Category: S

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.

snow mould: a fungal pre-emergent blight and root rot of cereals (Micronectriella nivalis). Managing snow mould ensures healthy cereal crops, preventing yield losses and maintaining quality.

springer: a cow almost ready to calve. Also called down-calver. Properly managing springers ensures healthy calving and productivity in dairy and beef operations.

synthetic hormone: a hormone manufactured from synthetic materials. Understanding and using synthetic hormones effectively supports healthy plant and livestock growth, enhancing farm productivity.

slurry spreader: a machine which spreads slurry. Using slurry spreaders ensures efficient application of slurry, improving soil fertility and supporting sustainable farming practices.

SEPA: Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Farmers benefit from engaging with SEPA to ensure environmentally sustainable farming practices.

spermicide: a substance that kills spermatozoa. Using spermicides helps farmers manage reproduction in livestock, supporting population control and productivity.

selection: The process of identifying plants or animals with desirable characteristics such as high yield or disease resistance as part of the activity of breeding new varieties. An individual chosen from a group in a breeding programme on the basis of distinctive characteristics. Farmers benefit from selection processes to improve crop and livestock productivity.

shade plants: Plants which prefer to grow in the shade. Farmers benefit from growing shade plants to diversify crops and optimize land use.

spray irrigation: a system of irrigation using sprinklers which are located along a boom. Some booms rotate and can distribute water over a large circular area. Using spray irrigation ensures efficient water distribution, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable water use.