Alan Nafzger, Ph.D.

Support Energy

by

support energy: the total energy expenditure necessary for the production of plant and animal agricultural foodstuffs. Properly managing support energy ensures efficient resource use and sustainability in agricultural production.

Soil Fertility

by

soil fertility: the potential capacity of soil to support plant growth based on its content of nitrogen and other nutrients. Managing soil fertility ensures healthy crop growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

Malting

by

malting: the process by which barley grain is soaked in water, then sprouted on a floor to produce an enzyme. It is then dried in a kiln and the roots and shoots are removed to leave the malt grains. Understanding the malting process can help farmers produce high-quality barley, leading to better marketability and income.

Fat Cover

by

The layer of fat covering an animal’s muscles, affecting meat quality and yield. Fat cover is assessed to determine market readiness and processing efficiency. For example, monitoring fat cover in cattle to optimize meat quality and minimize waste.

Sideland

by

sideland: A strip of land left at the side of a field during ploughing. It may be ploughed up with the headlands. Farmers benefit from managing sideland for efficient land use and crop rotation.

Cattle Branding

by

A method of permanently marking cattle with a hot iron or freeze brand to indicate ownership. Branding helps prevent theft and establish identity. For instance, branding cattle with a ranch’s unique mark for identification and legal purposes.

Indehiscent

by

indehiscent: Referring to seed pods, fruit or capsules that do not open to release seeds when ripe. Compare dehiscent. Helps farmers manage seed dispersal and crop harvest.

Flock

by

Flock: A large group of birds or some farm animals such as sheep and goats. Managing flocks effectively ensures animal health and productivity.

Rotation Design

by

rotation design: A method of conserving soil nutrients in organic farming by planting different crops in different years. Using rotation designs supports sustainable farming practices and soil health.

Midden

by

midden: a heap of dung. Understanding the role and management of middens can help farmers improve soil fertility and waste management.