Category: S

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.

second: Coming after the first. Farmers benefit from understanding secondary growth and development stages for better crop and livestock management.

Scottish Rural Property and Business Association: A group which represents the interests of Scotland’s rural businesses. Abbr SRPBA. Farmers benefit from engaging with SRPBA for support and advocacy in rural business matters.

seed plot: Same as nursery plot. Farmers benefit from using seed plots for controlled seed germination and growth.

support price: the price at which the EU will buy farm produce which farmers cannot sell, in order to store it. Also called intervention price. Understanding and managing support prices ensures financial stability and market access for farmers, supporting farm profitability.