ACT Science - Agriculture and Forestry

Here you will learn some English words related to agriculture and forestry, such as "hypha", "millet", "deciduous", etc. that will help you ace your ACTs.

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ACT Science

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 .

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

Ex: Precipitation totals help determine drought conditions .
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 .
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

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 .

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

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 .

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 .
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 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 .
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 .
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 .
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

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 .
prairie [noun]

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

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 .
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.
logging [noun]

the act of cutting down trees to use their wood

Ex:

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 .
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 .
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 .

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

duff [noun]

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

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:
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 .

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

Ex: The prolonged drought transformed fertile fields into a desolate wasteland .
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 .