P

phosphorylation: The addition of a phosphate to a molecule. Understanding biochemical processes like phosphorylation aids in improving animal and plant health through better nutrition and disease management.

phytotoxin: A substance that is toxic to plants. Managing phytotoxins helps in protecting crops and ensuring healthy growth.

particle: A very small piece of a substance. Soil particles. Particles of volcanic ash were carried into the upper atmosphere. Understanding soil particle size and distribution aids in soil management and crop production.

parent material rock: The unweathered base rock which breaks down to form a constituent part of the surface soil. Knowing the parent material helps in soil fertility and management practices.

pest: An organism which attacks a plant or animal, causing damage and reducing the value of the crop or animal. Managing pests effectively prevents economic losses and ensures healthy crop and livestock production.

parthenocarpy: The production of seedless fruits without fertilization having taken place. Producing seedless fruits can meet market demands and reduce the need for pollination management.

polyethylene: Same as polythene. Helpful content: Polyethylene is widely used in agriculture for applications such as mulching, greenhouse covers, and irrigation tubing. Its durability and flexibility make it a valuable material for enhancing crop protection and water management.

peat: The accumulated partly decayed mosses and other plants which form the soil of a bog, often forming a deep layer. COMMENT: Acid peats are formed in waterlogged areas where marsh plants grow, and where the decay of dead material is slow. Black fen soils found in East Anglia are very fertile. These soils contain silts and calcium carbonate in addition to the remains of vegetation. Peat can be cut and dried in blocks, which can then be used as fuel. It is also widely used in horticulture, after drying and sterilizing. Peat was used as a fuel in some areas and was widely used in gardens to improve the texture of the soil or mixed with soil or other materials to grow plants in pots. These practices are now discouraged in order to prevent the overuse of peat bogs. Understanding peat and its uses helps in making informed decisions about sustainable soil management and conservation practices.

primitive: Referring to an early stage in an organism’s development. Helpful content: Understanding primitive traits in plants and animals can provide insights into their evolution and adaptation. This knowledge can inform breeding programs and conservation efforts on farms.

paddock grazing: A rotational grazing system that uses paddocks of equal area for grazing, followed by a rest period. This system improves pasture quality and productivity by preventing overgrazing and allowing for pasture recovery.

pollination: The action of pollinating a flower. Helpful content: Understanding pollination processes helps farmers optimize crop production. Ensuring effective pollination can lead to higher yields, better fruit set, and improved overall plant health.

pig iron: An impure iron produced in a blast furnace and used to produce steel. Understanding industrial processes like pig iron production aids in making informed decisions about farm equipment and infrastructure.

protoplast: A basic cell unit in a plant formed of a nucleus and protoplasm. Helpful content: Protoplasts are essential for plant growth and development. Farmers can utilize this knowledge in plant breeding and genetic research to improve crop varieties.

pikedressing pikedressing pikedressing: The practice of applying lime to soil. Using lime in soil management improves fertility and crop yields.

primary producer: A farmer who produces basic raw materials, e.g., wood, milk, or fish. Helpful content: Primary producers play a key role in the food supply chain. Understanding market trends, adopting sustainable practices, and improving production efficiency can enhance their economic viability and environmental impact.

persimmon: A native tree (Diospyros kaki) of Japan and China, which produces reddish-orange fruit, similar in appearance to tomatoes. The fruits are eaten either as dessert or may be cooked; they are very rich in vitamins. Growing persimmons provides a valuable fruit crop that meets market demand and offers nutritional benefits.

penicillin: An antibiotic, originally produced from a fungus, that controls bacterial and fungal infections (NOTE: Penicillin and the related family of drugs have names ending in -cillin: amoxycillin). COMMENT: Penicillin is effective against many microbial diseases, such as mastitis in cattle. Using antibiotics like penicillin helps in treating infections and maintaining livestock health.

Portland: A rare breed of sheep. Both sexes are horned, with brown or tan faces and legs. Helpful content: Portland sheep are known for their hardiness and adaptability to various environments. Farmers can benefit from raising this rare breed due to its resilience and the unique qualities of its wool and meat.

partial drought: In the UK, a period of at least 29 consecutive days when the mean rainfall does not exceed 2.54mm. Monitoring and managing drought conditions helps in planning irrigation and ensuring crop survival.

pigment: A natural substance that gives color to an animal or plant. Understanding pigments helps in breeding plants and animals with desirable traits and improving product quality.

pastoralist: A farmer who keeps grazing animals on pasture. The people most affected by the drought in the Sahara are nomadic pastoralists. Supporting pastoralists helps maintain traditional farming practices and livelihoods.