M

mouldboard: the main part of a plough, which turns over the surface soil. Proper maintenance and use of mouldboards can help farmers improve soil cultivation and crop production, ensuring better productivity.

metre: an SI unit of length. The area is four metres by three. Symbol m. Understanding the metric system can help farmers communicate and manage resources more effectively, ensuring better accuracy and efficiency.

myrmecology: the study of ants. Understanding myrmecology can help farmers manage ant populations and protect their crops, ensuring better productivity.

minimum tillage: a method of ploughing in which disturbance of the soil does not affect the deeper layers. The benefits are conservation of organic matter, leading to a better soil structure and less soil erosion, better soil biodiversity and the use of less energy. The disadvantages include the easier germination of grass seeds. Also called min-till. Understanding minimum tillage can help farmers optimize their soil and crop management practices, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

marsh: an area of permanently wet land and the plants that grow on it. Marshes may be fresh water or salt water and tidal or non-tidal. A marsh usually has a soil base, as opposed to a bog or fen, which is composed of peat. Understanding the role of marshes in the ecosystem can help farmers manage wetland areas on their property, contributing to environmental sustainability.

mineral nutrients: nutrients except carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which are inorganic and are absorbed by plants from the soil. Understanding the role of mineral nutrients can help farmers manage soil and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

multi-storey system: a pig-rearing system in which pigs are kept in a building which has several floors or tiers. Understanding multi-storey systems can help farmers manage pig production more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

MLC: abbreviation Meat and Livestock Commission. Understanding the role of the Meat and Livestock Commission can help farmers access valuable resources and support for improving their livestock production and marketability.

muley: a cow or bull which does not have horns. Raising muley cattle can provide farmers with a unique and high-value product, particularly for niche markets interested in hornless breeds.

micronutrient: a nutrient which an organism uses in very small quantities, e.g. iron, zinc or copper. Understanding the role of micronutrients can help farmers manage soil and livestock nutrition more effectively, ensuring better crop and animal health and productivity.