Category: S

sharecropping: A system of land tenure, whereby tenants pay an agreed share of the crop to the landlord as a form of rent. Farmers benefit from engaging in sharecropping for land access and cultivation opportunities.

seed tree: A tree left standing when others are cut down, to allow it to drop seeds on the cleared land around it. Farmers benefit from managing seed trees for natural regeneration and sustainable forestry.

solar dryer: a device for drying crops using the heat of the sun. Using solar dryers provides farmers with a sustainable method for crop drying, reducing energy costs and preserving product quality.

sulphur: a yellow non-metallic chemical element that is essential to biological life. It is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and in the vulcanisation of rubber. COMMENT: In the United Kingdom, the removal of sulphur from the atmosphere means that some crops such as oilseed rape are deficient and sulphur needs to be added to fertilisers. Understanding and using sulphur effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

swarm: a large number of insects such as bees or locusts flying as a group. Properly managing swarms ensures effective pest control and supports agricultural productivity.

swine: a collective term for pigs. Properly managing swine ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

stud: same as stud farm; US a male horse kept for breeding; metal nail with a head projecting above the surface. Properly managing studs ensures healthy breeding programs and improves livestock genetics, supporting farm profitability.

swampy: referring to land that is permanently wet. Properly managing swampy lands ensures biodiversity and ecological balance, supporting sustainable land use and agricultural productivity.

strike: the infestation of the flesh of sheep by the larvae of blowflies. It causes extreme irritation and death can occur in a short time. Managing strike ensures sheep health and productivity, preventing losses and supporting farm profitability.

salt poisoning: A disease of pigs usually caused by inadequate provision of water, but which may also be caused by increased salt in the ration. Pigs become constipated before twitching, fits and death. Farmers benefit from preventing salt poisoning by ensuring proper water provision and diet management.