Macronutrients These chemical elements are required in large quantities for the healthy growth of plants. They are applied in the form of fertilizers or limiting material. The macronutrients are Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, Sulphur and Magnesium. Mattocking The practice of removing banana pseudostem after harvesting of fruit. Macro climate Climate of a small area such as surrounding an individual plant. Minimum tillage Soil management practices which seek to minimize labour inputs and soil erosion, to maintain soil moisture and to reduce soil disturbance and exposure. Crop stubble is left or mulch is applied to protect the soil. Also known as conservation tillage or reduced tillage. In its most extreme form (zero-or-no tillage), seeds are drilled directly into the otherwise undisturbed soil. Mastitis An infection and inflammation of the udder in cows. Milking parlor A facility that functions to extract milk from a cow by means of vacuum. Mutton Meat from sheep that are over one year old. Mulch Organic material, such as peat, leaf mould, or shredded bark, that is spread out on ground to suppress annual weeds; also applied around the base of tree and shrubs to help absorbs and retain water and add nutrients. It also prevents evaporation of moisture, regulate temperature and control weeds.