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oasis effect: The loss of water from an irrigated area due to hot dry air coming from an unirrigated area nearby. Understanding and mitigating the oasis effect is crucial for efficient water management in irrigation. Farmers can benefit from using windbreaks or adjusting irrigation schedules to reduce water loss and improve crop hydration.

oxidise: To form an oxide by the reaction of oxygen with another chemical substance. Managing oxidation processes is important for preserving the quality of feed and crops. Farmers can benefit from understanding how to prevent unwanted oxidation to maintain the nutritional value and freshness of their products.

OCDS: Older Cattle Disposal Scheme. The OCDS supports farmers by providing payment and support for the disposal of cattle that were born or reared in the United Kingdom before August 1996. This helps farmers manage older cattle and comply with regulations, ensuring a healthy and productive herd.

OBF: Officially Brucellosis Free. Achieving OBF status is crucial for farmers as it indicates that their herd is free from brucellosis, a disease that can affect both animals and humans. Maintaining OBF status can improve herd health, ensure compliance with regulations, and enhance marketability of livestock and livestock products.

organ: A part of an organism that is distinct from other parts and has a particular function, such as an eye or a flower. Understanding the function of organs in plants and animals is crucial for optimizing health and productivity. Farmers can benefit from applying knowledge of plant and animal physiology to improve crop yields and livestock performance.

osmosis: The movement of molecules of a solvent from a solution of one concentration to a solution of a higher concentration through a semi-permeable membrane until the two solutions balance in concentration. Understanding osmosis is important for efficient irrigation and nutrient uptake in plants. Farmers can benefit from optimizing irrigation practices and managing soil salinity to enhance crop growth and yields.

omasum: The third stomach of a ruminant, which acts as a filter, and where much of the water in food is taken out before the food passes onto the abomasum. Proper understanding of ruminant digestion helps farmers optimize feeding strategies to improve livestock health and productivity.

organic material: Carbon-based material derived from organisms, such as decomposed plant material or animal dung. Organic material is crucial for soil health, improving water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Farmers can benefit from incorporating organic matter through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.

once grown seed: Seed obtained from plants grown from a certified seed and intended for use by the farmer on their own farm, and not for resale. Using once grown seed can reduce input costs and ensure crop consistency. Farmers can benefit from understanding seed certification and saving practices to maintain quality and compliance.

organic: Referring to food produced using only a restricted number of permitted pesticides and fertilizers, or to the production of such food. Organic farming practices can improve soil health, biodiversity, and marketability of farm products. Farmers can benefit from transitioning to organic methods to meet growing consumer demand and achieve premium prices.