Category: S

sole crop: a crop grown in a stand with no other crops. Growing sole crops provides farmers with a focused approach to crop management, optimizing yields and quality.

swill: waste food from kitchens, formerly used for pig feeding but banned after the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001. Understanding and adhering to regulations on swill use ensures livestock health and biosecurity, supporting farm productivity.

spear: a shoot of a green plant such as asparagus or broccoli. Proper management of spears ensures healthy growth and optimal yields of vegetable crops.

sward: a cover of grasses and clovers which makes a pasture. Properly managing swards ensures healthy pasture growth and livestock productivity, supporting sustainable farming practices.

Solanum: the Latin name for the potato family. Understanding the Solanum family helps farmers manage crop diversity and optimize production, supporting agricultural productivity.

sodium: a chemical element which is a constituent of common salt and essential to animal life. Ensuring adequate sodium levels in livestock diets supports overall health and productivity.

specific weight: the bulk density of a grain sample measured in hectolitres or bushels. Monitoring specific weight helps farmers assess grain quality, supporting market value and consumer trust.

stigma: the part of a flower’s female reproductive organ that receives the pollen grains. (NOTE: It is generally located at the tip of the style.) Understanding the structure and function of stigmas helps farmers manage plant reproduction and optimize yields.

spinney: a small wood with undergrowth. Managing spinneys provides farmers with valuable habitats for wildlife and supports biodiversity on farms.

synthetic pyrethroid: a chemical compound used as an insecticide, similar to a pyrethroid but manufactured artificially. Understanding and using synthetic pyrethroids effectively supports pest control and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.