Tractor and Farm Equipment Repair
soil moisture deficit: the difference between the amount of water that is in a soil and the amount needed for crops to grow successfully. Abbr SMD. Monitoring soil moisture deficits helps farmers optimize irrigation practices, ensuring crops receive adequate water without overuse.
sweet potato: a starchy root crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions. COMMENT: The sweet potato is valuable as famine food in parts of Africa and South America. The main producing countries are Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan. In the Southern USA, the tubers are called yams. The plant has no connection with the ordinary potato. Properly managing sweet potato crops ensures healthy growth and high yields, supporting farm productivity and profitability.
strake: an attachment bolted onto the rear wheels of a tractor to improve wheel grip. The strake has spikes which can be extended beyond the tyre and which dig into the soil. Using strakes ensures efficient tractor operation and soil preparation, supporting productive agriculture.
seed certification: The testing, sealing and labelling of seed sold to farmers. This ensures that the seed is free from disease and from weeds. Farmers benefit from seed certification to ensure high-quality and disease-free seeds for planting.
set aside: To use a piece of formerly arable land for something other than growing food crops. Farmers benefit from setting aside land for conservation and sustainable land management.
stud farm: a farm where horses are kept for breeding. Properly managing stud farms ensures healthy breeding programs and improves livestock genetics, supporting farm profitability.
summer feeding: the feeding of cattle on permanent pastures in the summer months. Properly managing summer feeding ensures efficient use of pastures and livestock productivity, supporting farm profitability.
synthetic fertiliser: a fertiliser made from synthetic materials. Compare organic fertiliser. Understanding and using synthetic fertilisers effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.
saprophytic: Referring to organisms that live and feed on dead or decaying organic matter. Farmers benefit from understanding saprophytic relationships for improving soil health and organic farming practices.
sustainable development: development that balances the satisfaction of peoples immediate interests and the protection of future generations interests. Engaging in sustainable development ensures long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health.
