insectivores

An organism (plant or animal) that mainly feeds on insects.

integrated pest management

A pest management strategy using a systematic approach in which pest populations are monitored to determine if and when control methods are required. Integrated pest management (IPM) uses biological, chemical, physical, cultural and/or genetic control methods in order to minimize pesticide use, reduce production costs, and protect the environment.

intensive farming

A system of raising crops and animals, usually on small parcels of land, where a comparatively large amount of production inputs or labor are used per acre. Compare extensive farming.

intensive forestry

Utilization of a wide variety of forest management and silvicultural techniques in order to maximize the productivity of a unit of forest area.

intercropping

The growing of two or more different species of crops simultaneously, as in alternate rows in the same field or single tract of land.

Defoliant

A chemical or any method of treatment causing falling of leaves or abscise, but fruits remain attached is technically called as defoliant.

Dyes

A colouring chemical used on seed to indicate that the seed is treated so that it may not be consumed. Different dyes make a trade marks of various seed companies.

Drier

A machine fitted with heating system which removes moisture from any object and the process of removal of moisture is called as drying.

Dioecious

Plants bearing only either male or female flowers like papaya.

Dormancy

A chemical condition of seeds which prevents the embryo to initiate germination even after all the favourable conditions for germination are provided and seed remain in resting state.

Diaphanoscope

It is a dark work-board with glass top through which light passes from below and helps in determining the presence of caryopsis within the glumes of graminacious seeds

Degeneration

It is a process of regular and progressive decrease in vigour of successivegeneration of plants which may happen due to unfavourable growing conditions attack of disease or cross pollination

Deflocculate

To separate the individual components of compound particles by chemical and/or physical means

Double Cropping

Refers to the practice of growing two crops in a year as in case of dryland areas

Duoculture :

Practice of growing only two type of crops in a year

Dry Land Crops

It refers to all such crops which are drought resistant and can complete their life cycle without irrigation in areas which receive an annual rainfall of 50 cm. or less.

Dryland Agriculture

Scientific management of soil and crops under drylands without irrigation is called as dry land agriculture

Dry Lands

These are the areas which use to receive an annual rainfall of 50 cm. or less and there is no irrigation facility for raising crops.

Diara Lands

These are the areas which are located in river basins that get submerged during rainy season and the soil is used for crop production only during rabi or/and sometimes during zaid season. It is also known as Kachhar lands.

Diffusion

The upward or downward movement of solube salts in a profile without movement of water is known as diffusion.