SAT Natural Sciences - Agriculture and Forestry

Here you will learn some English words related to agriculture and forestry, such as "semiarid", "irrigation", "mulch", etc. that you will need to ace your SATs.

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SAT Natural Sciences

to cut and collect a crop

Ex: The gardeners harvest tomatoes from the vines when they are fully red and ripe .

to grow plants or crops, especially for farming or commercial purposes

Ex: The region is known for cultivating rice in its fertile fields .
to yield [verb]

(of a farm or an industry) to grow or produce a crop or product

Ex: The fertile soil in this region yields abundant crops of wheat and corn .
to plow [verb]

to use a large farming equipment to dig the ground and make it ready for farming

Ex: He plows the garden plot with a plow attachment on his tractor to create furrows for planting .
to hoe [verb]

to break up the surface of the ground, remove weeds, etc. using a gardening tool with a thin metal blade attached to a long handle

to till [verb]

to prepare the soil for planting by digging, stirring, or turning it over using a tool such as a plow or a tiller

Ex: The farmer tills the land with a plow to prepare it for planting crops .

a chemical or natural material that is added to the soil to improve its productivity and help plants grow

Ex: After applying the fertilizer , the flowers bloomed beautifully within weeks .

the artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the growing of crops and the maintenance of landscapes

Ex: Drip irrigation is an efficient method that delivers water directly to the roots of plants .

the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil, replenishing soil moisture and reducing runoff

the amount of water falling to a particular location over a specified period

Ex: Precipitation totals help determine drought conditions .
semiarid [adjective]

characterized by receiving very little rainfall, often with erratic precipitation patterns and a tendency towards drought conditions, but not as extreme as arid climates

Ex: The plants in semiarid environments have adapted to survive with minimal water availability .
coniferous [adjective]

relating to trees with hard and dry fruits called cones and needle-shaped leaves

the practice of cultivating and managing forests, including the planting, growth, and harvesting of trees for timber production and ecosystem maintenance

Ex: The study of silviculture involves understanding tree species , growth patterns , and ecological interactions .

an agricultural system where landowners allow tenants to use the land in exchange for a share of the crops produced

a farming approach that uses technology to optimize crop production by precisely managing resources like water, fertilizer, and pesticides

a farming system that combines agriculture with livestock grazing, where both activities are practiced on the same land

seedling [noun]

a young plant that develops from a seed, typically in the early stages of growth after germination

Ex: The forest regeneration project involves planting thousands of tree seedlings each year .
organic [adjective]

(of food or farming techniques) produced or done without any artificial or chemical substances

Ex: Many consumers prefer organic food due to its perceived health benefits and lower environmental impact .

a chemical substance or agent that is used to kill or control insects that can cause harm to humans, crops, animals, and structures

Ex: After applying the insecticide , the plants seemed healthier and free from bugs .

a type of chemical substance that is used for killing insects or small animals that damage food or crops

Ex: Excessive use of pesticides can harm beneficial insects and the environment .

a chemical substance that kills plants, used for destroying plants that are not wanted

Ex: Environmentalists advocate for organic farming practices that minimize the use of synthetic herbicides .

to create stepped levels or flat areas on sloped land to prevent erosion and make the land suitable for farming or forestry

Ex: The ancient civilizations terraced their landscapes to manage water runoff and maximize arable land .
manure [noun]

solid waste from animals spread on a piece of land to help plants and crops grow healthier and stronger

compost [noun]

decayed leaves, plants, or other organic waste turned into a mixture that can improve the soil's quality and productivity once added to it

Ex: After tilling the compost into the lawn 's topsoil , the grass greened up faster and required less watering .
mulch [noun]

a protective layer of decaying leaves or compost that is spread over or around a plant to improve the quality of the soil, stop weeds from growing, or to provide protection for the plant's base and its roots

duff [noun]

the layer of decomposing organic matter, such as leaves, twigs, and other plant material, that accumulates on the soil surface

to weed [verb]

to rid a garden or other area of land of unwanted plants

Ex: The gardener weeds the lawn regularly to maintain its lush appearance .
to cross [verb]

to deliberately mate individuals of different breeds or varieties to produce offspring with desirable characteristics or traits

Ex: Aquarium enthusiasts deliberately crossed differently colored Betta fish .
blight [noun]

a plant disease that causes withering, discoloration, or death without immediate rotting

Ex: Farmers struggled to contain the spread of fungal blight .
vermin [noun]

small animals or insects that are believed to be destructive and are difficult to handle when they appear in a considerable number

Ex: In many big cities , pigeons are often considered vermin due to their large populations and the mess they create .
prairie [noun]

a flat, wide area of land with no or very few trees in North America

logging [noun]

the act of cutting down trees to use their wood

Ex:

the presence of large numbers of harmful insects, pests, or other organisms in an area, often causing damage to crops, trees, or natural environments

Ex: Regular monitoring helps prevent severe infestation of pests in agricultural fields .
agrarian [adjective]

related to agriculture, farmers, or rural life

Ex: The government implemented agrarian policies to support and develop the agricultural sector .

a barren area of land that is unsuitable for agriculture or habitation

Ex: The prolonged drought transformed fertile fields into a desolate wasteland .
granary [noun]

a place used for storing grains or farm food

a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions

Ex: Hydroponics systems can be set up indoors , providing fresh produce year-round .

the excessive nutrients in water causing algae blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecological problems

Ex: Urban development near the river increased nutrient runoff , accelerating eutrophication .
millet [noun]

small seeds of a large crop that grows in warm regions, used to feed birds or make flour

Ex:
maize [noun]

a tall plant growing in Central America that produces yellow seeds, which are used in cooking

Ex: As the summer sun set , a family gathered in the backyard , grilling maize skewers alongside juicy grilled meats .
squash [noun]

a group of edible plants that are typically harvested and cooked while still immature

Ex: He grew a beautiful yellow squash in his backyard garden and used it to make a delicious food.

a plant with bright orange or yellow flowers that produces seeds rich in oil

Ex: As the sun set , the fields of safflower swayed gently in the breeze , creating a picturesque scene .

the flower head of a plant from the cabbage family that is white in color and is eaten as a vegetable

Ex: The chef created a creamy cauliflower soup garnished with fresh herbs for a comforting winter meal .
milfoil [noun]

aquatic plants with finely divided underwater leaves, found in freshwater habitats like lakes and ponds

Ex: Fishermen noticed a decline in fish populations due to the dense milfoil beds choking the waterways .
birch [noun]

a deciduous tree known for its smooth bark, typically found in temperate and boreal forests

Ex: Birch trees are known for their striking white bark that peels off in thin layers .
hypha [noun]

a thread-like structure found in fungi, consisting of a chain of cells that collectively form the fungal mycelium, essential for nutrient absorption and growth

Ex: Under the microscope , the hypha appeared as a delicate , branching structure .

a long green vegetable with edible stems, used in cooking or eaten raw

Ex:
gourd [noun]

a type of fruit belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, typically with a hard outer shell, often used for containers, utensils, or as ornamental decorations

Ex: In autumn , the porch was adorned with colorful gourds for seasonal decorations .
radish [noun]

an edible root of red color with a pungent taste that is eaten raw in salads

Ex: She sliced the radishes into thin rounds and added them to a fresh garden salad .
hemlock [noun]

a tall evergreen tree with fine-grained wood, valued for construction and known for its dense foliage

Ex: Hemlock trees are prized for their straight trunks and resistance to decay .
legume [noun]

any type of plant whose pods contain seeds, such as peas and beans

Ex: She enjoys a salad made with mixed greens and assorted legumes .
purslane [noun]

a succulent herb with fleshy leaves, commonly used in salads and culinary dishes

Ex: She picked some fresh purslane from her garden and added it to her summer salad .