HORTICULTURE 9 and 10 2nd Quarter SDO Calamba City - Final
HORTICULTURE 9 and 10 2nd Quarter SDO Calamba City - Final
HORTICULTURE 9 and 10 2nd Quarter SDO Calamba City - Final
SELF-LEARNING MODULE
GRADE 9/10
For DepEd Division of Calamba City USE only. Please send your feedback and suggestions to
lrmds.depedcalamba@deped.gov.ph or call 049–554 9830 loc. 14
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Dear Learner,
Welcome to a brand-new year of learning!
This is our gift to you: The Division initiated Self Learning Module (SLM) that will help you
acquire the most essential learning competencies you needed as 21st Century Learner through the Pivot
4 A IDEA Model which compose of 10 parts.
What I know The teacher presents activities, tasks, contents of value and interest to the
learners. This shall expose the learners on what he/she knew, what he /she
Development
does not know and what she/he wanted to know and learn. Most of the
What is in
activities and tasks must simply and directly revolved around the
What is it concepts to develop and master the skills or the MELC.
The teacher allows the learners to be engaged in various tasks and
What is more opportunities in b u i l d i n g their KSA’s to meaningfully connect
their learnings after doing the tasks in the D. This part exposes the
learner to real life situations /tasks that shall ignite his/ her interests t o
Engagement
What I can do meet the expectation, make their performance satisfactory or produce a
What else I can do product or performance which lead him/ her to understand fully the
skills and concepts.
The teacher brings the learners to a process where they shall
What I have learned demonstrate ideas, interpretation, mindset or values and create
pieces of information that will form part of their knowledge in
Assimilation
Please take time to read and do the activities in these SLM as if you are reporting in school. Set
a regular study schedule for you as much as possible, but keep in mind that these SLM will enable you to
learn at your own pace. If you do not understand a lesson, the SLM would not mind you flipping back the
pages repeatedly for review. Also, remember to keep in touch with your teachers. Send them a message
through your online sessions or write them a note as you do your modular activities.
We wish you good luck in your studies, and we hope that you will remain happy and enthusiastic in
learning!
I
Gardening is a great way to get physical activity and beautify your neighborhood. In
Philippine setting, this is also an existing venue of the majority in coping up with the
anxieties caused by the Pandemic. Many of the people find pleasure and joy through this
activity. However, you should protect yourself and take proper precautions when you are
outside with tools, chemicals and insects.
On the report made by The Philippine Statistics Authority through psa.gov.ph with
the reference number 2018-057 and was released (Wednesday) February 28, 2018, a total
of 2,846 and 1,877 number of cases of occupational injuries in agriculture were recorded
for 2013 and 2015 respectively. See table below for detailed records:
Cases of Occupational Injuries 2013 and 2015
Cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost in establishments employing 20 or more
workers by industry and type of injury, Philippines: 2015 and 2013
Superficial Fracture Dislocations, Traumatic Concussion Burns, Acute Foreign Others
injuries s sprains and amputation s and corrosions, poisonings body in
and open strains s internal scalds, and the eye
wounds injuries and infections
frostbites
2015
1,214 73 267 5 152 35 8 121 1
Superficial Fracture Dislocations, Traumatic Concussion Burns, Acute Foreign Others
injuries s sprains and amputation s and corrosions, poisonings body in
and open strains s internal scalds, and the eye
wounds injuries and infections
frostbites
2013
1,901 101 389 127 40 31 16 142 1
The table shows changes on the number of cases from 2013 to 2015. Occurrence of
these cases can be prevented by applying safety measures in farm/garden operations. In
this lesson you are expected to be able to do the following:
D
APPLY APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES WHILE WORKING IN FARM
Many hazards are present in farm and even at home gardens. If you are not aware
of the hazards that are present you may experience undesirable events that may cause
diseases and even death. This lesson aims to guide you in using chemicals and hazardous
tools and equipment, determine the uses of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
determine emergency procedures regarding safety working environment.
Let us understand more about hazard, risk, and exposure through the table below.
Categories of Hazard
biological - bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans, etc.,
chemical - depends on the physical, chemical and toxic properties of the chemical,
mechanical – includes electricity, machinery, equipment, pressure vessels,
dangerous goods, fork lifts, cranes, hoists,
ergonomic - repetitive movements, improper set up of workstation, etc.,
physical – includes floors, stairs, work platforms, steps, ladders, fire, falling
objects, slippery surfaces, manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling) excessively
loud and prolonged noise, vibration, heat and cold, poor lighting, ventilation, air
quality, radiation, magnetic fields, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum),
psychosocial - violence and other work stressors arising from a variety of sources.
1. Manual handling
In the horticulture industry, manual handling of heavy objects and the need to carry out
repetitive work are often necessary. Back and shoulder strains and other manual
handling injuries can result from sudden overexertion, or from continuous 'overuse'.
If the job can't be done another way, and if mechanical aids cannot be used to replace
manual handling, the risk controls are likely to include training, information and
supervision, and safe handling procedures. These may include:
lightening the load
team lifting – sharing the load
warming up properly before starting work
avoiding bending, twisting and having to reach out to handle an object
using correct body techniques when lifting, lowering or carrying
using mechanical aids such as trolleys, hoists, ramps and barrows
allocating time for rest breaks
taking time to gradually get used to a new manual handling task
No student should be asked to perform work on any machine which may present
significant risks in operation. Work experience activity in such cases must be
limited to observing, under supervision, trained and experienced operators.
Horticulture industry employees may operate, or come into contact with, a wide range of
machinery. The word 'plant' is used to describe machines like mobile elevating work
platforms (used for fruit picking), tractors and forklifts. All of these require training and
experience to ensure the safety of the operator and others working nearby.
Always check with your supervisor before using specific tools or equipment, to make sure
they are permitted (and if so, what information and training you may need).
Employers must:
make sure employees have been properly trained to operate any item of mechanical
equipment before they use it and make sure they are supervised when necessary,
and
provide any personal protective equipment needed for a specific task, and explain
how to wear and use it correctly.
5. Working at height
There are many horticulture tasks that require working at height. Fruit picking, tree
maintenance, ascending and descending ladders – all of these present a real risk of
falling.
Before asking people to climb ladders or carry out any work at height, employers should
examine options to make the work safer. In fruit picking, this includes things like
controlling the height to which trees grow, thereby limiting the height at which fruit needs
to be picked. This can be done by close planting, trellising or altering 'tree architecture' –
the shape and size of the tree.
Many jobs that present fall hazards could in fact be done from the ground, if the right
equipment (such as pole pruners to reach high branches) is provided.
6. Confined spaces
Confined spaces can present risk of collapse if someone is overcome by gases, fumes or
vapors within, or if there is insufficient oxygen. This also creates serious risk for any
person attempting to come to the assistance of someone in a confined space. For this
reason, it is an employer's responsibility to know where in their workplace confined
spaces may be found, and to ensure that all employees have been informed of their
location and the potential risks of entry. Where possible, entry to confined spaces should
be prevented by locks and warning signs.
7. Biological hazards
Handling potting and seed-raising mixes may cause irritations or respiratory problems,
especially if you have allergies or are susceptible. Employees should wear gloves and an
industrial dust mask when handling soil and potting mix.
1. Wear gloves when working outside – garden gloves will help you from blisters,
fertilizer, pesticides, bacteria, fungi, and hard tools.
2. Warm up – Just like an athlete does before the game, you should warm up before
digging in the garden.
3. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions – prolonged repetitive motions, such as digging,
raking, trimming, pruning and planting, might irritate your skin, tendons or
nerves. To avoid this, switch up your tasks every 15 minutes and take between-
task breaks.
4. Use tools, not your hands – use hand shovel or rake rather than your hand for
digging. Sharp objects and debris buried in the soil may cut you. If possible,
remove objects from the work area before beginning the task to avoid damage to
you and your tools.
5. Use right tool for the right job – avoid accidents by using tools for their intended
purposes. Other important tool tips:
a. When purchasing pruners, loppers or shears, look for brands featuring
safety lock
b. Avoid products with form-fitting handles. These tools only fil one size of
hand perfectly. If your hand is too large or too small, it will put more stress
on your hand.
c. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions for the tool.
d. Keep sharp tools away from children at all times.
e. Always unplug electrical tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-
powered tools when not in use.
Blades such as electric hedge trimmer blades, hoe, shovel, and other metal
surfaces can be sprayed with lubricant oil. Spray the blades then turn them on to make
sure oil works into all areas. All electrical and petrol gardening equipment need to be
covered over with blanket or sheet if kept in the shed. This will prevent dust and dirt
getting to them.
3. Risk phrases describing the type of health effects e.g. ‘irritating the skin’, and e.g.
‘keep away from combustible material’
Presidential Decree (PD) 1152, “The Philippine Environmental Code,” which took
effect in 1977, provides a basis for an integrated waste management regulation starting
from waste source to methods of disposal. PD 1152 has further mandated specific
guidelines to manage municipal wastes (solid and liquid), sanitary landfill and
incineration, and disposal sites in the Philippines. In 1990, the Philippine Congress
enacted the Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, commonly
known as Republic Act (RA) 6969, a law designed to respond to increasing problems
associated with toxic chemicals and hazardous and nuclear wastes. RA 6969 mandates
control and management of import, manufacture, process, distribution, use, transport,
treatment, and disposal of toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear wastes in the
country. The Act seeks to protect public health and the environment from unreasonable
risks posed by these substances in the Philippines. Apart from the basic policy rules and
regulations of RA 6969, hazardous waste management must also comply with the
requirements of other specific environmental laws, such as PD 984 (Pollution Control
Law), PD 1586 (Environmental Impact Assessment System Law), RA 8749 (Clean Air Act)
and RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and their implementing rules and
regulations.
E
Learning Task 1: Determine what is being described in the statements below. Write your
answer on a whole sheet of paper.
______1. A category of hazard that includes bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds,
humans and animals.
______2. It must be done just as how athletes do in order to condition one’s body before
working.
______3. It seeks to protect public health and the environment from unreasonable risks
posed by toxic and hazardous substances and nuclear waste in the country.
______4. These are important components when working which can reduce the number of
severities of farm work related injuries and illnesses.
______5. This increases with the severity of the hazard and the duration and frequency of
exposure.
______6. This is also known as the “Environmental Impact Assessment System Law.
______7. This is anything that may cause injury or ill health to anyone at or near a
workplace.
______8. This is necessary in protecting the lungs when working in dusty or moldy
conditions, spray painting, applying chemicals, working in bins, tanks, silos,
and manure storage places.
______9. This may occur through heavy or awkward lifting.
______10. This occurs when the person comes into contact with a hazard.
D
Pre- Planting Operations are series of activities carried out in a form management
system prior to planting the seed or planting materials. They are those operations you
carry out before sowing the seeds. Pre-planting operations are very important; they are
the foundation on which you build the success and survival of the crop. Most farmers
experience crop the failure because of the failure in the pre-planting operations.
Now let me enumerate why these pre-planting operations are paramount to the
success and survival of your farm business.
1. Seed Procurement
Firstly, where and how do you outsource your seeds or planting materials?
This is where most farmers get it wrong. You are expected to get your planting
materials or seeds from a reputable agro-allied store. The word reputable is very
important here; because, when your seeds or planting materials are bad, automatically
you are going to experience crop failure not only crop failure but also huge losses of
investments, because the pre-planting operations you had carried out are no longer
useful.
2. Land Preparation
This is another important pre-planting operation in agriculture that most farmers
get wrong from inception. Land preparation aims to provide a suitable environment from
your seeds and crop.
For your crop, it ensures a sterile environment where crop pests and disease
pathogens are eradicated. It also provides anchorage and support for the crop.
Mechanical analysis: this is carried out in the laboratory. Here, the exact soil pH value is
gotten after carrying the test.
On field test: there are ways you test soil pH without going to the laboratory. This can be
achieved using a material such as litmus paper.
When the value you obtain from soil testing falls below or above these values, 5.5-
6.5, you need to correct the soil pH through liming.
4. Seed Treatment
Even after buying your seeds from a reputable agro-allied company. It is essential
you treat your seed or planting material. Seed treatment serves two purposes:
It hastens germination.
It protects the seeds or planting material from pest and diseases.
There are different ways to treat seeds or planting materials; seed treatment for
plantain suckers is different from that of maize seeds. To hasten germination, the seeds
can be bruised mechanically to aid water imbibition; hence, quick germination is
achieved.
5. Seed Viability
It is very imperative that you test the viability of the seeds before planting to
determine if the embryo of the seed is alive or dead. Although, in most cases, the
manufacturer of the seeds would have indicated the viability percentage; but in cases
where this is devoid, you can carry out a very simple viability test using water. Just pour
the seeds in water, leave for about 20 minutes, the floating ones are dead while the ones
below are good for plantingS
Interesting, plants can even tell if nearby plants are related to them or if they are
strangers through root produced chemicals (Chen et al. 2012)! They use this information
to adjust how they grow. Using the correct spacing also improves plant health. If plants
are too close, they are more susceptible to fungus and other diseases. If plants are too far
away weeds can thrive.
Plant Spacing Guide
Vegetable Spacing between Plants Spacing between Row
Alfalfa 6″-12″ (15-30 cm.) 35″-40″ (90-100 cm.)
Amaranth 1″-2″ (2.5-5 cm.) 1″-2″ (2.5-5 cm.)
Artichokes 18″ (45 cm.) 24″-36″ (60-90 cm.)
Asparagus 12″ – 18″ (30-45 cm.) 60″ (150 cm.)
Beans – Bush 2″ – 4″ (5-10 cm.) 18″ – 24″ (45-60 cm.)
Beans – Pole 4″ – 6″ (10-15 cm.) 30″ – 36″ (75-90 cm.)
Beets 3″ – 4″ (7.5-10 cm.) 12″ – 18″ (30-45 cm.)
Black Eyed Peas 2″ – 4″ (5-10 cm.) 30″ – 36″ (75-90 cm.)
Bok Choy 6″ – 12″ (15-30 cm.) 18″ – 30″ (45-75 cm.)
Broccoli 18″ – 24″ (45-60 cm.) 36″ – 40″ (75-100 cm.)
Broccoli Rabe 1″ – 3″ (2.5-7.5 cm.) 18″ – 36″ (45-90 cm.)
Brussels Sprouts 24″ (60 cm.) 24″ – 36″ (60-90 cm.)
Cabbage 9″ – 12″ (23-30 cm.) 36″ – 44″ (90-112 cm.)
Carrots 1″ – 2″ (2.5-5 cm.) 12″ – 18″ (30-45 cm.)
Cassava 40″ (1 m.) 40″ (1 m.)
Cauliflower 18″ – 24″ (45-60 cm.) 18″ – 24″ (45-60 cm.)
Celery 12″ – 18″ (30-45 cm.) 24″ (60 cm.)
Chaya 25″ (64 cm.) 36″ (90 cm.)
Chinese Kale 12″ – 24″ (30-60 cm.) 18″ – 30″ (45-75 cm.)
Corn 10″ – 15″ (25-38 cm.) 36″ – 42″ (90-106 cm.)
Cress 1″ – 2″ (2.5-5 cm.) 3″ – 6″ (7.5-15 cm.)
Cucumbers – Ground 8″ – 10″ (20-25 cm.) 60″ (1.5 m.)
Cucumbers – Trellis 2″ – 3″ (5-7.5 cm.) 30″ (75 cm.)
E
Learning Task 1: Match the Pre-Planting Operation under the first Column to the items
in the second Colum. Write only the letter of the correct answer.
A
Learning Task 2: Explain why execution of pre-planting operation is necessary in
horticulture production. (Limit your answer in ten sentences.)
D
Pre- Cultural Practices
Most smallholder farmers are not in touch with the present reality about the
market. Therefore, they tend to struggle selling what they have produced rather than
producing what they can sell. Market surveys provide useful information in guiding a
producer (farmer) in producing what he/she can sell.
The conduction of market survey recognizes market survey as the first
fundamental practice that smallholder farmers must undertake regularly in order to
realize economic returns from farm.
Market surveys need not be cumbersome; farmers should obtain the following
information on the crop of their c 2 hoice:
During which month there is peak demand for the crop
The price of the crop during the peak demandz
The crop variety that has the highest demand
Supply requirements (quantities and frequency)
Quality of market requirements
The source of current supply
Potential buyers and terms and modes of payment
Marketing challenges, trader’s willingness to buy from them
Procedure
A
Learning Task 2: Among all pre-cultural practices, choose three only and apply it in your
land area near your house. Make a narrative report about what you have done and then
make sure to take pictures for your documentation. Place your output in a long bond
paper.
The selection of a system for planting depends on the conditions and topography of
the orchards location, plant species to be planted and orchards management practices.
The systems of planting are also called systems of layout and none system is ideal for
planting of fruit plants in all conditions.
D
LAYOUT
The layout of the orchard is a very important operation. Under this, the
arrangement of fruit plants in the plot is carefully done to put the plants at a suitable
distance for proper development and for accommodating the requisite number of plants
per unit area in addition to improving the aesthetic look of the orchard. Hence, the factors
which are considered important for proper layout of the orchard are (i) system of planting
and (ii) planting distance of individual fruit species which again would provide the
following advantages:
Provision of optimum spacing to fruit trees is one of the most important aspects of
successful fruit culture. If the spacing is inadequate, the fruit trees will grow poorly,
produce small quantity of fruits of inferior quality, and suffer from various diseases and
insect pests. The cultural practices of the orchards are also greatly hindered. Weeds and
grasses grow in abundance and rob off the vitality of the trees, resulting in their early
decline and premature death. On the other hand, if the spacing is too wide, there will be
wastage of valuable orchard land without having any direct benefit on the ultimate yield
of the orchard.
The optimum spacing is therefore, desired so that the fruit trees may grow and
bear crops properly. The optimum spacing is very important in trees on attaining its full
size that will not touch the branches of the neighboring ones and the root-system of one
tree must not encroach to that of the adjoining tree.
The spacing given to fruit trees is generally governed by the following factors:
22 |Horticulture Production 9&10
Climate and soil Rootstocks
Varieties Nature of irrigation
Growth habit Pruning
It is very difficult to suggest the exact spacing for fruit trees which will suit every locality
or soil. However, the spacing given below for some of the important fruits may be
considered as a safe guide for planting fruit orchards both in the hills and plains.
E
SYSTEM OF PLANTING
The system of planting to be adopted is selected after considering the slope of land,
purpose of utilizing the orchard space, convenience etc. Generally, six systems of planting
are recommended for fruit trees.
1. Square system
This system is considered to be the simplest of all the system and is adopted
widely. In this system, the plot is divided into squares and trees are planted at the four
corners of the square, in straight rows running at right angles. While laying out the plot a
base line is first drawn parallel to the road, fence or adjacent orchard, at a distance equal
to half the spacing to be given between the tre27es. Pegs are fixed on this line at the
desired distances. At both ends of the base line right angles are drawn by following the
simple carpenter’s 3, 4, 5 meters system. After the formation of three lines, it is easy to fix
all the other pegs to mark the tree locations in between the lines at the required spacing
by using ropes connecting the pegs of the lines in opposite directions. Under this system,
intercultural operations, spraying, harvesting etc., can be done conveniently and easily.
Planting of quick growing fruit trees like papaya, banana, guava during the early life of
the orchard is possible. Raising of inter-crops like vegetables, ginger, turmeric, cumin,
coriander and such other spices can be done conveniently cultivation and irrigation can
be done in two directions.
2. Rectangular system
In this system, the plot is divided into rectangles instead of squares and trees are
planted at the four corners of the rectangle in straight rows running at right angles. The
same advantages which have been mentioned in the square system are also enjoyed here.
3. Triangular system
In this system, trees are planted as in the square system but the plants in the 2 nd,
4th, 6th and such other alternate rows are planted midway between the 1st, 3rd, 5th and
such other alternate rows. This system has no special advantage over the square system
except providing more open space for the trees and for intercrops. It is not only a difficult
layout but cultivation also in the plots under this system becomes difficult.
4. Hexagonal system
In this system, the trees are planted at the corners of an equilateral triangle and
thus, six trees from a hexagon with the seventh tree at the center. This system is
generally followed where the land is costly and very fertile with ample provision of
irrigation water. Though 15 per cent more trees can be planted in a unit area by this
method over the square system, fruit growers usually do not adopt it, as it is difficult to
layout and cultivation in the plot cannot be done so easily as in the square system.
For laying out the plot, a base line is drawn in one side as in the square system.
Then an equilateral triangle having rings at each corner and with sides equal to the length
of the required distance is made of heavy wire or chain. Two of these rings are then placed
on the stakes of the base line and the position of the third ring indicates the position of a
tree in the second row. This row is then used as the base line and pegs are set in the third
row. In this way entire plot is laid out.
This system of planting fruit trees is similar to square system, except that a fifth
tree is planted at the center of each square. As a result, the tree number in a unit area
becomes almost double the number in the square system. The additional tree in the
center is known as “filler”. The fillers are usually quick growing, early maturing and erect
type fruit trees like banana, papaya, pomegranate, etc., which are removed as soon as the
main fruit trees planted at the corner of the square come into bearing. The planting of
filler trees provides an additional income to the grower in the early life of the orchard.
6. Contour system
It is generally followed on the hills with high slopes. It particularly suits to a land
with undulated topography, where there is greater danger of erosion and irrigation of the
orchard is difficult. The main purpose of this system is to minimize land erosion and to
conserve soil moisture so as to make the slope fit for growing fruits. So, the contour line is
designed and graded in such a way that the flow of water in the irrigation channel
becomes slow and thus finds time to penetrate into the soil without causing erosion.
When planting of fruit plants is done without following any regular geometrical
design, the system is termed freestyle system. This system is followed to plant the fruit
trees on homestead lands, public building’s compounds, wastelands, ravines, along
railways tracks, rivers, coastal areas, factories, etc.
In the layout procedures for different system, a few common steps can be identified.
1. Measure the land.
2. Decide the types of trees to be plated, planting distance and the system of
plating.
3. Prepare a plan on the paper marking all details
Preparing a plan on paper is tedious and time consuming but the actual layout
becomes easier.
A base line (parallel to any side of the plot or a contour line) is market always at
the beginning of the layout and it forms a row of trees. Subsequent rows are marked
parallel to this base line except in contour system. The position of the trees in each row is
marked using the wooden pegs leaving a space equal to half the plant-to-plant distance on
either side (boundary). Otherwise, the roots and canopy of the trees may spread beyond
the boundary. Depending on the length and width of the land, plant to plant and row to
row distances, boundary space may be reasonably adjusted. While preparing the blue
print, all these factors are taken into consideration.
1.________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. __________________
5. __________________
B. Why is it important to follow the procedure in making a farm layout? Write your
answer in a separate sheet of paper.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Filler-a temporary plant usually small and early bearing one which planted in
between plants.
Planting board- a device used in lay-outing the area for the crops.
Lay-outing-locatingqua the position of plant in the orchard.
Staking-the placing of the pole to mark the position of the plant to be set.
Orchard-an establishment where fruit bearing crops are grown.
Irrigation- the application of water to the soil by any other means than rainfall.
D
The Farming for the Future ‘(FFTF) program can help you to plan the best farm
layout. It is an initiative of NSW Government agencies focusing on whole farm planning. A
whole farm plan considers the farm’s physical, financial, and human/personal resources
for both now and the future.
Site Assessment
An on-site assessment of a farm is necessary so that a map can be drawn
according to the property’s topography, boundaries, soil, water resources, and so on, and a
farm business plan can be formulated.
Government Plans
Acquaint yourself with thIt ise Regional Environmental Plans (REPs), Local
Environmental Plans (LEPs), and Development Control Plans (DCPs) and their short and
long-term effects on your proposed or existing farm enterprise. This will help to reduce
unforeseen risks and enhance your farm business. Council ’s building approval or
development consent (DAs) may be needed for siting greenhouses, siting and constructing
dams, or erecting hail and windbreak netting. Council approval to clear land or a no
burning of crop debris or waste materials on farm may apply. Consent will be required if
odor or noise is a nuisance likely to be generated from the development.
1. Site Selection
Site selection is important. Slopes to the north east are preferred for maximum
sunlight, warmth, and protection from wind. Slopes are prone to erosion and need to be
farmed with care. To prevent soil erosion and the silting of waterways, do not grow
vegetables on slopes greater than seven degrees (7°).
2. Buffer Zones
Buffer zones are areas of vegetated land need to be established or left in place to
protect sensitive environmental areas and provide a habitat/sanctuary for wildlife. They
should be located between the area of farm activity and any areas of possible water
quality impairment or contamination. Water environs or features to be protected are:
Riparian areas include flood plains, adjacent to rivers and streams and other
water courses.
Wetlands (the areas of land that are either temporarily or permanently covered
with shallow water, and which play a crucial role in nutrient recycling). Wetlands
have a high ecological productivity and should not be drained, filled or used as
storages.
Drainage lines. Care for creek. Leave a strip of unclear native vegetation between
the top of the bank and farming activities for at least 20 m for small streams and
50–100 m for rivers like the Hawkesbury–Nepean. This buffer zone will intercept
and filter farm chemical and nutrient run-off.
Soil types need to be suitable for the crop being grown. The better soil types are deep,
well-drained sands, sandy loams and loams. Heavy clays are much less suitable as they
drain poorly and waterlog easily. If in doubt have a physical test of the soil type.
4. Groundwater contamination
5. Windbreaks
Wind protection and screening of the whole farm and of individual large paddocks is
recommended. Screening of the property, especially with trees, prevents many complaints
about farm activities. Windbreaks also prevent drift and movement of sprays, dust, pests,
and noise to adjoining areas.
6. Soil management
You need to plan your soil management strategies. It is important to provide good
drainage and install grassed drainage/ waterways in conjunction with fields designed to
7. Water management
A
Learning Task 1: A. Give the characteristic or importance of the following images to
successful farming. Write the answer on your answer sheet.
1. _____________________________
3. ______________________________
4. _______________________________
5. ______________________________
B. TRUE OR FALSE: Read the sentences carefully. On your answer sheet, write TRUE if
the statement is correct and FALSE if it is incorrect.
1. Avoid high-volume sprinkler and flood irrigation in areas of high soil and/or water
salinity or where the water table is rising.
2. Water management strategies require pre-cropping assessment.
3. Windbreaks does not prevent drift and movement of sprays, dust, pests, and noise
to adjoining areas.
4. Poor water quality increases the growth and yield of crops.
5. A whole farm plan considers the farm’s physical, financial and human/personal
resources for both now and the future.
D
Digging is important as it breaks up the soil, making it light enough for plants and
flowers to grow in. If roots cannot push their way through the soil easily, any plant will be
stunted and find it difficult to thrive.
1. Mark the spots for the holes. If you're digging holes for several plants, determine the
spacing you need between plants, which varies based on the type. Small plants, such as
lettuce or marigolds, may need only a few inches between plants, while trees need
several feet. Refer to the plant tag for spacing specifics.
3. Position the trowel, shovel or spade in the location of the hole. Dig down and remove
the soil in the area to the approximate size needed.
4.Remove any rocks you dig up in the area. Break up dirt clumps remaining in the hole
to avoid air pockets during planting.
5.Place the plant in the hole to check on the size. Spread out the roots as you would for
planting. Make adjustments to the hole. Add more soil if it is too deep. Dig out more soil
if it is too shallow.
Spade is the right tool for most people who want to dig a hole. There’s nothing
wrong with this approach, but there are better hole-digging tools available namely garden
augers. Augers have several advantages over other tools, including:
Easy to use, even for people with limited
physical abilities
To use the garden auger, screw in the auger into a power drill just like any other
drill bit would be installed. If the auger has a non-slip hex head (ideal for reducing
slippage in the drill), ensure the flat portion of the hex is tightening against the drill
chuck. Set the drill’s clutch and have the drill set on slow speed to prevent twisting. When
ready to dig, simply point the auger at the ground where the hole (s) should be and pull
the trigger. Utilizing a drill with a second side handle is preferred for better control in
tougher soil conditions.
The auger should slide through the soil easily, creating a hole. The hole might
backfill a little, but the soil inside the hole should be loose and easy to remove. Once ideal
depth is achieved, simply remove the auger from the hole, plant, and backfill with the
loose soil left around the edge of the hole. You will no longer have to break up clumps of
soil created from using a spade.
Seeds
Small Plants
Large Plants
Trees
“Always bear in mind that whether you’re planting a tiny seed or a large tree, having the
right tools for digging a hole can make the experience more pleasurable and productive”.
E
The Different Types of Fertilizers
A wise gardener knows the importance of a good fertilizer. Recognizing which
fertilizer best fits the needs of your specific plants will help you to maximize your gardens’
growth.
What is NPK?
Nitrogen Fertilizers
Nitrogen is a plan nutrient responsible for growth. It useful in fertilizers,
particularly during the middle stages of a plant’s lifespan, when it needs encouragement
to continue to grow large and stem new leaves. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers have
sources of nitrogen in them.
Phosphate Fertilizers
Phosphorous is a nutrient that plants need continuously. Throughout their life
cycle, phosphorous help to strengthen the root system and stems of a plant. Flowering,
seeding, and fruiting can all be improved with phosphorous.
Potassium Fertilizers
Potassium will help your plants to grow deeper and stronger roots. Moreover, it
helps protect your plants from harm when they are deprived of other nutrients. This
nutrient is vital for photosynthesis and has the ability to slow down any diseases that
may infect your garden. Potassium fertilizer has a lot of benefits. The when and how of
planting this fertilizer will depend on what you’re are planting. When you are using this
fertilizer, place it as close to the roots as possible.
If there is a potassium deficiency in your plant, you may see yellowing or browning on the
edges of leaves. Leaves will eventually die off if the deficiency continue.
COMPUTATION OF NPK
In most cases, the 5-5-5 fertilizer is an all purpose that provides the nutrients all
plants need for healthy growth. If a soil test reveals certain nutrient deficiencies, or if you
want to tailor your fertilizer to the needs of particular plants (tomatoes vs. flowers), you
can select a special formulation. What you choose will depend on your soil and what you
are growing.
The three numbers that you see on a fertilizer label, such as 5-5-5, tell you what
proportion of each macronutrient the fertilizer contains. The first number is always
nitrogen (N), the second is phosphorus (P) and the third is potassium (K). This "N-P-K"
ratio reflects the available nutrients —by weight—contained in that fertilizer. For example,
if a 100-pound bag of fertilizer has an N-P-K ratio of 5-7-4, it contains 5 pounds of
nitrate, 7 pounds of phosphate (which contains phosphorus), 4 pounds of potash (which
contains potassium) and 84 pounds of filler.
Note that the N-P-K ratio of organic fertilizers is typically lower than that of a
synthetic fertilizer. This is because by law, the ratio can only express nutrients that are
immediately available. Most organic fertilizers contain slow-release nutrients that will
become available over time. They also contain many trace elements that might not be
supplied by synthetic fertilizers.
Fertilizer Forms
Fertilizer comes in a few different forms. There is liquid, powder, and granular.
Liquid fertilizers are often diluted with water. Spreading them is similar to watering your
garden, usually done with a hose attachment. Powdered fertilizers also need water to be
productive. Usually, they are spread by hand and watered to complete absorption.
Granular lawn fertilizers can easily be spread on top of soil. These nutrient pack granules
will be soaked into your garden over time as you water it.
A
Learning Task 1: Guess WHO I am
Directions. Identify what kind of materials is being used in digging properly sized hole.
1.I am the appropriate material in digging hole to plant for containerized tree.
2.I am use for larger than three inches wide plant.
3.Gardener used me when digging a hole for a small plant no more than three inches
wide.
4.Plantito and Plantita uses me to push a small indentation into the soil
After the soil preparation, you are ready to start planting. Various methods of
planting are practiced in farming. They fall under two major categories: Direct seeding
/planting and Indirect seeding/ planting.
At the end of this chapter the learners are expected to:
1. Identify the crops that can be planted through direct or indirect methods;
and
2. Compare and contrast direct seeding and indirect seeding methods.
D
Direct seeding or planting is the sowing of seeds directly in the soil. It is done when
seeds are planted in an area where they will grow until they are ready for harvesting.
Characteristics of seeds and plants that are directly planted are:
1. big seeds
2. seeds that grow fast
3. seeds and plants that do not need extra care during the seedling stage.
Examples of these are: cucumber, radish, sitao, melon, beans, watermelon, carrot,
squash, okra
Some of the advantages of direct seeding are (1) the grower will not need to transplant
their crop at a later time thus requiring less labor. (2) Plants that have been sown directly
into the soil will develop faster than plants which have been transplanted. (3) There is less
risk for plants when they have been directly seeded into the soil, because transplanting
can be stressful to plants in many ways.
However, there are also some disadvantages for this planting method such as: (1) the
seeds are exposed to birds, rats, and snails (2) There is greater crop-weed competition
because rice plants and weeds are of similar age. (3) Plants tend to lodge more because
there is less root anchorage. (4) More seeds will be required. Just like in planting rice, 80
to 100 kilograms per hectare will be required compared with 35 to 65 kilograms per
hectare with transplanting.
There are three methods of planting crops by direct seeding namely broadcast, hill,
and drill. Actual planting is done either manually or with a mechanical planter.
Transplanting is best done late in the afternoon or very early in the morning when the
sun is not yet shining. Transplanting must be done with care so as not to injure the roots
of the seedlings. Following are steps in transplanting seedlings:
1. Sprinkle water over the seedlings in the seedling box or seedbed to loosen the soil.
2. Prick the seedling carefully from the seedling box and transfer it to the prepared
plot.
3. Press the soil lightly around the roots of the seedling then water the plant
immediately. Do not wait for all the seedlings to be transplanted before sprinkling
the plant with water.
4. Provide the plants with a shed to protect them from too much heat from the sun.
Provide them with enough water.
E
Learning Task 1: Identify the planting method used for the crops in the picture. Indicate
if it is Direct or Indirect. Write your answer on a separate answer sheet.
1. __________________________
2. __________________________
3. __________________________
5. __________________________
A
Learning Task 2: Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast direct seeding and
indirect seeding. Draw the diagram on a separate answer sheet.
D
Even though each fruit and vegetable has its own specific planting requirements,
there are some general cultivation practices that applies to all of them.
Watering or Irrigation
Watering should be done regularly especially during the dry season. It should be
done early in the morning or at least 3-5 in the afternoon. During rainy season when
45 |Horticulture Production 9&10
plants receive enough water from the rain, there might be not need to water the plants at
all. If the weather is not too hot, watering once in the morning is enough for the plants to
grow healthily. The hotter and drier, the higher the plant demands for water.
Fertilizer Application
Plants need food to grow. After you've planted your fruits and vegetables, you'll
need to give them enough water and food to grow and produce fruit. If your soil doesn't
have sufficient nutrients for your plants, you'll need to provide fertilizer. You can use
fertilizer in the form of compost (from kitchen wastes) or manure such as bat guano or
chicken manure or through using vermicast or you can also purchase commercial
fertilizer.
When you purchase fertilizer, you'll notice that the bag tells you what's inside
using three letters: N-P-K. The N stands for the amount of nitrogen, P stands for the
amount of phosphorus and K stands for potassium (potash). Each nutrient helps plants
differently. Nitrogen helps with foliage growth, phosphorus helps with roots and flowers,
and potassium (potash) helps with overall plant health. More nitrogen means faster plant
growth, but too much can lead to sickly plants. So, the key to fertilization is to apply
missing nutrients but not to overload your soil. You'll want to fertilize well before you
plant and then again while the plant is growing but before it begins to fruit.
Harvesting
After your fruits and vegetables have grown fruit, they may be ready for harvesting.
Each one matures at a different time. Visually, it is very easy to see when a fruit or
vegetable is ready to be picked. For example, strawberries are ready when the fruit turns
a beautiful and delicious red color. Leaf lettuce is ready when it has grown large enough
to provide sufficient lettuce for a salad. Tomatoes are ready to be harvested when the fruit
changes color like strawberries.
There is no definitive number of days to harvest for plants. For example, tomatoes
can take anywhere from a couple of months to more than three months to harvest
depending on type and weather. If the weather is not warm enough, tomatoes may never
ripen.
E
Any vegetable seeds can either be sown directly or transplanted. Small-seeded
vegetables such as pechay, tomatoes, and others can also be sown directly especially for
the purpose of small-scale gardening. Below are planting practices for common vegetable
crops which can be directly sown.
46 |Horticulture Production 9&10
Pechay
Soil Preparation
Mix part of well-pulverized soil with 1part compost and one-part rice hull. For home
gardens with wide areas, mix 1 kg compost and 300 grams rice hull for every 1 square
meter of soil.
Watering
Water the plants 2 to 3 times a week or as needed. Remove weeds regularly.
Pests
Common insect pests of pechay include diamond back moth, cutworm, and aphids. Hand
picking of insect pests is recommended.
Harvesting
Harvest as early as three weeks after planting or between 30-40 days after sowing.
Harvest preferably in the afternoon to minimize postharvest losses.
Okra
Planting
Okra is commonly planted directly in the field. To attain uniform germination, soak the
seeds with water overnight before planting. Plant okra seeds in slightly moist soil at a rate
of 2-3 seeds per hill at a distance of 30 cm and 2-5 cm deep. Replant missing hills three
(3) days after emergence (DAE).
Watering
Irrigate or water the plants regularly. Thin the plants to two (2) seedlings per hill 15 days
after planting (DAP). Remove stunted and sickly seedlings leaving only the healthy ones.
Pests Management
The most common pests of okra are cotton stainer and stink bug. The most serious fungal
diseases are cercospora blight, powdery mildew, fruit rot and root knot nematode. Prevent
the occurrence of pests by practicing field sanitation, plant resistant varieties, crop
rotation. As last resort, spray pesticide following manufacturers recommended dosage.
_____________________ 1. This does not have definitive time but can be determined through
the changing of the color of the fruit or enlargement of the size of
the leaf.
_____________________ 2. This will encourage bigger and healthier root growth and better
water and nutrient uptake.
_____________________ 3. It should be done early in the morning or at least 3-5 in the
afternoon.
_____________________ 4. Increasing the bio-diversity through IPM or Integrated Pest
Management of the garden.
_____________________ 5. Provision of foods for plants to grow.
Learning Task 2: Choose a common vegetable crop grown in your area, then perform the
planting practices for direct sowing of the crop you have chosen.
Answer Key
Week 1 Week 3
Learning task 1: Learning Task 1:(Insights of the
1. Biological Learners Vary)
2. Warm up Learning Task 2:(Varied Output)
3. RA 6969 or Toxic Substances,
Hazardous and Nuclear Control
Act
Week 2
4. PPEs or Personal Protective
Learning Task 1:
Equipment
5. Risk 1. D
6. PD 1586 2. E
7. Hazard 3. C
8. Respiratory Protection 4. A
9. Manual Handling Injuries
10. Exposure
5. F
6. B
Learning Task 2: (Varied output)
Learning Task 2: (Varied Answers)
Week 6 Week 7
Fertilizer Application Planting Methods
Learning Task 1 Learning Task 1
1. Quart pot plant auger 1. Direct
2. Quart pot auger 2. Direct
3. Bulb Auger 3. Indirect
4. thumb 4. Direct
Learning Task 2 5. Indirect
Urea=12x2.17=26O.4 kg per ha
SSP= 6x 6.25=3.75 kg per ha
MOP=4x1.67=66.67 kg per ha
Week 8
Planting Practices
Learning Task 1
1. Harvesting
2. Cultivating and Weeding
3. Watering or Irrigation
4. Pest and Disease Management
5. Fertilizer Application
References
Agricultural Crop Production K to 12 – Technology and Livelihood Education
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/hazard_risk.html
https://psa.gov.ph/content/safety-and-health-workplace-types-injuries-parts-body-
injured-causes-and-agents-injuries-0
https://www.assh.org/handcare/safety/gardening
https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/gardening-2/gardening-tips-safety/
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/students/beyond/Pages/
horticulturemodule.aspx
http://greyduckgarlic.com/garden-seed-planting-guide.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/plant-spacing-
chart.htm
http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=1578
https://www.agrihortieducation.com/2016/09/systems-of-planting.html
https://www.agrihortieducation.com/2016/09/systems-of-planting.html?=1
https://study.com/academy/lesson/cultivation-practices-of-fruits-
vegetables.html#:~:text=Cultivation%20practices%20are%20all%20the,sufficient
%20sunlight%20and%20sufficient%20space .
https://ati.da.gov.ph/ati-car/sites/default/files/
URBAN_GARDENING_WITH_UPLAND_VEG_PROD.pdf
Department of Agriculture, Okra Production Guide Regional Field Office No. 02, High
Value Crops Development Program February 2017