diversion: The practice of changing the direction of water flow for irrigation or drainage. Managing water diversion is important for optimizing water use and preventing soil erosion. Farmers should use appropriate techniques and equipment for effective diversion. Understanding the benefits and applications of diversion will aid in effective water management and crop production.
drought: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall. Farmers need to manage water resources effectively to mitigate the impacts of drought.
dicotyledon: A plant with seeds that have a cotyledon with two parts. Dicotyledons form the largest group of plants. Compare monocotyledon. Farmers should understand the characteristics and growth requirements of dicotyledons to manage crops effectively. Proper soil preparation, irrigation, and pest management are essential for successful cultivation of dicotyledons. Knowledge of plant types can aid in crop rotation and disease prevention.
dystrophic: Referring to a pond or lake that contains very acidic brown water, lacks oxygen, and is unable to support much plant or animal life because of excessive humus content. Managing dystrophic conditions involves monitoring water quality and implementing measures to improve oxygen levels and reduce acidity.
digger: A type of plough body with a short, sharply curved moldboard. Diggers are used for deep ploughing, especially to prepare for root crops or for land reclamation. Using diggers can improve soil preparation and root penetration for crops. Farmers should select the appropriate type of digger for their needs and use it properly to achieve optimal soil conditions. Understanding the benefits and applications of diggers will aid in effective soil management and crop establishment.
denaturing: The process of staining wheat grain with a dye to make it unusable for human consumption. Denatured grain may be used as animal feed. Farmers should implement proper techniques for denaturing grain to ensure it is not used for human consumption. Understanding the benefits and applications of denatured grain can help farmers manage surplus or low-quality produce effectively.
drainage: The removal of water by laying drains in or under fields. Effective drainage improves soil structure, prevents erosion, and supports healthy plant growth.
dominance: A state where one species in a community is more abundant than others or the priority for food and reproductive mates that one animal has over another in a group. In genetics, dominance refers to the characteristic of a gene form (allele) that leads to the trait it controls being shown in any individual carrying it. Understanding dominance helps farmers manage breeding programs and animal behavior.
Devon: A breed of fine-boned dual-purpose cattle. North and South Devons are dark red, and belong to a type of red cattle bred for centuries in England. They thrive on pasture which would not be sufficient for larger breeds, and provide both meat and milk. (NOTE: They are commonly known as Red Rubies.) Farmers raising Devon cattle should focus on proper grazing management, health monitoring, and breeding practices to maintain herd productivity. Marketing the unique characteristics of Devon cattle, such as their hardiness and dual-purpose nature, can attract buyers and enhance farm profitability.
dry matter intake: The amount of feed that an animal consumes or requires, discounting its water content. Abbr DMI. Understanding dry matter intake helps farmers ensure their animals receive the necessary nutrients for growth and production.