‘L’ Glossary

Lactation Period

The lactation period refers to the duration a female mammal produces milk following the birth of her offspring, commonly discussed in the context of dairy cows and goats.

Land Classification

Land classification involves grouping land based on similar soil characteristics, which helps determine its suitability for specific purposes.

Layer

A layer is a female chicken that regularly lays eggs. A proficient layer can produce approximately 19 to 20 dozen eggs annually.

Leaching

Leaching is the process where water moving through soil removes soluble materials.

Legumes

Legumes are plants that have root nodules formed by bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use. Examples include alfalfa, soybeans, sweet clover, and peanuts.

Litter

A litter refers to a group of young born simultaneously by one sow.

Livestock

Livestock includes domesticated animals raised primarily for agricultural purposes, such as beef and dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and horses.

Land Capability Classification

This classification evaluates land based on its potential and limitations for sustained use without significant degradation. It considers factors such as soil texture, slope, erosion, wetness, and flooding susceptibility.

Lactation

The lactation phase is the period during which a cow produces milk after calving, typically lasting about 10 months.

Lamb

A lamb is a young sheep that is less than one year old.

Legume

Legumes are part of a plant family known for their ability to enrich soil with nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with root bacteria. This family includes peas, beans, soybeans, peanuts, clovers, and alfalfas.

Land Preparation

Land preparation involves ploughing to ready the soil for planting. It is essential for ensuring proper root growth, water and nutrient absorption, and erosion control.

Land Reclamation

Land reclamation improves land use potential by altering its character or environment through activities such as clearing, erosion control, and building irrigation systems.

Landslide

A landslide is the rapid downslope movement of soil, rock, and debris.

Lay-by Application

This refers to applying herbicides after the last cultivation in crop fields.

Layering

Layering is a propagation technique where a shoot is induced to form roots while still attached to the parent plant.

LEISA

Low-External-Input and Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) emphasizes using resources from the farm or local area to ensure sustainability.

Landfill

A landfill is a waste disposal site where refuse is spread in thin layers and covered with soil.

Land Scarcity

Land scarcity occurs when 70% or more of arable land in a region is under cultivation.

Ley Farming

Ley farming involves rotating grass-legume mixtures with crops to improve soil structure and fertility while preventing erosion.

Long Day (LD)

A long day plant requires extended daylight periods to initiate processes such as flowering.

Looping

Looping is the removal of unwanted branches or twigs from plants.

Lysimeter

A lysimeter measures the rate at which rainwater percolates through the soil.