Essential Agricultural Terms and Farming Methods Defined

Key Definitions in Agricultural Science and Land Management

Greenhouse

A greenhouse is an enclosed area made of a metal structure covered with plastic or glass, used specifically for growing crops under controlled conditions.

Terrace

A terrace is a strip of land dug by farmers, made level and strengthened with walls. Terraces slope gently downwards so that excess water can drain to a lower terrace, preventing erosion.

Agrarian Holdings

An agrarian holding is a group of land areas or farms worked on by a person or company to produce agricultural, livestock, or forestry products.

Plots of Land

Agrarian holdings are formed by one or various pieces of land called plots.

Open-Field Landscapes

In open-field landscapes, plots of land are not enclosed by fences. The rural habitat is usually compact, typical of large plains.

Closed-Field Landscapes

In closed-field landscapes, plots of land are enclosed by hedges, walls, or wire fences, creating well-defined plots. The rural habitat is mostly dispersed, typical of humid and mountainous areas.

Rainfed Agriculture

Rainfed agriculture relies solely on rainwater for crops. However, during periods of severe drought, crops may require artificial irrigation.

Irrigated Agriculture

Irrigated agriculture is necessary when crops require more water than rainfall can provide, necessitating the use of artificial irrigation systems.

Monoculture

Monoculture is the practice where the land is devoted exclusively to growing one product.

Polyculture

Polyculture is the practice of growing various plant species on the same holding simultaneously.

Commercial Agriculture

The objective of commercial agriculture is to sell produce to generate profit.

Transgenic Crops

Transgenic crops are genetically modified crops designed to improve their resistance to pests, increase their size, and enhance durability.

Organic Farming

In organic farming, no synthetic products, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified crops are used.

Subsistence Agriculture

Subsistence agriculture is farming where farmers obtain food primarily for their families. It takes place on small holdings, involves growing various products simultaneously, and typically results in very low productivity.

Fallow Land

Fallow land is land intentionally left to rest for a period (a few years) so that it can recover naturally.

Plantations

Plantations are very large agrarian holdings, typically found in less developed countries, devoted exclusively to a single type of crop and often owned by large corporations.