10 Technical and

Vocational Education
Quarter 3
Apply Fertilizer
Module 3 (Week 2)
 10

Technical and Vocational

Education
Quarter 3
Apply Fertilizer
Module 3 (Week 2)
 This module encourages you to be familiar with the proper application of
fertilizer. Various activities are provided for you to meet the target skills.

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

• identify fertilizers based on kinds;

• employ appropriate method of fertilizer application based on crop
requirements; and
• follow safety procedures according to OSHS

Directions: Read the following statements carefully and choose the letter of the
correct answer. Write the letter of your choice on a separate sheet.

_________ 1. Any material used to add to the fertility of the soil to increase the
growth or yield of crops.
a. Fertilizer b. Soil c. Compost
_________ 2. The practice of applying fertilizers to crops through the soil or to
the leaves of the plants.
a. Fertilizer b. Fertilizing c. Composting
_________ 3. The loss of soluble substances in water that drains down to the
lower depths of the soil beyond the reach of the roots
a. Percolation b. Transpiration c. Leaching
_________ 4. It is a method where in fertilizer is applied over the surface of the
land. It may not be harrowed, plowed, or disked into the soil.
a. Broadcasting b. Side dressing c. Fertigation
_________ 5. These are farm manures, compost, crop residues, and other farm
wastes which supply nutrients and improve soil physical
conditions
a. Organic b. Inorganic c. Compost
_________ 6. The process of applying the fertilizer with water in the soil.
a. Sprinkler b. Side dressing c. Fertigation
_________ 7. A mixture of decayed organic materials decomposed by micro-
organisms in a warm, moist, and aerobic environment, (oxygen
breathing) releasing nutrients into readily available forms for plant
used.
a. Fertilizer b. Compost c. Broadcasting

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 _________ 8. It consists of materials processed or transformed into a chemical
material or fertilizer.
a. Organic b. Inorganic c. Fertilizer
_________ 9. The practice of growing special crops like legumes either alone
or intermixed with others for the purpose of plowing them into the
soil in a green stage when they have reached a suitable height,
or before flowering.
a. Fertilizing b. Green manuring c. Cover cropping
_________ 10. This is the practice of placing mulch materials above the soil
such as straw, paper, sawdust, leaves and the like to protect the
roots of plants from excessive heat and cold or from drought
a. Cover Cropping b. Mulching c. Green manuring

MULTIPLE CHOICE

Direction: Read and answer the following sentences. Choose the letter of the
correct answer. Write them on your answer sheet.

1. A small invertebrate animal with three pairs of legs and usually with wings. It has
three clearly marked body regions: head, thorax and abdomen.
a. Insect c. Diseases
b. Pest d. Insect Pest
2. An abnormal condition that injures the plant or causes it to function improperly.
a. Insect c. Diseases
b. Pest d. Insect Pest
3. The physical expression of a change in the appearance and function of the plant.
a. Sign c. Causes
b. Symptoms d. Effect
4. Visible presence of the pathogen.
a. Sign c. Causes
b. Symptoms d. Effect
5. A causal agent of a disease.
a. Symptoms c. Signs
b. Diseases d. Pathogen
6. A broad term that describes all products used to control insects, diseases, weeds,
fungi and other “pests” on plants, animals and in buildings
a. Fungicide c. Pesticide
b. Insecticide d. Rodenticide
7. A term used to refer to something that is easily affected or capable of being
influenced.
a. Susceptible c. Virulent
b. Affected d. Vector

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8. This means noxious, poisonous, infective or malignant
a. Susceptible c. Virulent
b. Affected d. Vector
9. The transmitter or carrier of a disease.
a. Susceptible c. Virulent
b. Affected d. Vector
10. An insect begins its life as an egg and changes its appearance as it grows. This
is the process of ____________.
a. Metamorphosis c. Changes
b. Development d. Metaphosis

Directions: What is this man doing? Based on your own observation, write at least
2-3 sentences describing the picture below.

APPLY FERTILIZER
Let us Define

Fertilizer – any material used to add to the fertility of the soil in order to increase the
growth or yield of crops.
Fertilizing or fertilization – the practice of applying fertilizers to crops through the soil
or to the leaves of the plants.
Fertile soil – one that contains most of the essential elements needed for plant
growth.
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Soil productivity – the ability produce more than a sufficient quantity of agricultural
crops.
Soil fertility – the richness of soil in terms of organic and inorganic plant foods which
plants can use for growth and production.
Liming – the application of calcium or magnesium containing compounds to the soil
to neutralize acidity.
Leaching – the loss of soluble substances in water that drains down to the lower
depths of the soil beyond the reach of the roots

Fertilizers are chemical compounds containing one or more of the important

nutritive elements which plants need for their growth and development.

Plants have three sources from which they get their necessary nutrients.

1. Air. The air contains carbon dioxide (carbon combined with oxygen). Carbon
dioxide provides source of carbon and oxygen for growing crops. In turn when
plants residues decay, carbon dioxide is again released into the air.
The air around us is composed largely of nitrogen, a very inert gas. Although
nitrogen is needed in large amounts by plants, nitrogen from the air cannot be
used by the growing plant. Through legumes, the bacteria in their nodules which
develop in their roots as a result of inoculation, can fix and utilize nitrogen from
the atmosphere.
2. Water. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen; thus, it provides plants with
these elements.
3. Soil. All other plant food elements in the soil are therefore very important.

The plant food elements

The primary plant food elements

Chemical symbol
• Nitrogen . . . .. . . . . . . . .N
• Phosphorus . . . . . . . . . .P
• Potassium . . . . . . . . . . . K

The secondary plant food elements

• Calcium . . . . . . . . . . . . Ca
• Magnesium . . . . . . . . . Mg
• Sulfur . . . . . . . . . . . . . S

Elements from air and water

• Carbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . C
• Hydrogen . . . . . . . . . . . H
• Oxygen . . . . . . . . . . . . . O

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The trace elements
• Manganese . . . . . . . . . . Mn
• Boron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B
• Copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cu
• Zinc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zn
• Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fe
• Molybdenum . . . . . . . . Mo
• Chlorine . . . . . . . . . . . Cl

The plant food elements and their functions

Nutrient Functions Symptoms of Deficiency

Nitrogen • Gives dark green color to
plants. • Distinctly slow and dwarfed
• Promotes leaf, stem, fruit
and seed growth. • Drying up or firing of leaves
• Improves quality of leaf
crops.
• Facilitates rapid growth
• Increases protein content of
food and leaf crops.
• Feeds soil micro-organisms
during their decompositions
of low nitrogen organic
materials.
Phosphorus • Stimulates early root
formation and growth.
• Gives rapid and vigorous
start to plants.
• Hastens maturity.
• Stimulates blooming.
• Aids in seed formation.
• Gives plants hardiness.
Potassium • Imparts vigor and disease
resistance to plants.
• Produces strong, stiff
stalks, thus reduces
lodging.
• Increases plumpness of the
• Sticky yellowish green color
growth
from bottom of the plants
proceeding upward
• Purplish leaves, stems and
branches
• Slow growth and maturity
• Small slender stalk in case of
corn
• Lack of stooling in small
grains
• Low yields of grain, fruit and
seed
• Mottling, spotting, streaking or
curling of leaves, starting from
the lower level
• Scorched or burned margin of
the leaves
• Drooping of the corn plant

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 grains and seeds. falls down prior to maturity
• Helps in the formation and due to poor root development
transfer of starch, sugar
and oil.
• Imparts hardness to
legumes.

Kinds of Fertilizers

1. Organic fertilizers are farm manures, compost, crop residues, and other farm
wastes which supply nutrients and improve soil physical conditions. Organic
fertilizers are added to the soil in large amounts to meet nutrient demands of
crops. The use of organic fertilizers is a vital component of integrated nutrient
cycling systems.
2. Inorganic fertilizers usually result from chemical processes such as sulfuric acid
treatment or rock phosphate to produce superphosphate. It consists of
materials processed or transformed into a chemical material or fertilizer.

Methods of fertilizer application

As a general rule, a fertilizer material should be placed in the soil in such a way that
the plant can absorb of it. This involves not only different zones of placement but
also the time with respect to the age of the plant the fertilizer is to be applied.

1. Broadcasting – It is a method where in fertilizer is applied over the surface of

the land. It may not be harrowed, plowed or disked into the soil. This method is
usually practiced in rice field, pastures and lawns.

2. Side dressing – Fertilizer material is placed in or in between the rows of crops

like vegetables or corn or placing around the plant or trees. On row crops, side
dressing may be done simultaneously with cultivation. The purpose of side
dressing is to ensure availability of plant food nutrients, particularly nitrogen
during the critical growth periods when plants are taking up nutrients rapidly.

3. Band or row or localized placements – Fertilizer material is applied in bands

to one or both sides of the seed or plant. On row crops, the fertilizer is placed
in bands or strips on one or both sides of the row, about 2 inches away from
and below the seeds.

4. Foliar application – This involves dissolving the fertilizer materials in water

and then applying it as spray to the plant.

5. Applied with the seed – Fertilizer is broadcast together with the seeds or to
seeds are coated with fertilizer by means of an adhesive such as cellofas or
gum Arabic.

6. Fertigation – Applying the fertilizer with water in the soil.

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Methods of determining soil fertility

1. Field fertilizer trials. As the term implies, field fertilizer trial experiment is carried
out in the field. It could be conducted in different places under different seasons.
When managed and conducted properly, the results obtained from this method
are very reliable.

2. Soil analysis. It is a rapid method of assessing the fertilizer needs of crops. The
principle involved is that the amount of available nutrients in the soil are directly
related up to a critical point with the growth and yield of crop.
Soil analysis consists of four phases namely:
1. proper collection of soil samples
2. chemical analysis
3. interpretation of analytical results
4. formulation of fertilizer recommendation

3. Plant tissue analysis. This is customarily made of fresh plant tissue in the field.
It is a quick way test and is important in the diagnosis of the needs of growing
plants. Sap from ruptured cells is tested for assimilated N-P-K. Test for other
elements such as Mg and Mn are also done. The concentration of the nutrients
in the cell sap is usually a good indication of how well the plant is supplied at the
time of testing.

4. Nutrient deficiency symptom. An abnormal appearance of the growing plant

may be caused by a deficiency of one or more nutrient elements. This visual
method of evaluating soil fertility is unique and it requires no expensive
equipment. It can also be used as a supplement to other diagnostic techniques.

Loss of nutrients from the soil

The fertility of the soil is not lasting. It is usually lost through mismanagement by
farmers who work in the land. There are many ways in which soil fertility is depleted.

• Loss through the crops. Plants utilize large quantities of nutrients from the
soil for their growth. The plants having reached their maturity are harvested
and sold. Thus, the organic and the minerals that composed the harvested
crops are taken away from the farm. The constant removal of soil fertility
through the crops will make the soil poor. This is the reason why production
will decrease year by year if we do not fertilize our crops.
The amount of soil nutrient lost through the crops depends on the kind of
crops grown. From the standpoint crops may be classified into three
categories:

1. Heavy feeders are those crops that utilize a large quantity of all the three
essential elements or it may be a heavy feeder as regards one element
but a light feeder as regards another.

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 2. Medium feeders consume not much of the food elements not like the heavy
feeders.

3. Light feeders consume only little amount of the plant food elements.

• Loss of plant food through surface run-off. Rain water or excess irrigation
water which runs off the surface of the ground may carry not only soil particles
and the food they contain but also the plant food which get dissolved in the
running water.

• Loss of plant food through leaching. Even if we do not plant, the minerals
in the soil may be lost by leaching, that is, the soluble substances go with the
water that drains down to the lower depths of the soil beyond the reach of
roots. This is especially true in cases of sandy soil.

• Soil erosion. This is the greatest enemy of the farmer. Erosion is the removal
of soil from the field through natural forces.

Methods of conserving soil fertility

• Application of commercial fertilizers
• Application of farm manures or organic fertilizers
• Green manuring. The practice of growing special crops like legumes either
alone or intermixed with others for the purpose of plowing them into the soil in
a green stage when they have reached a suitable height, or before flowering.
• Cover cropping. This is the practice of growing cover crops especially
legume crops to protect the land from erosion, heat of the sun and beat of the
rain. A cover crop is a crop planted especially in cultures of permanent crops
such as coconuts, coffee, orchard and the like mainly for protection as well as
for the enrichment of the soil.
• Mulching. This is the practice of placing mulch materials above the soil such
as straw, paper, sawdust, leaves and the like to protect the roots of plants
from excessive heat and cold or from drought. This practice also controls the
growth of weeds. When the organic mulch decompose, they will turn into
organic fertilizer.

Compost and composting

Compost is a mixture of decayed organic materials decomposed by micro-
organisms in a warm, moist, and aerobic environment, (oxygen breathing) releasing
nutrients into readily available forms for plant use.

Why use compost?

• There is a need for sustainable production through integrated nutrient
management.
• Compost produces less methane than not decomposed rice straw when
incorporated in the soil.
• It solves problem or declining yield.
• It also corrects micronutrient problems like zinc deficiency.

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What is composting?

Composting is the controlled decay of plant and animal to produce compost, a dark,
rich soil-like material. Compost is added to the soil to improve its structure and
nutrient content.

What do compost organisms need?

1. Balanced diet of compost materials compose

• “Browns”
Browns are compost materials that are brown and dry. Examples of which
are sawdust, dried leaves, straw and small twigs and others. “Browns” are
high in carbon, which for microbes are energy food.
• “Greens”
Greens are compost materials that are green and moist like kitchen
wastes, grass cuttings and the like. “Greens” are high in nitrogen, which
microbes need to make proteins
If you add about 3 parts of browns to 1 part of greens, then the compost
organisms will have a balanced diet.

2. Right amount of air and water

If there’s a right amount of oxygen and moisture, microbes can rapidly grow
and multiply. Too much or too little of water, the microbes die.
Compost materials should have a thin film of water around them, and lots of
pore spaces filled with air.

3. Right temperature
Organic materials will eventually decay even in a cold compost pile. But the
decay process is sped up in a hot compost pile. When bacteria and fungi grow
rapidly, they burn a lot of food, and give off a lot of heat. If the compost pile is
big enough, the heat will build up inside the pile. Bacteria that grow well at
high temperature take over and speed up the decay process.

Three ways of making compost

1. Traditional method. This is a slow process, requiring 3-4 months before farm
wastes are fully decomposed and ready for use as compost fertilizer. This
means that the fertilizer can only be used after one planting season. This also
requires a bigger composting area. This method involves only eight steps,
that is inexpensive to produce and requires no extensive input except labor.
2. Rapid method. With the aid of fungus activator Trichoderma harzianum,
decomposition of farm wastes is accelerated to just 3-4 weeks.
3. Bio-enriched method. Employing both fungus activator and a nitrogen-fixing
bacteria, farm wastes are first decomposed by Trichoderma sp. for 2-3 weeks,
after which the resulting compost is inoculated with live N-fixing bacteria
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 Azotobacter sp. Incubation for 1 week produces a nitrogen-enriched compost
that can supply a rice crop’s total N requirement, depending on the material
used, soil condition, and planting season.

Health precautions

• The decomposing compost heap can generate heat up to 600C. Be careful in

handling the compost while turning. Wear protective gloves or footgear so as
not to scald your hands and feet.
• Composting materials and micro-organisms may cause allergies, although
they are non pathogenic. To avoid inconvenience from itching, cover the nose
and mouth with mask; use long-sleeves, and wash body and hands after
working on the compost.

LET US REMEMBER

FEED THE SOIL AND LET THE SOIL FEED THE PLANT

Soil is only one of the many factors that contribute to high productivity.
Fortunately, it can be controlled by man. Maximum benefit from sound fertility
program; can be realized only if the other factors of plant growth are favorably
controlled.

A fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic origin

which is added to the soil to supply certain elements essential to plant growth.
Fertilizers are used to increase the growth rate, yield and quality or nutritive value of
plants.

Continuous cropping of the soil without replenishing the nutrients depletes its
natural resources. Every time a crop is harvested, the elements absorbed from the
soil go with it. The higher the yield of the crop, the higher is the amount of nutrients
removed from the soil.

Soil fertility can easily be remedied by fertilization and liming.

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Independent Activity 1

Directions: Match column A to column B by writing your answers on the

space before each number.

A B
____ 1. Any material used to add to the fertility of a. Inorganic fertilizer
the soil in order to increase the growth or
yield of crops.
____ 2. One that contains most of the essential b. Nitrogen
elements needed for plant growth.
____ 3. Gives dark green color to plants. c. Fertilizer
____ 4. Fertilizer material is placed in or in d. Side dressing
between the rows of crops like vegetables
or corn or placing around the plant or
trees.
____ 5. Usually result from chemical processes e. Fertile soil
such as sulfuric acid treatment or rock
phosphate to produce superphosphate.

Independent Assessment 1

Directions: Identify the following sentences. Write you answer on a separate sheet
of paper.

__________1. These are farm manures, compost, crop residues, and other farm
wastes which supply nutrients and improve soil physical conditions.
__________ 2. This involves dissolving the fertilizer materials in water and then
applying it as spray to the plant.
__________ 3. It is a rapid method of assessing the fertilizer needs of crops.
__________ 4. This is the practice of growing cover crops especially legume crops
to protect the land from erosion, heat of the sun and beat of the rain.
__________ 5. The controlled decay of plant and animal to produce compost, a
dark, rich soil-like material.

Independent Activity 2

Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is wrong. Write
your answer in your answer sheet.

___________ 1. The soil is fertile if most of the elements are present in it.
___________ 2. Nutrients of the soil are lost by continuous cropping without
replenishing the elements used by plants.
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___________ 3. Soil nutrients are not lost by soil erosion.
___________ 4. Organic fertilizer may come from plants, animals, guano and bone
meal .
___________ 5. Organic fertilizer is best used because of the benefits it can give to
the soil, plants and the environment.

Independent Assessment 2

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct word or group of words to complete
the thought of the sentence: Write your answers in your answer sheet.

1. Applying the fertilizer material with water in the soil means ______________.
2. The use of liquid form of fertilizer dissolved in water and sprayed to the plants
refers to ______________.
3. When fertilizers are placed in between rows of plants, the method used
is_______________.
4. This is a slow process, requiring 3-4 months before farm wastes are fully
decomposed and ready for use as compost fertilizer __________________.
5. The placing of fertilizer to the soil is called ________________.

Independent Activity 3

Directions: Read the following sentences carefully to get a hint. Rearrange the
jumbled letters to reveal the correct word applying fertilizer. Write your
answer on the answer sheet provided.

Z E R T I L I F E R 1. Any material used to add to the fertility of the soil in

order to increase the growth or yield of crops.
RADIPMTEHDO 2. With the aid of fungus activator Trichoderma harzianum,
decomposition of farm wastes is accelerated to just 3-4
weeks.
SSI UOPTAM 3. Imparts vigor and disease resistance to plants.
OILS AS I S N A L Y 4. It is a rapid method of assessing the fertilizer needs of
crops.
MNAGAN E E S 5. One of the trace elements needed by plants

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Independent Assessment 3

Direction: Copy the puzzle then answer. Write your answer on your answer sheet.

ACROSS

2. Stimulates early root formation and growth.

3. It is a method where in fertilizer is applied over the surface of the land.
4. Any material used to add to the fertility of the soil in order to increase the growth or
yield of crops.
6. Are farm manures, compost, crop residues, and other farm wastes which supply
nutrients and improve soil physical conditions.
8. This involves dissolving the fertilizer materials in water and then applying it as spray
to the plant.
9. The application of calcium or magnesium containing compounds to the soil to
neutralize acidity.
10. Fertilizer material is applied in bands to one or both sides

DOWN

1. This is a slow process, requiring 3-4 months before farm wastes are fully
decomposed and ready for use as compost fertilizer.
5. Erosion is the removal of soil from the field through natural forces.
7. Are compost materials that are green and moist like kitchen wastes, grass cuttings
and the like.

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 I have learned that fertilizer is _____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
It is important to know the different methods of applying fertilizer because ________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Performance Activity

Directions: Perform this activity on composting. Follow the following steps

carefully. Take a picture and make sure to document your work.
Be sure to observe safety in doing this activity.

1. Start your compost pile on bare earth.

2. Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches deep.
3. Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry.
4. Add manure, green manure, or any nitrogen source.
5. Keep compost moist

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Directions: Read the following statements carefully and choose the letter
of the correct answer. Write the letter of your choice on your answer
sheet.

________ 1. Any material used to add to the fertility of the soil to increase the
growth or yield of crops.
a. Fertilizer b. Soil c. Compost
_________ 2. The practice of applying fertilizers to crops through the soil or to
the leaves of the plants.
a. Fertilizer b. Fertilizing c. Composting
_________ 3. The loss of soluble substances in water that drains down to the
lower depths of the soil beyond the reach of the roots
a. Percolation b. Transpiration c. Leaching
_________ 4. It is a method where in fertilizer is applied over the surface of the
land. It may not be harrowed, plowed, or disked into the soil.
a. Broadcasting b. Side dressing c. Fertigation
_________ 5. These are farm manures, compost, crop residues, and other farm
wastes which supply nutrients and improve soil physical conditions
a. Organic b. Inorganic c. Compost
_________ 6. The process of applying the fertilizer with water in the soil.
a.Sprinkler b.Side dressing c.Fertigation
_________ 7. A mixture of is a mixture of decayed organic materials
decomposed by micro-organisms in a warm, moist, and aerobic
environment, (oxygen breathing) releasing nutrients into readily
available forms for plant used.
a.Fertilizer b.Compost c.Broadcasting
_________ 8. It consists of materials processed or transformed into a chemical
material or fertilizer.
a.Organic b.Inorganic c.Fertilizer
_________ 9. The practice of growing special crops like legumes either alone or
intermixed with others for the purpose of plowing them into the soil
in a green stage when they have reached a suitable height, or
before flowering.
a.Fertilizing b.Green manuring c.Cover cropping
_________ 10. This is the practice of placing mulch materials above the soil such
as straw, paper, sawdust, leaves and the like to protect the roots
of plants from excessive heat and cold or from drought
a.Cover Cropping b.Mulching c.Green manuring

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Directions: Do this at home.

1. Search for any organic fertilizer concoction on the internet. You may choose
from the following:
a. Fish Amino Acid
b. Fermented Plant Juice
c. Fermented Fruit Juice
d. Calphos

2. In a piece of paper, write down the materials and the procedures in doing
these concoctions of organic fertilizer.

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 26
What I Know Independent Assessment 2
1. A 6. C 1. Fertigation
2. B 7. B 2. Foliar
3. C 8. B 3. Side dressing
4. A 9. B 4. Traditional
5. A 10. B 5. Fertilising
What’s In Independent Activity 3
1. A 6. C 1. Fertilizer
2. C 7. A 2. Rapid Method
3. B 8. C 3. Potassium
4. A 9. D 4. Soil Analysis
5. D 10. A 5. Manganese
What’s New Independent Assessment 3
1. Traditional
Answers may vary 2. Phosphorus
3. Broadcasting
What’s More 4. Fertilizer
Independent Activity 1 5. Erosion
1. C 6. Organic
2. E 7. Green
3. B 8. Foliar
4. D 9. Liming
5. A 10. Band
What I Have Learned
Answers may vary
Independent Assessment 1
What I Can Do
1. Organic Performance Task
2. Fertigation
3. Soil Analysis Additional Activity
4. Cover Cropping Answers may vary
5. Composting
Independent Activity 2 Assessment
1. True 1. A 6. C
2. True 2. B 7. B
3. False 3. C 8. B
4. True 4. A 9. B
5. True 5. A 10. B
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan

Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan

Email Address: lrmdsbulacan@deped.gov.ph

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