Category: S

support energy: the total energy expenditure necessary for the production of plant and animal agricultural foodstuffs. Properly managing support energy ensures efficient resource use and sustainability in agricultural production.

soil fertility: the potential capacity of soil to support plant growth based on its content of nitrogen and other nutrients. Managing soil fertility ensures healthy crop growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

sideland: A strip of land left at the side of a field during ploughing. It may be ploughed up with the headlands. Farmers benefit from managing sideland for efficient land use and crop rotation.

sheep ked: Same as sheep tick. Farmers benefit from managing sheep ked infestations to protect livestock health and productivity.

soil-borne fungus: a fungus whose spores are carried in the soil. Managing soil-borne fungi protects crops from disease, ensuring healthy growth and better yields.

sludge: a thick wet substance, especially wet mud or snow; the solid or semi-solid part of sewage. Proper management of sludge ensures it can be used as a valuable resource for soil fertility and waste management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

salivate: To produce saliva. Farmers benefit from observing salivation patterns to detect potential health issues in livestock.

sclerotinia: A soil-borne disease affecting many crops, including potatoes, oilseed rape and peas. Farmers benefit from managing sclerotinia to protect crop health and prevent yield losses.

spray lines: a method of distributing irrigation water using flexible hose, mainly used for horticultural crops. Using spray lines ensures efficient water distribution, promoting healthy crop growth and sustainable water use.

sorghum: a drought-resistant cereal plant grown in semi-arid tropical regions such as Mexico, Nigeria, and Sudan. Latin name: Sorghum vulgare. Growing sorghum provides farmers with a resilient crop suitable for dry conditions, supporting food security and economic stability.