Binomial Nomenclature
A formal scientific system of naming species by giving each a name composed of two parts (‘bi' = two).
The first part is the generic name (i.e. the genus), whilst the second part is called the specific epithet (i.e. the species), which uniquely identifies the individual plant.
For precision, the name of the author who named and described the species is included after the plant name. The name of the author is often abbreviated. For example, L. is used to denote Carl Linnaeus.
There is a convention in the naming and writing the first and second part of a plant name. The generic
Continue reading about this
Bio-based
A material which is derived from plant material (i.e. biomass), such as sugar cane.
Biodegradable
A material which can be broken down, decomposed, by the action of micro-organisms. Typically, this was used to refer to the breakdown of organic materials as this is a natural process, however, more recently this has also encompassed the breakdown of synthetic materials, such as plastics.
Biodegradation
A process which involves the breakdown (decomposition) of a material by micro-organisms. A minimum of 90% of the mass of bio-plastic material has to be broken down into CO2, water and mineral elements or compounds within 6-months if it is to comply with BS EN 13432:2000 & BS EN 14995:2006.
The process is generally split into three stages:
1. Biodeterioration, where abiotic factors, such as wind, rain, heat, etc. starts to weaken and erode the structure of the material.
2. Biofragmentation, or Disintegration, is where micro-organisms breakdown internal structural bindings, reducing the
Continue reading about this
Biological Agent
A micro-organism, such as bacteria or fungi, and their associated toxins. Algal blooms, which are actually cyanobacteria rather than algae, can result from high nutrient content within water. This can especially arise from run-off or leaching of over fertilised fields, resulting in toxic compounds being produced by the cyanobacteria. These toxins are harmful to fish and animals drinking contaminated water.
Biological Control
Actions which use living organisms or by-products of living organisms to control pests. The use of Nematodes for Chafer grub or Leatherjacket control is a good example of a biological control in turf situations.
Biological Fixation
The capturing of atmospheric Nitrogen by rhizobium bacteria which are present in roots nodules of legume plants (the Family is now classed as Fabaceae, previously Leguminosae) such as white clover.
Biological Oxygen Demand
This is abbreviated to BOD. The amount of dissolved oxygen needed by micro-organisms to breakdown organic matter in water; low BOD equates to low organic content within a water source, indicating low pollution levels. A high BOD results in low levels of remaining dissolved oxygen which can result in the death of fish and illness or harm to other animals which consuming the water source. The decomposition of organic matter within a soil or compost heap requires oxygen for aerobic decomposition to take place. Higher demands of oxygen can typically be observed in the first 6-weeks of decompositi
Continue reading about this
Biomass [1]
The total quantity, by weight, of organic material. In turfgrass research this is usually categorised into Root biomass, and Above-ground biomass.
Biomass [2]
An organic, typically plant, material which is burnt as a fuel to create electricity or heat.