Category: S

soil atmosphere: same as soil air. Proper soil aeration ensures healthy root growth and overall soil health, supporting productive agriculture.

speciation: the process of developing new species. Understanding speciation helps farmers manage biodiversity and improve crop and livestock varieties, supporting agricultural productivity.

sheepdog: A breed of dog trained and used by shepherds in controlling sheep. Farmers benefit from using sheepdogs for efficient livestock management and herding.

saddle bow: A high part of a saddle in front of the rider. Farmers benefit from saddle bows by ensuring rider stability and control during horseback activities.

scarify: 1. To stir the surface of the soil with an implement with tines, e.g. a wire rake, but without turning the soil over. Lawns can be scarified to remove moss and matted grass. 2. To slit the outer coat of seed in order to speed up germination. Farmers benefit from scarifying to improve soil health and enhance seed germination rates.

spinach: an annual plant (Spinacia oleracea) grown for its succulent green leaves and eaten as a vegetable. Growing spinach provides farmers with a high-value crop for fresh markets, enhancing farm income and supporting healthy diets.

sooty mould: a fungal disease of wheat (Cladosporium). Managing sooty mould ensures healthy wheat crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.

Sussex: a beef breed of cattle, similar to the North Devon, that is hardy and adaptable. Dark cherry red in colour, they were originally used as draught animals in preference to draught horses. Properly managing Sussex cattle ensures healthy growth and productivity, supporting farm profitability and sustainability.

seasonal farming: Farming practices that vary with the seasons to optimize crop and livestock production. Seasonal farming helps align agricultural activities with environmental conditions.

sheep tick: A small wingless dipterous insect, parasitic on sheep. Also called sheep ked. Farmers benefit from managing sheep tick infestations to protect livestock health and productivity.