P

pH scale: A measure of acidity or alkalinity. Managing soil and water pH levels ensures optimal growing conditions for crops and healthy environments for livestock.

pen: A small enclosure for animals or poultry. Verb to enclose animals such as sheep in a pen. Properly designed pens ensure animal welfare and easy management.

potash: Any potassium salt. Helpful content: Potash is a vital nutrient for plant growth, helping with water regulation, enzyme activation, and photosynthesis. Proper application of potash fertilizers can enhance crop yields and improve soil fertility.

pale leaf spot: White spots that form on the leaves of clover plants due to potash deficiency. Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies in plants can prevent yield losses and maintain healthy crops.

parasiticide: A substance that kills parasites. Using parasiticides helps maintain the health and productivity of crops and livestock.

porcine spongiform encephalopathy: A brain disease which has been induced in pigs experimentally. Abbr PSE. Helpful content: Understanding and preventing PSE is important for maintaining pig health and ensuring food safety. Research and biosecurity measures can help mitigate the risk of this disease in pig populations.

pomegranate: A semi-tropical tree (Punica granatum) native to Asia, but now cultivated widely. The fruit are round and yellow, with masses of seeds surrounded by sweet red flesh. Helpful content: Pomegranates are valued for their health benefits and market potential. Farmers can benefit from growing this crop by implementing best practices for cultivation, pest control, and post-harvest handling to ensure high-quality fruit.

precision drill: A seed drill which sows the seed separately at set intervals in the soil. Helpful content: Precision drills ensure accurate seed placement, leading to uniform crop stands and efficient use of resources. This technology can enhance yields and reduce seed wastage, benefiting overall farm productivity.

picker: A person who picks crops, e.g., a fruit picker, grape picker, cotton picker. Employing skilled pickers ensures efficient and high-quality harvests, improving farm productivity.

plant food ratio: The ratio of nitrogen to phosphate and potash in a fertilizer. Helpful content: Knowing the plant food ratio is vital for farmers to provide balanced nutrition to their crops. Proper fertilization based on this ratio can enhance plant growth, improve yields, and prevent nutrient deficiencies.