Glossary - Afforestation, Reforestation and Forest Restoration in Arid and Semi-arid Tropics - page 267

Network methods Methods of management that use network analysis as basis of
planning and scheduling activities of a project.

Nominal area Of a plantation, the designated area that may be different from the
actual area of the plantation. Nominal area forms the basis of budget allocation,
preparation of cost estimates and is used for all purposes of record. Usually nominal
area is expressed in round figures, such as 50 ha. In field, it not possible to precisely
delineate a plot of land that will measure exactly equal to a predetermined area.

Nominal charge Cost or fee, charged for services or produce, that is not related to
the actual value of such services or produce. The purpose of a nominal charge is to
formalise the transaction and to bring it on record.

Non-agricultural season The season of the year when the crop fields are not
being worked. In places where irrigation is available such a season may not be
prolonged, but in rainfed areas long non-agricultural seasons may create problems
of unemployment among the people.

Non-timber forest produce Also known as minor forest produce, this includes
forest produce obtained without harvesting of the mature trees. Major kinds of non-
timber forest produce include grasses, tree tops, leaf fodder, fuelwood, flowers, pods,
fibre, bark, medicinal extracts, seeds, fruits, gum, resin, honey, canes, rattan, and
tubers. Minor forest produce is often the only kind of produce that can be harvested
from plantations in arid areas since harvesting of timber leads to sudden break in the
productivity of the ecosystem leading to the risk of degradation and desertification.

Normal freeboard ⇒ Freeboard

Notching Making a slit in soil for inserting roots of a seedling or for sowing a seed.

NTFP ⇒ Non-timber forest produce.

Nursery calendar A schedule prescribing the dates and periods for the different
activities or tasks in operation of a nursery. This is an important guide for the nursery
supervisor, and its prescription and adherence must be made obligatory for every
central nursery.

OHWR ⇒ Overhead water reservoir

Open well ⇒ Dug well

Open well A well dug up in the same diameter throughout its depth.

Organic matter Matter of plant or animal origin, as contrasted against inorganic
or mineral matter. Organic matter in a soil determines its structure and fertility. In
arid areas, the soils are often deficient in organic matter, and that is why removal of
plant produce from such areas should be carried out carefully.

Organisational development The growth in competence of the individuals and
of the organisation as a whole by means of training and practice. Good leadership