S

slurry: liquid or semi-liquid waste from animals, stored in tanks or lagoons and treated to be used as fertiliser. Proper management of slurry provides a valuable resource for soil fertility, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers and promoting sustainable farming practices.

stump: tree stump. Properly managing stumps ensures efficient land preparation and crop growth, supporting productive agriculture.

SCP: 1. Sustainable consumption and production 2. Suckler Cow Premium Scheme. Farmers benefit from engaging with SCP for support and resources in sustainable farming practices.

self-purification: The ability of water to clean itself of polluting substances. Farmers benefit from understanding self-purification processes for sustainable water management.

sheep-dip: A chemical preparation used in a dipping bath to disinfect sheep to control diseases such as sheep scab. All sheep in Britain are dipped for scale once a year, following the ministerial decision to have a single national dip. Dipping ceased to be compulsory in the UK in 1992. It is illegal to buy organophosphorous sheep-dip without a certificate of competence. Farmers benefit from using sheep-dip to control diseases and maintain livestock health.

struck: an acute disease of sheep which is a form of entero-toxaemia. It affects sheep which are one to two years old and is very localised. In Britain, it occurs only in the Romney Marsh and in some Welsh valleys. Managing struck ensures sheep health and productivity, supporting farm profitability.

set stocking: A grazing system associated with extensive grazing. Livestock graze an area where they remain for an indefinite period. This is the traditional practice in Britain. Farmers benefit from using set stocking systems for efficient and consistent livestock grazing.

sulphate: a salt of sulphuric acid and a metal. Understanding and using sulphates effectively supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth, enhancing farm productivity.

stall: a single compartment in a stable or cowshed, where an animal can stand or lie down. Properly managing animal stalls ensures livestock health and comfort, supporting productivity and welfare.

spine: a pointed structure that is either a modified leaf, as in cacti, or part of a leaf or leaf base. Properly managing plants with spines ensures healthy growth and optimal yields, supporting productive agriculture.