TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION- 10

Applying Fertilizer

This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitude required in growing fruit-bearing
crops. In this module, you will also know the proper method in applying fertilizer.

What’s In

Directions: Identify and differentiate the picture below. Write your answer on your activity
notebook.

.
 What’s New
Directions: What can you say on the quotation written by Eartha Kitt? Write at least two
sentences. Write your answer on your activity notebook.
“I have used all the manure
that has been thrown on
me as a fertilizer
to make me stronger.”

- Eartha Kitt

What Is It
APPLYING FERTILIZER

Crop nutrition is a very important factor in order to increase production. Plants absorb
significant amount of macro-nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and minute quantities of micro-
nutrients (Fe, Mn, B, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cl) from the soil during their growth period. These nutrients
should be present in proper proportion in the soil to attain maximum yield. Soil fertility
management, therefore, aims to maintain the fertility level of the soil through various
manipulative ways, such as, the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, corrections of soil
acidity, and the correct methods and timing of fertilizer application.

Kinds of Fertilizer

1. Organic fertilizer. This includes materials which are

derived from plants and animal origin such as animal
manure and crop residues.
a. Farm manure is a mixture of excretion and soil
beddings that accumulated from poultry houses,
swine houses, and animal stables.
b. Crop residues include rice straws and similar
materials which can be used in the field by
plowing them before planting
crops to allow decomposition. The use of green manure by planting crops such as
mungo and other low-costs crops is a cheaper way of
 fertilizing the field. Green manure is produced by allowing legumes to bear flower
and plowing them under the soil to undergo decomposition.

2. Inorganic fertilizers. These are derived from minerals,

atmospheric gases, water and other materials. Inorganic
fertilizers are classified according to the number of major
elements present. These include the following:
a. Single element fertilizers. These contain only one
major element. Examples of these are:
 nitrogen – ammonium sulfate –
(NH4)2 SO4 (21-0-0)
 phosphorous – ordinary super phosphate – P2O5 (0-20-0)
 potassium – muriate of potash – K2O (0-0-60)
b. Incomplete fertilizers. These contain only two essential fertilizer elements.
Examples:
 ammonium phosphate (16-20-0)
c. Complete fertilizers. These contain all the three major elements N (nitrogen), P
(phosphorous) and K (potassium) in percentages
indicated by the three numerals designating the fertilizer grade. Complete fertilizers
are available in granular and water soluble form.

Methods of Fertilizer Application

1. Ring method. This is done by making a ring within the canopy

drip line of the tree and digging it deeply enough to where you
broadcast the fertilizer after which the fertilizer is covered with a
layer of soil.

2. Band application. This is the application of fertilizer

in which a trench is dug around the canopy drip line of
the tree and fertilizer is applied and covered with soil.
Determining the kind and rate of fertilizer to be applied in the
different stages of growth of fruit-bearing crops

Fruit-bearing crops, when properly fertilized, grow well and yield more fruits
abundantly. The plants will show some visual signs whether they are receiving an adequate or a
deficient supply of the major elements such as N, P and K:

1. Plants that are deficient in nitrogen will show varying degrees of yellowing of the
canopy and stunting appearance.

2. A deficiency of phosphorous is manifested by a violet discoloration at the leaf midrib

and as the deficiency intensifies, the leaf color becomes dull grayish green and a burning
appearance along the leaf margin.

3. A deficiency in potassium shows a discoloration of leaves to pale green. Brown spots

developed from tip to the margin of the leaves result to drying of the margins.

To determine the kind and rate of fertilizer to be applied in an area depends upon the
composition of fertilizer to be used. One way of expressing the rate of fertilizer application is
in kg of NPK per hectare of land. It is important that a crop grower knows how to compute or
convert fertilizer recommendations from one form to another.

In a previews lesson in vegetable production, fertilizer computation has already been

taught. The following sample problems in fertilizer computation will help you recall your
lesson for you to use now in fruit-bearing crop production. Refer to the following formula:

weight of nutrient recommended × 100

weight of fertilizer material = % nutrient of fertilizer

Sample Problem

Calculate the number of kilograms of ammonium sulfate (21% N) needed ordinary super
phosphate (20% P2O5) and muriate of potash (60% K2O) to meet the 90-60-30
recommendation.

Solution

a. weight of ammonium sulfate = 90 × 100 = 429 kgs

21
60 × 100
b. weight of ordinary super phosphate = = 300 kgs
20
30 × 100
c. weight of muriate of potash = = 50 kgs
60
 The kind and rate of fertilizer to be applied in fruit-bearing crops is not only considered
based on the deficiency symptoms for lack of the three major elements. The specific stages of
growth of the plant should also be considered. Based on the results of soil analysis, or any visual
indication of deficiency signs, rates can be used as a starting point. Adjustments in rates can be
made in later stages of crop development depending on the actual appearance of the plants.

Recommended Fertilizer Guide for Some Fruit-bearing Crops

The following table shows the kind and rate of fertilizer application in terms of NPK in
the different growth stages of some fruit-bearing crops including the method and time of
application.

Crop NPK in Method of Time of

g/tree/year Application Application
Mango
band application Start of rainy
(non-bearing) 160-70-70 season
(bearing) 210-210-210
band application
Banana 160-160-120 at radius of 60 cm 2-4 splits

Pineapple
1 month 60-50-150
4 months 55-0-0 band application
7 months 60-50-150
10 months 55-0-0
Coconut
1-2 years 84-40-180 onset of rainy
3-4 years 168-0-360 band application season
5 years and 336-40-480
up

What’s More
A. Directions: Identify the following. Read and understand carefully the sentences. Write
your answer on your activity notebook.

1. It is a kind of fertilizer produce from decayed plants and animals.

2. It is a substance that nourishes and promotes growth.
3. This is the application of fertilizer in which a trench is dug around the
canopy drip line of the tree and fertilizer is applied and covered with soil.
 4. It is a kind of fertilizer made up of chemical elements from mineral origin.
5. It is any material of natural or synthetic origin which is added to the soil to
supply certain elements needed for normal plant growth and development.

B. Match Column A to Column B. Write the correct letter of your answer on your activity
notebook.

Column A Column B

1. It is a deficiency that shows a A. Crop nutrition

discoloration of leaves to pale green.
2. It includes rice straws and similar B. Crop residues
materials which can be used in the
field.
3. It is a deficiency in plants that show varying C. Hydrogen
degrees of yellowing of the
canopy and stunting appearance.
4. It is a deficiency that manifested by a D. Nitrogen
violet discoloration at the leaf midrib and as the
deficiency intensifies.
5. It’s a very important factor in order to E. Phosphorous
increase production.
F. Potassium

C. Directions: Given the table below, fill in the missing data to complete the table based on the
recommended fertilizer guide for the fruit-bearing crops. Write your answer in your
activity notebook.

Crop NPK in Method of Time of

g/tree/year Application Application
Mango
(non-bearing) 160-70-70 1. 2.
(bearing) 210-210-210
band application at
Banana 160-160-120 radius of 60 3.
cm
Pineapple
1 month 60-50-150
4 months 55-0-0 band application
7 months 4.
10 months 55-0-0
Coconut
1-2 years 84-40-180 band application 5.
3-4 years 168-0-360
5 years and up 336-40-480
 What I Have Learned
Directions: Fill in the missing word/s to complete the sentences that summarize our topic.
Write your answer on your activity notebook.

To have an excellent it is necessary for a

to determine and the kind of
and rate of applying it. Everything must be done according to the needs and stages of
.

What I Can Do

Directions: Solve the following problem to determine the weight in kg of fertilizer to be

applied. Write the solution in your activity notebook.

Calculate the number of kilograms of ammonium sulfate (16% N), ordinary super
phosphate (24% P2O5) and muriate of potash (60% K 2O) per hectare to meet the 90-40-40
recommendation.

Watering Crops

This module will help you to acquire the knowledge about soil moisture content
based on soil field capacity. In this module, you will also know the prescribed method
and the importance of water in crop/plant.

What’s In

Directions: Put a check ( √ ) on the space provided if the statement is correct

and ( x ) if it is not. Write your answer on your activity notebook.

1. Farm manure is a mixture of excretion and soil beddings that accumulated from
poultry houses, swine houses, and animal stables.
2. Inorganic fertilizer includes materials which are derived from plants and animal
origin such as animal manure and crop residues.
3. Crop nutrition is a very important factor in order to increase production.
4. Organic fertilizer is derived from minerals, atmospheric gases, water and other
materials.
5. Animal manure is an example of inorganic fertilizer.

What Is It
Due to climate change, the supply of water is becoming scarce nowadays. The
extreme changes of weather conditions in the different regions of the country caused a
dramatic impact in plant production. Places with extreme rainfall experience flooding
while those with scarce rainfall face long drought. Both situations cause soil
degradation, resulting in loss of agricultural production.
Traditionally, water for irrigation can be sourced from dams, lakes, rivers,
wells, ponds, reservoirs, canals or tube-wells. However, the time, amount of water
required, rate and frequency of watering are dependent on several factors. Some of
them include the type of crops, types of soil, and the season.
Water is life. It is one of the most important factors in increasing production
of our crops. It determines the availability of nutrients in the soil and control weeds.
Hence, efficient utilization and conservation of irrigation water are necessary.
Water insufficiency in any stage most especially during the vegetative and
reproductive growth stages is evident. It reduces plant height, tiller number, and yield.
Water is most critical from panicle initiation to grain development. Lack of water
during these stages leads to production of unfilled grains.

Types of Irrigation System

a. Reservoir type. A large dam or a

small water impounding dam is
constructed across a stream of river
where water is impounded for
irrigation and for domestic use. The
flow of irrigation water is dependent
on the selection of the methods of
water distribution to meet the water
needs of the service area. The
rotation method is usually employed
to ensure even distribution of
available water
supply and to ensure that a wider area will be supplied with irrigation water.
 b. The run-off-the-river type. In this
method a controllable gate is constructed
along the river or stream
. When water outlet is closed, water level
rise which could be diverted to the canals
and laterals. The quantity of water
entering the main canal is regulated at the
intake gate. The available water supply is
dependent on the elevation at the source.
As a general rule, the supply is
proportionate to the height of the source and volume flowing from the source.
During periods of high flow when available supply becomes abundant, the
continuous method is usually practiced. When the supply is scarce, the
rotational method is employed.

c. Pumping type. This method makes use of a pump powered by an engine

installed to draw water from
underground or open sources like rivers
and lakes. The available water supply is
dependent upon the capacity of the
pumps and the water level. Energy is
used to run the system, hence, higher
operation expenses are incurred.

Various Methods of Irrigation

1. Manual Irrigation - this is when water is

distributed across the land through manual labor and
watering cans. It is an ancient method of watering but is
still used. It is cheap but is very labor-intensive, and its
efficiency is poor since there is uneven distribution of
water. Also, there are high chances of water loss.

2. The Sprinkler System - it is a modern method of

irrigation, and it uses sprinklers. A pump is connected to
pipes that generate pressure and water is sprinkled
through nozzles. They sprinkle water over the crops like
raindrops, helping to achieve an even distribution of
water. It is efficient and serves best in areas with
unlimited water.

3. The Drip or Trickle System - water is supplied drop

by drop, directly to the roots using hosepipe. Drip
irrigation is considered one of the most efficient
methods of irrigation as it focuses the water onto
 the plant itself. It is also best suited for areas where there is a shortage of
water.

4. Subsurface Irrigation - this is where

irrigation water is applied below the soil
subsurface. It can occur naturally or
artificially. Water leaks from the water
pipes or channels, moving through the
subsoil and irrigating the crops situated
nearby.

5. Perennial Irrigation - irrigation water is

diverted from a river to the main canal
through the construction of a diversion
weir. This is known as direct irrigation, as
the water is going directly to the crops.

Importance of Irrigation

1.Compensating for when there is no rainfall - irrigation kicks in when

there is insufficient rainfall or when there is uncertainty as to when the rain will
fall. Without the rain or irrigation as the alternative, the crops are adversely
affected, which can lead to a food shortage or crop/plant failure.
2. Increasing the amount of cultivatable or agriculturally productive land
- some areas in our country are dry naturally. Irrigation has been responsible for
turning such lands into cultivatable lands. Irrigation is also responsible for
bringing the most out of fallow lands, which are traditionally left idle after
harvest, before the next cultivation season.
3. Increase productivity - it can be applied at any time, even if there is
sufficient rainfall to boost crop productivity. Crop productivity on irrigated land
is higher than in the in-irrigated areas, which primarily rely on rainfall.
4. Enable multiple cropping - optimum irrigation makes it possible to grow more
than one crop at a time in most areas of a country.
5. It is effective - a well-designed irrigation system delivers even to hard- to-
reach areas of the land by the use of efficient irrigation systems such as drip
irrigation.
6. Contribution to economic growth - irrigation ensures food production
continues, regardless of the season. This means there are continuous income and
employment.

Water may be lost through the following processes:

1. Evaporation. It is the direct loss of water from the water surface or moist
soil surface. The amount of water that evaporates is influenced
 by high intensity of sunlight, strong and dry wind, and high temperature.
Second crop rice production which is on time with the summer season needs
more water to sustain growth and yield.
2. Transpiration. It is the loss of water from the leaves. Transpiration is
affected by the weather condition. More water will be lost during dry season
which explains the need of constant irrigation.
3. Seepage. Water moves sideways within the soil. It may pass through the dike
or below the ground. This can be minimized if the dikes and levees are well
maintained.
4. Percolation. It is the downward flow of water. Its occurrence is high if the
soil is sandy, deep, and has a deep water table. Well-puddled rice paddies
minimize percolation and tend to hold water efficiently.

What’s More
A. Directions: Identify the following type and method of irrigation. Read and
understand carefully the sentences. Write your answer on your activity notebook.
1. In this method a controllable gate is constructed along the river or stream.
2. It is a method when water is distributed across the land through manual labor and
watering cans.
3. It is a large dam or a small water impounding dam constructed across a stream of
river where water is impounded for irrigation and for domestic use.
4. This is where irrigation water is applied below the soil subsurface.
5. It is an irrigation water that is diverted from a river to the main canal through the
construction of a diversion weir.

B. Match Column A to Column B. Write the correct letter of your answer on your
activity notebook.

Column A Column B

1. This is known as direct irrigation. A. Manual irrigation

2. This is wherein the water leaks from the water B. Perennial irrigation
pipes or channels, moving through the subsoil
and irrigating the crops situated
nearby.
3. This is where irrigation water is applied below C. Pumping system
the soil sub-surface.
4. This method is efficient and serves best in area D. Sprinkler system
with unlimited water.
5. It is cheap method of irrigation yet very labor- E. Subsurface irrigation
intensive.
F. Trickle system
C. Directions: Write T if the statement about is True and write F if the
statement is not correct. Write your answer on your activity
notebook.

1. Percolation is the downward flow of water.

2. Transpiration is the direct loss of water from the water surface or moist
soil surface.
3. Evaporation is the loss of water from the leaves.
4. Water is one of the most important factors in increasing production of
our crops.
5. Seepage may pass through the dike or below the ground.

What I Can Do
Directions: Interview one family member who is/was a farmer. If there is a
need to interview someone from the neighbourhood, ask the guidance of your
parent/guardian. Copy the survey in your notebook/answer sheet and fill out
the necessary information.

Name of farmer:

Years in farming:

Questions:
A. Name three crops that you
planted: 1.

B. Which crop produces the largest income?

C. Daily working hours spent in maintaining your farm.