moss: a small flowerless green plant which usually grows in clumps in damp and shaded places. Understanding the role and management of moss can help farmers protect their crops and improve soil health, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
meat-eating animal: same as carnivore. Understanding the dietary needs of meat-eating animals can help farmers manage livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better health and productivity.
mountain: land which rises above the surrounding land, forming a natural feature of the landscape. Understanding the characteristics and management of mountain land can help farmers optimize their agricultural practices and improve sustainability.
miscanthus: a plant related to sugar cane that is grown for use as a fuel. Also called elephant grass. Growing miscanthus can provide farmers with a renewable energy source, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic stability.
milk composition: the percentages of protein, lactose, fat, minerals and water which make up milk. The composition 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%). Understanding milk composition can help farmers manage dairy production more effectively, ensuring better quality and marketability.
mast: the small hard fruits that have fallen from a beech tree, used as food by pigs and other animals. Utilizing mast can provide farmers with a natural and cost-effective feed source for livestock.
mesoclimate: the climate over a specific locality such as a hillside or valley, extending no more than a few kilometres in radius. Understanding mesoclimate can help farmers manage microenvironments more effectively, ensuring better crop and livestock productivity.
mineralisation: the breaking down of organic waste into its inorganic chemical components. Understanding mineralisation can help farmers manage soil health and fertility more effectively, ensuring better crop yields.
meat: animal flesh that is eaten as food. Understanding the nutritional value and uses of meat can help farmers manage livestock production more effectively, ensuring better marketability and income.
morning milk: milk obtained from the first milking of the day. Proper management of morning milk can ensure better quality and yield, contributing to farm profitability and sustainability.