Strand 8 Plant Science for Animal Systems (Comprehensive Study Notes)

Forage and feed crops

Plants that capture energy from sunlight and convert it into carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for animals.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen.

Nutrient cycling

The process by which plants absorb nutrients and return them to the soil through animal waste.

Soil organic matter

Decomposed plant and animal materials in the soil that improve fertility and structure.

Fibrous roots

Many thin roots that are common in grasses, which help stabilize soil and absorb surface nutrients.

Taproot systems

A root system consisting of one main root with smaller branches, common in legumes, accessing deeper soil moisture.

Xylem

Vascular tissue in plants that transports water and minerals from the roots upward.

Phloem

Vascular tissue in plants that transports sugars from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Transpiration

The loss of water vapor from leaves, primarily through stomata.

C3 plants

Plants that use a three-carbon molecule in the photosynthesis process, common in cooler climates.

C4 plants

Plants that use a four-carbon molecule in the photosynthesis process, efficient in high heat and light.

Meristems

Regions of actively dividing cells in plants that allow for growth.

Auxins

Plant hormones that promote cell elongation and apical dominance.

Phototropism

Directional growth of a plant towards light.

Defoliation

The removal of leaves, which can affect plant regrowth and health.

Seed coat

The protective outer layer surrounding a seed.

Germination

The process in which a seed develops into a new plant.

Pesticide safety

Measures to ensure safe use of chemical pest controls, including reading labels and wearing PPE.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A multi-strategy approach to managing pest populations sustainably.

Nutrient deficiency symptoms

Visible signs indicating a lack of essential nutrients in plants, such as yellowing (chlorosis).

Pure live seed (PLS)

The portion of a seed lot that is both the correct seed type and viable.

Soil texture

The proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil, affecting water and nutrient retention.

Soil pH

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil, which affects nutrient availability.

Cover crops

Plants grown primarily to protect soil and improve fertility, often used in rotation.

Rotational grazing

Grazing management method in which animals briefly graze one pasture before moving to another.

Harvest timing

The optimum moment to cut forage for maximum quality and yield.

Weeds

Plants that grow where they are not wanted and can reduce crop yield and quality.

Soil compaction

The densification of soil that restricts root growth and water infiltration.

Seed-to-soil contact

Conditions necessary for effective germination and seedling establishment.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Gas used by plants in photosynthesis, mainly obtained from the air.

Oxygen (O2)

Gas released by plants during photosynthesis and required for respiration.

Forage quality

A measure of animal feed that determines digestibility, nutrient concentration, and intake potential.

Manure management

The practice of using animal waste as fertilizer while minimizing nutrient runoff and pollution.

Biodiversity

The variety of plant species that can enhance system resilience in agricultural practices.

Soil erosion

The wearing away of topsoil, which can be reduced by maintaining plant cover.

Photosynthetic efficiency

The effectiveness of plants in converting light energy into chemical energy.

Fertilizer labels

Information on fertilizer packaging that indicates nutrient content and application rates.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants responsible for the absorption of light in photosynthesis.

Nutrient loss

The depletion of essential soil nutrients due to crop uptake or leaching.

Soil organisms

Living microorganisms in the soil that contribute to nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition.

Plant hormones

Chemical signals in plants that regulate growth and responses to environmental stimuli.

Plant disease triangle

A model illustrating the factors necessary for a plant disease to occur: host, pathogen, and environment.

Ground tissue

Plant tissue responsible for photosynthesis, storage, and support.

Mechanical weeding

A method of controlling weeds through physical removal.

Photosynthetic pathways

Different biochemical routes through which plants convert CO2 and water to sugars, primarily C3 and C4 pathways.

Stomata

Pores on leaf surfaces that regulate gas exchange and transpiration.

Digestibility

The extent to which feed can be broken down and utilized by animals.

Acidic soils

Soils with low pH that may hinder nutrient availability.

Animal traffic

The movement of livestock across pasture, which can lead to soil compaction and erosion.

Plant adaptation

The process by which plants evolve to optimize growth and reproduction in specific environments.