PSLE Agriculture key terms

The practice of growing crops and raising animals for food, fibre and other useful products. It includes preparing land, planting, caring for plants and animals, and harvesting.

A plant grown in large numbers because people use it for food, clothing, medicine or animal feed. Examples include maize, rice, beans and cotton.

Farm animals kept for profit or use, such as cattle, goats, pigs and chickens. They provide meat, milk, eggs, hides and manure for the farm.

Domestic birds raised on farms, mainly chickens, ducks and turkeys. They are kept for their eggs and meat and need shelter, food and clean water.

The loose top layer of the earth in which plants grow. It is a mixture of broken rock particles, humus, water, air and living organisms.

Dark, spongy material formed when dead plants and animals rot in the soil. It holds water and nutrients and makes soil fertile and dark in colour.

A balanced soil that contains a good mix of sand, silt and clay, plus humus. It holds water without becoming waterlogged and is best for most crops.

The wearing away and carrying off of topsoil by wind or running water. It removes fertile soil and can be slowed by cover crops, mulching and contour ploughing.

Decayed plant and kitchen waste used to enrich soil. It is made by piling waste in layers and turning it until it breaks down into dark, crumbly material.

Animal waste used to add nutrients to soil. It must be rotted or aged first so it does not burn young plants or spread harmful germs.

The ability of soil to supply the nutrients plants need for healthy growth. Fertile soil supports strong roots, green leaves and good yields.

A material added to soil or plants to supply nutrients. It may be natural, such as manure, or manufactured, such as a bagged mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

A substance that living things need to grow and stay healthy. Plants take nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium from the soil through their roots.

Supplying water to crops by artificial means, such as channels, sprinklers or drip pipes, especially when rainfall is too low for healthy growth.

The removal of extra water from soil so that plant roots are not drowned. It is done with open ditches, buried pipes or by shaping land into raised beds.

The part of a flowering plant that contains a tiny embryo and a food store. When given water, warmth and air, it germinates and grows into a new plant.

The process in which a seed begins to grow after taking in water. A small root and shoot break out of the seed coat and start to develop.

A very young plant that has just grown from a seed. Seedlings are tender and need water, light and protection from pests before they are transplanted.

A specially prepared patch of fine, level soil where seeds are sown so they can germinate and grow into strong seedlings before being moved.

Moving a young plant from the place where it was sown to its final growing spot. It is done carefully so the roots are not damaged.

The act of gathering a mature crop from the field. It is done at the right stage so the produce is ripe, undamaged and can be stored well.

Keeping harvested produce safe until it is sold or eaten. Good storage uses dry, cool, clean places that keep out pests and prevent mould.

Any insect, rodent, weed or other organism that damages crops or harms farm animals. Pests reduce yields and must be controlled by careful methods.

A chemical or natural substance used to kill or repel pests. It must be used in the correct dose and handled safely so it does not harm people or useful insects.

A plant growing where it is not wanted, usually competing with crops for water, light and nutrients. Weeds are removed by hand, with tools or by spraying.

A layer of dry grass, straw, leaves or plastic spread on the soil surface. It keeps moisture in, blocks weeds and protects soil from erosion.

Protecting and using natural resources wisely so they last. In farming this includes saving soil, water and trees and avoiding wasteful practices.

Growing different crops in a field in a planned order, season after season. It helps stop pests building up and keeps soil nutrients balanced.

Keeping eggs warm at the right temperature until the young birds hatch. This may be done by a broody hen or by an artificial incubator with controlled heat.

A group of farm animals of the same kind that share similar features and are kept to pass these features to their young, such as a dairy breed of cattle.

The amount of crop or animal product produced from a given area or animal. Farmers measure yield to judge how successful a season has been.

A simple hand-held item used to do farm work, such as a hoe for weeding, a rake for levelling soil or a watering can for giving water.

A structure with clear walls and roof that lets sunlight in and traps warmth. It protects plants from harsh weather and pests and allows controlled growing.

Very fine soil particles that stick together when wet and form hard lumps when dry. Clay holds water well but drains slowly and can become waterlogged.

The largest soil particles, which feel gritty and do not stick together. Sandy soil drains quickly and dries out fast, so it holds few nutrients.