Professional Documents
Culture Documents
9
Technology & Livelihood education Agricultural
Crop Production
Learner’s Material
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iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
MODULE 1 - ENTRPRENEURSHIP
LESSON I
LESSON II
4
MODULE 1I – PERFORM AGRICUULTURAL CROP WORK
LESSON I
LESSON I
5
MODULE IV – MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF A NURSERY
LESSON I
LESSON 2
6
MODULE 1
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
7
The learner demonstrates
The learner recognizes his/her Personal
understanding of one‘s Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PEC‘s)
Competencies (PEC‘s) in and prepares an activity plan that aligns
agricultural crop production with that of a practitioner/entrepreneur
in agricultural crop production
PERSONAL
Lesson
1
ENTREPRENEURIAL
COMPETENCIES (PECs)
Introduction
Learning Objectives
Pretest
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Do not write your answer
on this manual.
9
b. make a well-organized plan with clearly defined methods
c. Schedule periodic gap-proof monitoring and response activities to
determine emergent constraints, challenges, and needs
d. set calculated goals and objectives
10. Luis is good in convincing his customers that his product is not only of
best quality but also safe to use. Many of his customers bought and even
returned to buy more of the product because they want to share it with
their friends. What personal entrepreneurial competency does Luis have?
a. Demand for efficiency and quality
b. Goal setting
c. Persuasion
d. Self-confidence
What to know
Do you want to get rich like the successful
entrepreneurs in your community? Let’s find out how?
Activity #1:
Before immersing ourselves into the exciting discussion about setting up and
running a business in the most sustainable ways, we will first do
inspirationdrawing activity through the conduct of casual interviews with
entrepreneurs in the community. Look for a partner in doing this. Identify 3
retailers, 3 service providers, and 1 producer. Use the template below for the
interview and in tracking the answers of the selected entrepreneur-respondents.
Discuss the responses with your partner and present to your class a brief
analysis/report of the interview.
10
How did you start
it?
Did you
experience losses?
How did you
respond to
losses?
What personal
qualities help this
business flourish
up to now?
11
Are you afraid of
your competitors?
Why?
12
Need-based business opportunities
13
Once the plan to do entrepreneurial activities is
ready to be started, assure yourself to overcome
risks and many other forms of business
2 Self-confident constraints.
14
As a business leader, you are accountable to
everyone and everything for the business including
your strategies. Value everything and everyone as
10 Responsible you value your self.
Your ability to choose good decision may be innate
or experience-based. Learn the art and the
systematic and methodical process of
decisionmaking. Good decisions must be sensible
Decision-making and culture-sensitive
11 skills
15
It is one of the highest lifestyle considerations that
entrepreneurs must adopt. Although inspired by their
freedom to lead and control all elements of the
business, they must exercise care in choosing the
A sense of freedom right course of actions and decisions to take.
and control
Choosing their own time for work is a privilege of
entrepreneurs. This feature will allow them to choose
their most productive time.
Flexibility of time
Entrepreneurs are the greatest asset of their
businesses. A check and balance between the actual
accomplishment of tasks and physical and mental
work capacity must be established. Rest and
relaxation can help maintain health. Proper stress
Energy and management is also of primal importance.
stamina
A family does not only serve as inspiration but also as
a group of people to oversee the welfare of
entrepreneurs. Suggestions and recommendations of a
family member must be carefully considered.
Family support
Remember that seeking advice from specialist is
helpful in decision making process. There are people
more knowledgeable than us in a particular area of
Professional expertise.
support
There are two major reasons why many people fail in their attempt to do
entrepreneurial activities. First, people who are starting entrepreneurial activities
may only have insufficient experiences to address the problems posed by the
numerous external business constraints. Second, they lack sufficient skills to
lead the people and make the products and services competitive in the market.
Low profit of the business will create problem and many more problems in the
16
future. Thus, anyone who wants to succeed in a business arena must be
equipped with the different personal entrepreneurial competencies or PECs, a set
of skills that entrepreneurs must possess to take control of the challenges in
business. PECs are the key abilities of entrepreneurs‘ success in business.
PECs are clustered into three according to its area of application:
Achievement Cluster
These are the skills that will propel an entrepreneur to resounding success. It
will definitely separate an individual the rest of his/her competitors thereby
creating a clear path towards the sustainability of his/her business.
Demand for • Perform business tasks better, faster, cheaper, but do not
Efficiency put safety and quality aside.
and Quality
• Accomplish tasks by meeting or exceeding standards of
excellence.
17
• Face a significant obstacle with a good plan of action.
• Identifies a good alternative for every decision to meet a
Persistence challenge or overcome an obstacle.
• Act as the prime mover of resources in the achievement of
goals and objectives.
Planning Cluster
These skills ensure the entrepreneur‘s attainment of goals and objectives.
Equipped with well defined goals and objectives and all the needed
information on the business will certainly make one above the rest.
18
Systematic • Make a well organized plan with clearly defined methods.
Planning • Be logically flexible for the emergent constraints, challenges,
and
and needs.
Monitoring
• Periodic gap-proof monitoring and response activities must
be scheduled to determine emergent constraints, challenges,
and needs.
Power Cluster
These skills represent the personal touch of creativity and decisiveness of the
entrepreneur. It is the ability to expand, convince and sustain customers to
hasten business development.
What to process
At this point, let us examine ourselves if we can really
become successful entrepreneurs. Let us know our
chances.
Activity #2:
19
This is a self-examination activity. After knowing the different characteristics that
an entrepreneur must possess, examine yourself if you have these characteristics
too. Simply put check () if that particular characteristic is present in you or an
x (X) if you do not possess it. Comment on your own status by giving possible
options that can help you acquire it.
Do I have
this?
YES
Characteristics of an NO Realizations (What are
Entrepreneur ( ) (X) my options?)
1 Optimistism
2 Self-confidence
3 Self-control
4 Courage
5 Commitment
6 Creatively
7 Well-defined values
8 High energy level
9 Leadership ability
10 Desire for responsibility
11 Decision-making skills
Desire for immediate
12
feedback
13 Strong desire to achieve
Ability to learn from past
14
failures
20
Activity #3:
What to transfer
We will act like analyst.
Activity #4:
Let us match the result of our Activity #1 with the standard characteristics,
lifestyle, and skills of our interviewees. Do you think that their businesses will be
sustained? Support your answer and present it to the class. Use the template in
Activity #2 and Activity #3 to help you analyze and forecast the sustainability of
their businesses.
21
Producer
Service (commercial
Retailers Providers scale)
Risk Taking
Demand for Efficiency and
Quality
Persistence
Commitment to the Work
Contract
Information Seeking
Goal setting
Systematic Planning and
Monitoring
GENERAL ANALYSIS
22
Producer
Service
Retailers (commercial
Providers
scale)
REFER TO THE RESPONSES IN ACTIVITY
#1. Check if the respondents above possess
the lifestyle features enumerated in the first
column. Put check (/) if observed and x(X) if
not observed
A sense of freedom and control
Flexibility of time
Family support
Professional support
GENERAL ANALYSIS
Sustainability of business (Do
you think the
entrepreneurrespondents can
sustain their businesses?
Enumerate your justifications).
Posttest
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Do not write your answer
on this manual.
23
3. What really makes up a successful entrepreneur?
a. Knowledge, skills, and attitude
b. Knowledge, skills, and money
c. Ability to study a market
d. Ability to act like a customer
10. Luis is good in convincing his customers that his product is not only of
best quality but also safe to use. Many of his customers bought and even
24
return to buy more of the product because they want to share it with their
friends.
What personal entrepreneurial competency does Luis have?
a. Demand for efficiency and quality
b. Goal setting
c. Persuasion
d. Self-confidence
Summary
Glossary of Terms
Business refers to any activity that ultimately buys and sells goods, makes
products, or provides services to a market.
25
Goal is anything an entrepreneur wants to achieve.
References:
http://www.businessdictionary.com
Albarico J.M., Celarta C.B, Fernando E., and Valdez E.S. 2011.
Agriculture and Fishery Arts I. United Eferza Academic Publications, Co.,
BagongPook, Lipa City, Batangas 4217.
26
Lesson
2 MARKET AND ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
Learning Objectives
27
2. Describe the legal forms of business
3. Describe the different industries in the country today
4. Map and analyze the opportunities offered by the industries in the
community
5. Check the needs, wants. and demands of the market through
environmental scanning process
6. Know the 4M‘s of production
7. Discuss the importance of acquiring a start-up capital
8. Make a business plan
9. Apply the standards in selecting the best business location
10. Assess the internal and external environment of the business through
Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats method of business
assessment
11. Practice simple record keeping
Pretest
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Do not write your answer
on this manual.
28
a. Machines c.
Materials
b. Manpower d.
Money
5. The process of recording the money received and spent by the operations of
the business is known as _____.
a. bookkeeping c.
administering
b. booking d. posting
8. Study the table and the items on the right. Then answer the question.
a. Competitors analysis
Group Part Of Business Plan b. Product description
A Production c. Maintenance and repair
Plan _________ d. Promotional strategies
e. Sources of equipment
B Marketing f. Terms and conditions of purchase
Plan _________
Which of the following is the correct grouping of the six indicators in the
box?
a. c.
A A Production Plan c, e, f
Production Plan
a, c, e
B
B Marketing Plan a, b, d
Marketing Plan
d, b, f
b. d.
10. What is the reason why an aspiring entrepreneur must make a sound
and impressive business plan?
a. A sound and impressive business plan
is likely to be approved for a loan
package.
b. A sound and impressive business plan
attracts more customers .
c. A sound and impressive business plan
commands tax rebates.
d. A sound and impressive business plan
can improve a particular segment of a
market.
30
Reading Resources and Instructional Activities
What to know
The environment and market of the business must be
dealt with sincerity and cautions should we intend to
accumulate long-term
profit.
Activity #1:
Market is a
socially, politically, and
economically organized people
whose needs and demands are
based on tradition, culture, and
technology. Enumerable
business opportunities are open
in a market. Their needs and
demands are enormous depending
on the class of people being
referred to. These classes of
people are known as market
segments. These may be high-
end, middle-end, and low-
Courtesy of CvSU and DA-TMC, Cavite
31
end market segments. Each segment will have varying needs of various
products and services.
32
Corporation • 2 or more persons • Business risks • The complex
own the business. are shared by organizational set-up
• Aside from the many people. imposes a long line of
owners, many • If business is more expensive ways
people known as good, growth of control.
shareholders, are is maximized • Complex decision
engaged in a due to bigger making process will
capital. delay operation.
corporation through
their investment • Burdens in the
known as shares or operations are
shared by
stocks.
various
specialized
individuals.
There are many established and emerging industries in the country. Having
mapped all of those in the community will give a would-be entrepreneur a chance
to examine what entrepreneurial opportunities may be brought to the community.
Once these opportunities are identified, entrepreneurs will lay down their plan of
actions and then start the business activities. Some or may be all of the
industries listed below are located in your locality that could be related to
agribusiness:
33
Courtesy of CvSU and DA-TMC, Cavite
34
Refers to all persons in the business who are also
popularly called labor force. That means the word
manpower includes the entrepreneur himself.
Manpower
Raising the needed capital is not a problem for the wealthy families.
However, if you do not have the cash on hand yet, you need to consider favorable
sources. Would-be entrepreneurs must carefully choose which capital source to
take. Money lenders which offer high interest are always not a good choice. The
following are the possible sources of the start-up capital for any types of
businesses to be established:
35
SOURCES ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
36
In this type of loan, monthly
amortizations which will include
low interest will be paid one year or
less. Advanced or on-time payment
of monthly amortization increases
trust and confidence of a bank on
the entrepreneur. This good
relationship will offer more
opportunities to the entrepreneur.
Short-term loans
37
Courtesy of CvSU and DA-TMC, Cavite
Before the actual operations of the business begin, hiring the right person
for the right task must be considered. Your business plan will tell you how many
workers you need for the start and how many will be hired again as the
operations progress. Excess personnel will be an extra cost of the business and
this condition must be avoided.
New business must be registered in the name of legalities. Before you let
your well-planned business rocks the market the following official processes must
be undertaken:
b. Apply for a Mayor‘s Permit to operate the business and the Municipal
Business License of the business.
38
10. PRACTICING SIMPLE RECORD KEEPING
Generally, the benefits of recording system and good records kept are the
following:
What to process
Let’s proceed a little bit further. It would be great if we
prepare ourselves for the possible opportunities in the
39
community.
Activity #2:
Use the data in Activity 1. Analyze and identify business opportunities as well as
challenges these data can offer to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Business Challenges to
Data to be
Dimension Data Opportunities Aspiring
gathered
Offered Entrepreneurs
Number of
Market
households
demographics
Number of
Retailers of various
agrirelated
products
Number of
wholesalers of
various
Number of agriproducts
businesses
Number of
producers (specify
agri-products)
Number of
agribased service
businesses
Activity #3:
WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
41
b. SWOT analysis should distinguish between where your business is
today, and where it could be in the future.
c. SWOT should always be specific. Avoid any grey areas.
d. Always apply SWOT in relation to your competition i.e. better than or
worse than your competition.
e. Keep your SWOT short and simple. Avoid complexity and over
analysis
f. SWOT is subjective.
Activity # 4:
Refer to your SWOT Sheet and make further analysis. This time the
ultimate task is make decision whether to pursue the proposed business idea or
consider other alternative businesses. There are two possible facets after the final
decision will be made. First, pursue the business because the SWOT reveals more
positive indications than negative ones or, second, disregard the business idea
because there are more negative indications. Consequently, try another business
idea and subject it to the same process of analysis.
Make a presentation of your task and be proud to inspire others that you
now have chosen a viable agri-crop related business idea chosen from the
opportunities obtained from the data generated by the simple community
mapping we did.
What to transfer
Why don’t we act like a real farm consultants? We shall
hand down the final recommendations to our focus
resource person.
Activity #5:
Since you have chosen one viable agri-crop related business idea, it is
justin-time to develop an impressive Business Plan. Refer to the guide given below
42
and read the sample business plan provided. Your own plan must not be limited
to a few pages only, as the example is presented. All data and information must
be given in order to come up with a completely sound and impressive business
plan.
A business plan has five major parts, namely, the executive summary, marketing
plan, production plan, organization and management plan, and financial plan.
44
• Total Demand business be located?
• Market Share • What geographical
• Selling Price areas will be covered
• Sales Forecast by the project?
• Promotional Measures • Within the market
• Marketing Strategy area, to whom will
• Marketing Budget the business sell its
products?
• Is it possible to
estimate how much
of the product is
currently being
sold?
• What share or
percent of this
market can be
captured by the
business?
• What is the selling
price of the product?
• How much of the
product will be sold?
• What promotional
measures will be
used to sell the
product?
• What marketing
strategy is needed to
ensure that sales
forecasts are
achieved?
• How much do you
need to promote and
distribute your
product?
45
• Production Process • What is the
• Fixed Capital production process?
• Life of Fixed Capital • What buildings and
• Maintenance and Repairs machinery (fixed
• Sources of Equipment assets) are needed
• Planned Capacity and what will be
• Future Capacity their cost?
• Terms and Conditions of • What is the useful
Purchase of Equipment life of the building
• Factory Location and Layout and machinery?
• Raw Materials • How will
• Cost of Raw Materials maintenance be done
Raw Materials Availability and are spare parts
• Labor available locally?
• Cost of Labor • When and where can
• Labor Availability the machinery be
• Labor Productivity obtained?
• Factory Overhead Expenses
• How much capacity
• Production Cost
will be used?
• What are the plans
for using spare
capacity?
• When and how will
the machinery be
paid for?
• Where will the factory
be located and how
will the factory be
arranged?
• How much raw
materials are
required?
• How much will the
Production plan raw materials cost?
46
• What are the sources
of raw materials? Are
they available
throughout the year?
• How many direct and
indirect labor are
needed and what
skills should they
have?
• What will be the cost
of labor?
• Are workers available
throughout the year?
If not, what effect will
this have on
production?
• How will the workers
be motivated?
• What factory
overhead expenses
are involved?
• What is the
production cost per
unit?
47
activities must be
undertaken before
the business can
operate?
• What pre-operating
expenses will be
incurred?
• What fixed assets
will be required for
the office?
• What administrative
cost will be incurred?
48
• What is the
breakeven point
(BEP)?
• What is the return of
investment (ROI)?
• Is the project
feasible?
I. Executive Summary
Godwin‘s Rice Trading is a small business that buy dried rice grains
ready to mill from rice farmers in the locality and nearby municipalities. The
total grain purchases for the day will be milled at night and deliver to the rice
retailers in the nearby municipalities in Pangasinan the next day.The
wellmilled rice of Godwin will offer a competitive price to the local market since
its target market is in nearby vicinity with minimal transportation cost.
The brand name of the business comes from the name of the owner. It is
single /sole proprietorship business. The business name shall be prominently
placed and clearly visible to customers during buy and sales activities. Sold
well-milled rice shall be packed at the time of milling in a well leveled sack.
49
D. Organizational Plan
Godwin‘s Rice Trading will hire ten laborers, with one who could drive a
truck for the buying of grains and delivery of milled rice; and another ten
laborers for the milling of rice at night time. Godwin will serve as the
manager, treasurer and secretary, to minimize cost. The target opening date
will be on September 18, 2014.
E. Production Plan
F. Marketing Plan
The business will target the rice retailers in the nearby municipalities
because they have already a considerable number of satisfied customers in
their respective areas. Competition is to be countered through friendly and
respectful disposition of personnel and competitive pricing.
G. Financial Plan
UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS:
50
7. All products will be sold a day after the purchase (in the morning) @ Php
38.00/ kg delivered to the rice retailers in the nearby municipalities. The
by-product (rice bran)will also be sold to the nearest piggeries @ Php
4.00 per kilo.
8. The truck costing 500,000 will be depreciated over a 15-year useful life.
The 90% of depreciation expense will be allocated to Factory Overhead
and 10% will be allocated to selling expense.
9. The rice mill machinery costing 100,000 will be depreciated over a
20year useful life.
10. The storage room will be constructed prior to the commencement of the
business for a total construction cost of 300,000 and will be depreciated
over a 30-year useful life. The 90% of depreciation expense will be
allocated to Factory Overhead and 10% will be allocated to administrative
expense.
11. All fixed assets are ready before the commencement of the business.
12. All depreciable assets will be depreciated using straight line method.
13. There will be 1 driver and 9 laborers relating to buying and selling of rice
at Php 420 each.
14. There will be 10 laborers who will be responsible for the milling of rice at
Php 350 each.
15. Wages will be allocated between freight-in and freight out. A 75% will be
allocated to freight-in and the remaining will be allocated to freight-out.
Also, it will be paid on daily basis in order to help them in their daily
needs.
16. The owner will be the manager, treasurer of the business.
17. Utilities expense of 20,000 will be allocated 90% on Factory Overhead
and 10% on General and administrative expense.
18. For simplicity purposes, assume that the tax rate will be 32%.
19. Projections will be made for a time period of 1 month only.
A. TOTAL INVESTMENTS
ORGANIZATION COST
CASH P 330,000.00
OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,000.00
TRUCK 500,000.00
51
B. PROJECTED DAILY CASH OUTFLOW
PURCHASES @ PHP
21/KG P 315,000.00
FREIGHT IN:
WAGES P 3,150.00
FREIGHT OUT:
WAGES P1,050.00
52
*300 Sacks x 50kgx 0.60 (milling recovery) x Php 38.00
**300 Sacks x 50kg x 0.10 x Php 4.00
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash P330,000.00
Non-current
Assets:
Land 100,000.00
Truck 500,000.00
Mr. Godwin's
Capital P1,331,000.00
53
E. INCOME STATEMENT
Sales(300x50x.6x38x3) P 10,260,000.00
Cost of goods sold
Purchases (315,000x30Days) P 9,450,000.00
Freight-in (4,650x30Days) 139,500.00
Direct labor (10LaboresxPhp350x30Days) 105,000.00
Factory overhead
Utilities Expense (Php20,000 x 0.9) P 18,000.00
Depreciation- Storage Room(300,000/30)(0.9) (1/12) 750.00
Depreciation- Rice Mill Machine (100,000/20) (1/12) 416.67
Depreciation- Truck (500,000/15)(0.9)(1/12) P 2,500 .00 P 21,667.00
Sale of By-product (6,000 x 30) P -180,000.00 P 9,536,167.00
Gross Profit P 723,833.00
Selling Expense
Freight-out (1550x30) P 46,500.00
Depreciation- Truck (500,000/15)(0.1)(1/12) 277.078.00
Packaging (300Sacks x .6 x Php10 x 30Days) P 54,000.00 P100,778.00
General And Administrative expense
Office Supplies P 1,000.00
Utilities Expense (20,000 x 0.1) P 2,000.00
Depreciation- Storage Room(300,000/30)(0.1) (1/12) P 83.33.00 P3,083.00
Net Income Before Tax P 619,972.00
Income Tax Expense P 198,391.11
Net Income After Tax P421,581.00
H. Financial Statement
54
projected net income of P 421,581. Financial ratios show that Gross Profit IS
7% and Net Margin Ratio is 4% each. The investment costs will be recovered
within approximately 3 years and 2 months.
I. Critical analysis
J. Social significance
This business offers opportunity for the farmers to have a steady market of
their farm produce. It will also open a door of possible employment to some
people in the community. As a registered business, tax payments can go to the
government. Later as the business grows bigger wholesaling will help other small
scale retailers who can avail of competitive pricing.
Posttest
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Do not write your answer
on this manual.
55
4. In the 4M‘s of production, which M refers to the persons in the business
known as the labor force?
A. Machines C. Materials
B. Manpower D. Money
5. The process of recording the money received and spent by the operations of
the business is known as _____?
c. bookkeeping C. administering
A. booking D. posting
8. Study the table and the items on the right. Then answer the question.
g. Competitors analysis
Group Part Of Business Plan h. Product description
A Production i. Maintenance and repair
Plan _________ j. Promotional strategies
k. Sources of equipment
B Marketing l. Terms and conditions of purchase
Plan _________
Which of the following is the correct grouping of the six indicators in the box?
A. C.
B. D.
A 56 A
Production Plan c, e, f Production Plan
a, c, e
B
Marketing Plan a, b, d B d, b, f
Marketing Plan
9. Which business principle is applicable in products and development and
marketing?
A. Ask researchers in other communities about their needs and demands.
B. Your own needs and demands are the same with others.
C. Pay attention to the needs and demands of the market
D. Follow the result of a national survey of needs and demands
10.What is the reason why an aspiring entrepreneur must make a sound and
impressive business plan?
A. A sound and impressive business plan is likely to be approved for a loan
package.
B. A sound and impressive business plan attracts more customers .
C. A sound and impressive business plan commands tax rebates.
D. A sound and impressive business plan can improve a particular segment
of a market.
SUMMARY
Now we know that market and environment are the two major factors that
dictate any business activities. It is so diverse, however; this diversity offers
numerous opportunities for businesses.
57
Entrepreneurs must not only possess passion for the business but
personally learn the work of their employee as well. The benefit of this best
practice is that entrepreneurs will find it easier to track the operations of the
business including its profitability.
Finally, getting all these business prerequisites into the heart and mind of
entrepreneurs and together with adequate knowledge, skills and work values,
their businesses will be sustained.
Glossary of Terms
58
Threats in SWOT analysis are negative indications that can cause a risk to
become a loss, expressed as an aggregate of risk, consequences of risk, and
the likelihood of the occurrence of the event.
Weaknesses in SWOT analysis refers to any negative indications that increases
the risk of a losses and failure
REFERENCES:
http://www.businessdictionary.com
Albarico J.M., Celarta C.B, Fernando E., and Valdez E.S. 2011.
Agriculture and Fishery Arts I. United Eferza Academic Publications, Co.,
BagongPook, Lipa City, Batangas 4217.
59
Module II
This Module covers the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of students required to
support horticultural production work. It focused on learning the ability to
prepare material tools and equipment for horticultural production, hygiene and
quality control.
60
Lesson 1 FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
The lesson is all about the farm tools and equipment used in crop
production.
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Let us find out how much you already know about crop production. Read and
understand the questions below. Choose the letter of the best answer and write it
on your quiz notebook.
Pretest
Read the questions carefully and select the best answer by writing only the letter
of your choice on a separate sheet of paper.
5. A tool with one end of its blade flattened and the other pointed at right
angles to its handle is a _____.
A. mattock
B. crowbar
C. bolo
D. spade
6. Which tool resembles the appearance of spoon and use for transferring
soil?
A. Spade B. Shovel C. Spading fork D. Grub hoe
7. What work hazard is NOT possible in the repair of the roof of a nursery
shed?
A. Exposed to hazardous liquid
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B. Face exposed to extreme heat
C. Prone to fall from above
D. Bodies exposed to sharp or rough surfaces
8. What preventive action should a student apply when he/she is exposed
to dust? He/She should wear _____.
A. eye and respiratory protection
B. hearing protection
C. safety footwear
D. hard cap
12. What preventive structure shall we provide if the area of our farm is
prone to run off? A. Fire hydrant
B. Wind breaks
C. Drainage canal
D. Water sealant
13. Why is it necessary to apply oil to the metal parts of tools and
implements before storing them for a long period time?
A. to prevent them from rust
B. to retain its shiny look
C. to clean the tools
D. to make it lubricated
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14. What facility should we construct if there are astray animal around?
A. Nursery shed C. Storage barn
B. Vicinity fence D. Farm shop
19. Which of the following is NOT true about the care and maintenance of
farm facilities?
A. Hand tools must be cleaned, dried, and placed in a tool rack when
not in use.
B. Cutting and digging tools should be frequently sharpened.
C. Defective tools are segregated and brought to the junk shop.
D. Iron parts of tools should be oiled, greased, or painted with coal tar
when they are to be stored for a long time.
20. Which of the following PPE is used to protect hands from injury?
A. Goggles
B. Gloves
C. Boots
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D. Earmuffs
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HAND TOOLS
Hand tools are usually light and are used without the help of animals or
machines. They are being used in performing farm activities which involve small
areas like school garden and home garden.
Examples:
FARM IMPLEMENTS
Examples are:
EQUIPMENT
1. Hand tractors are used to pull a plow and harrow in preparing a large area of
land. They are also used to draw trailers to transport materials, inputs and
harvests. It is now referred to as the farmer‘s main drawing equipment,
although in some places carabao is still used .
2. Four wheel tractor is used to pull disc plow and disc harrow and other farm
implements in preparing much bigger area of land. It is also used to draw
trailers in transporting bigger bulk of materials, inputs and harvests.
3. Water pumps are used to draw irrigation water from a source. It made crop
production possible in areas without irrigation system.
LET US REMEMBER
Using the right tools and equipment for the specific job, makes work
easier and more economical.
What to process
Activity #1
Conduct an interactive activity with the class. One group will tell farm operation
and the other group will tell which farm tools/equipment to use and vice-versa. The
group with the highest score will be the winner.
Activity #2
Students will be asked to draw from the box containing the names of farm tools
and equipment and will explain how it will be used in accomplishing the job.
Activity #3
Get your partner, list two farm equipment and make a research in the internet on
the different parts that needs to be maintained, and on how to do the maintenance.
Activity#4
Group into three, go to a nearby farm and observe how farm equipment is being
used. Make a clear description how each equipment is used, and why it is
important to know how to use the equipment. Share your findings in class.
What to transfer
Activity#1
If you are the farm manager of the Bersamin Agro-Integrated School and you are
tasked to prepare the five-year equipment acquisition plan, make a list of the
priority equipment needed, state their uses and why it is very important to acquire
them.
What to Know
After knowing the farm tools and equipment, continue the lesson in doing
preoperative check-up of equipment.
Activity#1
Due to intensive farm mechanization, hand tractor and four wheel tractor are the
most important and an indispensable partner for majority of farmers nowadays. It is
then very important to be familiar with doing pre-operative check-up of this
equipment.
Safety Check: Walk around the tractor and any attached implement checking
the area for obstacles that may be under or near the tractor. This includes
stones, boards, children's toys, etc. Make sure there are no bystanders;
remember this is a working area. Check that the wheels are free, or stuck in
the ground. If the rear wheels are frozen to the ground, then the tractor may
flip backwards around the axle when power is applied. Check for any loose
parts or objects on the tractor such as tools on the platforms or around brakes
and other controls.
Service Walk around: Walk around the tractor a second time to check the
tractor itself. This time look at the tires for wear and inflation, the power
takeoff shaft for shielding and guarding (rotate the shield to make sure it
moves freely), the hitch for proper hitch pin and safety clip. Pay particular
attention to the ground under the tractor for any signs of liquid leaks such as
oil, coolant or fuel.
Check the oil: Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and check the oil level. If oil
is required, remember to wipe off the filler cap before you remove it to avoid
dirt falling into the engine. Use a clean funnel and clean the top of the oil can
to prevent rust or other foreign objects going in with the oil.
Check the radiator: Slowly remove the red cap and check the liquid level.
Check the air pre-cleaner and air cleaner. Remove and shake out any dirt.
Check the fuel level. Fill if necessary, but it should have been filled at the end
of the last day the tractor was used.
Check the fire extinguisher. Your tractor should have a fire extinguisher in
case of fire during operation or refueling. Make sure it is charged and easily
accessible.
Handling Batteries
1. Do the work or adjustments in an area free of sparks and heat sources. Don't
smoke while working near the battery. Make sure the area is well ventilated.
2. Always wear personal protective equipment, covering the eyes and hands. A
full face shield will offer the protection.
3. Never work leaning directly over the battery.
4. Always disconnect the ground cable first and identify the cables as positive and
negative so that you don't re-attach them wrong.
5. Make sure that you clean the terminals and cable connections before
reattaching them. Make sure the new battery is secured with the provided
holddown assembly.
6. While installing the battery make sure that the terminals don't come into contact
with metal parts on the engine or body of the tractor.
7. Make sure that you connect the ground cable last to prevent sparks and tighten
the connections!
Hydraulic Systems
Working with or on hydraulic equipment can be dangerous. Some of the
hazards cannot even be readily seen. Hydraulic systems are under tremendous
pressure and this is where the unseen danger lies.
What to process
Activity # 1
B. True or False
Activity # 1
Using the tractor of the nearest farm in the locality, make a report about the
conditions of the parts needed to be maintained. Are they in the best condition?
Why or why not? Share it in class.
What to transfer
Activity # 1
With the supervision of the teacher and/or the farm technician or the owner of the
tractor in the nearby farm in the locality each group will do the pre-operational
check-up of the tractor.
Lesson SAFETY PRACTICES IN USING FARM EQUIPMENT
3
What to know
Activity # 1
Divide the class into three. The first group will write as many accidents that
happen in the farm, the second group writes all the causes/reasons why accidents
happen and the third will write measures on how to avoid accidents. Match the
accidents that usually happen, and the possible causes /reason, and ways to
prevent them.
Another cause of tractor-related death and serious injury is being caught by, or
entangled in, rotating power takeoff (PTO) shafts. In most cases, the PTO
shields were inadequate or had been removed.
Each operator should be physically and mentally fit when operating a tractor. An
operator who is sleepy, tired or not feeling well may not be able to react in time to
avoid an accident.
Be Properly Trained
A person who does not know how to operate a tractor safely in potentially
hazardous situations can be injured or killed by exercising poor judgment. Make
sure all persons permitted to operate tractors have been thoroughly trained. A good
place to start training is with the Operator's Manual. Review the Operator's
Manual, if possible with the tractor in front of you.
Be Familiar with Operator's Manual
Study the various decals on your equipment. They may point out DANGER,
WARNING and CAUTION for various points on the tractor. Have an experienced
tractor operator with you as you review the various decals and ask questions!
A copy of all Operating Manuals and other relevant safety materials should be kept
on file for quick reference.
Hazardous activities
During the maintenance of agricultural machinery, there are many activities which
are potentially hazardous. Here are some of them:
Lubricating
• If you need to remove the guard to lubricate the machine, never lubricate
while the machine is in motion.
• Remember that hydraulic oil is under high pressure. The external signs of
oil injection may be slight, but the internal damage is not and may lead to
surgery or amputation.
• If checking for leaks, use something (eg. a piece of card run along the hose)
to show where the leak is. Do not use your hands.
• Release the pressure before working on the system
Sharpening
• When working on, for example a forage harvester, only the actual
sharpening should take place with the machine in motion. All activity before
and after (eg. guard removal) should be done with the machine stationary –
even if rundown takes a long time.
• Beware of flying particles when sharpening machinery. Use protective
equipment such as goggles.
• When working under raised machines, jacks should be used and correctly
located, and additional support (eg axle stands) provided.
• When working on hydraulically-raised equipment (eg. trailers) use props.
Never rely just on the hydraulics.
Hammering
Cleaning
• Again, the key question to ask is: ―Have I been trained to do this job
properly?‖ If the answer is ―no‖, do not attempt it.
Removing blockage
• Safe Stop is probably the single most important procedure for the
prevention of accidents. A blocked machine may suddenly start operating
again unless the engine is stopped before the blockage is cleared.
• The power must be locked off or the key removed to stop other people
restarting the machine while you are working on it.
2. Check if the equipment has already stopped.
• Even if the power has been turned off, machine parts may continue to
rotate.
• On some machines, run-down times of five minutes are not unusual.
Many injuries are caused because work is begun before the machine has
come to a complete stop.
3. Make the stop positive: chock it.
• Where possible, take additional precautions to ensure that moving parts
remain stationary – eg chocking the cutting cylinder of a harvester to
prevent movement.
4. Use a tool to clear the blockage.
• Never use your bare hands to clear a blockage or try to kick it free. Note
that, even in cases where operators use a tool to clear a blockage, a
significant number are injured because the machine is still running.
5. If it isn’t cleared, don’t touch.
• Remember, machines can suddenly move when a blockage is cleared.
Hard hats can protect workers from head impact, penetration injuries, and
electrical injuries such as those caused by falling or flying objects, fixed objects, or
contact with electrical conductors. It also protects long hair to prevent from getting
caught in machine parts such as belts and chains.
In addition to foot guards and safety shoes, leggings (e.g., leather,aluminized rayon,
or other appropriate material) can help prevent injuries by protecting workers from
hazards such as falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, wet and slippery surfaces,
molten metal‘s, hot surfaces, and electrical hazards.
In some cases workers must shield most or all of their bodies against hazards in
the workplace, such as exposure to heat and radiation as well as hot metals,
scalding liquids, body fluids, hazardous materials or waste, and other hazards. In
addition to fire-retardant wool and fire retardant cotton, materials used in
wholebody personal protective equipment include rubber, leather, synthetics,
and plastic.
Respiratory protection
Workers must use appropriate respirators to protect against adverse health effects
caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists,
gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors. Respirators generally cover the nose and mouth
or the entire face or head and help prevent illness and injury. A proper fit is
essential, however, for respirators to be effective.
What to process
Activity# 1
Make an interview with an expert farm equipment operator on how they practice
safety in their everyday wors. Best practices will be shared in the class.
Activity # 1
A video presentation of how the different farm tools and equipment are used in the
performance of the different farm jobs will be shown to you. Make a description of
what you have seen which may answer the following questions:
Activity# 2
Matching Type: Match column A with Column B. Write only the letter of your
answer on the blank provided before each number on column A.
Column A Column B
What to transfer
Activity # 1
You are a farm machineries technician and you are tasked to demonstrate to the
newly hired farm workers how to safely handle tools and equipment in performing
their work. Demonstrate to them the proper outfit, protective gear and precautions
to make to avoid accidents. You will be rated based on the rubrics below.
Resources:
Pruning shear
Pick-Mattock
Grub hoe
Wheel barrow
Bolo
Spade
Axe
Shovel
String
Knife
Cutting saw
Rake
CBLM
Water pump
Plow
Sprayer
Sprinkler
Harrow
Tractor and its accessories
Nursery shed or greenhouse
Bodega or Farm shop building
REFERENCE:
What to know
Activity #1
1. What is hazard?
2. Give at least 3 examples of common farm hazards and explain how these
particular hazards affect the farmers.
3. How farmers can protect themselves from these hazards?
Classes of Hazard
1. Physical - includes floors, stairs, work platforms, steps, ladders, fire, falling
objects, slippery surfaces, manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling),
excessively loud and prolonged noise, vibration, heat and cold, radiation,
poor lighting, ventilation, air quality
2. Mechanical and/or electrical - includes electricity, machinery, equipment,
pressure vessels, dangerous goods, forklifts, cranes, hoists
3. Chemical - includes chemical substances such as acids or poisons and
those that could lead to fire or explosion, like pesticides, herbicides, cleaning
agents, dusts and fumes from various processes such as welding
4. Biological - includes bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, insects, vermin,
animals
5. Psychosocial environment - includes workplace stressors arising from a
variety of sources
Risk management
There are many methods which are useful for identifying hazards,
including:
There are three categories of control measures you might take. You can o
eliminate the hazard o minimize the risk
o introduce ‗back-up‘ controls (when all other options in the previous
categories have been exhausted).
What to process
Activity#1
Interview a farmer to share his experience on health hazards in the farm. Share
how these hazards affected their lives in class.
Activity# 1
Activity# 2
Search in the internet more videos of practicing OHS in the work place, write
an essay about it and share in the class.
What to transfer
Activity# 1
You are the well-known Safety Engineer Of the Alcala Dairy farm and you are
invited to identify the risk factors in a newly established JBN integrated farm. After
the evaluation, discuss your findings with the manager. In a convincing manner
cite the hazards; discuss the risks associated with it and the measures to control.
Post Test
A. Read the questions carefully and select the correct answer. Write only the letter
of your choice in your quiz notebook.
5. Which tool has one end flattened and the other pointed at right angle toward
its handle?
A. Bolo
B. Crow bar
C. Pick mattock
D. Spade
6. Which tool has resembles the appearance of a spoon and is used for
transferring soil.
A. Grub hoe
B. Shovel C. Spade
D. Spading fork
7. A wheel barrow is used for _____.
A. cutting
B. digging
C. hauling
D. pulling
10. A cart used to transport things, usually drawn by a hand tractor or a tractor
is called a _____.
A. trailer
B. four-wheeled tractor
C. hand tractor
D. wheel barrow
12. Chemicals such as pesticides can cause injuries such as burns, respiratory
illness and _____.?
A. poisoning
B. roll-over
C. run-over
D. salmonella
13. Which farm hazard includes faulty switches, cords and overhead power lines.
A. Animals
B. Chemicals
C. Electricity
D. Heights
16. Electrical systems in barns, especially in older structures, are often the cause
of a ___________.
A. falls
B. fire
C. flood
D. illness
17. The following suggestions can help to avoid tractor accident EXCEPT _____.
A. fit a falling object protective structure (FOPS) on the front-end loader
B. keep a well-stocked, up-to-date first aid kit in an accessible area
C. read and follow the manufacturers‘ instructions for operation
D. remove or modify safety features
18. Which PPE is used to protect the ears from hearing injury?
A. Boots
B. Earmuffs
C. Gloves
D. Goggles
19. Which of the following PPE is used to protect the eyes from injury?
A. Boots
B. Earmuffs
C. Gloves
D. Goggles
20. Which of the following PPE is used to protect hands from injury?
A. Boots
B. Earmuffs
C. Gloves
D. Goggles
22. Why is it necessary to apply oil to the metal parts of tools and implements
before storing them for a long period time?
A. To maintain their durability
B. To clean the tools
C. To prevent them from rust
D. To retain its shiny look
1. What benefit/s do you get if you familiarize yourself with the uses of the
different tools, implements, and equipment in horticultural operations?
Glossary of Terms
Hand tools – objects that are usually light and are used without the help of
animals and machines
Hand tools-objects that are usually light and are used without the help of
animals or machines.
Health- a sound state of the body and mind of the workers that enable him
or her to perform the job normal.
References:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/machinery.htm
http://www.antiquefarmtoolsinfo
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/01-111b http://www.ebc.com.au
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/safe@work/workplace_hazards.asp
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/iacl102.pdf
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc165.pdf
http://www.farm-garden.com/growing-vegetables/artichokes
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/safe@work/workplace_hazards.
Module III
Introduction
This Module will allow students to learn the basic knowledge and skills
on the different activities done in the plant nursery. It will orient them on how
to support nursery work in a safe, appropriate and environmentally sound
manner. Likewise it will also develop in them the right attitude while working
with others especially with customers professionally.
.
Learning Objectives
Pretest
Direction:
Choose the letter of the best answer. You may use an answer sheet or a
test notebook.
_____1. In selecting the best site for plant nursery, the availability and
adequacy of _______ is the most important factor to consider.
A. compost C. soil
B. microclimate D. water
_____2. Which is refer to when we talk about choosing a relatively flat area
with at least 1-2% slope?
_____3. What do we need if the soil is too heavy or clayey in the area of the
nursery or the media used?
A. Charcoal C. Sand
B. Gravel D. Water
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_____7. Which of the following is NOT considered the best location for a
nursery site?
A. Branching C. Matured
B. Flowering D. Seedling
______3. Always use sharp tools with caution and concentration to avoid
cuts to hands and fingers.
Do you think you were able to answer correctly the above questions? If yes,
very good. Still you can browse the content of this material to supplement
further knowledge. If not, don‘t you worry this Module is for you.
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Lesson UNDERTAKE NURSERY WORK
1
Introduction
Assessment criteria:
What to know:
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2. What is the difference between sexual and asexual propagation?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. If you are to choose between the two methods, which one is best and
why?__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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3. Accessibility – The site must be close or near a main road to minimize
transportation cost. It must also be near or close to sources of
production inputs (agricultural and farm supply stores).
4. Topography – Ideally the site should be relatively flat with a 1-2%
slope. The gradual slope prevents waterlogging.
5. Availability of additional labor- There will be instances when additional
manpower is needed, thus additional labor is a necessity.
6. Ownership of the farm or site – In case the area/site will be rented,
terms and conditions should be clear before putting up the nursery.
7. Location – The site must be away from strong winds. Windbreaks are
necessary in case strong winds occur regularly
For the safe use of the tools and equipment the following is required;
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o Use correct lifting methods when you are lifting plants, tools
and equipment. Team lifts anything that is too heavy for one
person.
o Do not overload wheelbarrows and trolleys with soil or plants.
NURSERY HYGIENE
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Keeping the nursery clean and tidy is important not only for its appearance
and organization but also helps to reduce the emergence of weds, infection,
fungus and pests.
Always:
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• wash used pots and trays and tools, equipment in diluted
bleach, vinegar or detergent
• keep cigarettes and food away from production areas
• separate recycling
• compost left over foods and seed flesh into the worm farm or
composting bin
• compost, water soak and rot seedlings or burn infected plant
parts quickly
QUALITY CONTROL
The regular supply of clean water is essential to plant growth. Plants are
made out of more than 90% in water. When grown in containers, nursery
plants have only a limited volume of substrate and do not have the ability
like mature plants to search for water from below the soil surface. The
amount of water seedlings require depends upon the following:
c. Soil type. A sandy soil losses water faster than a soil with
high clay content hence sandy soil needs more frequent watering.
However a clayey soil becomes hard and cracks when it dries out.
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The substrate should be watered thoroughly so the water should be
directed to the soil and not the leaves except to dust the soil lightly. A
watering can or hosepipe with a nozzle should be used to ensure uniform
distribution of water and one should water the whole bed and not just the
plants in the centre of the bed. Low water pressure is good but one should
ensure that water gets to the bottom of the container to avoid a dry and
hard bottom, which will affect the growth of the roots as they get to the
bottom of the container.
The illustration below shows how watering is done using a simple tin can
with holes at the bottom.
This is used to reduce the power of water drops which causes soil erosion.
It helps distribute water evenly. As already mentioned watering in principle
should be done twice a day early in the morning and late in the afternoon
after 4.00 P.M. when the sun is not too hot. If this is not possible, then
water once a day in the evening.
During rainy season, watering may be done once or none at all. Avoid
under watering and over watering. Use adequate amount of water, e.g. 20
liters for 1,000 seedlings
Weeding
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Weeds are a threat to healthy seedlings‘ development. They compete with
seedlings for nutrients, water and light hence they must be eradicated or
controlled. With your hands or a dibble gently pull out unwanted growth
(rouging). This should be done whenever weeds are observed.
Remove all the weeds around the beds with a small fork or dibble and d on’t
leave any rubbish around unless you are sure that this can be converted to
compost.
If your soil is full of weeds, it will rob your plants off of available nitrogen. If
this is a problem, you will need to add more nitrogen to the soil when
initially potting up in the form of worm castings, seaweed extract or
compost.
To determine when to add more fertilizer, use the date of potting up as your
starting date and add on 3 or 6 months (depending on your fertilizer release
time frame). If the plant is showing signs of low nitrogen then you could do
one of three things.
Deficiency symptoms:
• When the seedlings grow and reach the planting size, the shade
should be removed to expose them more to sunlight.
Reduction in watering intensity (quantity) and
frequencywater. It is done twice a week and later once a
week
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Before planting out, root pruning should be carried out
frequently or re-arrangement of pots to allow more
adoption to stress.
Good preparation for out planting results in good field
survival. Therefore hardening off should be done 2 – 3
weeks before planting out time.
Postponing planting
If it‘s not possible to plant when the seedlings are ready for planting out
(reached right size for planting-1.5 ft) or the seedlings are not bought; cut
the tips of the plant to suppress further growth so that they will not be
overgrown during next season planting.
Root pruning
Procedure:
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Water the seedlings well after root pruning. This helps the plant withstand
moisture stress.
o Note that to reduce root pruning, you can place the seedlings on a
bed of stones or on polythene sheet and this reduces root
development.
o If the seedlings are in a raised bed, prune the roots by using a
bolo, knife underneath the bed right after watering .
Seedling protection
a. Weather conditions
b. Human
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c. Livestock and wild animals
Livestock and wild animals browsing or grazing on seedlings, fencing can offset
this. Rodents such as field mice/rates frequently cause serious damage to seedlings
in the nursery as well as in the field by eating them. To control these, cleaning the
nursery helps to reduce their population.
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To control: Drain the water and spray chlorpyriphos 20 EC 80ml
+ 20 liter of water.
Common diseases
Although there are various diseases which attack seedlings in the nursery,
damping off and wilt are described here since they are the most common fungal
diseases in the country.
Damping Off
Powdery mildew
First, small white powdery patches are formed on the leaf surface and later
the whole surface of the leaf is covered with white powdery mycelial colonies.
Damaged leaves gradually defoliate. This affects the growth of young
seedlings. Control-fallen diseases leaves should be buried in soil or burned
and the young seedlings sprayed with Benlate.
Wilting
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TYPES OF PLANTING MATERIALS (PROPAGULES)
The planting materials or propagules can be prepared through seeds and by
asexual means. The asexual means of propagation in most instances is preferred,
but there are plant species that do not lend themselves to this method of
propagation. Some species can only be multiplied through the use of seeds.
Seed Quality/Viability
Seeds can be categorized into two types based on the initial moisture
content during extraction and the way viability is influenced by reduction in
moisture while at storage. They are:
1. recalcitrant seeds – here the moisture content is initially high and
the loss by drying below the critical level (20%) will lead to rapid
loss of viability. Examples are mango, lanzones, santol, jackfruit,
rubber and oil palm
2. orthodox seeds – these seeds can be dried to prevent respiratory
processes and placed in air tight containers to exclude oxygen.
Refrigeration and the use of desiccants in ordinary room storage
will ensure viability to be extended for a year.
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Germination Test
One way of assessing the viability of seeds is by performing germination
test. Most seeds especially fruits and plantation crops are enclosed by a hard
seed coat or a mucilaginous material that prevents the entry of water into the
seed. Water imbibition or absorption is the first step in seed germination.
Mucilaginous materials normally contain germination inhibitors. To stimulate
seed germination, the following steps can be done.
1. Scarification – This procedure can be done chemically (dipping in
sulfuric or hydrochloric acids for less than minute; mechanically
(soaking the seeds in plain water until the seed swell); dipping in
boiling water for around 5 seconds; use of nail cutter to remove a
small portion of seed to allow water to enter; physical cracking or
rubbing the seed in sandpaper.
2. Removal of the mucilaginous substance by soaking the seeds
(papaya) overnight ; rubbing with fine sand for cacao and santol
The planting materials used here are vegetative propagules obtained from
roots, stems leaves and asexually propagated seedlings.
The advantages in the use of vegetatively propagated materials are:
1. they produce true-to-type plants
2. suitable for plant species that do not normally produce seeds or
may also produce seeds but are difficult to germinate
3. trees are smaller compared to those propagated by seeds and they
bear fruits much earlier
4. highly useful for species with distinct maleness and femaleness
( example: rambutan)
Kinds of vegetative propagules
1. Runners- these are specialized growing stem parts that arise from the leaf
axils of the plant and form roots of their own that render them excellent
propagating materials like strawberry and black pepper
2. Slips- leafy shoots that arise from axillary buds produced at the base of the
plant
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3. Suckers – adventitious roots that arise from underground stems below the
ground.\
Separation of banana sucker from the mother plant
The nursery is a facility where planting materials are grown, cared and maintained
until the propagules are ready to be transferred to a permanent site for commercial
growing.The common practices or operations in a nursery include the following:
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1. Preparation, use and maintenance of germination or rooting beds to be
used only for germinating seeds or rooting of cuttings
2. Potting or the transfer of young seedlings to individual containers like thick
black plastic bags in various sizes. The size of the plastic bag varies with
the size of the seed; black plastic bags for atis (sugar apple) are smaller
compared to the ones to be used for coconut or rambutan. This practice
provides an advantage of giving the seedling the vigor and the condition
for robust root ramification and development
3. Care and maintenance of seedlings ready for transplanting. Normally
seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have attained around 30
cm in height and at least 3-4 mature leaves but this varies with species
and variety. For specific crops, the basis is age in months. They are as
follows:
a. Papaya - 2 to3
b. Jackfruit and guyabano - 4 to6
c. Guava - 3 to 4
d. Lanzones – 6 to 8
e. Cacao – 3 to 6
f. Coffee – 6 to 10
g. Coconut – 6 to 9
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF NURSERY WORK
Guidelines:
Appropriate clothing is required for all nursery work and this includes:
sunscreen lotion
leather gloves
sunglasses
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vinyl gloves – latex gloves are not recommended as many
people have or develop allergies, in the form of skin rashes.
There had been reported cases respiratory type illnesses from exposure to
potting mix mainly from the use of bagged potting mixes. Nevertheless, as a
precaution it is imperative to keep soil mixes moist at all times including
when moving it from one place to another. This reduces the amount of air
borne dust particles. Also, workers are required to use disposable vinyl
gloves when handling potting mixes.
Some other materials used in propagation mixes also have fine particles.
When using these materials, a respirator must be worn and the substances
need to be moistened when blending to reduce air borne particle movement.
Chemicals
Perlite ( fine silky dust)
Cocoa peat ( dust)
Soil
It is always best to avoid the use of chemicals as much as possible
and rely on alternative methods to control pest and diseases such as
integrated pest management. However, sometimes it is necessary to
use horticultural oils, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers and additives.
If using chemicals:
o Always read the label before mixing and follow safety directions.
o Gloves and appropriate clothing must always be worn when
mixing and applying and respirators will be necessary when
spraying chemicals.
These are not dangerous substances however always follow directions when
applying them and be aware that even though substances may be organic or
plant-based there may still be a need to wear protective gloves and even a
respirator.
All farms have dangerous machinery and work situations. People of all
ages, who work and live on farms, are at risk of injury. Children are
especially vulnerable to hazards on farms because it is their home, as well
as, a place of work. Young, inexperienced workers are at a higher risk for
injuries than older experienced workers. Performance changes which occur
with aging can result in reduced balance and reaction time, vision and
hearing impairment. These and other changes affect the aging farmer‘s
ability to work safely. Working alone and time pressure also increase the
risk of injury. When these injuries occur, especially at critical farming
times, they can reduce farm revenues. Losing a limb and the resulting loss
of productive work time can devastate both the short and the long-term
profitability of a farm operation. The Occupational Health and Safety Act
will apply to all workplaces, including farms.
In our country the agency that is in-charge to take the lead in the conduct
of Occupational Safety and Health System (OSHS) is the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE). The agency should monitor the following:
The legal basis of its mandate is the Presidential Decree No. 442 , Labor
Code of the Philippines. The OSHS was created in 1978 under these
standards:
A set of mandatory rules on OSH which codifies all safety orders and
patterned after the standards of other developing countries.
Objectives:
Duties of employers:
Duties of workers
Hazardous Workplaces
Eminent danger
Academe:
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but high time for you to develop it right away since it can boost yourself in
improving the business you are in now.
Let us start with listening. Listening has been identified as one of the most
frequent problems in dealing with others, business negotiations, and
employee/employer disputes. Listening is not a passive activity. When you
take part in any conversation, you become an active participant and as
such you have a responsibility to receive as much as you give. The good
news is that effective listening is a learnable skill but it does not require
mental focus, patience, and a little bit of practice. Here are the steps to
become a good listener.
1. First, you must physically hear the other person. If you cannot hear,
politely move to another environment, insist that the other person speaks
louder, or perhaps have your hearing checked by a professional if you
feel you have a hearing problem.
2. Second, you must decipher what you have heard. Most deciphering is
done unconsciously; however, it is beneficial to pay close attention to
pitch, accents, rhythm, and tonality of any voices that you come into
contact with.
3. Understand what you have heard and deciphered, which means that you
can make sense of the words that were spoken. Some conversations may
be very easy to understand while others may be very difficult.
4. Once you have heard, deciphered, and understood the information that
has been given, you must acknowledge these three things by responding
in kind. Responding is simply giving observable feedback to the other
person. Typical responses are small gestures like a head nod, a smile, or
a strong eye contact.
5. The final step of being a good listener is the ability to remember and
recall the information that is presented to you. Do you have trouble
remembering name of person you just met? Are you occasionally
reminded of something you supposedly said but don‘t recall?
Don‘t you know that writing well is a learned skill that benefits from
practice? The practice of good writing involves planning, researching,
drafting, reviewing, and revising. Writing for different purposes may have
different products‘ too; from asking information about a new product in the
market, an order, to anything that your nursery project needs.
1. Clarity: Well chosen words and structured sentences help convey the
intended meaning. The reader should not ask, ―What does this mean? ‖
3. Conciseness. State the information simply. Do not use words that are
merely there to impress.
6. Context: Write appropriately for the audience (peers, customers and /or
clients, teachers, and classmates.
What to process:
A. The class will be divided into groups. Each group will plan on how
to put up a plant nursery. You are going to answer the following as
part of the plan.
1. Which among the factors are you going to consider in your plan?
Why?__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
a. Seed propagation
b. Cuttings
c. Grafted seedlings ( shield, bark, marcotting and others)
3. Conduct an interview.
What to transfer
125
Germination test
The viability of seed is commonly measured by performing germination test. Seeds
with more than 80% viability are considered of good quality. If the % germination is
below 70%, then there is a need to make or adjust the seeding rate. In some seeds,
dormancy (the inability of seed to germinate even if conditions like sufficient water,
favorable temperature and sufficient gas or oxygen are provided) is a problem. Seed
dormancy is normally caused by a hard seed coat (physical dormancy) or an
immature embryo (physiological).
In this activity, students will perform a procedure using the germination test to
determine the best method of breaking dormancy in ampalaya (bitter gourd) or
ipilipil.
The objective: To determine the best method of breaking seed dormancy in ipil-ipil.
The materials are:
• 15 sets of petridishes
• 1 roll of tissue paper 1 plastic wash bottle
• 1 Sand paper (fine)
• 1 bot. 500 ml. commercial grade muriatic acid
• 3 250 ml. beakers
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• 1 small ( 10 cm. diameter) strainer with handle 1 mouth open kettle
(for boiling water) 10 popsicle sticks for the whole class.
• seeds: 125 of seeds of ipil-ipil
Procedure:
1. Fifteen (15) sets of petri dishes will be provided for each class which will be
divided into three (3) groups. The three (3) groups will serve as replicates.
2. Each group will randomly collect 5 sets of 25 seeds of ipil-ipil that will be used
in each treatment which means 25 seeds will be used for each treatment.
3. Wipe clean by using clean toilet paper each petri dish. A total of 5 sets of petri
dish will also be provided for each group.
4. The following are the treatments:
Treatment 1 - Control (No manipulation will be made)
Treatment 2 - Mechanical scarification to be done by rubbing each
seed 10 times in a fine sand paper. Here only one person
should do the rubbing to minimize variation.
Treatment 3 - Immersion of seeds in boiling water for 5 seconds
Treatment 4 - Immersion of seeds in commercial grade muriatic acid
for 20 seconds
Treatment 5 - Immersion of seeds in 50 ml plain water for 12 hours
5. Detailed procedure for each treatment
For each group, on a masking tape, label each petri dish with the
following:
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c. With clean hands (wiping hands with 70% ethyl alcohol) put 25
seeds of ipil-ipil in the wet tissue paper). Give enough space
between seeds.
d. Add water if necessary.
e. Cover the petri dish with the petri dish glass cover.
f. Check the set up daily for 7 days. Add water when water is lacking.
Do not “shake or move” the set up.
5b. Treatment 2
a. Follow step a to b in 5a.
b. For this treatment, rubbing 25 seeds in sandpaper will be done by
only one student.
c. With clean hands, carefully place the “rubbed” ipil-ipil seeds into the
petri dish and then add sufficient water.
g. Cover the petri dish with its glass cover.
h. Check the set up daily for 7 days. Add water when water is lacking.
Do not “shake or move” the set up.
5c. Treatment 3
a. Place 25 seeds in a strainer with a handle.
b. When water starts to boil, allow it to boil for another 30 seconds and
then put the strainer with the seeds in the briskly boiling for 5
seconds. Immediately remove after 5 seconds.
c. Carefully place the seeds subjected to boiled water in the petri dish.
d. Follow procedure d to f in 5a.
5d. Treatment 4
a. In a 250 ml beaker, place 25 ipil-ipil seeds and then carefully pour
50 ml of muriatic acids prepared in another beaker.
b. Count 20 seconds and after wards, transfer the muriatic to the other
beaker.
c. Use a popsicle stick to avoid seed to be carried with the acid being
poured.
d. Carefully place the seeds subjected to muriatic acid using the
popsicle stick in the petri dish then add sufficient water.
e. Cover the petri dish with the petri dish glass cover.
f. Check the set up daily for 7 days. Add water when water is lacking.
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Do not “shake or move” the set up.
5e. Treatment 5
a. In a 250 ml beaker, place 25 ipil-ipil seeds and then carefully pour
50 ml plain water prepared in another beaker.
b. Place in a safe place and allow the seeds soaked in plain water for
12 hours.
c. After 12 hours, remove the water and use another clean popsicle
stick to transfer the soaked seeds to the petri dish lined with three
(3) layers of tissue paper and then add sufficient water.
d. Cover the petri dish with its glass cover.
6. Check the set up daily for 7 days. Add water when water is lacking. Do not
“shake or move” the set up.
7. After seven days, count the number of normal or healthy seedlings that
germinated. Infected or blackish seedlings should not be considered as
normal. Use the following formula to compute for the % germination:
___________________________________________________________________
Treatment 1-Control
Treatment 5-Soaked
for 12 hours in plain
water
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___________________________________________________________________
Based on the results shown in the table, answer the following questions:
a. Which treatment produced the highest percentage of germination?
b. What conclusion can be made from these results?
c. State possible reasons why no germination (if there is) in some or
one treatment.
Post Test
A. Scoring rubrics for seed germination.
B. Enumerate the different factors to consider when selecting the best site
for a nursery.
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1. __________________________________________ 2.
__________________________________________ 3.
__________________________________________ 4.
__________________________________________ 5.
__________________________________________ 6.
__________________________________________ 7.
__________________________________________ 8.
__________________________________________
9. __________________________________________
10. __________________________________________
C. Match Column A with Column B
A B
Glossary
131
Accessibility- easily reached through transportation or near a road where
clients or customers could easily buy the products
Coherence- a logical, orderly, and aesthetically consistent relationship
of parts.
Conciseness- expressing much in few words but clear.
Context- part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or
passage which determines its meaning.
Latex- an emulsion of rubber or plastic globules in water, used in paints,
adhesives, and various synthetic rubber products
Microclimate- the climate of a small, specific place within an area as
contrasted with the climate of the entire area.
Mound- a pile of earth, gravel, sand, rocks, or debris heaped for protection
or concealment
Supplement- any material that is added to the media that can promote
growth to plants
References
132
AAAAAAB2I/6_rDVYpQuaw/s1600/nursery2.jpg
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/hort/info/fruit/graft/bark1.gif
http://www.nzdl.org/gsdl/collect/envl/archives/HASHb166.dir/p118.gif
http://seattletimes.com/ABPub/2007/01/22/2003536302.jpg
http://www.icrc.org/eng/assets/images/photos/2011/colombia-v-p-co-e-
02114.jpg
http://www.fao.org/inpho_archive/content/documents/vlibrary/ac306e/i
mg/ac306e03.gif
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/propagation/budding/38.jpeg
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/hort/info/fruit/graft/bark1.gif
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/hort/info/fruit/graft/cleft.gif
Module IV
Introduction
This lesson is all about the procedure in cleaning and storing tools
and outfits. It will also tackle waste disposal and recycling, stockpiling of
surplus materials, processing of plant debris produced during nursery
activities. These are important because as nursery operator you must learn
those activities that need to be extra careful in order to minimize risks to
human health and the environment. In this case, nursery will not only be
an income generating endeavor but also as a task that helps proper wastes
utilization.
.
Assessment criteria
133
Pretest
Before you start studying this Module, answer the following questions
to find out what you already know about the topic
_______2. What is this liquid extract of compost that contains plant growth
compounds and bacterial organisms?
______ 4. Which of the following are NOT considered potting materials for
plants in the nursery?
_______6. What term is used for preservation of viable seeds from the time of
collection until they are required for sowing?
_______7. What is the best thing to do for containerized plants once they
attain a full growth?
______9. Which of the following type of fertilizers is best for growing plants?
A. Compost C. Organic
B. Liquid D. Slow release
______10. What is the best way to water plants if they are in different sizes?
135
Lesson STORE AND STOCKPILE MATERIALS
1
There are several materials needed in plant propagation activities. There are
bamboos, wood, poles, nets and others needed in the construction. Once the
nursery operation starts, materials such as potting medium, containers, plant
materials shall be included as its stocks.
The supply of these materials must be sufficient for the nursery to become
operational
A good nursery owner or manager should know the number of its supplies or
stocks.
Initially, it will take a considerable effort to compile a stock list, but this
should be done before investing an amount of money in either purchasing or
acquiring additional stocks
b. Sand- It is the result of weathering effect on parent rocks. The usual size
of sand is from 0.05 to 2.0 mm. Sand is generally used in plant propagation
media. The sand used in plastering is very much suitable for rooting of
cuttings.
136
c. Peat- This consists of the residues from a marsh swamp. Vegetative
peat moss is available but should be broken into fine parts before use in
mixtures or as media. It contains some organic nitrogen and is favorable for
newly rooted cuttings.
h.Saw Dust- It is a by product or waste material from saw mills. The quantity
and quality depend on the parent wood material. Why this so? Because
some wood shavings contain raisin that is not good use as rooting media.
i. Grain Husk-Several type of husks are available, paddy husk is one of the
important wastage from rice mills. It is light in weight and cheaply available.
It is suitable for mixing with other types of media.
j. Coco Peat: Coco peat, cow dung are also used as media. A mixture of
few media is always preferred and used in commercial nurseries. Many times
soil is one of the main parts for mixtures. Media must be selected on the
basis of the availability, cost, ease in handling The media should be
procured and stored.
There are other materials such as earthen pots, black polyethylene bags,
plastic pots, trays (undivided or with built in cells). These containers come in
different sizes used in the different stages of plant age. As plant grows it needs
repotting. This is done in order to maintain its good appearance.
137
Fertilizers such as inorganic or organic are part of the stocks needed in the
nursery. There are also chemicals such as fungicides and others used to
control pests and diseases.
When preparing record for stock materials you can list down what are
available and those that need to be replenished.
Example:
Others
By identifying what stocks are available in the nursery, the owner knows what
to order with its supplier. In this manner wastage of money and resources are
avoided. Remember that many of the nursery materials are organic and may
become waste once they are not properly managed by workers.
a. materials that could pollute the nursery soil or the water supply ;
b. broken glass, thorns or spines, which can cause cuts and infections if
they get into the potting mix or the nursery topsoil;
c. weeds that have ripening fruits or persistent underground organs;
d. plants and soil that are contaminated with spores carrying diseases, or
with the eggs or resting stages of insect pests; or
e. water that contains a lot of nutrients and is full of bacteria or algae.
1. Some sharp items can be sieved out from components such as ‗black
soil‘, and disposed of carefully;
138
2. Soil and plant material contaminated with pollutants, weeds, pests or
diseases could be sterilized, burnt or taken far away from the nursery;
and
3. Water can be cleaned by running it through gravel or sand.
Don‘t you know that there are materials in the farm thatcan be produced as
plant supplement? Yes, it is through composting. The soil or substrate that you
are using, can be reconditioned through the process of composting.
Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as fertilizer
and used as soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming
as well as plant crop production. There are plant leftovers and other
biodegradable materials such as dried leaves, saw dust, kitchen waste, weeds.
139
manure, grasses, leaves, vines and others that could be used for making
compost.
1. Choose a site near your supply of waste materials. It should also be near
your house and at a level that will not be flooded easily.
140
2. Construct a shelter to protect the pile from hard rain, measuring at least two
meters by three or four meters. If this cannot be done, provide covering of
the pile with polyethylene materials.
4. Gather and dust weeds, leaves, animal manure, wood ashes, garbage,
garden waste, kitchen leftovers, and other biodegradable materials on top of
the soil layer. Continue adding weeds, grasses, garden cuttings until the pile
141
is about shoulder high. Keep the sides of pile vertical with lightly dished top
to hold water.
5. Water the pile evenly everyday or every two days to keep it moist. The
moisture will help in rotting the file faster.
6. Provide aerators like bamboo poles in the middle of the pile to allow air to
pass down the pile thereby helping decomposers in its process.
http://www.small-farm-permaculture-andsustainable-living.com/images/compost-teaequipment.gif
143
2. Compost tea-is a liquid
extract of compost
that contains plant
growth compounds
and beneficial
organisms. Liquid extracts have
been used for hundred of years
in agriculture to promote plant
and soil health.
3. Humanure" is a human
excrement (feces and urine) that is recycled via composting for agricultural or
other purposes. The term was first used in a 1994 book by Joseph Jenkins ,
that advocates the use of this organic soil amendment.
Humanure is not sewage that has been processed by waste-treatment
facilities, which may include waste from industrial and other sources; rather, it
is the combination of feces and urine with paper and additional carbon
material (such as sawdust). A humanure system, such as a compost toilet,
does not require water or electricity, and when properly managed does not
smell. A compost toilet collects human excrement which is then added to a hot
compost heap together with sawdust and straw or other carbon rich materials,
where pathogens are destroyed.
144
There are other species that can be used such as the red wigglers (Eisenia
fetida or Eisenia andrei), though European nightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis or
Dendrobaena veneta) could also be used. Red wigglers are recommended by
most vermiculture experts, as they have some of the best appetites and breed
very quickly. Users refer to European nightcrawlers by a variety of other
names, including dendrobaenas, dendras, Dutch
Nightcrawlers, and Belgian nightcrawlers.
Good nursery hygiene is extra essential. Disease-free seedlings are those that
are greatly needed by plant growers because they do not have to spend money
to maintain newly transplanted plants in the field. In order to maintain nursery
hygiene and to ensure a high standard of plant health surplus materials must
be properly managed.
145
2. Media, mixing area including a section for sterilization of media and trays;
sterile material must be protected.
3. Seed store, seed treatment section, seeding and germination room are
neatly found.
4. A pricking out room must be placed as an extension of the germination
area.
6. A holding area for reject, surplus material, or returned trays for recycling
and composting, until sterilized recycled material need to be kept separate
and isolated from the nursery
146
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING SEED MATERIALS
Storage may be defined as the preservation of viable seeds from the time of
collection until they are required for sowing (Holmes and Buszewicz 1958).
When seeds are for afforestation, it can be sown immediately after collection,
no storage is needed. The best sowing date for a given species being raised in a
nursery depends on:
coincide with the best date for seed collection. More often it is
necessary to store the seed for varying periods which may be:
Here are the following strategies that can be done to manage waste properly:
a. Install recycling bins in and around your premises. There are materials
that can be used as media or containers in the nursery. Place them in a bin
immediately then sort them into recyclables. You can reduce the volume of
waste going to landfill and you may be able to ‗on-sell‘ your waste.
b. Use recyclable and reusable plant trays. Reusable and returnable plant
boxes, pots and trays can reduce the waste generated significantly.
c. Reuse and recycle other nursery products. For example, reuse potting
mix in top soil production, use pruning material for compost and mulch.
148
e. Order in bulk where possible. Purchasing in bulk minimizes packaging. If
necessary, consider installing larger storage facilities so that you can order
raw materials in bulk and store them for later use. Bulk purchasing is
usually cheaper and you will also be reducing the environmental impacts of
frequent deliveries to your premises.
h. Establish a composting
system. If you are preparing
food at your nursery, you
might like to consider a simple
composting system. Even a city business can compost nowadays, using a
counter-top composter like a ‗bokashi bucket‘. If you have outdoor space,
you could establish a worm farm or compost heap. Paper can be composted,
along with fruit and vegetable scraps.
149
It is important that plant nursery should be managed properly. If not, effort
and money will turn into nothing but a wastage of investment. A properly and
organized plant nursery can become a source of income. Customers, clients
who need planting materials, ornamental plants, seeds are looking for reliable
source. How can you become a known supplier if plant nursery is in disarray
and not properly maintained.
The following are preventive maintenance techniques SPR uses to ensure the
quality of its nursery grown plants.
The most efficient system for watering individual planted areas will
be used. Where plants are dissimilar in size or species differ, hand watering
will be required.
150
Avoid watering nursery areas that aren‘t currently holding plants.
• Plant holding areas will be used for plants that are in transition. While in
holding, plants shall be mulched, staked as needed, watered, and provided
with shade protection if required.
• Protection shall be provided for plants as needed especially during rainy days
and when the environment is too hot. Smaller and more tender plants will
have priority during these period.
• Routinely evaluate all gravel surfaces where crops are staged for the presence
of potholes and standing water.
Site Maintenance
• All potting soil, compost, and bark mulch will be covered with a tarp to
prevent weed seed germination. Alternatively, routinely turn all piles.
WHAT TO PROCESS:
1. Can you enumerate some materials that are abundant in your community
and can be used as containers in the nursery?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
151
_________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Do you know a method of storing seeds for future use? What is it and how it
is done?
_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Visit an agricultural crop nursery near your area and record your
observations on how plants are propagated, the method of propagation used,
care and maintenance of the plants, etc. Report your findings to the class.
What to transfer
There are many ways on how to make compost. In order to test your
understanding about this lesson, will you do this activity?
152
How to make compost:
1. Select a site near your supply of materials. It should at least be 150 feet
away from the house. A well-drained area with adequate water is ideal.
153
3. Pile up the materials. a.) Pile up layers of chopped grasses, straw and
kitchen leftovers about 12-15 inches on thick covering of the compost bin. b.)
Pile the second layer of animal manure about 5-8 cm. thick over the first
layer. c.) Spread a layer of loam soil mixed with lime or wood ash at least 4-5
cm. thick over the manure layer. d.) repeat steps a-c or until the pile has
reached the height of 1 ½ meters. Sprinkle the compost pile with water to
make it moist.
154
5. Provide moisture. Add water evenly to the top of the pile for a day or two
to keep it moist. This will make the materials rot fast, but too much water also
is unadvisable.
6. Cover the compost pile. Cover the top of the pile with either plastic
material or galvanized iron. This is to protect the pile from wash out in case of
heavy rain.
7. Take care of the compost pile. After a month of preparation, the compost
pile can be turned over to hasten decomposition. This compost could be used
as fertilizer three months after preparation. It can be mixed with soil in every
hill during planting.
Posttest
_____ Spread a five to six –inch layer of soil under the shelter.
_____ Provide aerators like bamboo poles in the middle of the pile to allow air
to pass down the pile thereby helping decomposers in its process.
_____ Construct a shelter to protect the pile from hard rain, measuring at least
two meters by three or four meters. If this cannot be done, provide covering of
the pile with polyethylene materials.
_____ Choose a site near your supply of waste materials. It should also be near
your house and at a level that will not be flooded easily.
_____ Water the pile evenly everyday or every two days to keep it moist. The
moisture will help in rotting the file faster.
_____ Gather and dust weeds, leaves, animal manure, wood ashes, garbage,
garden waste, kitchen leftovers, and other biodegradable materials on top
of the soil layer. Continue adding weeds, grasses, garden cuttings until
the pile is about shoulder high. Keep the sides of pile vertical with lightly
dished top to hold water.
156
Score Evaluation
Scoring
5 Excellent
4 Very good
3 Good
2 Average
1 Needs improvement
Glossary of Terms
Molasses- A thick, brown, sweet liquid that is made from raw sugar.
References
157
Horticultural Educ.
Keats C. hall, 1984, Manual on Nursery Practices, Forestry Project Dept. 2 nd
Edition
__________2001,Prince Edward Island Farm Safety Code of Practice, First Ed.
__________1988, Trees in Newcastle; Nursery Operations and Practices, Hustle
Central Rivers.
Lantican, R. M. 2001, The Science and Practice of Crop Production,published
SEAMEO, SEARCA and UPLB, College, Los Banos, Laguna
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56ncA5dwiA4j_ct6bYKAbKMjtDfZcgiLzCf54FA
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/YOlCWLGYmS4/TW9HPFxcrbI/AAAA
AAAAB2I/6_rDVYpQuaw/s1600/nursery2.jpg
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Introduction
This lesson will allow students learn independently the knowledge and
skills in cleaning up the nursery area after its work completion. The different
Operational Health System (OHS) requirements, procedure for storage of plant
and materials, cleaning and maintenance and storage of tools and equipment
and how to prepare a report of work outcomes will train them on how clean-up
operations are done in order to avoid untoward incidents in the workplace .
.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
PRE ASSESSMENT
Before you start studying this Module, answer the following questions to
find out what you already know about the topic
A. Choose the letter of the best answer. Use another sheet of paper for
your answer sheet.
____1. Which of the following is NOT included in the workplace hazards in the
nursery?
A. Working with chemicals
B. Pushing and lifting heavy equipment
C. Posting communications to clienteles
D. Operating power tools such as pruners and clippers
____2. Which material is NOT included as hazardous when storing tools and
materials in the nursery?
A. Compost C. Herbicides
B. Fungicides D. Pesticides
____3. Which of the following is dangerous when it happen in the nursery after
work?
A. Chemical spills
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B. Scattered potting media.
C. Disposal of excess compost.
D. Chemical spills, scattered potting media and disposal of excess
compost .
_____4. What is best to do to tools with sharp edges after their use?
A. Apply oil on it. C. Keep it at once.
B. Brush it with paint. D. Wrap it with cloth before storing.
_____8. What is the best way to keep sharp tools in the nursery?
A. Keep them in the highest area.
B. Put them in holster if possible.
C. Wrap them with cloth and keep them beside the plant.
D. Put it under the potting materials so that no one could
see them.
_____9. The following are OHS orientation needed by new workers in the
nursery EXCEPT _____.
A. rights and responsibilities C. safework procedures
B. compensation and bonuses D. workplace hazards
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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM (OHS) REQUIREMENTS
You can prevent most workplace injuries and illnesses if you identify
workplace hazards and take steps to control them. Risk control
involves eliminating the hazard entirely or, if that is not possible,
minimizing the risks as much as possible. Ways to minimize the risks
include the following:
Verbal instructions are not prohibited but aside from them posting is
necessary. There are times workers do not take instructions seriously.
Supervisors find it helpful to post written reminders to avoid accidents
to happen.
For tools and equipment, see to it that they are placed in the toolbox
or room for safety keeping.
For tools with sharp edges, apply oil on them to avoid rusting. For
pruning shears, clean the blade and apply oil on them and put them in
a holster to be safe. Again never leave other tools like pick mattock,
axe, budding knife in an area where they can cause accident. Make it a
habit to place them in a tool box or cabinet every after use.
Among others:
Besides correcting any hazards that you observe from day to day, set
aside time for regular workplace inspections, and control any
hazardsyou find during your inspection. Because safety inspections
are preventive in nature, they are an important part of your overall
health and safety program.
• Ask everyone what hazards are associated with the job that
workers observe or that would be performed in that work area.
• Observe how workers perform tasks. Are they following safe work
procedures and using PPE?
• Talke to workers about what they‘re doing. Ask about safety
concerns.
• Ask workers how they perform their tasks.
• Record any unsafe actions or conditions that they observe.
While the first inspections may seem slow and difficult, over time
they will become much easier and ultimately will help make the
health and safety program more effective.
Getting the root of the problem. For example, if they see a wet
floor, they may ask:
• A water leak
• A job process that creates workers who need training and
education on how to clean up the hazard
• Fix it right the first time and the problem shouldn‘t recur.
What to do:
All workplaces must meet the first aid requirements. Effective first aid
treatment can reduce the severity of work-related injuries, which
helps minimize the financial costs associated with extensive medical
treatment or the need to replace employees who are unable to work.
All businesses must keep a first aid kit onsite. Many will also need
a first aid attendant. The type of kit and the need for a first aid
attendant will depend on three factors:
Employers are required to keep health and safety records and statistics
on file. Examples of documentation include training activities, first aid
treatments, and incident investigations. Written records and statistics
can help:
2. Label (seed name, source, year) and store them in a small resalable
bag or empty film canister that is, in turn, kept in a larger plastic
container.
Once you are ready to sow, you can test the viability of many, but not
all, seeds by soaking them in water for a few hours. The seeds that are
still living will sink to the bottom, while the dead ones will float on the
surface. This test generally works better for larger seeds, but there are no
absolutes.
Materials Storage
Implementation
DO:
• The first step in properly storing materials is to compile a
materials inventory by reviewing purchase orders and touring the
physical plant or work area of your business.
• Identify chemicals that are hazardous or toxic. Maintain Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and other safety material for stored
inventory in an area accessible to employees. Include information
on safety equipment and appropriate materials and procedures to
clean spills. In some cases, posters in storage areas may be the
best way to remind employees of this information when it is
needed. Provide all materials in the first language of employees.
• Keep applicable clean up kits where materials are stored.
• Label stored materials for contents, unit number, expiration date,
handling instructions, and health or environmental hazards.
Store materials where runoff will not lead to the street, gutter, or storm
drain. Storage areas should be graded so that runoff will not lead
to storm drains or stored materials can be lifted away from the
runoff, for example, by storing on pallets and then covering with a
tarp.
• Close off drains in storage areas.
• Provide Secondary Containment. This provides a backup in case
of leaks or spills.
• If possible, store materials indoors. This prevents wind and rain
from carrying them away.
• Outdoors, cover any materials that are toxic or could contribute to
trash, debris, and sediment in storm water. For example, use leak
proof lids on containers or plastic tarps over dirt piles. If they are
exposed to runoff, they should also be isolated by either using
beams, or elevated, for example, by using pallets.
• Keep in mind the lifespan of the cover used. Tarps and plastic
sheets, for example, may not hold up well in certain climates.
• For dirt piles, block rainwater runoff with a berm.
• In storage areas, clean up regularly with dry methods.
• Keep dumpster lids closed and consider constructing a roof or
overhang to shelter the dumpster. Replace leaking dumpsters.
• Take care when loading and unloading materials to minimize
losses or fugitive emission losses such as dust or mist.
DON’T:
• Do not dispose of unwanted materials in the street or storm drain.
• Do not assume that a material is safe for storm water because it
says it is non-toxic or biodegradable. Non-toxic means the product
is not toxic to the user. Biodegradable means the product will
eventually break down, but it may harm the environment in the
meantime.
Looking after tools is very important. If you look after them they don‘t
have to be replaced as frequently. Tools and equipment in good condition
are easier and safer to use. Some simple general reminders are listed
below.
• Washing – If tools are kept clean they are less likely to corrode or
have moving parts size. This also reduces the likelihood of pests
and diseases being spread from infected areas to uninfected areas.
• Storing – Keeping tools stored properly means they are less likely
to be damaged, lost or stolen. Tools left lying around can also be
dangerous, particularly if the business is likely to have young
children visiting (a retail nursery) or if they can be used by
burglars to break the office, work buildings or storage sheds.
a. Make sure the tools are free of foreign matter or obstruction that may
impede the efficient and safe use of said nursery implements.
b. Make sure that worn or damaged parts are replaced promptly. This
includes pull-start cords that might be frayed.
c. Make sure that all moving parts are well-lubricated.
d. Protect any parts that are likely to rust or become corroded with paint
or wipe with an oil rag.
e. Keep battery terminals free of corrosion. Cover terminals with a smear
of petroleum jelly. Battery level should be topped up. All connections
should be kept tight.
f. Make sure any oil are kept topped up, drained and replaced at
regular intervals. Follow manufacturer‘s recommendations.
g. Keep air cleaners clean and unblocked.
h. Keep any cutting edges properly sharpened.
i. Periodically check up and tighten any loose nuts, bolts, screws , etc.
REPORT PREPARATIONS
Apart from the record for the sale and production of nursery
plants it is also recommended that the nursery entrepreneur maintain
record of expenditure in the nursery which is called bookkeeping.
Total
Total
It may be noticed from the format that a ledger account has two sides:
debit into four sections, viz. `Date', `Particulars', `Journal Folio
Number' and `Amount'.
What to process:
This time let us see whether you understand the concept in this
lesson.
a. Ask one worker if all of the workers know the location of the first
aid kit?
b. Do workers know who the first aid attendant is, how to contact
him/her, and how to get assistance in emergencies?
c. Are workers instructed to report all injuries?
d. Do they record all injuries?
What to transfer
Visit a nearby school nursery in the area and use this sample to
develop a report for recording the results of your regular workplace
inspections.
A. INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Sprayer
Chainsaws
Others….
o Gloves
o Protective clothing
o Respirators
F. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
1. Are material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
provided for all hazardous materials?stions.
2. Are containers clearly labelled?
3. Are hazardous materials stored properly?
4. Are hazardous materials disposed of
properly.rker
B. INSPECTION REPORT
Nursery
name:______________________________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________________________
Inspectors‘
names:___________________________________________________________
Type of hazar
T Type of DE Recommended PPPerson Date
hazard Describe corrective responsible remedied
(critical, hazard and action for remedial
urgent, precise action
important) location
Ty
Report to class the result of the inspection
Posttest
____1. It is best to identify unsafe conditions and acts that may cause
injury when conducting inspections in the nursery.
____4. A problem that exists in I the operation must be fixed right away
to avoid it to recur.
_____10. Seeds are alive and living organisms that need not be harmed or
exposed to harsh environment.
Glossary of terms
References: