Category: S

shelter: A structure or feature providing protection from wind, sun, rain or other weather conditions. Farmers benefit from providing shelters to protect crops and livestock from adverse weather conditions.

singling: 1. The process of reducing the number of plants in a row 2. The process of reducing the number of plants from a multigerm seed to a single plant. Farmers benefit from managing singling for efficient and effective crop production.

shank: The lower part of a horse’s leg between the knee and the foot. Farmers benefit from understanding shank anatomy for effective horse management and care.

Se: Se symbol selenium. Selenium is a trace element essential for animal health. Farmers benefit from understanding selenium’s role in preventing deficiencies and ensuring livestock productivity.

Scottish halfbreed: A crossbred type of sheep obtained by using a Border Leicester ram on a Cheviot ewe. They are used widely in lowland Britain. Farmers benefit from raising Scottish halfbreeds for their adaptability and efficient meat and wool production.

stone: a single small piece of rock; a hard endocarp that surrounds a seed in a fruit such as a cherry. Properly managing stones in fields and crops ensures healthy plant growth and efficient farm operations.

Shetland: A rare breed of cattle, native to the Shetland Isles. It is medium-sized, black and white, with short legs, short horns and a bulky body. A breed of sheep, native to the Shetland Isles. The colour varies from white, through grey and black to light brown; the ewes are polled and the rams horned; it produces fine soft wool of high quality, used in the Shetland wool industry. A small Shetland ewe yields a fleece 1.5–2 kilos in weight. A breed of pony, used as a riding horse for children. Farmers benefit from raising Shetland breeds for their hardiness and valuable products, including wool, meat, and pony services.

Simmental: A breed of cattle originating in Switzerland, the colour of which is yellowish-brown or red. It is a dual-purpose breed, with a high growth rate potential and good carcass quality. Farmers benefit from raising Simmental cattle for their efficient meat and milk production.

sandy soil: Soil containing a high proportion, approximately 50%, of sand particles. Sandy soil feels gritty. These soils drain easily and are naturally low in plant nutrients through leaching. They are often called ‘light’ soils, as they are easy to work and also ‘hungry’ soils since they need fertilizer. Market gardening is particularly well-suited to sandy soils. Farmers benefit from managing sandy soils to improve water retention and nutrient levels for successful crop production.

substratum: a layer of rock beneath the topsoil and subsoil. COMMENT: The plural is substrata. Properly managing substratum ensures soil stability and fertility, supporting productive agriculture.