for some purpose,such as for irrigationWater Act 1989Water Act 1989 noun an Act of Parlia-ment which made it an offence to cause adischarge of poisonous, noxious orpolluting matter or solid matter to anycontrolled water under the responsibility ofthe National Rivers Authority. Controls arealso in force to ensure that silage, slurryand fuel oil installations are of adequatestandard.water balancewater balance noun 1. a state in whichthe water lost in an area by evaporation orby runoff is replaced by water received inthe form of rain 2. a state in which thewater lost by the body in urine and perspi-ration or by other physiological processesis balanced by water absorbed from foodand drinkwaterbowlwaterbowl /�wɔ�təbəυl/ noun acontainer for water in a stable or loose-boxwater buffalowater buffalo noun a large buffalo witha grey-black coat and long backward-sloping horns (Bubalus bubalis), which iskept for its meat and used as a draughtanimal especially in Asiawater catchmentwater catchment noun the act of rain-water being collected in a place, whethernaturally (in a surface pool) or deliberately(using a water catchment system)watercoursewatercourse /�wɔ�təkɔ�s/ noun astream, river, canal or other flow of waterwaterfowlwaterfowl /�wɔ�təfaυl/ plural noun birdswhich spend much of their time on water,e.g. ducksWater Framework DirectiveWater Framework Directive noun abasis for future policy decisions in theEuropean Union, setting objectives forwater use and management and wastewater disposal. Abbr WFDwaterloggedwaterlogged adjective referring to soilthat is saturated with water and so cannotkeep oxygen between its particles (NOTE:Most plants cannot grow in waterloggedsoil.)water managementwater management noun the carefuland appropriate use of waterwater meadowwater meadow noun a grassy field neara river, which is often flooded

water melonwater melon noun a plant of the genusCitrullus vulgaris with large green fruitwith watery pink fleshwater meterwater meter noun a device that recordsthe amount of water that passes through apipe, e.g. to monitor the water intake ofanimalswater millwater mill noun a mill which is driven bythe power of a stream of water which turnsa large wheelwatershedwatershed noun a natural dividing linebetween the sources of river systems,dividing one catchment area from anotherwater-solublewater-soluble adjective able to dissolvein waterwater tablewater table noun the area below the soilsurface at which the ground is saturatedwith waterwaterwheelwaterwheel /�wɔ�təwi�l/ noun a wheelwith wooden steps or buckets that is turnedby the flow of water against it and itselfturns machinery such as a mill wheel or anelectric generator. � overshot wheel,undershot wheel

COMMENT: Waterwheels have two pur-poses. When placed over a movingstream, the wheel is turned by the pres-sure of the moving current and so drivesmachinery, as in a watermill. In the sec-ond case, the wheel is also placed overa moving stream, but the water collectsin the buckets on the wheel, which, as itturns, raises the full buckets and tips thewater into an irrigation channel.

watery mouthwatery mouth noun a disease affectingnew-born lambsWATOWATO abbreviation Welfare of Animals(Transport) Order 1997wattlewattle /�wɒt(ə)l/ noun 1. rods and twigswoven together to make a type of fence 2.a piece of fleshy skin hanging down belowthe throat of birds such as the turkeyweanwean verb to remove a young animalfrom the milk source of its mother.Weaning is common at 5 weeks.weanerweaner /�wi�nə/ noun a young animalwhich has been weaned, especially ayoung pigweatherweather noun daily atmospheric condi-tions such as sunshine, wind and precipita-tion in an area � verb to change the state ofsoil or rock through the action of naturalagents such as rain, sun, frost or wind or byartificially produced pollutantsweatheringweathering noun the alteration of thestate of soil or rock through the action of


263 Welsh mule

natural agents such as rain, sun, frost orwind or by artificially produced pollutantsweatings

weatings /�wi�tiŋz/ plural noun a by-product of milling wheat, made up of bransof various particle sizes and varyingamounts of attached endosperm, which isused as a feedingstuff. Also called wheat-ingsweb conveyor

web conveyor noun a machine used tomove material along a moving web; foundon all types of harvesters and someprocessing machineswedge

wedge noun � Dorset wedge silageweed

weed noun a plant that grows where it isnot wanted, e.g. a poppy in a wheat field(NOTE: Some weeds are cultivated plants,for example oilseed rape growing in hedge-rows.)

COMMENT: Weeds compete with cropsfor nutrients and water; the presence ofweeds can lower the quality of a cropand often make it more difficult to har-vest. Some weeds may taint milk wheneaten by cows and some are poisonousand can affect livestock. Weeds alsoharbour pests and diseases which canspread to crops. Chemical control ofweeds is an additional cost, but weedscan be controlled by good rotations andtillage treatment.

weed beet

weed beet noun a type of beet which isregarded as a weed because it producesseeds as opposed to roots which can beharvested. Weed beet affects sugar beetcrops and can harbour rhizomania. It iscontrolled by limiting bolters and sopreventing cross-pollination. The mosteffective control is by hand-pulling bolters.weedkiller

weedkiller /�wi�dkilə/ noun same asherbicideweevil

weevil /�wi�v(ə)l/ noun a kind of beetlewhich feeds on grain, nuts, fruit and leaves.The larvae of grain beetles feed on thestored grain where they also pupate.Weil’s disease

Weil’s disease /�weilz di|�zi�z/ noun asometimes fatal disease of humans causedby Leptospira bacteria, caught from theurine of infected cattle or ratswelfare

welfare noun the fact of being happy,healthy and well-looked-afterwelfare code

welfare code noun an official set ofrules for making sure that animals arehealthy and happy in a particular situation,e.g. in quarantine, or when being trans-ported

welfare legislationwelfare legislation noun a law or set oflaws that makes it illegal to cause harm ordistress to animals while caring for themWelfare of Animals Order 1997Welfare of Animals (Transport)Order 1997 noun a piece of legislationwhich sets out the minimum standard ofwelfare for animal in transport, includingguidelines on vehicle condition, journeytimes and necessary documentation. AbbrWATO (NOTE: New EU legislation onanimal welfare in transport is due comeinto force in 2007.)Welfare of Animals Regulations 1995Welfare of Animals (Slaughter orKilling) Regulations 1995 noun apiece of legislation which sets out rulesunder which animals should be slaughteredor killed, including making it an offence tocause unnecessary pain or distress duringthe slaughter process. Abbr WASK (NOTE:The original regulations from 1995 havebeen regularly updated, including updatesin 1999, 2000 and 2003.)Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations 2000Welfare of Farmed Animals(England) Regulations 2000 noun apiece of legislation which sets out guide-lines for the humane treatment of animalson farms, including separate schedules onthe treatment specific types of animalssuch as laying hens, cattle or pigs (NOTE:This legislation also requires that anyoneattending to farm animals should have fullknowledge of the relevant animal welfarecode for that type of animal. Similar piecesof legislation are also in place for Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland.)wellwell noun a hole dug in the ground to thelevel of the water table, from which watercan be removed by a pump or bucketWelshWelsh adjective referring to a breed ofpig, white in colour, with lop ears. It is oneof the older breeds of British pig.Welsh blackWelsh black noun a hardy dual-purposebreed of cattle formed when the northernAnglesey strain was bred with the Castle-martin strain. Welsh blacks produce areasonable milk yield and very lean meat.Welsh half bredWelsh half bred noun a cross betweena border Leicester ram and a Welsh moun-tain eweWelsh mountainWelsh mountain noun a hardy breed ofsheep, well adapted to wet conditions. Theanimals are small with white faces andvery fine fleece, and only the rams havehorns.Welsh muleWelsh mule noun a cross between aBlue-faced Leicester and a ewe of one ofthe Welsh mountain breeds


Wensleydale 264WensleydaleWensleydale /�wenslideil/ noun 1. alongwool breed of sheep. The animals arelarge and polled, and the skin of the face,legs and ears is blue. Wensleydales are nowrare, but are still found in Yorkshire. 2. atype of hard white cheeseWessex SaddlebackWessex Saddleback noun one of twosaddleback breeds now joined with theEssex Saddleback to give the BritishSaddleback, a dual-purpose breed of pig,now rareWesternWestern noun same as Wiltshire hornWesterwold ryegrassWesterwold ryegrass /�westəwəυld�rai�rɑ�s/ noun an annual type of ryegrass,which is a fast-growing summer cropwet-feedingwet-feeding noun a method of feedinglivestock such as pigs in which the animalhas access to dry feedingstuffs and water atthe same timewetherwether /�weðə/ noun a castrated malesheepwetlandswetlands /�wetl�ndz/ noun an area ofland which is often covered by water orwhich is very marshywet mashwet mash noun mash feed mixed withwaterwet pluckwet pluck noun the process of removingthe feathers when the carcass is wet. This iseasier than dry plucking, but may harm theskin.WFAWFA abbreviation Whole Farm ApproachWFDWFD abbreviation Water FrameworkDirectiveWFUWFU abbreviation Women’s Food andFarming Unionwheatwheat noun a cereal crop grown intemperate regions. Genus: Triticum. (NOTE:Wheat is one of the major arable crops.)

COMMENT: The two main species ofwheat grown are Triticum aestivumwhich is grown for bread flour, and somevarieties of which produce the most suit-able flour for cakes and biscuits, andTriticum durum which is grown for pasta.Cereal drilling usually takes place in theUK between September and April. Win-ter wheat usually yields higher quantitiesthan spring wheat and is harvestedbefore it. Spring wheat varieties aregrown in those areas with more extremeclimates as they are the quick-maturingvarieties. Spring wheat is grown in theprairie provinces of Canada, in the Dako-tas and Montana in the USA, and in themore northerly parts of the steppe wheatbelt in Russia. Winter varieties accountfor about three-quarters of the total out-put of wheat in the USA, and over 80%

of exports. The state of Kansas grows30% of the hard red winter wheat grownin the USA.

wheat blossom midgewheat blossom midge noun a pestthat affects wheatwheat bulb flywheat bulb fly noun a fly whose larvaefeed on the roots of wheat. The centralshoot turns yellow and dies.wheatfeedwheatfeed /�wi�tfi�d/ noun same aswheat offalswheatgermwheatgerm /�wi�td��m/ noun thecentral part of the wheat seed, whichcontains valuable nutrientswheatingswheatings /�wi�tiŋz/ plural nounanother spelling of weatingswheatmealwheatmeal /�wi�tmi�l/ noun brown flourwith a large amount of bran, but not asmuch as is in wholemealwheat offalswheat offals noun the embryo and seedcoat of the wheat grain, used as animalfeedwheywhey /wei/ noun a residue from milkafter the casein and most of the fat havebeen removed. Whey is used as pig feed.whipwhip noun a short stick with a lashattached, used to control horseswhip and tongue cuttingwhip and tongue cutting noun a formof graft in which the stock and scion are cutdiagonally to form large open surfaceswith a small notch in each. The surfacesare bound together tightly with twine.whipwormwhipworm /�wipw��m/ noun a varietyof worm affecting pigs, especially weanersWhitbred shorthornWhitbred shorthorn /�witbred�ʃɔ�thɔ�n/ noun a breed of white beefcattlewhite bird’s-eyewhite bird’s-eye noun same as chick-weedwhite cloverwhite clover noun a type of perennialclover (Trifolium repens). There areseveral varieties including the large-leavedvariety suitable for silage or hay and thesmall-leaved variety which is quick toestablish and keeps out weeds and othergrasses.white corpusclewhite corpuscle noun a blood cellwhich does not contain haemoglobinWhite-faced WoodlandWhite-faced Woodland noun a largehill breed of sheep, with white face andlegs and pinkish nostrils. The ram hasheavy twisted horns. Found mainly in theSouth Pennines, it has been crossed withother hill breeds to give them its size andvigour. Also called Penistonewhiteheadswhiteheads /�waithedz/ noun same astake-all


265 Wiltshire hornWhite LeghornWhite Leghorn noun a laying breed ofpoultrywhite lupinwhite lupin noun a new strain of lupin(Lupinus albus) that is able to withstandcold. Seeds are 40% protein and at least12% edible oil.white mulberrywhite mulberry noun a tree grown forits leaves, on which silkworms feedwhite mustardwhite mustard noun a crop grown toincrease the organic content of the soil byusing it as a green manureWhite ParkWhite Park noun a rare breed of cattle,white in colour with either black or redmuzzle, eyelids, ears and feet. It is one ofthe most ancient breeds of British cattle.White Plymouth RockWhite Plymouth Rock noun a largeheavy breed of table poultrywhite rotwhite rot noun a fungal disease of onionsand leeks. The leaves turn yellow and awhite mass appears on the bulb.whiteswhites noun same as metritiswhite scourwhite scour noun a disease affectingyoung calvesWhite WyandotteWhite Wyandotte /�wait �waiəndɒt/noun a dual-purpose breed of poultrywhole cropswhole crops plural noun crops used forsilage which do not need wiltingWhole Farm ApproachWhole Farm Approach noun an offi-cial system of communication between theGovernment and farmers which is morestreamlined and aims to avoid duplicatedinformation and ‘red tape’. Abbr WFAwholefoodwholefood noun food such as brown riceor wholemeal flour that has not been proc-essed and so contains the vitamins,minerals and fibre that are removed byprocessingwholegrainwholegrain /�həυl�rein/ noun a cerealgrain containing the whole of the originalseed, including the branwholemealwholemeal noun flour that contains alarge proportion of the original wheat seed,including the branwholesalewholesale adjective, adverb selling inbulk to shops, who then sell in smallerquantities to individual buyerswholesale seed merchantwholesale seed merchant noun amerchant who sells seed in bulkwildwild adjective not domesticatedwild boarwild boar noun a species of feral pig,common in parts of Europe, but extinct inthe UK. Wild boars are preserved forhunting, but are now bred on farms. Theirmeat is dark, with very little fat, and is ofhigh value.

wild chamomilewild chamomile noun same asmayweedwild cropwild crop noun a crop which is harvestedby man, but not cultivated, e.g. wild berriesor herbswildlifewildlife noun wild animals of all types,including birds, reptiles and fish � Planta-tions of conifers are poorer for wildlifethan mixed or deciduous woodlands. � Theeffects of the open-cast mining schemewould be disastrous on wildlife, particu-larly on moorland birds.wildlife reservewildlife reserve noun an area whereanimals and their environment areprotectedwild oatswild oats plural noun several species ofannual weeds, including (Avena fatua) and(Avena ludoviciana), found among cerealcrops, and now largely controlled by selec-tive herbicides, although manual weedingor roguing is also usedwild onionwild onion noun a perennial weedaffecting cereal crops, beans and rape.Also called crow garlicwild radishwild radish noun same as runchwild white cloverwild white clover noun a variety ofsmall-leaved white clove which is slow toget established, but is an essential part of along ley. It is drought resistant and veryproductive.WilliamWilliam /�wiljəm/ noun � pearwillowwillow noun a temperate hardwood treethat often grows near water. Genus: Salix.(NOTE: Willow is sometimes grown as acrop and is coppiced or pollarded toproduce biomass for fuel.)wiltwilt noun 1. the drooping of plants partic-ularly young stems, leaves and flowers, asa result of a lack of water, too much heat ordisease 2. one of a group of plant diseasesthat cause drooping and shrivelling ofleaves (NOTE: It is caused by fungi,bacteria, or viruses that block the plant’swater-carrying vessels.) � verb to droop orshrivel through lack of water or great heat,or to cause or allow plants to lose firmnessin their stems and leaves so they are suit-able for use as silagewiltingwilting noun limpness found when planttissues do not contain enough water. �

permanent wilting pointWiltshire cureWiltshire cure /�wiltʃə �kjυə/ noun aspecial method of mild curing andsmoking sides of bacon over wood firesWiltshire hornWiltshire horn noun a distinctive white-faced breed of sheep, with curled horns. It


wind 266

grows a coat of thick matted hair and isfound in the Midlands and Anglesey. It is ahardy breed, producing rapid-growinglambs. Also called Westernwindwind noun air which moves in the loweratmosphere, or a stream of air � Theweather station has instruments tomeasure the speed of the wind.windbreakwindbreak /�windbreik/ noun a hedgeor line of trees, planted to give protectionfrom the wind to land with growing cropswind chill factorwind chill factor noun a way of calcu-lating the risk of exposure in cold weatherby adding the speed of the wind to thenumber of degrees of temperature belowzerowindmillwindmill /�windmil/ noun 1. a construc-tion with sails which are turned by thewind, providing the power to drive amachine. � panemone 2. same as windturbine

COMMENT: Windmills were originally builtto grind corn or to pump water frommarshes. Large modern windmills areused to harness the wind to produceelectricity.

windrowwindrow /�windrəυ/ noun a row of thecut stalks of a crop, gathered together andlaid on the ground to be dried by the windwindrowedwindrowed /�windrəυd/ adjective refer-ring to a crop which has been lifted and leftin a swathwindrowerwindrower /�windrəυə/ noun a machinewhich lifts a crop such as potatoes andleaves it in a swath on the surface of thesoilwindrow pick-upwindrow pick-up noun a pickup mech-anism which lifts a crop into a harvesterwind turbinewind turbine noun a turbine driven bywind

‘According to Mr Schultze, there are over16,500 wind turbines in German fields,though new developments were slowingdue to resistance from environmentalgroups. Farmers were therefore turningincreasingly to biogas plants, producingelectricity and heat for their ownbusinesses and for local communities.’[Farmers Weekly]

wingwing noun 1. one of the feather-coveredlimbs of a bird or membrane-covered limbsof a bat that are used for flying 2. anoutgrowth on a seed case of seeds such assycamore dispersed by wind 3. the lowerpart of the ploughshare behind the point

winnowwinnow /�winəυ/ verb to separate grainfrom chaff. Originally this was done bythrowing the grain and chaff up into the air,the lighter chaff being blown away by thewind.winterwinter noun the season of the year,following autumn and before spring, whenthe weather is coldest, the days are short,most plants do not flower or produce newshoots and some animals hibernate � verbto spend the winter in a placewinter burnwinter burn noun leaf burn in winterwinter feedingwinter feeding noun a system offeeding livestock during the wintermonths, giving them feeds of hay, silageand concentrateswinter greenswinter greens plural noun hardy varie-ties of Brassica which are grown for useduring the winterwinter hardywinter hardy adjective able to survivethrough the winter outsidewintering groundswintering grounds plural noun areawhere birds come each year to spend thewinterwinter killwinter kill noun the death of plants inwinterwinter washwinter wash noun an egg-killing sprayapplied to fruit trees in the dormant winterperiod. Tar oil is the commonest winterspray.winter wheatwinter wheat noun wheat of a varietysown in the autumn or early winter monthsand harvested early the following summerwireweedwireweed /�waiəwi�d/ noun a commonname for ‘knotgrass’ (Agriotes lineatus)wirewormwireworm /�waiəw��m/ noun the shinythin hard-bodied larvae of the click beetle,which feeds on the roots of cereals andother plantswitherwither verb (of plants, leaves, flowers) toshrivel and diewitherswithers /�wiðəz/ noun a ridge betweenthe shoulder blades of an animalwithstandwithstand verb not to be affected by �some plants can withstand very lowtemperatureswoldswolds /wəυldz/ plural noun areas of lowchalk or limestone hills. Wolds are charac-terised by having few hedges and nosurface water.Women’s Food and Farming UnionWomen’s Food and FarmingUnion noun an association for women infarming, focusing on sustainability andenvironmental considerations. AbbrWFFU


267 wych elmwood

wood noun 1. a large number of treesgrowing together 2. a hard tissue whichforms the main stem and branches of a tree3. a construction material that comes fromtreeswood alcohol

wood alcohol noun same as methanolwood ash

wood ash noun ash from burnt wood, asource of potashwooden tongue

wooden tongue noun same as actino-bacillosiswoodfuel

woodfuel /�wυdfju�əl/ noun woodwhich is used as fuelwoodland

woodland /�wυdlənd/ noun an area inwhich the main vegetation is trees withsome spaces between themWoodland Grant Scheme

Woodland Grant Scheme noun anagri-environmental scheme aimed atensuring good management of forests andwoodlandwoodlot

woodlot /�wυdlɒt/ noun a small area ofland planted with treeswoody

woody /�wυdi/ adjective referring toplant tissue which is like wood or which isbecoming woodwool

wool noun soft curly hair, the coat of thedomesticated sheep. Wool is also producedby goats and rabbits.wool ball

wool ball noun a mass of wool found inthe first or fourth stomachs of lambs. Smallamounts of wool swallowed by the lambcollect to form a ball which can increase insize until it blocks the stomach and causesdeath.wool fat

wool fat noun lanolin, a fat which coversthe fibres of sheep’s woolwoolsorter’s disease

woolsorter’s disease /�wυlsɔ�təz di|

�zi�z/ noun same as anthraxwork

work verb to cultivate landworkability

workability /�w��kə |�biliti/ noun theability of soil to be cultivated. It is an inter-action between climatic conditions and thephysical condition of the soil.work days

work days plural noun the number ofdays when land can be worked with accept-able risk of damage to soil structure duringthe main activities of tillage, drilling andharvesting. Heavy soils have fewer workdays than light soils. In general, goodground conditions exist when the soil isbelow field capacity.

World Food Programme

World Food Programme noun part ofthe Food and Agriculture Organization ofthe United Nations. The programme isintended to give international aid in theform of food from countries with foodsurpluses.World Trade Organization

World Trade Organization noun aninternational organisation set up with theaim of reducing restrictions in tradebetween countries (replacing GATT). AbbrWTOWorld Wide Fund for Nature

World Wide Fund for Nature nounfull form of WWFworm

worm noun 1. an invertebrate animal witha soft body and no limbs, e.g. a nematodeor flatworm 2. an invertebrate animal witha long thin body and no legs that lives inlarge numbers in the soil. Also calledearthworm � verb to treat an animal inorder to remove parasitic worms from itsintestinesworm cast

worm cast noun waste earth rejected byan earthwormwormer

wormer /�w��mə/ noun a substance usedto worm animals such as cattleworms

worms plural noun a condition in whichan animal is infested with parasitic wormswhich can cause disease

COMMENT: Parasitic worms infest mostanimals, but especially cattle and sheep,and can be removed with anthelmintics.Wormed cattle may give higher yields ofmilk than untreated animals, but testsare not conclusive. Various substancesare used in worming, such as thiabenda-zole or fenbendazole.

worrying

worrying noun the chasing of sheep andother livestock, by dogs which are notcontrolled by their ownersWTO

WTO abbreviation World Trade Organiza-tionWWF

WWF noun an international organisation,set up in 1961, to protect endangeredspecies of wildlife and their habitats, andnow also involved with projects to controlpollution and promote policies of sustain-able development. Full form World WideFund for NatureWyandotte

Wyandotte /�waiəndɒt/ noun � WhiteWyandottewych elm

wych elm noun � elm


XYZX chromosomeX chromosome noun a chromosomethat determines sex. � Y chromosomexeno-xeno- /zenəυ/ prefix differentxenobioticsxenobiotics /zenəυbai|�ɒtiks/ pluralnoun chemical compounds that are foreignto an organismxero-xero- /ziərəυ/ prefix dryxeromorphicxeromorphic /�ziərəυ |�mɔ�fik/ adjec-tive referring to a plant which can preventwater loss from its stems during hotweatherxerophilousxerophilous /zi |�rɒfiləs/ adjective refer-ring to a plant which lives in very dryconditionsxerophytexerophyte /�ziərəfait/ noun a plantwhich is adapted to living in very dryconditionsxeroserexerosere /�ziərəυsiə/ noun a successionof communities growing in very dry condi-tionsxylemxylem /�zailəm/ noun the tissue in a plantwhich transports water and dissolvedminerals from the roots to the rest of theplant. Compare phloemyardyard noun 1. a unit of length in the US andBritish Imperial Systems equal to 3 ft or0.9144 m. Abbr yd 2. an open space in afarm, surrounded on three sides by barns,stables and farm buildingsyard and parlouryard and parlour noun a system ofhousing dairy cattle in yards and bringingthem through a parlour for milkingyarryarr /jɑ�/ noun same as corn spurreyyarrowyarrow /�j�rəυ/ noun a common weed(Achillea millifolium) which can causetaints in milk. Also called milfoilY chromosomeY chromosome noun a chromosomethat determines sex, carried by males andshorter than an X chromosome. � X chro-mosome (NOTE: A male usually has an XYpair of chromosomes.)ydyd abbreviation yard

yearlingyearling /�jiəliŋ/ noun an animal agedbetween one and two yearsyeastyeast noun a single-celled fungus that isused in the fermentation of alcohol and inmaking breadyellow cereal flyyellow cereal fly noun a pest whichaffects early-sown wheat crops and causesthe death of the plant’s central shootyellow dwarf virusyellow dwarf virus noun a fungaldisease affecting barley, and also wheatand grass. The leaves turn red and yellowand yields are reduced. The disease iscarried by wingless aphids and thecommon name for it is ‘BYDV’.yellowingyellowing /�jeləυiŋ/ noun 1. a conditionwhere the leaves of plants turn yellow,caused by lack of light 2. a sign of diseaseor of nutrient deficiency

COMMENT: Yellow diseases are oftencaused by viruses, but may also becaused by bacteria and fungi. Yellowingis a common symptom when there is adeficiency of elements which are impor-tant to chlorophyll production, such asiron and magnesium.

yellow rattleyellow rattle noun an annual weed(Rhinanthus minor) found in grasslandsyellow rustyellow rust noun a fungal disease(Puccinia striiformis) of cereals, mainlyaffecting wheat and barley. Yellowpustules form on leaves, stems and ears.Also called stripe rustyellowsyellows /�jeləυz/ noun 1. a general termfor any plant disease in which the leavesbecome yellow 2. jaundice in animalsyeltyelt /jelt/ noun a young female pigyewyew /ju�/ noun a coniferous tree or largeshrub (Taxus baccata)

COMMENT: All varieties of the British yewtree are poisonous and stock which eatthe leaves or berries suffer vomiting andin severe cases die.


269 zygoteyew poisoningyew poisoning noun poisoning througheating yew berries or leavesYFCYFC abbreviation Young Farmers’ Clubyieldyield noun the quantity of a crop or aproduct produced from a plant or from anarea of land � The usual yield is 8 tonnesper hectare. � The green revolutionincreased rice yields in parts of Asia. �verb to produce a quantity of a crop or aproduct � The rice can yield up to 2 tonnesper hectare. � The oil deposits may yield100000 barrels a month.yoghurtyoghurt, yogurt, yoghourt noun souredmilk in which fermentation is acceleratedby the introduction of specific bacterialmicroorganismsyokeyoke noun 1. a wooden crosspiecefastened over the necks of two oxen 2. apair of oxenyolkyolk noun 1. the yellow central part of anegg 2. greasy material present in sheepwoolYorkshireYorkshire /�jɔ�kʃə/ noun a breed of largewhite pig, similar to the Large White. Thisname is not much used in the UK.Yorkshire fogYorkshire fog noun a weed grass(Holcus lanatus) able to grow under poorconditions. It is unpalatable and of littlevalue.Young Farmers’ ClubYoung Farmers’ Club noun a socialorganisation for young farmers. Abbr YFCZadoks scaleZadoks scale noun a scale used to showthe growth stages of a plant from germina-tion to ripeningZeaZea /ziə/ noun the Latin name for maizeor cornzebuzebu /�zi�bu�/ noun a humped cattle of thetropics; a domesticated Asiatic cattle breedwith a pronounced shoulder hump andprominent dewlap. In the USA, it is calleda ‘Brahman’.zero grazingzero grazing noun the practice ofharvesting forage crops and taking thegreen material to feed housed livestock

zero tillagezero tillage noun a technique usingherbicides instead of tilling the soil beforesowing an arable crop by direct drillingzigzag harrowzigzag harrow noun a light harrow usedfor final seedbed work, and also forcovering sown seeds. The frames arezigzag in shape, with short tines bolted tothem.zinczinc noun a white metallic trace element,essential to biological life. It is used inalloys and as a protective coating for steel.

COMMENT: Zinc deficiency in plants pre-vents the expansion of leaves and inter-nodes; in animals zinc forms part ofcertain enzyme systems and is presentin crystallised insulin.

zoo-zoo- /zəυə, zu�ə/ prefix animalZoonoses OrderZoonoses Order /�zəυə|�nəυsi�z �ɔ�də/noun an order under which the presence ofconditions such as salmonellosis andbrucellosis, which affect both animals andhumans, must be notifiedzoonosiszoonosis /�zəυə|�nəυsis/ noun a diseasethat a human can catch from an animal, e.g.tuberculosis and disorders caused bySalmonella bacteria

‘The USDA considers TB to be a seriouszoonosis which is dangerous to humans. Itis seen as a grave threat to the cattleindustry that will debilitate cattle andcause exports to be stopped.’ [FarmersGuardian]

zoophytezoophyte /�zəυəfait/ noun an animalthat looks like a plant, e.g. a sea anemonezootechnologyzootechnology /�zu�əυtek|�nɒlədzi/noun the use of modern technologicaladvances in animal breeding to increasequality and productionzucchinizucchini /zυ |�ki�ni/ noun an Italian orAmerican name for courgettes, the fruit ofthe marrow at a very immature stage in itsdevelopment, cut when between 10 and20cm long. Zucchinis may be green oryellow in colour.zygotezygote /�zai�əυt/ noun a fertilised ovum,the first stage of development of an embryo


SUPPLEMENTS

Weights and MeasuresAgricultural Land Classification

Nitrogen FertilisersGestation PeriodsOestrous Cycles

Zadoks ScaleWorld Commodity Markets

Weights and Measures

Conversion tables: Metric - Imperial

Length: 1 millimetre (mm) = 0.0394 in.1 centimetre (cm) = 0.3937 in.1 decimetre (dm) = 3.9370 in.1 metre (m) = 1.0936 yds1 kilometre (km) = 0.6214 mile

Weight: 1 milligram (mg) = 0.0154 grain1 gram (gm) = 0.0353 oz1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2046 lb1 tonne (t) = 0.9842 ton

Area: 1 cm² = 0.1550 sq. in.1 m² = 1.1960 sq. yds1 are (a) = 119.60 sq. yds1 hectare (ha) = 2.4711 acres1 km² = 0.3861 sq. mile

Capacity: 1 cm³ = 0.0610 cu. in.1 m³ = 1.3080 cu. yds1 litre = 0.2200 gallon1 hectolitre = 2.7497 bushels

Conversion tables: Imperial - Metric

Length: 1 inch (in.) = 2.54 cm1 foot (ft) = 0.3048 m1 yard (yd) = 0.9144 m1 rod = 4.0292 m1 chain = 20.117 m1 furlong = 201.17 m1 mile = 1.6093 km

Weights and Measures continued

Conversion tables: Imperial - Metric

Weight: 1 ounce (oz) = 28.350 g1 pound (lb) = 0.4536 kg1 stone (st) = 6.3503 kg1 hundredweight (cwt) = 50.802 kg1 ton = 1.0161 tonnes

Area: 1 sq. in. = 6.4516 cm²1 sq ft = 0.0929 m²1 sq. yd = 0.8361 m²1 acre = 4046.9 m²1 sq. mile = 259.0 ha

Capacity: 1 cu. in. = 16.837 cm³1 cu. ft = 0.0273 m³1 cu. yd = 0.7646 m³1 pint = 0.5683 l1 quart = 1.1365 l1 gallon = 4.5461 l1 bushel = 36.369 l1 fluid ounce (fl. oz.) = 28.413 cm³

US measures

Dry measures 1 US pint = 0.9689 UK pint1 US bushel = 0.9689 UK bushel

Liquid measures 1 US fl. oz. = 1.0408 UK fl. oz.1 US pint = 0.8327 UK pint1 US gallon = 0.8327 UK gallon

Agricultural Land Classification

Grade 1 high quality, suitable for intensive arable farming (roots,cereals, vegetables) and horticulture

Grade 2 medium to high quality, suitable for arable farming andintensive grazing (dairy cattle)

Grade 3a/b medium quality, suitable for hardwood forestry androtational cropping

Grade 4 medium to poor quality, suitable for rough grazing (beefcattle and sheep), softwood forestry and limited cerealcropping

Grade 5 poor quality, very rough with rocky outcrops, suitable forgrazing (hardy breeds) and very limited cropping

Nitrogen fertilisers

Nitrogen content(approximate)

Chemical: Ammonium nitrate 33.5%Ammonium sulphate 20.5%Anhydrous ammonia (liquid) 82%Aqua ammonia (liquid) 25%Calcium nitrate 15.5%Diammonium phosphate 18%Low-pressure solution (liquid) 39%No pressure solutions (liquid) 30%Urea 45%

Organic: Alfalfa meal 2.5%Bloodmeal 13%Cattle manure 0.5%Chicken manure 0.9%Cottonseed meal 6%Fish emulsion 5%Fish scrap 9%Hoof and horn 14%Sheep manure 0.9%

Gestation periods

months daysCow 9 283-284Ewe 4-5 144-150Sow 3 114Mare 11 340Goat 4-5 144-150

Oestrous cycles

length of oestrus interval betweenCow 18 hours 21 daysEwe 36 hours 17 daysSow 45 hours 21 daysMare 120 hours 21 daysGoat 40 hours 20 days

Zadoks Scale

0 Germination 5 Inflorescence00 dry seed 52 ¼ of inflorescence visible05 root emerges 54 ½ of inflorescence visible07 shoot emerges 56 ¾ of inflorescence visible

58 inflorescence complete1 Seedling11 first leaf unfolds 6 Anthesis12 second leaf unfolds 65 ½ of anthesis complete13 third leaf unfolds 69 anthesis complete

2 Tillering 7 Milk development21 main shoot, one side shoot 75 medium milk22 main shoot, two side shoots

8 Dough development3 Stem 85 soft dough31 one node32 two nodes 9 Seed ripening

91 kernel hard4 Boots 93 kernel loose43 boots visible 95 dormant seed49 awns visible 96 viable seed

World Commodity Markets

Argentina Bolsa de Cereales, Buenos Aires grainsAustralia Sydney Futures Exchange wool, cattle, electricityAustria Wiener Börse raw skins and hides,

leather, driving belts,technical leather products,timber

Brazil Bolsa de Mercadorias & Futuros gold, coffee, alcohol,sugar, cotton, cattle,soybean, corn

Canada Winnipeg Commodity Exchange canola, canola meal, feedwheat, flaxseed, feedbarley

China Shanghai Gold Exchange goldShanghai Futures Exchange copper cathode, aluminium

ingotFrance MATIF (Marché a Terme European rapeseed futures,

International de France) milling wheat futures, cornfutures, sunflower seeds

Germany Südwestdeutscher Warenbörsen grain, fodder, oilseed, eggs(Mannheimer Produktenbörse, roughage, potatoes, fuel oilStuttgarter Waren- undProduktenbörse, FrankfurterGetreide- und Produktenbörse,Wormser Getreide- undProduktenbörse)

Warenterminbörse, Hanover potatoes, hogs, wheat,rapeseed, heating oil,recyclable paper

Bremer Baumwollbörse cottonHong Kong Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange gold, silverHungary Budapest Commodity Exchange grain, livestock, financialsIndia Tobacco Board, Andhra Pradesh tobacco

Coffee Board, Bangalore coffeeCentral Silk Board, Mumbai silkTea Board of India, Calcutta teaCardamom Board, Cochin cardamomCoir Board, Cochin coirRubber Board, Kerala rubber

Italy Borsa Merci Telematicade bergamot orange, essentialMediterraneo oil of bergamot, tangerine,

orange, lemon, mandarin,grapefruit, oil, wine

World Commodity Markets continued

Japan Central Japan Commodity gasoline, kerosene, eggs,Exchange azuki beans, soybeans

Hokkaido Grain Exchange corn, soybean, soybeanmeal, azuki bean, arabicacoffee, robusta coffee, rawsugar futures

Kanmon Commodity Exchange broiler, corn, soybean,redbean, refined sugar

Kansai Commodities Exchange frozen shrimp, coffee,corn, soybeans, azukibeans, raw sugar, raw silk

Osaka Mercantile Exchange aluminium, cotton, rubberTokyo Commodity Exchange aluminium, gold, silver,

platinum, palladium,gasoline, kerosene, crudeoil, rubber

Tokyo Grain Exchange corn, soybean, coffee,raw sugar, redbean

Tokohashi Dried Cocoon Exchange silk cocoonsKenya Coffee Board of Kenya coffee

East African Tea Trade Association teaKenya Tea Development Authority tea

Malaysia Malaysian Rubber Board rubberMalaysia Derivatives Exchange crude palm oil, interest rate

futures, governmentsecurities futures

Netherlands Euronext, Amsterdam pigs, potatoesSingapore Singapore Commodities Exchange rubber, coffeeU.K. Liverpool Cotton Association raw cotton

Euronext LIFFE cocoa, coffee, sugar,(London International Financial wheat, barley, weatherFutures and Options Exchange) futures

London Metal Exchange aluminium, copperInternational Petroleum Exchange crude oil, gas oil, natural

gasUSA Mid-American Commodity gold, silver, platinum

ExchangeKansas City Board of Trade wheat, natural gas, stock

indexesNew York Board of Trade cocoa, coffee, cotton, sugar(NYBOT, parent companyof Coffee, Sugar & CocoaExchange, New York CottonExchange, New York FuturesExchange)

World Commodity Markets continued

USA cont. New York Mercantile Exchange crude oil, gasoline, heating(NYMEX) oil, natural gas,, propane,

coal, gold, propane, silver,platinum, palladium, copper,aluminium

Chicago Board of Trade corn, oats, soya bean oil,wheat, soya beans, roughrice, gold, silver, Treasurybonds, Treasury notes,other interest rates, stockindexes

Chicago Mercantile Exchange beef, dairy, forest,e-livestock, hogs, crudeoil, natural gas, weatherfutures,chemical futures, foreigncurrencies

Minneapolis Grain Exchange spring wheatBrokerTec Futures Exchange government securitiesMerchants Exchange barge freight rates, energy

productsNASDAQ LIFFE securities futuresFutureCom cattle

Documents

Dictionary of - Agriculture - iWeb