Category: S

self-fertilisation: The fertilisation of a plant or invertebrate animal with its own pollen or sperm. Farmers benefit from understanding self-fertilisation for breeding and crop production.

smooth-stalked meadowgrass: a species of grass which can withstand quite dry conditions. It is a perennial grass with smooth greyish-green leaves and green purplish flowers. Cultivating smooth-stalked meadowgrass provides farmers with a resilient forage crop, supporting livestock production in dry conditions.

suboestrus: a situation where a female animal comes on heat but does not show any of the usual signs. Properly managing suboestrus ensures effective breeding programs and livestock productivity.

spinous: referring to a plant with spines. Properly managing spinous plants ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

soil erosion: the removal of soil by the effects of rain, wind, sea, or cultivation practices. Preventing soil erosion protects land resources and maintains soil fertility, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

silt: Small particles of soil that are finer than sand but coarser than clay. Managing soil texture, including silt content, helps improve soil fertility and structure.

succulent foods: feedingstuffs which contain a lot of water; they are palatable and filling, and usually have a laxative effect. Most root crops, e.g., swedes and turnips, are succulents. Properly managing succulent foods ensures efficient livestock nutrition and health, supporting farm productivity.

short duration ryegrass: A class of grasses which are important to the farmer, including Westerwolds, Italian and Hybrid. These grasses are quick to establish and give early grazing. They are used where persistency is not important. Farmers benefit from growing short duration ryegrass for quick establishment and early grazing opportunities.

surface water: water that flows across the surface of the soil as a stream after rain and drains into rivers rather than seeping into the soil itself. Compare ground water. Properly managing surface water ensures water conservation and healthy soil conditions, supporting productive agriculture.

sapwood: An outer layer of wood on the trunk of a tree, which is younger than the heartwood inside and carries the sap. Farmers benefit from identifying sapwood for sustainable timber harvesting and tree health assessment.