P

Polwarth: An Australian breed of sheep (from Lincoln and Merino) which gives fine wool. Helpful content: Polwarth sheep are known for their high-quality wool and adaptability to various climates. Farmers can benefit from raising this breed due to its dual-purpose nature, providing both meat and wool, and its suitability for different farming conditions.

PMR: Abbreviation for partly mixed ration. Helpful content: Using a partly mixed ration can improve feed efficiency and animal performance on dairy and livestock farms. This feeding strategy ensures that animals receive balanced nutrition, leading to better health and productivity.

primaries: The main feathers on a bird’s wing. Also called flight feathers. Helpful content: Understanding the function and health of primary feathers is important for poultry farmers. Proper feather management can enhance bird welfare and productivity, especially in egg-laying and meat production.

pannage: 1. Pasturage for pigs in a wood or forest 2. The corn and beech mast on which pigs feed. Utilizing natural resources for pig grazing can reduce feed costs and improve forest management.

pear: A pome fruit of the genus Pyrus used for dessert fruit, cooking, or for fermenting to make perry. In the UK, William’s Bon Chretien, Conference, and Doyenne du Comice are popular dessert varieties, while William’s is also commonly used for canning. Growing pears provides a valuable fruit crop that can be sold fresh, processed, or used in beverages.

pod up: To begin to develop pods. Helpful content: Monitoring the podding stage of crops like beans and peas is crucial for timely harvesting. Farmers can optimize yields and quality by tracking this developmental stage and adjusting management practices accordingly.

press: To crush fruit or seeds to extract juice or oil. Helpful content: Pressing is a critical step in producing high-quality juices, oils, and other products. Farmers can improve product quality and efficiency by using appropriate pressing techniques and equipment.

peatland: An area of land covered with peat bog. Managing peatlands sustainably helps in conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

poultryman: A farm worker who looks after and raises poultry. Helpful content: Skilled poultrymen are vital for successful poultry operations. Their expertise in bird care, feeding, and disease management can significantly impact productivity and flock health.

partition: A moveable wall that divides a room, e.g., a partition in a stable. Using partitions can improve space management and animal welfare in farm buildings.

potato clamp: A heap of stored potatoes covered with straw and earth. Helpful content: Proper storage of potatoes in clamps helps maintain their quality and reduce spoilage. This traditional method can be cost-effective and efficient for small-scale farmers.

primary productivity: The amount of organic matter produced in a specific area over a specific period, e.g., the yield of a crop during a growing season. Helpful content: Measuring primary productivity helps farmers evaluate crop performance and make informed management decisions. Improving primary productivity through soil health, water management, and crop selection can enhance farm profitability.

pile crop pile crop pile crop: A crop that is grown in a pile, e.g., potatoes. Managing pile crops efficiently improves yields and meets market demands.

potential transpiration: The calculated amount of water taken up from the soil and transpired through the leaves of plants. The amount varies according to the climate and weather conditions. Helpful content: Understanding potential transpiration helps farmers manage irrigation effectively. Accurate water management can optimize crop growth, reduce water waste, and enhance overall farm sustainability.

pollen beetle: A pest of Brassica, which makes buds wither. The beetle feeds on buds and flower parts. Helpful content: Managing pollen beetle infestations is crucial for protecting Brassica crops. Integrated pest management strategies can reduce damage and ensure healthy crop development.

pipeline pipeline pipeline: A long, continuous pipe used to transport liquids or gases. Using pipelines in irrigation and drainage systems improves water management and supports sustainable agriculture.

pest control: The management of pests in crops or livestock, usually by chemical or biological means. Implementing effective pest control measures ensures healthy crop and livestock production, reducing economic losses.

persistent weed: A weed that is difficult to remove, even with herbicides. Effective management of persistent weeds is essential for protecting crop yields and reducing competition for resources.

PSD: Abbreviation for Pesticides Safety Directorate. Helpful content: The Pesticides Safety Directorate provides guidelines and regulations for safe pesticide use. Farmers can protect their crops and the environment by following these recommendations and ensuring compliance.

pimento pimento pimento: A type of sweet pepper. Growing and processing pimentos provides valuable spice and vegetable crops that meet market demand.

plane tree: A common temperate deciduous hardwood tree, frequently grown in towns because of its resistance to air pollution. Helpful content: Plane trees can be beneficial for agroforestry systems, providing shade and acting as windbreaks. Their resistance to pollution makes them suitable for urban and peri-urban farming environments.