pond: A small area of still water formed artificially or naturally. Helpful content: Ponds provide essential water sources for irrigation, livestock, and wildlife. Proper management of farm ponds can enhance water availability, support biodiversity, and improve overall farm sustainability.
pyrethrum: 1. An organic pesticide, developed from a form of chrysanthemum, which is not very toxic and is not persistent. 2. An annual herb, grown for its flowers which are used in the preparation of pyrethrum. Helpful content: Pyrethrum is a valuable tool for organic pest control, offering effective protection with minimal environmental impact. Farmers can use pyrethrum to manage pests while maintaining organic certification and sustainability.
planter: 1. A person who plants, especially a person who plants and looks after a plantation. 2. A device for planting. Helpful content: Using efficient planting devices can save time and labor for farmers, leading to more precise planting and better crop establishment. Skilled planters ensure that crops are properly spaced and cared for, enhancing productivity.
pandemic: Referring to an epidemic disease which affects many parts of the world. Managing pandemics and biosecurity measures is crucial to preventing widespread agricultural losses.
prick ears: Ears of an animal which stand up straight. Compare lop ears. Helpful content: Recognizing breed characteristics, such as prick ears, helps farmers select and manage livestock according to their specific needs and purposes. Breed-specific traits can influence animal behavior, health, and productivity.
pregnancy toxaemia: A metabolic disorder affecting ewes and does during late pregnancy. Animals wobble and fall, breathing is difficult, and death may follow. It is associated with a lack of feed in late pregnancy. Also called twin lamb disease. Helpful content: Managing nutrition and monitoring pregnant ewes and does can prevent pregnancy toxaemia. Providing adequate feed and minimizing stress during late pregnancy ensures the health of both the mother and the offspring.
progeny: The young or children produced by any living thing. Helpful content: Monitoring progeny performance helps farmers select the best breeding stock. This practice ensures genetic improvement and higher productivity in future generations of crops or livestock.
plant breeder: A person who produces new forms of ornamental or crop plants. Helpful content: Plant breeders play a crucial role in agriculture by developing new plant varieties that are more resilient, productive, and suited to specific growing conditions. This innovation can help farmers improve crop performance and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
pruning: The practice of selectively removing parts of a plant to improve its health and productivity. Pruning helps shape plants, remove diseased wood, and encourage fruiting.
propagate: To produce new plants by a technique such as taking cuttings, grafting, budding, or layering. Helpful content: Propagation techniques are essential for expanding plant stock and maintaining genetic diversity. Farmers can use these methods to produce high-quality plants and improve crop yields.