Category: S

self-sterile: Referring to a plant that cannot fertilise itself from its own flowers. Farmers benefit from understanding self-sterility for effective breeding and crop production.

sunflower: an important oilseed crop grown in temperate areas. COMMENT: The oil extracted from the seeds is used for cooking and for margarine production. The residual cake after pressing is a high-protein livestock feed, and the whole plant can be fed to cattle. It is also useful as a green manure plant. Birds can cause serious damage to sunflower crops by feeding on the ripening seeds. The main producing countries are Russia, the Ukraine, Argentina, and Romania. Properly managing sunflower crops ensures healthy growth and high yields, supporting farm productivity and profitability.

Site of Special Scientific Interest: an area of land in England, Wales, and Scotland that is officially protected to maintain its fauna, flora, or geology. Abbr SSSI. Farmers with land designated as an SSSI can receive support for conservation efforts, enhancing biodiversity and ecological health on their farms.

splay leg: a disorder in piglets, which are born unable to stand properly. Managing splay leg conditions ensures healthy growth and mobility in piglets, supporting productivity and well-being.

stale seedbed: a method of killing weeds by using a contact herbicide just before drilling. Using stale seedbed techniques helps farmers manage weeds effectively, promoting healthy crop growth and better yields.

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department: The department of the devolved Scottish Executive government which deals with farming, the environment, animal welfare and rural development in Scotland. Abbr SEERAD. Farmers benefit from SEERAD’s support and resources for sustainable agriculture and rural development.

soakaway: a channel in the ground filled with gravel, which takes rainwater from a downpipe or liquid sewage from a septic tank and allows it to be absorbed into the surrounding soil. Properly managing soakaways ensures efficient drainage and reduces the risk of waterlogging and soil erosion.

soil salinity: the quantity of mineral salts found in a soil. (NOTE: High soil salinity is detrimental to most agricultural crops, although some plants are adapted to such conditions.) Managing soil salinity ensures healthy crop growth and prevents yield losses, supporting productive agriculture.

slug: an invertebrate animal without a shell. It causes damage to plants by eating leaves or underground parts, especially in wet conditions. Managing slug populations protects crops from damage, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.

secretion: A liquid which is secreted. Farmers benefit from understanding secretion processes to manage livestock health and productivity.