D

Dorset Horn: A breed of sheep in the south-west of England, both rams and ewes of which have long curly horns. It produces a fine white clear wool and is unique among British breeds in that it can lamb at any time of the year. Proper breeding and management practices can maximize their productivity.

diffuse water pollution: Water pollution which is caused by several small sources such as runoff from farms. Managing diffuse water pollution involves implementing practices like buffer strips, cover cropping, and proper nutrient management. Farmers should adopt measures to reduce runoff and prevent contaminants from entering water bodies. Understanding the sources and impacts of diffuse water pollution will aid in developing effective water management strategies.

degrade: To reduce the quality of something. For example, the land has been degraded through overgrazing. Ozone may worsen nutrient leaching by degrading the water-resistant coating on pine needles. To make a chemical compound decompose into its elements. Farmers should implement sustainable land management practices to prevent degradation. Reducing overgrazing, managing irrigation, and using cover crops can help maintain soil quality and productivity. Understanding the factors contributing to degradation will aid in developing effective conservation strategies.

deep ploughing: Ploughing very deep into the soil, used when reclaiming previously virgin land for agricultural purposes. Deep ploughing can improve soil structure and root penetration for crops. Farmers should consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of deep ploughing, such as soil erosion and disturbance of soil life. Implementing deep ploughing as part of a broader soil management plan can optimize its benefits while minimizing negative impacts.

disease: A condition caused by infection or by a defect of the body. Managing disease involves implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccination, and regular health monitoring. Farmers should work with veterinarians to develop effective disease management plans and prevent outbreaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of diseases will aid in early detection and treatment, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd.

desalinate: To remove salt from a substance such as sea water or soil. Desalination is important for improving water quality and soil health in saline environments. Farmers should use appropriate desalination techniques to enhance the productivity of saline soils and water sources. Understanding the methods and benefits of desalination can help in managing saline conditions effectively.

defoliation: The loss of leaves from a plant, especially as the result of using a herbicide or because of disease or other stress. Managing defoliation involves identifying the cause and taking corrective measures. Farmers should implement integrated pest management practices, use disease-resistant varieties, and ensure proper nutrition to reduce the risk of defoliation. Understanding the factors contributing to defoliation can help in developing effective prevention and control strategies.

drought stress: A lack of growth caused by drought. Drought stress can reduce crop yields and affect plant health. Farmers can mitigate drought stress by using irrigation, mulching, and selecting drought-tolerant crop varieties.

dump box: A large hopper on wheels with a floor conveyor that receives silage from trailers and from which the crop is discharged into the silo. Dump boxes help streamline the process of storing silage, ensuring it is efficiently collected and stored.

depress: To make a price lower. Overproduction of some items in the EU may depress the price level in the open market. Farmers should monitor market trends and manage production to avoid overproduction and price depression. Diversifying income sources and exploring value-added products can help stabilize farm income. Understanding market dynamics will aid in making informed production and marketing decisions.