Sapro-
sapro-: A prefix indicating decay or rotting. Farmers benefit from understanding sapro- related processes for effective composting and soil health management.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
spreader: a device used for spreading, e.g., one for spreading granules of fertiliser evenly over a lawn; an agent added to an insect spray in order to make sure that the foliage is covered uniformly. Using spreaders ensures efficient application of agricultural inputs, promoting healthy crop growth and better yields.
soil survey: the mapping of soil types using a soil classification system. Conducting soil surveys helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
stockproof: referring to a fence which livestock cannot get through. Properly managing stockproof fencing ensures livestock containment and protection, supporting efficient farm operations.
Small Farms Association: an organisation which represents the interests of small farmers on a national scale. Abbr SFA. Joining associations like the SFA provides small farmers with advocacy, resources, and support, helping them succeed in their operations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.