Category: S

stake: a thick wooden post, to which a tree or shrub is attached to keep it upright. Proper staking of plants supports healthy growth and stability, leading to better yields.

sepal: A part of the calyx of a flower, usually green and sometimes hairy. Farmers benefit from understanding sepals for better flower and crop management.

short-day plant: A plant that flowers as the days get shorter in the autumn, e.g. a chrysanthemum. Compare long-day plant. Farmers benefit from understanding short-day plants for effective crop planning and management.

sharecropper: A tenant farmer who pays a part of his crop to the landlord as a form of rent. Farmers benefit from engaging in sharecropping for land access and cultivation opportunities.

soil horizon: a layer of soil that is of a different colour or texture from other layers. (NOTE: There are four soil horizons: the A horizon or topsoil containing humus; the B horizon or subsoil containing minerals leached from the topsoil and little organic matter; the C horizon or weathered rock; and the D horizon or bedrock.) Understanding soil horizons helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Schwarzkopf: A breed of German sheep found mainly in Hesse and Westphalia. Farmers benefit from raising Schwarzkopf sheep for their hardiness and efficient meat and wool production.

soil classification: in soil surveys, the classification of soils into groups with broadly similar characteristics. COMMENT: Soils are classified according to the areas of the world in which they are found, according to the types of minerals they contain or according to the stage of development they have reached. All forms of soil classification are artificial, however, as soils vary in three dimensions and in time. Therefore, no clear boundaries exist between soil types. Understanding soil classification helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

senescence: The process of growing older. Plant senescence. Farmers benefit from understanding senescence for managing crop life cycles and productivity.

SMR: abbreviation Statutory Management Requirement. Understanding Statutory Management Requirements ensures farmers comply with regulations, protecting their eligibility for government payments and subsidies.

sloe: the wild plum Prunus spinosa. Also called blackthorn. Cultivating sloe provides farmers with a resilient crop for hedgerows and wildlife habitats, supporting biodiversity and sustainable farming.