S

substandard: not up to standard quality. Properly managing substandard crops and livestock ensures high-quality production, supporting farm profitability and market value.

saline soil: Soil that contains high levels of soluble salts. Managing saline soil is important for preventing crop damage and maintaining soil health.

swine erysipelas: an infectious disease of pigs caused by bacteria. Symptoms include inflammation and skin pustules. The red marks on the skin are diamond-shaped, from which the disease gets its common name of ‘diamonds’. It occurs especially in hot muggy weather and in its acute form can be fatal. Managing swine erysipelas ensures pig health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

shelterwood: A large area of trees left standing when others are cut, to act as shelter for seedling trees. Farmers benefit from managing shelterwood systems for sustainable forestry and natural regeneration.

seedbed wheels: A set of wheels bolted onto the front of a tractor which will give even compaction and a uniform sowing depth. Farmers benefit from using seedbed wheels for precise and efficient planting.

self-pollination: The pollination of a plant by pollen from its own flowers. Compare cross-pollination. Farmers benefit from growing self-pollinating plants for reliable and consistent fruit set.

sour soil: soil which is excessively acid and hence needs liming to restore the correct balance between acidity and alkalinity. Managing soil pH ensures healthy crop growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.

sprig: a small shoot or twig. Proper management of sprigs ensures healthy growth and optimal yields of plants and crops.