Technology and Livelihood Education

Page 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This is to acknowledge the different practitioners, experts, and specialists who
made this learning materials and teaching guides for Grade 8 possible.
Writers ( Agriculture and Fishery Arts)
Master Teacher I
Div. of Oriental Mindoro
Master Teacher I
FFHNAS, Sta. Maria, Bulacan
Teacher I
FFHNAS, Sta. Maria, Bulacan
Teacher III
MMFSL, Malolos City
Master Teacher I
TSF, Tanauan City
Language Editor
Dr. Ofelia C. Flojo
Retired Regional
CALABARZON
English Supervisor
Consultant
Alberto Dumo
Retired BSE
Sta. Maria Bulacan
Agriculture Specialist
Reviewers
1. Mila Dena Lomat
Master Teacher I
FNAS, Floridablanca,
Pampanga
2. Wilfred S. Murla
Principal
VHS Annex, Victoria, Tarlac
3. Armado V. Illescas
Master Teacher I
MMFSL, Malolos City
4. Eliseo T. Caseres
Instructor I
MMFSL, Malolos City
5. Nenita P. Dela Cruz
Teacher III
MMFSL, Malolos City
Lay-Out Artist/Illustrator
1. Henry Allen M. Arcos
2. Brenn R. Bulado
3.Arlene A. Guiao
4.Francis C. Pili
5. Noel C. Pili
6. John S. Saladas
Management Team
1. Dr. Lolita M. Andrada
Director IV
2. Joyce DR. Andaya
Director III
2. Ms. Bella O. Marinas
Chief,SDD
3. Dr. Jose D. Tuguinayo, Jr.
SST. CHIEF, CDD, OIC
4. Mr. Emmanuel S. Valdez
EPS II
5. Mr. Albert B. Erni
EPS II
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Aniceta Kong
Delia San Diego
Julie Francisco
Nenita dela Cruz
Emma Mendoza

NOTE:
All pictures and graphic illustrations taken from the internet are properties of the
original owners and are used only as supplemental materials for educational purposes.

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Technology and Livelihood Education

Agriculture and Fishery Arts Horticulture &Crop Production

INTRODUCTION

This module is an exploratory and basic course in Horticulture and

Crop Production. It consists of what to know, what to process, what to reflect and
understand and what to transfer. Specifically, this module is designed to enhance your
knowledge, skills, and desirable attitudes in Horticulture and Crop Production. It
includes lessons that will enable you to demonstrate skills and understanding in the use
of farm tools and equipment and their maintenance, selection of farm site, land
preparation, planting methods, cultural requirements, and harvesting and marketing. It
will provide you opportunities to integrate the common competencies in estimation and
calculation, interpretation of plans and layout and application of safety measures in
workplace. All of these when mastered will give you not only a source of food but also a
source of income that eventually may serve as your career pathway in the future.
Hence, this module requires your ability to apply the safety measures in the workplace
and undertake hands on activities to be well equipped.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1) demonstrate skills and understanding in:
a. the use of farm tools and equipment;
b. the selection of farm site;
c. land preparation;
d. planting methods;
e. cultural requirements; and
f. harvesting and marketing practices in Horticulture and Crop Production.
2) demonstrate an understanding of mensuration and calculation
3) demonstrate an understanding of interpretation of plans and layout
4) demonstrate an understanding of the application of safety measures in the
workplace.

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PRE-ASSESSMENT

Directions: Below is a list of competencies in Horti-Crop Production. Put a check mark

in the specified number that best represents how you feel about each of the
given topics. Use the scaling below:
3

very much

a little

1. Using farm tools and equipment.

How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in using this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?
2. Selecting farm site
How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in applying this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?
3. Preparing land
How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in using this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?
4. Planting methods
How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in using this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?
5. Applying fertilizer
How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in using this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?
6. Weeding
How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in using this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?
7. Irrigating and draining
How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in using this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?
8. Protecting the crop against insect pests
How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in using this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?
9. Harvesting crops
How much do I know about this?

not at all

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How skilled am I in using this?

How interested am I in learning more about this?
10. Marketing produce
How much do I know about this?
How skilled am I in using this?
How interested am I in learning more about this?

LEARNING GOALS/TARGETS

Based on the objectives of this module, define the personal goals/targets

you wish to accomplish at the end of this lesson.

My Goals:
_______________________________________________
My Targets:
_______________________________________________

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CROP PRODUCTION
Lesson 1
FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT AND THEIR MAINTENANCE

What to know
You are now about to learn the basic knowledge and
skills in Horti-Crop Production. Good luck!

Activity # 1
Below are some of the farm tools and equipment in agricultural crop production. Draw a
smiling face
if the tool is familiar to you and a sad face
if it is not in the opposite
if you know how to use it and
if you dont in the next
box under remarks. Put a
box.
Remarks
Farm Tools and Equipment

I know it

I can use it

1. Spade
2. Hand Fork
3. Rake
4. Wheelbarrow
5. Sickle/scythe
6. Bolo
7. Dibber or dibble
8. Shovel
9. Pruning shear
10. Sprayer
11. Spading fork
12. Hand trowel
13. Sprinkler
14. Grub hoe
15. Pick mattock

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Activity # 2
Choose three of the given farm tools and equipment in Activity 1 which you are familiar
with. Describe your experiences in using each of them.
1. _________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________
Farm tools and equipment play a very important role in every farm practice and
operation. Hence, as a learner you should be able to know, identify, and learn their uses
to become a successful farmer someday.
A. Hand Tools
Hand tools are the most simple tools since they are used with your bare
hands in performing farm operation and practices in a small farm or vegetable
garden in the backyard or in school.

Sickle/scythe is a hand tool that has a

curved blade attached to a short
handle which is used for harvesting
grains or cutting grasses.

Grub-hoe is a heavy hoe used for

breaking hard topsoil and pulverizing
soil.
Bolo is a large cutting tool used for
cutting tall grasses and weeds and
cutting branches of trees.

Pick mattock is a digging tool with a

pointed head at one end and a
transverse blade at the other.

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Hand trowel is a gardening tool which

is used for loosening the soil, digging
small holes, transplanting seedlings
and other similar task.
Hand fork is a gardening tool with
sharp tines which makes it easy to
prick into the soil (moist soil) making it
suitable for planting, transplanting,
weeding and mixing additives into the
soil.

Crowbar is a tool used for digging big

holes and for digging out big stones
and stumps.

Hand cultivator is a gardening tool

used for cultivating the garden plot by
loosening the soil and removing weeds
around the plant.

Spade is a gardening tool with a flat

and sharp edge which is used for
digging or loosening soil.

Shovel is a tool for digging, lifting,

moving bulky materials from one place
to another, removing trash, and mixing
soil media.

Rake is a long-handled tool used for

cleaning the ground by gathering the
leaves and for loosening or leveling the
soil.

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Spading fork is a gardening tool with

a handle and strong tines which is
used for loosening the soil, digging out
root crops and turning over the
materials in a compost heap.

Dibbler or dibble is a pointed wooden

stick used in making holes in the
ground for planting seeds, seedlings or
small bulbs.

Pruning shears is a type of scissors

used for basic maintenance tasks like
cutting small branches, twigs and
leaves.

Sprinkler is a devise used for watering

plants and seedlings.

Sprayer is an equipment used for

applying herbicides, pesticides and
fertilizers to agricultural crops.

Wheelbarrow is a hand-propelled
vehicle used for hauling trash, manure,
fertilizers, planting materials and other
equipment.

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Pail or can is a container used for

hauling soil, compost, chemical
fertilizer and even water.

Axe is an implement used to split and

cut abigger post

Knives are cutting tools used for

cutting planting materials, grafting,
marcotting, budding, and for
performing other operations in
horticulture.

B. Farm Implements
These are accessories which are pulled by working animals or mounted
machineries (hand tractor, tractor) and which are usually used in the preparation
of land. These are usually made of a special kind of metal.

Plow - farm implement pulled by either

a working animal or a tractor. It is
specifically used for tilling large areas,
making furrows and inters row
cultivation.

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Harrow. The native wooden harrow is

made of wood with metal teeth and
pulled by a carabao, while the disc
harrow is made of metal mounted to a
tractor. Harrows are used for tilling and
pulverizing the soil.

Rotavator - is an implement mounted

to a tractor used for tilling and
pulverizing the soil

C. Farm Machinery
1. Combined Harvester - is a machine which is used in
harvesting grain crops. It is the combination of harvesting
reaping, threshing, and winnowing. It is one of the most economically
important labor-saving inventions, enabling a small fraction of the
population to be engaged in agriculture.
Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5KnL2Td4xc to view how combine
harvester works.
2. Hand Tractor
3. Four wheeled hand tractor

What to process

Activity # 1
Your group is tasked to prepare a vegetable garden at the back of your
classroom. You and your friend are assigned to get the tools and equipment in the tool
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room that will be needed for the task. List down the tools and equipment that you will
get and explain how each one isused in accomplishing the job.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Tools/Equipment Needed

Use

Rubric for Rating

Point
5
4
3
2
1

Able to list down and explain the uses of all the needed tools in accomplishing
the task
Able to list down and explain the uses of 90%-99% of all the needed tools in
accomplishing the task
Able to list down and explain the uses of 80%-89% of all the needed tools in
accomplishing the task
Able to list down and explain the uses of 70%-79% of all the needed tools in
accomplishing the task
Able to list down and explain the uses of 69% below of all the needed tools in
accomplishing the task

Activity # 2
Write the letter of your answer in your answer sheet.
1. You noticed that there are aphids and worms in your vegetable garden. What
will you use?
A. sprayer to apply pesticide
B. axe to cut the infected areas
C. sprinkler and water the infected plants
D. hand cultivator to dig and loose the soil in the garden
2. You found out that after the storm Marce, some branches of the mango tree
had been damaged. Which of the following will you use to cut the damaged
branches?
A. axe
B. bolo
C. knife
D. pruning shear

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3. You need to transport the fertilizers from the storage to the farm. Which of the
following will enable you to perform the task?
A. Pail
B. Spade
C. Shovel
D. Wheelbarrow
Activity # 3
List down the common tools and equipment and do a research on how to
maintain them. You may go and visit the school library or surf the internet.
Write your output in your notebook.
Activity # 4
Report to the class or submit your output to your teacher.
Activity # 5
Develop an essay on the proper handling of tools

What to reflect on and understand

Activity # 1
A video presentation of how each of the following tools and equipment are used will be
shown to you. Observe carefully how each tool is used. You need to make a story of
what you have seen which may answer the following questions:
1.
2.
3.

What is the video presentation about?

How was each tool used in the presentation?
Why is it important to know the different tools and equipment and how to use
them?
4.
Was there an application of appropriate safety measures while using the
tools or equipment and while working in the farm?
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What to transfer
Activity # 1
Your school, Leuteboro National High School, is a participant in the Search for
Best Gulayan sa Paaralan Implementers. The cluster evaluation to choose the cluster
winner will be in the month of November to choose the cluster winner. As the school
level TLE President, you need to visit the existing vegetable garden in the school and
take note of the things in order to improve, develop and produce vegetables before the
visitation. Make a project plan on how to address your findings and perform the needed
action by using the appropriate tools in the implementation of the plan.

Findings

Action to be Undertaken

Tools to be Used

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Lesson 2
SELECTION OF SITE
Interpretation of Plans and Layout

What to know
Youre doing fine now. After knowing the farm tools and
equipment, continue the lesson in selecting the site.

Activity # 1
Given the scrambled letters below, rearrange them to get a word or a group
of words related to factors in selecting the site. Write your answer opposite each item.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

YOPHTPGROA -__________________________
LOSI PTYE - __________________________
ESCLIBACSTIYI-__________________________
FANLRILA __________________________
ERTAW PLUSYP - __________________________

The success of an Agricultural Enterprise largely depends on proper

location and site. The location and site dictate the cost of production, operation,
harvesting, and transport, accessibility to inputs and others. If you already own a farm
site, select the kind or variety of crop best adapted to the site.
Factors affecting the selection and location of site
1. Climate. Climatic condition in a locality determines the kind of crop to
produce. Example: Cabbage is a cool season crop while okra is a warm
season plant.
a.
Temperature
b.
Rainfall
c.
Wind velocity
d.
Relative humidity
2. Topography refers to the terrain of the soil that is hilly or level. Knowledge
of this helps determine the ease of transporting farm implements and produce
and the kind of plants suited for this site.
3. Soil loose and friable materials on the earth surface. Example: sand, clay,
silt, etc. Soil type, drainage, depth, fertility and pH are the most important soil
characteristics to consider in choosing the crop to grow.
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4. Accessibility the place should be easily reached by vehicles. The nearer the
place, the lesser is the transportation cost.
5. Water supply this refers to both distribution and amount of water for
irrigation.
6. Socio-economic consideration these determine the profitability of the
enterprise.
a.
Peace and order situation
b.
Cost and availability of labor
c.
Prevalence of infectious diseases
d.
Price of land

What to process
Activity # 2
Make an interview with an experienced crop producer in the locality on how he
selects the site for his crop production. The results of the interview will be discussed in
class to answer the following questions.
1. What are the factors to consider in choosing the location of your farm?
2. Why is it necessary to consider such factors?
3. How do these factors affect your production?

What to reflect on and understand

Activity # 1
Visit a farm in your locality and observe its location. Make a report about the
description of the farm you have visited. Draw the farm site. Is the place suited for crop
production? Why or why not? If you were the owner of the farm, would you choose the
same site? Why or Why not?

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What to transfer
Its your turn now. Show off what youve learned.

Activity # 1
Your group is tasked to put up a vegetable garden in the school.
A. Considering the different factors in selecting the site, what will be the best site for
the purpose? Why? Write your answer in the spaces provided below. What kinds
of
vegetables
are
suited
or
appropriate
for
the
area?
________________________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
B. Map out/illustrate the best site suited for planting the vegetable in the box
below:

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Lesson 3
LAND PREPARATION AND PLANTING METHODS

A. Land Preparation

What to know
Activity # 1

Agri-Puzzle

Encircle the word or group of words which is related to land preparation.

L
A
N
D
I
N
E
V
T
A

A
N
S
H
S
H
A
N
L
E

C
D
C
L
E
A
R
I
N
G

O
P
B
S
R
R
M
A
E
S

M
E
E
H
E
R
A
N
E
H

P
L
T
A
S
O
I
L
L
E

O
I
H
N
T
W
M
E
N
R

S
T
D
E
Y
I
A
P
A
W

T
I
L
L
I
N
G
I
H
I

P
A
P
A
N
G
N
E
S
N

Land preparation is inevitable in crop production. When properly done, it can

eliminate most of the weeds and soil-borne diseases. It also improves the water holding
capacity, drainage, and aeration of the soil. Likewise, it makes field operations, such as
furrow irrigation and mechanized weed control, easier.

Steps in Preparing the Land

Picture/Illustration

Steps
1. Clearing clear the area of weeds, humps,
rocks, and other debris by using bolo,
scythe, and other tools needed. A clean
area will make planting, weeding, and
fertilizing easier.

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2. Tilling till the soil by plowing or by using

light hoe or pick mattock depending upon
the physical condition of the soil. This is
done to eradicate weeds, to help the plant
roots penetrate deeper into the soil for more
nourishment and better anchorage. Other
barriers for plant growth are also removed.
Tilling is done at the beginning of the rainy
months.
3. Harrowing this can be done using a
harrow drawn by an animal or a machine in
bigger farms. It can pulverize the soil, level
it, and remove the plowed weeds as well.

4. Applying compost this will improve soil

fertility and soil texture. Another way of
improving the soil is through green
manuring. This is a process by which a
legume crop is plowed under soil at its
flowering stage to be decomposed before
the planting of crops.

5. Layouting, staking and marking follow Tomatoes, eggplants, okra are planted in
hills while plots are prepared for leafy
vegetables such as pechay, mustard, radish,
celery and others. Beds are elevated in
order to provide drainage especially during
rainy season.

Direction: Write True, if the statement is correct, and False, if it is not.

______1. Thoroughly prepared soil can eliminate weeds on the farm.
______2. Poor soil cannot be cured anymore even if the land is thoroughly prepared.
______3. Thoroughly prepared land may eradicate soil-borne pathogenic organisms.
______4. Direct planting is done with pechay, radish, and tomatoes.
______5. Indirect planting is practical to use with corn, beans, and squash.
______6. Seedlings can be transplanted immediately when the first leaf appears.
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What to process

Activity # 1
below.

Demonstrate the steps in preparing the land. You will be rated using the rubric
I
can
do
it
independently
and use tools and
equipment
correctly
and
confidently
at all times

I can do it with
minimal
assistance
and use tools
and equipment
correctly
and
confidently
most of the time

I can do it
moderate
assistance
use tools
equipment
correctly
confidently
sometimes

with I can do it with

considerable
and assistance and
and use tools and
equipment
and incorrectly and
less confidently
most of the time

Clearing
Tilling
Harrowing
Applying
compost
Layouting

What to reflect on and understand?

Activity # 1
1.

Mang Rolly is a beginner farmer preparing his farm for crop production. Help
him explain the steps in preparing the land by filling up the ladder from step 1 to
step 5?

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5
4
3
2
1
Your answer shall be assessed using the rubric below.
5
4
3
2
1

Gives very accurate information and very relevant concepts on

how to properly prepare the land
Gives accurate information and relevant concepts on how to
properly prepare the land.
Gives less accurate information and concept on how to prepare
the land.
Gives inaccurate information and irrelevant concepts on how to
properly prepare the land.
Was not able to explain clearly and comprehensively any of the
steps in preparing the land

What to transfer

Activity # 1

Mang Rolly is not able to get your explanation of the steps in preparing
the land. He asks you if you can demonstrate the steps to him. In the previous
lesson, you have already identified the best site for your vegetable garden,
demonstrate now the steps in preparing the land in the presence of Mang Rolly.
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Your performance will be rated using the following rubric:

5
4
3
2
1

Able to demonstrate properly all the steps in preparing the land

Able to demonstrate properly only three of the steps in preparing
the land
Able to demonstrate properly only two of the steps in preparing
the land
Able to demonstrate properly only one of the steps in preparing
the land
Was not able to demonstrate any of the steps in preparing the
land

B. Planting Crops
Mensuration and Calculation

What to know
The Seed and How to Select It
Seeds are very important to animals and human beings because
almost all plants which are the sources of food come from seeds. Human on the
other hand, needs clothing, medicine and shelter which also come from plants.
A seed is a fertilized and ripened ovule which may develop into a plant
by germination. For example, a grain of palay or a kernel of corn is a seed. A
seed has three parts: a) cotyledons (seed leaves) b) plumule (future shoot) c)
radicle (future root).
Characteristics of a Good Seed
It must be:
1. Viable - a viable seed has the capacity to germinate.
2. Fully matured - a mature seed comes from a ripe and mature fruit which has
grown from a healthy plant.
3. Fresh - its germinating power must be preserved.
4. True to type - this means the seeds are not mixed with other varieties.
5. Free from seed-borne disease
6. Damage-free
7. Free from weed seeds and other foreign matter.
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Testing the Viability of Seeds

Not all seeds have the ability to germinate due to the following:
a. High moisture- temperature condition prevailing in our country all year
round
b. Long storage - the seeds were kept too long.
c. Immaturity - too immature when harvested.
Testing seeds avoids wasting good seeds. There is no need of
replanting; therefore, allowing uniform germination and maturity of the crop. In
other words, germination tests will save you time, energy, money, and planting
space.
Common Methods of testing the viability of seeds
1.
2.
3.
4.

Rag-doll method
Seedbox method
Petri dish method
Floating in water method

Computing the Percentage of Germination

Percentage (%) of Germination=

After inspecting the seed box, you find that only 85 seeds germinated out of 100
seeds that you have sown. The percentage of germination will be

Percentage of germination=

Percentage of germination = 85%

This means that only 85 percent of the total number of seeds germinated.
To calculate the exact amount of seeds needed to plant a hectare, use the
following formula:

Page 23

New seeding rate=

Where:
a.)
b.)

recommended seeding rate is given based on 85%

percentage germination is calculated using the first formula

Example:
The recommended seeding rate of pole beans is 35 kg per hectare and the
percentage of germination is 85. The new seeding rate will be;

New seeding rate =

= 41 kg/ha

Activity # 2

Mang Kimho sowed 50 seeds. After inspecting the seed box you find that only 35
seeds germinated out. What is the percentage of germination using the formula below:

Percentage of germination=

Methods of planting:
1. Direct planting
means that the seeds are
planted directly in the field where they will grow
permanently up to harvesting. This is usually done to
plants with big seeds such as beans, corn, peanuts,
okra, patola, upo and ampalaya. Many big farms and
commercial growers use this method to make the
work easy.
However, if seedlings sown in direct planting
exceed the normal number of plants per hill,
thinning is done. Thinning is the removal of excess
seedlings, which germinated or are spaced too
Page 24

closely for better growth. Seedlings thinned out can be used as replacement. In the
case of seedlings planted in seedboxes or seedbed, pricking-off can be applied.
Pricking-off means planting apart to give the seedlings greater space in which to grow
prior to transplanting in the field especially if they sprout too close to each other.
1. Indirect planting is practical
among plants with small seeds
such as cabbage, pechay, mustard,
tomatoes, eggplants and spinach.
They are sown in seedboxes or
seedbeds in rows to produce
seedlings
which
are
then
transplanted into the field. As soon
as seedlings have grown three or more leaves, they are now ready for
transplanting.
Transplanting
Transplanting is done when seedlings
have attained 12 -15 cm in height and 3 4
leaves have developed.
Steps to follow in transplanting seedlings:
1. Water the seedlings before pulling.
2. Pull the seedlings carefully without
shaking off the media from the roots.
3. Plant the seedlings immediately to
prevent the roots from drying out.
4. Gently press the soil around the roots.
5. Water the seedlings at the soil surface with a gentle stream of water to settle the
soil around the roots.
Activity # 3
Make a reflection paper on the importance of following the proper
distance of planting. Write your answer in your notebook.

Page 25

Activity # 4
Solve the following problems:
1. How many seedlings will you need to plant tomato in your 500 sq.m. area if the
distance of planting is 50 X 100 cms.?
2. If you have 100 sq. m. lot, how many seedlings of cabbage will you need
following 50 X 76 cms. as the distance of planting?
3. What must be the distance of planting if you have 100 seedlings in order to
plant your 25 sq. m. garden?

Activity # 3
Below are pictures of different crops. Write DP if the method of
planting for the said crop is direct and IP if it is indirect opposite each photo.

Page 26

What to process

Activity # 1
How do you differentiate direct seeding from indirect planting?
______________________________________________________________________________
How do you differentiate thinning out from pricking off of seedlings?
_____________________________________________________________________________

What to reflect on and understand

Let us see if youre really learning a lot?

Activity # 1

Using the illustrations above, answer the following questions.

1. Which picture shows that vegetable plants can attain their right size abundantly?
Why?
______________________________________________________________________
2. How do we prepare the soil in order to avoid the occurrence in picture B?
______________________________________________________________________
3. What are the advantages of having a thoroughly prepared vegetable farm?
______________________________________________________________________
Page 27

What to transfer

Activity # 1 Land Preparation

Tools Needed:
Pick mattock
Hat

Hoe,
Gloves

Rake
Pail

Shovel
Stick

Bolo,
Working clothes
Measuring device

1. Prepare a plan for a vegetable garden. Design the location of different plants
based on available space. Add rows and beds in the garden separated by narrow
paths through which you can walk. Make sure the beds are not wider than 3 feet
and 6 feet long.
2. Clear the land of stones, rocks, and plant debris. Make sure it has well-drained
soil and receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
3. Test the soil to determine the pH value that provides the indication of the
amounts of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium present. Do this
by sending a sample to your local DA (Department of Agriculture ) officer. The
result will tell you if you need to add fertilizer.
4. Dig the soil with light hoe, shovel, or pick mattock to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Pulverize after by using a hand trowel, bolo or hand cultivator.
5. Spread 2 to 3 inches of organic compost or well rotted manure over the area.
Rake the area to ensure the organic fertilizer be mixed with the soil.
Your performance will be rated using the following rubric:
5
4
3
2
1

Able to demonstrate properly all the steps in preparing the land

Able to demonstrate properly only three of the steps in preparing
the land
Able to demonstrate properly only two of the steps in preparing
the land
Able to demonstrate properly only one of the steps in preparing
the land
Was not able to demonstrate any of the steps in preparing the
land

Page 28

Activity # 2 Indirect Planting (Eggplant)

Materials needed:
Seedbox, 1 sachet of eggplant seeds (1/20 K),sand, compost, loam soil, water, net
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Construct a seedbox measuring 1 x 2 feet.

Fill in the seedbox with mixed media (1/3 sand. 1/3 loam soil,1/3 compost)
Sow eggplant seeds by broadcasting uniformly in the seed box.
Cover the seeds with soil thinly. Water them lightly.
Cover the seedbox with net or a discarded sack of onion or garlic to avoid pests
attack.
6. Continue watering the seedbox daily if needed until leaves appear. Bring the
seedbox into full sunlight.
7. When seedlings grow too close to each other, do the thinning.
8. When 4 to 5 true leaves appear, plants are ready for transplanting.
Your performance will be rated using the following rubric:
5
4
3
2
1

Able to demonstrate properly all the eight procedures in the activity

Able to demonstrate properly six - seven of the procedures in the
activity
Able to demonstrate properly four - five of the procedures in the
activity
Able to demonstrate properly one - three of the procedures in the
activity
Was not able to demonstrate any of the procedures in the activity

Activity # 3
What are the things to consider in using the tools in the garden?

Activity # 4
Write the Dos and the Donts in the use of tools to ensure safety?

Page 29

Lesson 4
CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

What to know
How are plants maintained in order to attain their optimum
growth? Find out.
Are you ready for the cultural requirements?

Direction: Encircle the letter of the best answer

1. When is the proper time to water plants?
A. After planting seeds in seedboxes.
B. After planting seeds in the field.
C. After transplanting seedlings.
D. After thinning out.
2. What type of irrigation system is done if water is applied to plants in the form of spray
or simulated rain?
A. Drip
B. Sprinkler
C. Sub-surface
D. Surface
3. What is surface irrigation?
A. Water flows along furrows.
B. Water drops like simulated rain.
C. Water drops in perforated tube.
D. Water is supplied through submerged.pipes.
4. What is the best definition of fertilizer?
A .Large amount of substances or nutrients needed by plants
B. Small amount of substances or nutrients needed by plants
C. Substances that come from decayed plants
D. Organic or inorganic material added to soil to improve soil fertility
5. Green manuring refers to:
A. leguminous plants that are plowed under to serve as fertilizer when
decomposed.
B. applying chopped green leaves in the field.
C. collecting green colored animal manure to fertilize the field.
D. letting the rice straws decomposein the field.

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6. Why are weeds detrimental to crops?

A. They protect the crops from sunlight
B. Weeds compete with nutrients
C. They eliminate insects attacking the plants
D. They improve crop yield
7. Which is not a biological method of controlling insects?
A. The use of predators to suppress insect pests
B. The use of Malathion to spray the crops
C. Proper land preparation
D. Proper timing of planting
8. When is irrigation water disastrous?
A. When it dissolves available nutrients
B. When all the plant pests are killed
C. When soil erosion occurs
D. When plants start wilting
9. Herbicides are chemicals used to kill/eradicate
A. snails
B. weeds
C. fungi
D. bacteria
10. Why is artificial method of drainage considered the best method of removing excess
water?
A. Water passes down quickly.
B. It does not require manpower.
C. It is economical to use.
D. Water passes down slowly.
A. Applying fertilizer
Fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material that is added to soil to supply
nutrients essential to the growth of plants. A good fertilization program strives to
maintain the current supply of nutrients to optimum levels and in correct proportion
for economical production. It is achieved by proper timing and rate of application;
thus, gives assurance for better yield of the crops.
Two kinds of fertilizer
1. Organic fertilizer derived from vegetable and animal waste and
decomposed plants and animal remains. Example: decomposed animal
manure, green manure, worm castings
2. Inorganic man-made fertilizer. Example: Urea, Ammonium Sulfate

Page 31

Determination of fertilizer needs

upon:

The amount and kind of fertilizer to be added to the soil depends primarily
1. The nutrient requirement of the crop, and
2. How much nutrient the soil can apply

Methods of fertilizer application:

1. Basal method the fertilizer is applied first before
or during planting.
2.
Side-dressing or Top-dressing - the fertilizer is
applied to a crop that is already growing in the field.

3. Spraying starter solution fertilizer may be

sprayed on seedlings, poured on the seedbed
then into the transplant hole at transplanting
time to assure good seedling vigor and rapid
growth of new transplants.
Major elements needed by plants:
1. Nitrogen for healthy growth of leaves and flowers
2. Phosphorous for good root and stem development
3. Potassium for better leaves, stems, flowers. It also produces bigger
and heavier fruits.
Fertilizers especially inorganic should be applied in the right amount and
at the proper time or else they will defeat the purpose.
B. Weeding
Weeds are enemies of plants. They lower crop yield and compete with
crops for light and carbon dioxide and water and soil nutrients as well.
Kinds of weeds:
1. Grasses
2. Sedges
3. Broad leaf weeds

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Methods of controlling weeds:

1. Mechanical a method that involves the use of hand pulling, hoeing,
cultivation, mowing, and burning. Tillers drawn by animals or tractors are
used in large scale plantation.
2. Chemical the method of modern weed control that involves chemicals called
herbicides.
3. Biological - this is method that disrupts the ecological status of pests through
the use of organisms that are natural predators, parasites, or pathogens.
C. Irrigation and Drainage in Agricultural Production
Water is very important to crops. In the absence of rain, irrigation provides
the necessary moisture and carrier of plant food to obtain maximum growth and
development of crops.

Two systems of irrigation

1. Gravity a system of irrigation that requires a dam to direct the water to a
stream.
2. Pumping a system of irrigation that uses a pump to draw water either from a
nearby stream or a ground water supply.

Methods of irrigation
1. Surface irrigation the water is applied
on the surface of the soil either in furrows
or by flooding. This is the most
economical method of irrigation.

2. Sprinkler or overhead irrigation the

water is applied in the form of a spray or
artificial rain. This method uses water
efficiently and the operation is flexible.

Page 33

3. Drip irrigation the water is applied

through pipes at calibrated pressures.
Drainage excess water
in the field is
removed. Excess water in the field may
damage the crops, cause run off and leaching
of soil nutrients.

Methods of drainage:
1. Natural the method that drains excess water from the field without the
intervention of man.
2. Artificial this method may take the form of open ditches and tile drains or under
drains. This is the best method of removing excess water from the field because
water passes down quickly, avoiding the removal of surface flow.
Advantages of well- drained land:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

It is porous. Porous soil is easy to work on.

It does not become muddy.
It is not acidic.
There is no submergence of small growing plants.
The growth of plants is generally better.
The activities of microorganisms are disturbed.
Well-drained land prevents the removal of top soil which is the most fertile part of
the soil.
8. Good drainage helps in flood control.
D. Crop Protection
1.

Insect pests cause great damage to crops. They chew, suck and lap
the leaves, flowers and fruits hence decreasing the yield and quality of
produce. They also transmit disease to man and crops as well.

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Common insect pests:

Beetles ( Coleoptera)

Caterpillar and moth ( Lepidoptera)

Flies (Diptera), beanfly, leaf miner

True bugs (Himeptera) green soldier bug

Aphids, hopper and mealy bugs

(Homoptera)

Grasshopper and crickets (Ortoptera)

Ants (Hymenoptera)

Page 35

Control methods:
a.

Cultural methods
Use of resistant varieties
Use of hand picking
Use of botanical insecticides
Use of crop rotation
Use of intercropping

b. Chemical method
c. Biological method
Use of trap plants ex. Amarillo
Use of plant attractants ex. Basil (amaranth),
sunflower, cosmos, zinnia
Safety measures in using chemicals:
a. Use least hazardous products
b. Dispense and mix chemicals in well-ventilated areas
c. Use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
2. Diseases
Disease is more detrimental than insect pest. Its presence is unnoticed at
first but when noticed, it is already in its advanced stage. Detection of the
causal organism is not easy as well; hence, controlling the disease is not
easy.
Plant disease is either parasitic or non-parasitic.
1. Parasitic diseases are due to:
Fungi
Bacteria

Nematodes
Virus

2. Non-parasitic diseases are due to:

Either lack or excess of minerals
Unfavorable soil- water relations
Environmental factors such as air pollution, low or high temperature
Note: Injury from non-parasitic diseases serves as entry of parasitic diseases.
Methods of preventing diseases:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Use of resistant varieties

Use of disease free seed stock
Seed treatment
Crop rotation
Soil sterilization

6.
7.
8.

Planting in well prepared, fertile

fields
Weed and insect control
Practice cleanliness in the field

Page 36

Common diseases:

1.

Blossom end rot of

tomato

3.

Pre-emergence
damping-off seedlings

5.

Post emergence: rapid

rotting at the base of the
enlarged seedling
causing it to fall

2.

Downy mildew in
cucurbits

4.

Cucumber mosaic
virus in tomato

6.

Fruit rot in eggplant

8.
7.

Leaf blight

Bacterial spot in pepper

What to process
Activity # 1
A. Answer the following questions:
1. What is the role of water in plants?
2. If water is not available in the farm area, what are you going to do to obtain it
and how?
3. How important is the irrigation system in plant production?
Page 37

Activity # 2
What are the precautionary measures in the application of insecticides and other
chemicals in the farm? Write your answers in your notebook.

What to reflect on and understand

Activity # 1
Watch a video presentation showing the different cultural practices in crop
production. Make a web concept map on how well you understand what you have seen.
Be guided by the questions given below. You may use a similar web concept map
below.
1.
2.
3.

What are the cultural practices in the presentation?

How will you describe each of the cultural practices?
Why do you think it is important to know and understand the different
cultural practices in crop production?

Cultural Practices

Description

Importance

Page 38

Activity # 2
Analyze the situation and give your best solution to the problem.
Your friend Sherwin owns a hectare of land which is planted with vegetables. He
told you that he noticed different insects in his farm aside from some of the affected
parts of the vegetables.
1. Suggest a solution to solve his problems.
_____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

What to transfer

Activity # 1
Visit a vegetable garden in the locality and observe the cultural
practices done by farmers. If possible try out some of their practices. Make a
scrap book containing the cultural practices in the farm. It must have pictures and
descriptions

Activity # 2
Maintain a vegetable garden in the school and at home. Apply the different
cultural practices. Make a report on the activities done and the results.

Page 39

Lesson 5
HARVESTING AND MARKETING

What to know
A. Harvesting
Production ends at harvest time. Harvest means the careful separation
of a commodity from the parent plant.
Types of maturity:
1.
Physiological maturity. It is the stage of development when the
commodity has attained full growth and development, the stage at which the
external and internal characteristics of the fruit allow normal ripening after
harvest.
2.
Commercial or horticultural maturity. It is the stage of development
when the plant part possesses the necessary characteristics preferred by
consumers. It is used as a basis for declaring when to harvest for commercial
purposes but it varies specially for vegetables, depending on the intended use
of the commodity and the preference of the consumers.
Characteristics of commodities harvested at the proper stage of maturity:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Longer storage life

Greater resistance to physiological disorders
Greater resistance to mechanical stresses and water loss
Ripe fruit possesses all desirable characteristics

Some pointers for harvesting some crops:

1. Tomatoes are harvested before they reach the ripe stage.
2. Cabbages are picked when heads are full grown.
3. Peppers are gathered green but should be allowed to ripen when used for
seasoning.
4. Green beans are best picked before the pods become stringy.
5. Lettuce is gathered before seed stalks begin to develop.
6. Okra is best picked when young and tender.
7. Young corn when harvested early in the morning is sweeter than those
harvested at noon.
8. Pechay and mustard have higher consumer appeal when harvested between
9:00AM to 3:00 PM because damage in stem and leaves is lessened.
9. Mangoes should be harvested from 9:00AM to 3:00PM to minimize latex flow.
10. Tomatoes are harvested before they reach the ripening stage.
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B. Marketing
Marketing is the process of selling harvested crops, either on
wholesale or retail basis.
Two types:
1.
Wholesale marketing - selling produce on a large scale, usually to
middlemen or directly to large consumer groups like restaurants, hotels, and
supermarkets.
2.
Retail marketing selling on a small scale. It is selling directly to the
buyers, usually the home consumers.
Factors to consider to ensure success in marketing of vegetables:
1. Buyers usually consider size, appearance, and quantity of the vegetables.
2. Some vegetables,l ike onion, have their skin removed before being sold.
3. Freshness of appearance is maintained when vegetables are harvested and
marketed on the same day.
4. Cucumber, eggplants, and gourds are preferred when they are young and
when their seeds are about to be formed.
5. Leaf crops, like lettuce and mustard, are sold when they are about six or
more leaves on each plant.
6. Green pods like beans, cowpeas, and seguidillas sell best when pods are of
good size and not when they are tough or stringy.
7. Some vegetables, like radishes, potato, beets, carrots, and turnips, should be
washed thoroughly before they are sold.
8. Proper handling of newly harvested vegetables in woven baskets minimizes
bruises and injuries. Remember, the best quality commands the best price.
One of the most important features of marketing is record keeping.
You should list all the expenses spent and the sales from the harvest. Subtract
your expenses from your total sales to determine if you are losing or gaining.
4 Ms of Production
a. Manpower This is by all means the most important resource in production. If you
have good people you can make saleable products.
b. Machine- After acquiring highly capable people, you must acquire a good if not the
best machine. Nowadays, it is very important to acquire technologically
updated machines.
c. Methods- Today, we see that every business tries to keep track of technology.
Businesses are trying their best to be updated with the current market
trends.
Page 41

d. Materials- A businessman must not forget that in order to produce a product

continuously, abundant raw materials should be available.

What to process

Activity # 1
1. How is physiological maturity different from commercial maturity?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
2. You are a farmer who just harvested 100kgs of tomatoes and 200kgs of
eggplants. If you are to choose how you will market your commodities,
which would you prefer, wholesale or retail? Why?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
3. Give the 4 Ms of production and explain its importance in crop production.
a. ____________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________________
d. ____________________________________________________

What to reflect on and understand

Activity # 1
Conduct an interview with the nearest crop producer in the locality
about harvesting and marketing practices. Make a narrative and pictorial report of
Page 42

the conduct of the interview for reporting in class. Be guided by the following
questions below:
1. What are the crops grown in the farm?
2. When is the right time to harvest each crop?
3. How do we know that they are ready for harvest?
4. What are precautionary measures observed to protect and maintain the
quality of the produce?
5. How does the crop producer market the commodities? Why does he
prefer such?
Your report will be rated using the given rubrics below:
CRITERIA

Clear

Exceptional
ly clear,
easy to
understand

Generally
clear, quite
easy to
understand

Lacks clarity,
difficult to
understand

Unclear,
impossible to
understand

Very wellorganized

Well
organized

Organized

Not organized

Thorough
and
complete
report

Substantial
Report but
answers
only three
to five of
the
questions
Generally
relevant
with less
pictures

Partial report
that answers
only two of
the questions

Was not able to

report anything

Somewhat
relevant, has
no pictures

Irrelevant

Organize

Comprehensive

Relevant

Highly
relevant as
supported
by pictures

What to transfer
Is proper way of harvesting and marketing clear to you
now? Great! Be ready for the hands-on activity.

GRASPS
Goal Your goal is to help students in a Crop Production class understand how to
properly harvest and market crops.
Page 43

Role - Youre an agriculturist who was invited to be a resource person.

Audience The target audience is the Grade 7 students taking up Crop Production as
exploratory subject in TLE.
Situation You need to demonstrate the proper way of harvesting and marketing crops
Product/Performance Proper demonstration of:
A. Harvesting; and
B. Marketing crops.
Standard You will be assessed using the given rubric below.
Your performance for harvesting will be rated using the following rubric:
Works independently and able to demonstrate properly with
5
ease and confidence at all times the proper way of harvesting
and marketing.
Works independently and able to demonstrate with ease and
4
confidence most of the time the proper way of harvesting and
marketing.
Works independently and able to demonstrate with ease and
3
confidence sometimes the proper way of harvesting and
marketing.
Works and able to demonstrate with assistance from others the
2
proper way of harvesting and marketing.
Was not able to demonstrate any of the proper way of
1
harvesting and marketing.

SUMMARY

The lessons in this module on Crop Production serve as eye

openers to what is to be done in the workplace.
The different knowledge and skills acquired in crop production are essential for
you to become a good crop producer. You should take into consideration the factors in
the selection of site, land preparation, planting and transplanting and following the
appropriate cultural requirements to come up with the desired and satisfying produce.
Bear in mind that harvesting in the right time will give you quality and profitable products
and when marketing, take into consideration the prevailing price in the market be it
wholesale or retail basis.

Page 44

GLOSSARRY OF TERMS

Crop rotation

planting of different crops in succession on the same

piece of land

Soil

loose and friable material of the earth surface

Insecticide

a chemical used for killing insects

Herbicide

a chemical used to eradicate weeds

Compost

decomposed plants and animal manures mixed with

soil

Green manuring

the process of plowing leguminous crops as fertilizer

under the soil during their flowering stage to improve
soil fertility

Producer

one who creates products

Consumer

end user of a product

Produce

harvested products

Product

refers to manufactured goods or items for

use/consumption

Commodity

refers to harvested produce in this module

Market

place where buyers and sellers meet

target customers

Irrigation

artificial application of water to the field

Drainage

removal of excess water in the field

Page 45

REFERENCES:

Books
1. Bautista, Ofelia K. Tropical Horticulture.
2. Brookhart, Susana M. PLC Series: Exploring Formative Assessment, ASCD,
Alexandria, Virginia USA
3. Rojo, Cruz, Villanueva, et al., Effective Technology and Home Economics II,
Textbook Second Year.
Others
1. http://business.inquirer.net/1796/manpower-development-for-agricultureentrepreneurs%E2%80%93part-1
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sickle
3. http://www.agribusinessweek.com/agri-entrepreneurship-simplified/
4. http://www.bukisa.com/articles/134282_harvesting-and-marketing-vegetables
5. http://www.elateafrica.org/elate/entrepreneur/entrepreneur/characteristics.html
6. http://www.gardentoolcompany.com/small-hand-forks/
7. http://www.google.com.ph
8. http://www.google.com.ph/search?
9. http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?

Page 46