S

succession: a series of stages, one after the other, by which a group of organisms living in a community reaches a stable state or climax. Properly managing ecological succession ensures sustainable land use and biodiversity on farms.

soil series: the classification of soils based on their similarities, used in soil mapping. (NOTE: Soil series are defined using a combination of three main properties: the parent material; the texture of the soil material and the presence or absence of material with a distinctive mineralogy; and the presence or absence of distinctive horizons.) Understanding soil series helps farmers manage land resources effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

streptococcal: referring to an infection caused by streptococci. Managing streptococcal infections in livestock ensures health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

stirk: a Scottish term for cattle, both male and female, under two years old. Properly managing stirks ensures healthy growth and productivity in cattle operations, supporting farm profitability.

selective pesticide: A pesticide which takes toxic action against specific pests without affecting the growing crop. Farmers benefit from using selective pesticides to control pests without harming crops.

slaughterhouse: same as abattoir. Proper management of slaughterhouses ensures humane treatment of animals and high standards of meat processing, maintaining quality and safety.

sedentary agriculture: Subsistence agriculture practised in the same place by a settled farmer. Farmers benefit from understanding sedentary agriculture to ensure sustainable land use and productivity.

synthetic additive: a substance added to food, especially animal feed, in order to improve it. Understanding and using synthetic additives effectively supports livestock nutrition and health, enhancing farm productivity.

silage: Food for cattle formed of grass and other green plants, cut and stored in silos. Silage is made by fermenting a crop with a high moisture content under anaerobic conditions. It may be made from a variety of crops, the most common being grass and maize, although grass and clover mixtures, green cereals, kale, root tops, sugar beet pulp and potatoes can also be used. Trials indicate that very high-quality grass silage can be fed to adult pigs. Farmers benefit from producing silage for high-quality livestock feed and efficient forage management.

scaly leg: A disease affecting the legs of poultry, caused by a mite which burrows under the leg scales causing considerable itching. Large hard scales develop on the unfeathered parts of the legs. Farmers benefit from treating scaly leg to ensure poultry health and productivity.