This is the definition of terms as used in this document

Antibiotic
Any of various substances that are used to inhibit or destroy the growth of microorganisms in the prevention and / or treatment of disease, such as penicillin and streptomycin.

Biodiversity
The number, variety and genetic variability of organisms found within a specified area.

Bio-dynamic
Agricultural practices based principally on the work of Rudolf Steiner and subsequent development derived from practical application, experience and research.

Botanical pesticide
Non-synthetic pesticide derived from plants.

Buffer zone
An area designated to intercept or moderate adverse pressures or influences.

Certification
The procedures by which a certifying agency provides written assurance that a practitioner conforms to a standard.

Closed system
Self sustaining processes and practices within a defined area.

Composting
The art and science of combining organic materials under controlled conditions so that the assigned raw ingredients are transformed into humus.

Contamination
The presence of a prohibited substance in a product or in the environment.

Design
The underlying plan or conception that affects and controls the function and development of the landscape.

Ecosystem
The complex community created through the interaction of organisms, soil, water, air and other natural forces, functioning as an ecological unit.

Environment
All external factors to which an organism or ecosystem is exposed, and which ultimately determine its form and function.

EPA
Environmental Protection Agency

Fertilizer
A substance containing one or more recognized plant nutrients which is used primarily to promote plant growth.

Fungicide
A substance that kills fungi, or inhibits the growth of a fungus.

Genetic engineering
Techniques from molecular biology by which the genetic material of plants, animals, micro-organisms, cells and other biological units are altered in ways or with results that could not be obtained by methods of natural mating and reproduction or natural recombination. Techniques of genetic modification include, but are not limited to: recombinant DNA, cell fusion, micro and macro injection, encapsulation, gene deletion and doubling, but do not include traditional breeding, conjugation, natural hybridization and tissue culture.

Genetically modified organism
An organism transformed by genetic engineering including, but not limited to plants, animals and microbes.

Green Manure
Crops or naturally occurring plants that are incorporated into the soil for the purpose of soil improvement.

Habitat
The area over which a species naturally exists; the area where a species occurs. Also used to indicate types of habitat, e.g. seashore, riverbank, wetland, woodland, grassland.

Herbicide
A substance that kills plants or inhibits plant growth.

IFOAM
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements

Ingredient
A substance used in the manufacture or preparation of a product, or present in a final product as used.

Active Ingredient
A substance in a product with an action specific to the intended purpose of the product; the portion of a pesticide formulation which is the actual toxicant.

Inert Ingredient
A substance other than the active ingredient which is intentionally included in a product to make it easier to use or more efficient. Inert ingredients may have harmful or toxic effects

Insecticide
A substance that kills insects or inhibits the growth of insect populations

Invasive
Marked by the tendency to intrude or encroach

Landscape Management Plan
A written integrated plan outlining the utilitarian, ecological and aesthetic objectives for a specific landscape, and the landscape management practices and products that will be employed.

Manure
Uncomposted bedding, feces and urine produced by livestock.

Nutrient Specific Fertilizer
A substance used to correct a nutrient imbalance in soil or a nutrient deficiency in plants; a substance containing one or more nutrients in proportions not normally found in living organisms or the products derived from them

OMRI
Organic Materials Review Institute

Organic
Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms; a holistic approach which emphasizes the importance of relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Organic Land Care
See: Principal Aims of Organic Land Care, page 8 of this document

Organic Matter
The remains, residues or waste products of any organism.

Organic Practices
An ecological management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil geological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-site inputs and employs practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.

Organic Product
A product which has been produced, processed and/or handled in compliance with organic standards.

Pest
An undesired organism, including animals, plants and microorganisms

Pesticide
A substance that kills pests, or inhibits the growth of pest populations; an umbrella term for insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.

pH Altering Substance
A substance that alters the soil pH

Synthetic
Manufactured by chemical and industrial processes. May include products not found in nature, or products synthetically compounded or simulated from natural sources (but not extracted from natural raw materials).

Synthetically compounded or simulated
Derived through a process which chemically changes a material extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal, microbial or mineral sources, excepting microbiological, mechanical and heat processes.