S

supplement: something added in order to make something more complete; vitamin supplements. Properly managing supplements ensures optimal livestock nutrition and health, supporting productivity and well-being.

Severely Disadvantaged Area: Land which is extremely poor and difficult to farm. Abbr SDA. Farmers benefit from receiving support and resources for farming in SDAs to ensure sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Southdown: the smallest of the Down breeds of sheep. It has a compact body and a dense fleece of high-quality short wool. The Southdown is an early maturing breed and produces meat of high quality. Raising Southdown sheep provides farmers with a high-quality meat and wool breed, supporting farm profitability.

sugar: any chemical of the saccharide group. Understanding sugar content in crops supports nutritional value and marketability, enhancing farm profitability.

sprout: a little shoot growing out from a plant, with a stem and small leaves; (of a plant) to send out new growth. Proper management of sprouts ensures healthy growth and optimal yields of plants and crops.

stake: a thick wooden post, to which a tree or shrub is attached to keep it upright. Proper staking of plants supports healthy growth and stability, leading to better yields.

sepal: A part of the calyx of a flower, usually green and sometimes hairy. Farmers benefit from understanding sepals for better flower and crop management.

short-day plant: A plant that flowers as the days get shorter in the autumn, e.g. a chrysanthemum. Compare long-day plant. Farmers benefit from understanding short-day plants for effective crop planning and management.

sharecropper: A tenant farmer who pays a part of his crop to the landlord as a form of rent. Farmers benefit from engaging in sharecropping for land access and cultivation opportunities.

soil horizon: a layer of soil that is of a different colour or texture from other layers. (NOTE: There are four soil horizons: the A horizon or topsoil containing humus; the B horizon or subsoil containing minerals leached from the topsoil and little organic matter; the C horizon or weathered rock; and the D horizon or bedrock.) Understanding soil horizons helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.