safflower: An oilseed crop (Carthamus tinctorius) grown mainly in India. The oil is used in the manufacture of margarine, and the residual oilseed cake has a limited use as a livestock feed. Farmers benefit from safflower by diversifying crops and producing valuable oil and feed products.
selfing: Same as self-fertilisation. Farmers benefit from understanding selfing for breeding and crop production.
slip: a small piece of plant stem, used to root as a cutting, or in budding. (of an animal) to miscarry. Understanding propagation techniques with slips helps farmers efficiently reproduce plants and maintain crop diversity.
sustainable society: a society which exists without depleting the natural resources of its habitat. Engaging in sustainable practices ensures long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health, supporting a sustainable society.
spring: a place where water comes naturally out of the ground; the season of the year following winter and before summer, when days become longer and the weather progressively warmer; a metal device which, when under tension, tries to resume its previous position. Proper management of water resources from springs supports sustainable water use and healthy crop growth.
self-fertilisation: The fertilisation of a plant or invertebrate animal with its own pollen or sperm. Farmers benefit from understanding self-fertilisation for breeding and crop production.
smooth-stalked meadowgrass: a species of grass which can withstand quite dry conditions. It is a perennial grass with smooth greyish-green leaves and green purplish flowers. Cultivating smooth-stalked meadowgrass provides farmers with a resilient forage crop, supporting livestock production in dry conditions.
suboestrus: a situation where a female animal comes on heat but does not show any of the usual signs. Properly managing suboestrus ensures effective breeding programs and livestock productivity.
spinous: referring to a plant with spines. Properly managing spinous plants ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.
soil erosion: the removal of soil by the effects of rain, wind, sea, or cultivation practices. Preventing soil erosion protects land resources and maintains soil fertility, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.