BGCSE Agriculture 0599 key terms

A crop grown mainly to be sold for money rather than eaten by the farm family. Examples include cotton, tobacco, sugarcane and vegetables grown for market.

A system where most produce is consumed by the farmer's household, with only small surpluses sold. It relies on family labour and few purchased inputs.

A system combining crop production with livestock rearing on the same holding. Manure feeds the soil, crop residues feed animals, and income is spread across enterprises.

The money left from an enterprise after subtracting variable costs from gross income. Fixed costs such as land and machinery are not deducted.

Expenses that change with the size of the enterprise, such as seed, fertiliser, fuel and casual labour. They are deducted when calculating a gross margin.

Expenses a farm must meet whether or not it produces anything, such as land rent, insurance and depreciation of buildings. They are not included in gross margin calculations.

The gradual loss in value of machinery, tools or buildings as they wear out or become outdated. It is treated as a cost when working out farm profit.

Written accounts of inputs, outputs, labour, costs and animal events kept on a holding. Good records allow the farmer to check profit and plan the next season.

Adding new enterprises or products to a farm, such as poultry, honey or agro-tourism, to increase and stabilise income and reduce risk.

Growing different crops in a planned sequence on the same land over several seasons. It helps control pests and diseases and maintains soil fertility.

A plant family whose roots host bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. Beans, peas and groundnuts are common farm examples.

The conversion of nitrogen gas from the air into compounds plants can use. Legumes do this through bacteria living in nodules on their roots.

Land left without a crop for one or more seasons so that soil fertility and structure can recover and weeds and pests decline.

The prepared layer of soil in which seed is sown. It should be fine, firm, level and free of weeds so that germination is even.

The process by which a seed takes up water and begins to grow into a seedling. It requires moisture, suitable temperature and oxygen.

The ability of a seed to germinate and produce a healthy seedling. Viability falls with poor storage and age, so a germination test is useful.

Moving seedlings from a nursery bed into the field where they will mature. It allows early start and careful spacing but needs watering to aid establishment.

The planned distance between plants and between rows in a field. Correct spacing reduces competition for light, water and nutrients and eases weeding.

A plant growing where it is not wanted, competing with crops for water, light and nutrients. Weeds are controlled by cultivation, mulching, hand pulling or herbicides.

A layer of material such as dry grass, straw or plastic spread on the soil surface. It conserves moisture, suppresses weeds and moderates soil temperature.

Mechanical loosening and turning of soil to prepare a seedbed and control weeds. Excessive tillage can damage structure and speed erosion.

Farming practice that leaves crop residues on the surface and disturbs soil as little as possible. It reduces erosion and conserves moisture.

The wearing away and removal of topsoil by wind or water. It is worsened by bare ground, steep slopes and poor cultivation and is reduced by cover and contour works.

The upper, darker soil layer richest in organic matter and nutrients, where most roots grow. Its loss by erosion sharply reduces crop yields.

A vertical section through soil showing its layers, or horizons, from surface litter down to parent material. It reveals depth, texture and drainage.

The relative proportions of sand, silt and clay particles in a soil. Texture affects water holding, drainage and how easily the soil can be worked.

The way soil particles group into crumbs and clods, creating spaces for air and water. Good structure allows roots to grow and water to drain.

A measure of how acidic or alkaline a soil is, on a scale from about 0 to 14. Most crops grow best between pH 6 and 7.

A material such as ground limestone or slaked lime applied to raise soil pH and reduce acidity, improving nutrient availability for crops.

The capacity of soil to supply the nutrients and conditions crops need for healthy growth. It depends on minerals, organic matter, water and pH.

Dead plant and animal material in soil, including roots, manure and compost. It improves structure, holds water and releases nutrients as it breaks down.

The dark, stable, fully decomposed part of soil organic matter. It improves structure, holds moisture and nutrients and gives fertile soil its colour.

Decayed organic material made from plant wastes and manure, used to enrich soil. Proper composting needs air, moisture and a mix of materials.

Animal dung and bedding spread on land as fertiliser. It supplies nutrients and organic matter but should be well rotted to reduce weed seeds and pathogens.

Domestic animals kept for food, work, hides or income, such as cattle, goats, pigs and poultry. Their health, feed and housing must be managed carefully.

A hoofed animal with a multi-chambered stomach that ferments plant fibre with the help of microbes. Cattle, goats and sheep are ruminants.

The measured amount of feed given to an animal in a day. A balanced ration supplies energy, protein, minerals and vitamins for the animal's purpose.

Providing warmth, shelter and care to young chicks during their first weeks. It protects them until they can regulate their own body temperature.

A structure giving birds shelter, protection from predators, ventilation and easy access to feed and water. Clean, dry housing reduces disease.

Measures that prevent disease from entering or spreading on a farm, such as restricting visitors, disinfecting equipment and isolating new animals.

Separating new or sick animals from the rest of the herd for a period to prevent spread of disease. It allows observation before mixing.

A farm implement that cuts and turns the soil to a depth, burying weeds and residues. It is the primary tillage tool before secondary cultivation.

An implement with discs or tines used to break clods and level the soil after ploughing. It creates a finer seedbed and controls small weeds.

A chemical used to kill weeds. Correct choice, dose and timing are essential, and protective clothing must be worn during handling and spraying.

Any substance used to control pests such as insects, fungi or weeds. Safe storage, correct dosage and observance of withholding periods protect users and consumers.

Combining cultural, biological and chemical methods to keep pests below damaging levels, using chemicals only when other methods are insufficient.

Using natural enemies such as predators, parasites or pathogens to reduce pest populations. It is a key part of integrated pest management.

Clothing and gear worn to reduce injury or exposure, such as gloves, boots, overalls, goggles and respirators when handling chemicals or machinery.

Supplying water to crops artificially when rainfall is insufficient. Methods include furrow, sprinkler and drip systems, chosen for efficiency and cost.

A system delivering water slowly and directly to plant roots through tubes and emitters. It saves water and reduces leaf wetness and weed growth.

Using water carefully so none is wasted, through harvesting, mulching, efficient irrigation and protecting catchment areas.

Growing trees together with crops or livestock on the same land. Trees provide shade, fuel, fodder and wind protection while improving soil.

A row of trees or shrubs planted to slow wind and protect crops, soil and buildings from wind damage and moisture loss.

Farming that meets present needs without depleting soil, water and biodiversity, so future generations can continue to produce food.