E

enzootic disease: An outbreak of disease among certain species of animals in a certain area. Compare epizootic disease. Managing enzootic diseases helps farmers protect animal health and prevent the spread of infections.

experimental husbandry farm: An experimental farm which specializes in livestock, rather than plants. Abbr EHF. Learning from EHF research helps farmers improve their livestock management practices.

excrete: To pass waste matter out of the body. The urinary system separates waste liquids from the blood and excretes them as urine. Compare secrete. Understanding excretion helps farmers manage animal health and hygiene.

extensive farming: A farming system that uses small inputs of labor, fertilizers, and capital relative to the land area being farmed. Extensive farming can be sustainable and less harmful to the environment.

ecological recovery: The return of an ecosystem to its former favorable condition. Ecological recovery practices can help farmers restore degraded land and improve agricultural productivity.

endangered species: A species that is facing a risk of extinction in the wild, usually taken to be when fewer than 250 mature individuals exist. Abbr EN. Protecting endangered species helps farmers contribute to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

eutrophication: The process by which water becomes full of phosphates and other mineral nutrients which encourage the growth of algae and kill other organisms. Managing eutrophication helps farmers protect water quality and prevent environmental degradation.

environmental ethics: The examination and discussion of people’s obligations towards the environment. Adopting environmental ethics helps farmers make decisions that protect and sustain the natural world.

English Nature: The UK government agency that is responsible for nature conservation in England. Abbr EN. Understanding English Nature helps farmers participate in conservation efforts and comply with environmental regulations.

extensive system: A farming system which uses a large amount of land per unit of stock or output. An extensive system of pig farming. Understanding extensive systems helps farmers optimize land use and reduce environmental impact.