Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INTRODUCTION
(SIWES)
The student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) has been designed to expose
student to practical industrial knowledge relevant to their various fields of study. This has
helped in bridging the gap between the university community and the universal world of
professionalism . The industrial training fund (ITF) in collaboration with institution of learning
in Nigeria have been charged by the government of Nigeria to expose students to a more self-
reliant and professionally oriented training for the betterment of the nation’s lot. Therefore,
the fourth year (400 level) students of Obafemi Awolowo University are sent for a period of
six months to acquire practical knowledge in the industry related to their course of study.
As a result of the technological development around the world, there is need to introduce a
new dimension to the quality of education obtained in the country given that economic
analysis of human resource development literature shows that a positive correlation exists
between a country of economic and technological development and its level of involvement
Nigeria, being a developing country does not need to be reminded the vital role of practical
education to her development. This recognition brought about the establishment of the
industrial training fund (ITF) by decree 47 of 1971 constitution to transform the Nigerian
economy through industrial training of students. This was also aimed at changing the status of
the nation from a consuming nation to a manufacturing one. Furthermore, a section 2 of the
1
decree stipulate that “the fund may be utilized to promote and encourage the acquisition of
In lieu with the vision of the government through the National University
Commission (NUC), the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), otherwise
referred to as industrial training (IT), was organized for the Nigerian Tertiary Students as part
of their requisites to fulfill the award of Bachelor’s Degree according to their various field of
study.
a professional career objective. However, the effectiveness of the SIWES experience will have
varying outcomes based upon the individual student, the work assignment, and the supervisor/
mentor requirements. It is vital that each internship position description includes specific,
The objective of initiating the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme cuts across the
nation, school, Government, and the student. These objectives which are continuously being
expanded include:
i. To provide an avenue for students in institution of higher learning to acquire industrial skills
ii. To prepare students for industrial work situations that they are likely to meet after
graduation.
iii. To expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and
2
machinery that may not be available in their institutions.
iv. To make the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance students
v. To provide students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge in real
work situations, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
vi. To enlist and strengthen employer’s involvement in the entire educational process through
SIWES.
vii. To expose student to work methods and techniques in handling equipment they do not have
5. The Students
6. The Emplo
3
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Integrity Farms is the trading name for integrity United Nigeria Limited, an agro allied
company incorporated in 2015. Integrity farms limited is a vegetable growing farm that
manufacture and market vegetable products which is a vital sector of any economy. They are
specialized in growing verities of vegetables such as sweet peppers and hot peppers in a
marketing company committed to high quality food products, meeting statuary and regulatory
management system.
government area in Ogun State. It became operational towards the end of 2018 and
commercial sales resumed by February 2019. Over the year, Integrity Farms Limited has built
trust of the vast consumers of the vegetables and has a very wide range of vegetable products.
Their primary intention amongst others is to cater for the shortage of food supply in Nigeria
4
Figure 2.1: Integrity Farms Logo
5
Integrity Farms Limited is committed to giving the best for the value of the products by
using the latest agricultural facilities, agricultural products and modern technologies to aid
consumers every week. Integrity Farms Limited is well equipped with the state-of-act plant
and irrigation system facilities from the best tech manufactural around the world. Based on the
good reception for the existing vegetable products of the company by Nigerian consumers, the
To be a first-choice greenhouse farm, noted for fresh produce and quality output; stamping the
ii. Teamwork - The people we engage are trained to provide collectively as a team, high
iii. High quality produce - We produce and sell safe and uncontaminated products
iv. Clean and hygienic farming environment - We minimize any negative impact on the
environment. We do not put the health or safety of anyone at unnecessary risk. We sell
v. Respect - We respect our customers, our business partners, and our colleagues. We do not
1. To provide good quality and affordable food and vegetables to our local communities
kitchens’ extension.
There are at least 15 professionals that makes research on improvement of the farm
operations. Integrity Farms is no different with its top most official being the managing
director, directly under him is the farm manager and then comes four key officials which are
the sales manager, maintenance manager, field manager and the operation manager.
optimum results based on their respective areas of specialization. The department in the
establishment include :
7
5) The Sales Department
The Production Department: this department consist of the agronomists, kit operators
etc. and they are in charge of the production flow of the factory. Monthly production target for
each of their vegetables are known and the production cycle is stated.
The Irrigation Department: this department is in charge of channeling water from one
place to another across greenhouses and field section. They are also in charge of regulating
irrigation intervals, irrigation scheduling and calculate water needed at a specified rate.
either mechanical or electrical to examine their conditions and to check for needed repairs,
adjustment or a complete change of material during operations. This ensures safe and efficient
activities and developing new products and improving existing products. They make
research on yield productivity of products which the result determines the next cycle
The Sales Department: this department is in charge of advertising, price regulation and
developing market channels, they receive the consumers want and bring feedbacks to the
establishment for production of satisfactions, they are known as the money making zone of
the establishment.
8
Figure 2.2 : Organization chart
9
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In some temperate regions where the climatic conditions are extremely adverse and specific
crops can’t be grown, man has developed methods of growing some high value crop
temperature, insects and diseases which is called a greenhouse technology. Greenhouse vary
from small hobby types, to ranges which cover several acres in one enclosure, they are built to
permit the off season production of plants. The basic purpose of greenhouse structure is to
provide a reliable enclosure within which an environment is favorable to plant growth can be
created.
10
Plate 3.1: Tunnel greenhouse at Integrity Farms
11
This type of greenhouse shown above is a UV stabilized polyethylene film used as cladding
material. A solarig is a premier greenhouse covering design for all types of cultivation, it is
made from high quality coated woven poly to the highest standards. Added strength makes it
hail and tear resistant. Move over, a unique additive blocks harmful UV light and reduces the
spread of fungal disease (botrytis) and deters insects (aphids) from entering the house. An anti-
drip additive prevents water droplets from falling onto plants. Solar excellent light diffusion
improves slight transmission and eliminate shadows, and the infrared additive keeps
temperature higher during cold nights and cooler during the daytime.
12
Plate 3.2: Sweet pepper greenhouse at Integrity Farms
13
3.1.1. FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OF GREENHOUSE
Regardless of the type of greenhouse or its uses, every greenhouse must meet certain functional
Strength
All greenhouse must be designed to withstand the loads which will be imposed on it without
failure or deformation. The primary load they must be able to withstand are the wind load and
precipitation load and the secondary load to be considered is the crop load. Some vegetable
crop such as tomatoes, bell peppers also get support from the structure and all this must be
Wind load
In designing a greenhouse wind speed should also be considered. The wind speed used in
Foundations
This is also considered due to wind load, the house must be able to carry loads imposed upon
the structure to the ground by the foundation and footings. The foundation should therefore
resist uplift, overturning due to wind and downward acting loads of the crops and the dead
Crop loads
Some vegetable crops which includes tomatoes, bell peppers (sweet peppers), chili pepper (hot
pepper) needs support. The heavy crop loads are tied with string to the greenhouse frame then
14
Maximum light transmission
Light transmission channels across the greenhouse should be considered to overcome crop
growth problem during off-season production period. The house must be built strictly by the
orientation of sunlight.
Roof slope
This affects the run-off of precipitation from the top roof of the greenhouse. The roof of the
greenhouse should have a minimum slope of 28° to get a free flow of water.
Greenhouse generally is a controlled environment for crops, during sunny days, air is heated
outside it should not come in directly on the plants to avoid damaging their growth and during
cold days the house heat should be regulated. A fan and a heater can be used in greenhouses to
regulate the temperature. If it’s a natural cooling and heating method the house should be
15
Plate 3.3: Single tunnel greenhouse at Integrity Farms
16
3.1.2 ADVANTAGES OF GREENHOUSE OVER OPEN FIELD
1. Crop yield is higher than that of open field cultivation depending on the type of crop,
6. Maintenance of stock plants, cultivating grafted plant-lets and micro propagated plant-
let
8. Most useful in monitoring and controlling the instability of various ecological system.
17
Plate 3.4: Open field and greenhouse crops
18
3.2 IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Irrigation is the process of slow application of water or the artificial application of water either
on the surface of the soil or sub-surface for the growth of agricultural crops. It involves
planning and designing a water supply system for agricultural purpose. Irrigation systems are
Drip irrigation is also known as “trickle irrigation”, water is applied to each plant separately in
small, frequent, precise quantities through dripper emitters. It is the most advanced irrigation
method with the highest application efficiency. The water is delivered continuously in drops at
the same point and moves into the soil and wets the root zone vertically by gravity and laterally
by capillary action where the planted area is only partially wetted. It is most suited for
horticulture crops, vegetables etc. and finds applicability in hard rocks areas where
3.2.2.1 Merit
1. Prevents overwatering.
19
3.2.2.2 Demerit
1. Clogging of emitters
2. Water management
1. Mainline: this are pipes that goes from the water source to the control valves. Mainline
pipe may be made of galvanized steel, copper, PVC, heavy wall polyethylene. PVC
2. Sub-mains: this carries water from the main-line to serve a particular area.it may
3. Lateral: this pipes are located between a control valve and the drip tube, they are made
of PVC, PEX or polyethylene, carrying water from the sub-mains. They are often used
when multiple drip tubes are needed, such as when the irrigated area is too large for a
4. Drip line: this are tube laid on the ground surface between the plants, the emitters are
either installed on the drip line or built-in emitters spaced every 6, 9, or 12 inches. It
5. Valves: manually or automatically operated control valves are used to turn the water
on and off. Automatic control valves are wired to a controller. Ball type of valve are
used basically on fields. There are two types of valve which are
a) Isolation valve: are manually operated valves used for infrequent shut-off of the
water. They are located at the water source so the water can be shut off for repairs.
20
b) Control valve: are valves that turn on and off the water to individual circuits or
areas of the yard that are irrigated separate from one another. It can be automatically
or manually operated.
6. Backflow Preventer: this is a device that prevents the irrigation system water from
7. Emitters: this are device that controls how fast the water drips out onto the soil and
they can be connected to the tubing or inside the tubing. They deliver water at a slow
8. Filters: this are device that prevent dirt and debris from clogging the emitters. A disk
filter should be used near the point of connection at the water source as a primary filter
to filter high level of algae or other organic matter and a screen filter should be used at
each drip valve as a secondary level of protection in case any debris enters the irrigation
9. Pressure Regulator: most drip systems operate at low pressure, usually less than 20
PSI. Pressure regulators reduce incoming water pressure to the ideal pressure and keeps
it at a constant level for the drip system. This device only reduces pressure, it doesn’t
increase water pressure, so if you don’t have enough water pressure this device may not
be used.
10. Air Vent: they are used to prevent air from being sucked into the emitters when the
system is turned off. When the drip system is turned off the water in the pipes drains to
the lowest point out of the emitters. As the water drains out it is replaced with air that
is sucked into the tube which may contain dirt, and possibly clog the emitting points.
11. Water meters: this provide information regarding water application that is essential
for irrigation scheduling, and for monitoring of dripper clogging. Propeller meters are
21
12. Flush Valve or End Cap: are attached to the end of each irrigation line so that dirt and
debris can be flushed out of the irrigation system. At least irrigation system should be
13. Fittings: this includes tees, couplings, ells and adapters. They are plastic connectors
used to attach the drip tube to other tubes, to control valves and pipes. They are different
sizes and the right fittings should be used for the right pipe or control valve.
14. Barb type fittings: this are inserted into the drip tube which are easier watertight
connection without using tools or glue. Barb fittings are also of different sizes so the
right size should be used for the right tube achieve a watertight connection.
22
Plate 3.5: Connection from the irrigation tank to the greenhouse
23
15. Pumps: in most irrigation applications, centrifugal pumps are used. A centrifugal pump
is a 3 rotodynamic pump that adds energy to the water using a rotating impeller. It may
a horizontal drive shaft and it requires priming. They are less costly, less
maintenance and easy to install, and frequently used to pump water from
24
Figure 3.1: Surface pump
25
b) Vertical-shaft (submersed pumps): this type are self-priming pumps
because both pump and motor suspended in the water. They are frequently
26
Plate 3.6: Submersible pump
27
3.2.4 DRIP IRRIGATION INSTALLATION
Before installing a well drip irrigation system a design must be followed. Always sketch,
measure and plan a design before installation to determine the best options for the situation.
Once the water supply and system components are known they can then be put together as
every situation is different so, evaluate to see if you can deliver required water amount to end
points.
28
Figure 3.2: Schematic layout of an automated drip irrigation system (Visio professional)
29
3.2.4.1 Installation Tips
Before rolling out the mainline, the pipes should be warmed in the sun to make it more pliable.
Mainlines are best advised to be buried underground to prevent them from environmental
hazards.
Mulching should be considered when using a drip irrigation system to increase the tubing
Once the mainline and supply lines are installed, it is recommended to flush the piping with
clean water for at least a minute before installing the emitters to remove any debris in the lines.
A backflow preventer device should be used to protect domestic water and municipal water
30
Figure 3.3: Integrity Farms Greenhouse irrigation system layout (Visio professional
31
3.2.5 DRIP IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
For optimum performance, drip irrigation system requires routine system maintenance. The
nature of agricultural water sources, fertilizer injection practices, natural limitations of filtration
equipment and the general agricultural growing environment makes maintenance a priority.
Aside from making equipment adjustments or repairs during the process of maintenance the
1. Flushing the system: when operating a new system for the first time flush the
piping (main line, sub-main line and lateral), flush the drip lines at least once a week
to avoid clogging of emitters which may lead to plant wilting if not noticed on time.
2. Clean the filters: both screen and disc filters should be cleaned regularly to clear
out any collected particulate or organic matter. Clogging filters can reduce pressure
to the system thereby lowering the water application rate or flow rate.
32
Plate 3.7: Filter cleaning process at Integrity Farms
33
3.3 CROPS PRACTISED
Sweet peppers, also called bell peppers belongs to the species Capsicum annuum, cultivars of
these plants produce fruits in different colors and shapes. Usually the colors range from red to
yellow and orange, but more exotic colors include purple and lime green. The fruit is also
frequently consumed in its unripe form when the fruit is still green. Sweet peppers grow bests
between 21°C and 25°C, when temperature fall below 18°C or exceed 27°C for extended
periods, growth and yield are usually decreased. Sweet peppers can tolerate daytime
temperatures over 30°C, as long as night temperatures are within 21-24°C. Sweet peppers are
photoperiod and humidity-insensitive (day length and relative humidity do not affect flowering
or fruit set) (Dhaliwal, Sharma, Jindal, Dhaliwal, &Gaikwad, 2017). Fruit that is formed during
high temperature above 35°C condition is normally deformed. Sweet peppers are also very
34
Figure 3.4: Sweet peppers in different colors
35
They grow best in a loam or silty-loam soil with good water holding capacity. But they can
grow on many soil types, as long as the soil is well drained. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and
7.0. There are several factors that influence the growth and yield of sweet peppers, some of
which include temperature, relative humidity, day length, photoperiod etc. (Go, Jc, &Martey,
2017). Along with other factors which affect the per unit area production like nutrition, cultivar,
growing system and soil fertility, plant density has its significance. In some of the regions
where the climatic conditions are extremely adverse and no crops can be grown, greenhouse
Greenhouse is rather preferred to protect the plants from adverse climatic conditions such as
wind, cold, precipitation, excessive radiation, extreme temperature, insects and diseases (Go et
al., 2017). According to (Wilshire Collin, 2007) greenhouse increases crop yield by as much
36
Table 3.1: Food classification for sweet peppers
Carbohydrates 4.64g
Sugars 2.4g
Fat 0.17g
Protein 0.86g
Water 93.9g
37
Table 3.2: Mineral classification for sweet peppers
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 0.34mg 3%
Magnesium 10mg 3%
Manganese 0.122mg 6%
Phosphorus 20mg 3%
Potassium 175mg 4%
Sodium 3mg 0%
38
Table 3.3: Vitamin classification for sweet peppers
Vitamin A 18 g 2%
Beta-Carotene 208 g 2%
Folate (B9) 10 g 3%
Vitamin E 0.37mg 2%
39
3.3.2 HOT PEPPER (HABANERO)
Hot peppers, Capsicum chinense, are members of the genus Capsicum. Several varieties of hot
peppers include the Scotch Bonnet, Habanero and the West Indies Red and Yellow.
Hot peppers generally are warm season vegetable, but can also be grown under a wide range
of temperatures from 15 – 32 and moisture conditions. Hot peppers can withstand higher
temperatures than sweet peppers. Excess rainfall and temperatures between 32–35 cause
40
Figure 3.5: Habaneros in different colors
41
Habaneros are high yielding varieties and are very adaptable to local tropical conditions. They
vary enormously in size and shape according to the variety, ranging from berries ¼ inch in
diameter and pods of up to 5 inches long, the pods are green at immaturity and range from red,
orange and yellow at maturity. Habaneros have a distinct ‘apricot like’ fruit aroma and can hold
42
Plate 3.8: Fruit at ripening stage
43
For the development of the pepper plant, a relative humidity between 65 – 85% is considered
optimal. High relative humidity levels negatively influence pollen release and distribution on
the stigma. High humidity creates a favorable environment for the development of several
foliar diseases. Conversely, low relative humidity may cause infertility which leads to small,
deformed or flat fruit. At relatively low humidity and high temperature, evaporation rate from
the leaves is rapid. If the root system is unable to supply the water volume required, it may lead
to partial wilting of the growth tip and increase the incidence of blossom end rot.
44
Table 3.4: Nutritional values classification for habanero
Carbohydrates 8.8g
Sugars 5.3g
Fat 0.4g
Protein 1.9g
Water 88g
45
Table 3.5: Vitamin classification for habanero
Vitamin A 48 g 6%
46
Table 3.6: Mineral classification for habanero
Iron 1mg 8%
Magnesium 23mg 6%
Potassium 322mg 7%
47
3.3.3. TOMATOES
Tomato, Solanum lycopersicumis a nutrient-dense super food that offers benefit to a range of
bodily systems. Its nutritional content supports healthful skin, weightless and heart health.
Tomatoes are loaded with a substance called lycopene. It gives them their bright red color and
helps protect them from the ultraviolent rays of sun. it can also protect the cells from damage.
Tomato is used for preventing cancer of the breast, bladder, cervix, colon and rectum, stomach,
lung, ovaries, pancreas, and prostate. It is also used to prevent diabetes, diseases of the heart
3. Improves vision
48
3.4 CYCLE PROCEDURES
Nurseries are mostly raised in a mini greenhouse protected from direct radiation of the sun.
The temperature required for optimum germination of seed varies from 25 - 28 Healthy seeds
should be used to guarantee good germination. Healthy treated seeds were gotten from standard
agricultural processing firms such as Dizengoff Nigeria and Afriagri Limited. Germination
varies depending on variety, seed quality, and soil mixture. Pepper seeds germinate within 6 -
10 days; tomatoes germinate 3-4 days, they grow slowly at their initial stage. A very high level
of soil fertility is required for the profitable production of a sweet and hot pepper crop. The
quality and quantity of pepper fruits are of crucial importance and are greatly influenced by the
49
Plate 3.9: Nurseries raised in the nursery house
50
It’s preferred to use a well-drained soil which depth is at least 600mm. coco peat soil which
was produced from grinded coconut coir are used for the raising of nurseries, potty soil can
also be used to raise nurseries. Coco peat and potty soil are well drained soil which are best
suitable to raise nurseries. Seedling trays are probably the most efficient way of producing
seedlings. Seedling trays consist of different sizes such as model 98, 128, 200 etc. cells per
seed tray. The seed trays are filled with the soil (coco peat/ potty soil) to a particular depth and
seeds are sown in the seed trays one per cell of the tray. A 20-20-20 N-P-K bonus fertilizer is
then used to irrigate the nursery throughout it stay during nursery period before the transplant
period. Irrigation method includes the knapsack sprayer method or the overhead sprinkler
method. Nurseries of sweet peppers and hot pepper (Habanero) should stay in nursery house
51
Plate 3.10: Three weeks old nurseries at nursery house
52
3.4.2. Bed preparation
After two weeks of raising the nursery the terminated greenhouse is then prepared for new
season of crops. A soil test is then used to determine fertilizer and liming requirements. Peppers
grow best at soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, soil can also be adjusted to near neutral for maximum
yield. Soils should be well ploughed to depths of 30cm (12”), and 90cm in width. After beds
have been made following the standard measurement in the greenhouse manure should be
added to the soil and mixed on each bed. Addition of natural manure or organic matter to the
53
30 30 30 40cm 30 30 30
90cm 90cm
54
Plate 3.11: Bed preparation at Integrity Farms
55
3.4.3. Irrigation system
Irrigation is the artificial supply of water to agricultural crops. After bed preparation in the
greenhouse, the irrigation system is determined. Drip irrigation system is mostly used in
greenhouse for effective supply of water across the house. Drip irrigation system is designed
following the greenhouse standards and required measurements. The right components are used
and installed according to the layout and after which it is tested before final installation. Its
gravity fed from a tank of 1000liters on a tower 1.5m high, to increase the head. Irrigation
frequency and water quantity is determined by soil type, age of crop, soil salinity and prevailing
weather factors. Saline soils require more water due to leaching factor. During hot season more
watering is given to counteract the effect of evapotranspiration. Young plants are quite
sensitive to water stress. Regular irrigation with small water quantities in a day for the first one
week after transplanting is recommended. Water stress is helpful to encourage deep rooting,
the harder the plant search for water around the deeper the root becomes.
56
Plate 3.12: Drip irrigation installation and test
57
3.4.4. Soil treatment
Before transplant, the soil and the greenhouse environment should be treated to fight and
prevent insects and other harmful micro-organism from damaging the newly transplanted
crops. Several treatments such as fungi treatment, soil pest treatment, soil micro-organism
treatment, wilting treatment, soil end rot treatment etc. should be done before transplanting.
Fungicide is sprayed using the 15liters knapsank sprayer to attack or prevent soil fungi.
Insecticides are also used on insects, pyrenex a soil chemical from Dizengoff Nigeria is used
on soil pest such as millipedes, centipedes, snails, nematodes, vine weevil etc. 250ml of
pyrenex can be added directly to the irrigation tank and discharged by drip irrigation system or
can be sprayed with a 15liters knapsack sprayer. Soil treatment can be done before or after
58
Plate 3.13 soil undergoing soil treatment process
59
3.4.5. Soil requirements
The amount of fertilizer to be applied depends on soil fertility, fertilizer recovery rate, soil
organic matter, soil mineralization of Nitrogen (N), and soil leaching of Nitrogen. A soil test
The amount to be applied can then be calculated based on target yield and adjusted for residual
nutrients. Recommendations for supplemental organic matter, fertilizer, lime and manure
should be based on a soil test and a nutrient management plan. Nutrient management plans
balance the crop requirements and nutrient availability, with the aim to optimize crop yield and
a good fertilization program with a continuous supply of plant nutrients but not a highly fertile
1. Manure – dry poultry manure is used and may be applied which fertilizer rates must
be adjusted.
2. Lime - may be applied to maintain the soil pH in the range 6.0 to 6.8.
3. Nitrogen - nitrogen is usually partly broadcast pre-plant along with the needed
phosphorus. After some fruit is set, nitrogen can be side-dressed. Nitrogen is important
do not have a high requirement for potash. It would be best to broadcast and incorporate,
6. Magnesium - a deficiency may occur if soil levels are low. Apply dolomitic lime prior
60
7. Sulfur - apply gypsum if a deficiency is anticipated. This usually occurs on sandy soils
low in organic matter where manures are not used. Gypsum is also a good source of
calcium.
In greenhouses or tunnel houses and fields fertilizer may be fed through Drip/trickle irrigation
3.4.6. Transplanting
Before seedlings are collected from the nursery, land preparation should be completed and
irrigation systems should be in place. Transplant seedlings at 4-5 weeks old or when they are
at the 4-5 true leaf stage. Transplanting should preferably be done in the evenings when
temperatures are low or it is cooler, to avoid excess transpiration. Use healthy, properly
hardened seedlings. Bury plant roots firmly into the soil, but not more than half the height of
the seedling. Apply irrigation to the field/greenhouse or at the base of the plants soon after
transplanting to establish good root-to-soil contact. If plastic mulch is used it must be placed
on beds before transplanting. Seedlings must be hardened off before leaving the nursery. This
is done by making sure that excessive nitrogen and irrigation is kept to a minimum. Two to
five days before collecting the seedlings, the trays must be placed in a position where more
sunlight is available to the plants. We transplant two rows per bed. beds are 40 cm apart, with
30 cm between plants within rows, for a plant population density of 950 plants per greenhouse.
61
Plate 3.14: Nurseries transplanted in the greenhouse
62
3.4.7. Fertilizer application
The amount of fertilizer to apply depends on soil fertility, fertilizer recovery rate, soil organic
matter, soil mineralization of Nitrogen, and soil leaching of Nitrogen. A soil test is highly
recommended to determine the available N, P, and K. The amount to be applied can then be
calculated based on your target yield and adjusted for residual nutrients.
1. POLYFEED/NPK
This fertilizer is applied together with irrigation water at the rate of 0.5gms/1 liter of water
starting after transplanting, for the first 4 weeks. Increase application to 1gm/1liter of water,
from the 4th week onwards. This fertilizer is soluble in the water and is applied through drip
irrigation. When applying through drip irrigation, it’s important to premix in a bucket to
Are applied from the 4th week of transplanting at the rate of 1gms/1liter of water with drip
irrigation system. It is applied at least once per week by irrigating after premixing in a bucket
before pouring into the main irrigation tank. This rate should be maintained throughout the
crop cycle. The application frequency should be at least once a week. During crops flowing
and fruiting use more of multi k than polyfeed, i.e. two weeks with multi k followed by a week
with polyfeed.
The crops need to be top dressed after 3 to 4 weeks of transplanting using haifa cal. At the rate
of 5-10gms per plant in a ring band form around the plant and has to be covered with the soil
after application. If it is split application of 5gms/plant, the reapplication of the same rate will
63
Figure 3.7: Bonus, Haifa Cal and Multi-k fertilizers from Haifa group
64
3.4.8. Staking and Trellising
Staking helps plant to grow vertically while trellising support the plant to grow horizontally.
This provides good aeration under the laid stems, easy fertilizer application, weeding and
avoids the fruits from touching the ground. Most sweet pepper varieties require staking to
prevent lodging, particularly when they have a heavy load of fruits. A month after transplanting
the plants are supported with a twine attached to an overhead trellising system due to the
brittleness of their stems. The plant should be manually directed as it grows upward. Avoid
yellow colored plastic lines for they attract insect pests. Staking is almost a daily task to be
65
Plate 3.15: Staking and trellising at greenhouse after a month of transplant
66
3.4.9. Weed control
Perennial weeds must be controlled before planting. In the field pre-plant incorporated
herbicides may be applied to effectively control annual grasses and some broadleaved weeds.
There are only a few available herbicides which provide fair weed control for use on peppers
after transplanting and pre-emergence to annual weeds. These materials control annual grasses
but only a small spectrum of annual broadleaf weeds. Cultivating and hoeing are necessary to
control weed escapes from herbicide treatments. Black plastic mulch can be used in the field
Controlling pest can be achieved by monitoring the crop by applying insecticides when
necessary and by growing varieties and crop which are resistant to pests. Integrated pest
management (IPM) should be followed as much as possible. IPM can have many components,
including good hygiene, field scouting, mechanical control, cultural practices, biological
67
Plate 3.16: Thrips on flowers
68
Table 3.7: Pest and their Effect on crops
Pest Effects
buds
Red spider mite downward curling of leaves, giving an inverted spoon shape
69
3.4.10.1 Method of controlling pest
Pest can be controlled in different method such as the chemical control, biological control,
1. Insecticide: are a type of pesticide that is used to specifically target and kill insects.
Most insecticide are sprayed with knapsack sprayer in different ratio as highly required. There
1. Contact type: this type of insecticide attacks and kills insect immediately as it touches
the insect. It a touch and die type of chemical for insect. So it must be sprayed during
2. Systemic type: this type of insecticide kills insect at a certain interval of days and won’t
3. Biological type: this insecticide does not kill them instantly but reduce their life span
and end their reproduction productivity till they are all out of site.
4. Contact systemic type: this insecticide consists of both contact and systemic operation.
When spayed it kills instantly at contact with insect and still continues to kill within it
systemic interval.
2. Sticky cards: are glue based traps frequently used in pest control to catch and monitor
insects and other pests. Typically, sticky cards consist of a sticky glue layer mounted on a piece
of cardboard that is folded into a tent structure to protect the sticky surface.
70
Plate 3.17: Sticky cards used for trapping greenhouse insects
71
3. Purchase and use only certified seeds or seeds collected from high yielding diseasefree
plants.
This helps you to see diseases out break before they contaminate the whole field. Fungicides
and other disease chemicals are used in controlling them. All chemical products were applied
Characteristics: Caused by a soil-borne organism that can survive in the soil for many years.
Lower leaves yellow and wither, eventually whole plant may wilt and die.
Control: Grow seedlings in sterilized soil. Treat seed with fungicide. Avoid fields recently
planted to pepper, tomato, potato or strawberry (a four-year rotation). Do not plant before soil
Characteristics: Caused by a bacterium this disease affects both leaves and fruit. Leaf spots
are up to 0.5 cm, gray-brown and often drop out causing leaves to look ragged. Fruit spots are
raised and scab like. The disease is carried on the seed and spreads rapidly with continued wet
weather.
Control: Sow hot water treated seed. Grow seedlings in sterilized soil and flats. On the first
appearance of the disease, make several applications of fixed copper at label rates.
72
Plate 3.18: Bacterium effect on crops
73
3.4.12. Defoliation
This is the stripping of leaves from a plant, which are mostly removal of big lower leaves. The
basic advantage of this technique is to reduce nutrients sharing by unnecessary leaves and allow
plant to use available nutrients for flowers production. After defoliating it is advisable to spray
fungicides to prevent disease from affecting wounds on plant from the cut spot.
74
Plate 3.19: Defoliated hot pepper
75
3.4.13. Harvest
Sweet peppers should be harvested when fruits reach full size (depending on variety, market,
and environment). The fruits at the first and second nodes will be larger than subsequent fruits.
Harvesting can be done up to 6 months after planting. The first matured fruit can be expected
approximately 70-80 day after transplanting depending on the variety. Factors such as
nutrients, climate, temperatures, management and logistics play an important role in the general
Both sweet pepper and hot pepper will be green in this stage and only once fully matured will
turn color to its genetic background. There are various colors on the market available, but the
main ones would be red, yellow and orange. Colored peppers are normally harvested at color
break stage. This will give sufficient time to get the product to the desired market depending
on the distance etc. Coloring of the fruit will start around the side mostly exposed to the sun.
Fruit at this stage should be stored at 16-21°C. The use of field bags is not recommended as
peppers are hollow and can be easily crushed. Field crates or shallow boxes should be used.
76
Plate 3.20: Harvested sweet peppers of different colors
77
3.4.15. Termination
This is the final process involved in plant cycle, which is the ending of a particular plant season.
It includes uprooting and clearing the crops on field or greenhouse out of the house.
78
Plate 3.21: Termination process at Integrity Farms
79
3.5 Physiological Disorders
This is a common disorder of greenhouse pepper; the disorder is associated with a number of
environmental stress triggers as well as a calcium deficiency. Any condition which causes
water stress or a reduction in transpiration, and resultant movement of nutrients through the
plants can bring on the symptoms. Lack of water, fluctuating water conditions, from dry to wet
to dry, etc., damage to the root system and high EC in the root zone can cause blossom-end rot.
Symptoms of blossom-end rot begin as soft spots on the fruit, which develop into sunken,
brownish to tan lesions with a very distinct border between affected and healthy tissue. Control
the crop; ensure that the plants receive adequate water and that vapour pressure deficit (VPD)
targets are met. Weekly foliar applications of calcium nitrate can have a significant impact on
80
Plate 3.22: Blossom end-rot effect on sweet pepper
81
3.5.2 Sunscald
The symptoms of sunscald on the pepper fruit are very similar to those for blossomend rot.
Soft, tan coloured sunken lesions develop on fruit that is exposed to direct sunlight. It is
important to adjust pruning practices to ensure that all fruit is shaded from direct sunlight.
Applying shading to the greenhouse during the summer months will also help reduce the
incidence of sunscald. Temperatures of exposed fruit can often be 10 °C higher than shaded
fruit, reaching over 35 °C during the midday, even when air temperatures in the greenhouse
82
Plate 3.23: Sunscald effect on habaneros and sweet pepper
83
3.5.3 Fruit Cracks
This condition is characterized by the appearance of very fine, superficial cracks on the surface
of the pepper fruit, which gives a rough texture to the fruit. The development of these cracks is
associated with sudden changes in the growth rate of the individual fruit. The appearance of
fruit cracks can follow periods of high relative humidity (over 85%), changes from hot, sunny
weather to cool, cloudy weather or vice versa. Maintaining a consistent, optimized growing
84
Plate 3.24: Fruit crack on sweet pepper
85
3.5.4 Fruit Splitting
The development of large cracks in the fruit is a direct response to high root pressure. Factors
that contribute to the development of high root pressure directly impact on fruit splitting. Adjust
the timing of the last watering in the day so as not to water too late.
The appearance of small, white dots below the surface of the pepper fruit is associated with
excess calcium levels in the fruit and the subsequent formation of calcium oxalate crystals.
Conditions that pro- mote high root pressure will also favour the development of fruit spots.
The development of growths within the pepper usually appear early in the cropping cycle,
generally at the first fruit set. This results from abnormal tissue development in the honey gland
of the fruit.
Mulching is the process of covering the soil/ground to make more favourable conditions for
plant growth ,development and efficient crop production .Mulch technical alter means‘
covering of soil’. plastic mulches are completely impermeable to water ;it therefore prevents
direct evaporation of moisture from the soil and thus limits the water losses and soil erosion
86
Plate 3.25: Mulching system farming process
87
3.6.1 Advantages of plastic mulching
2 .I t prevents the direct evaporation of moisture form the soil and thus limits the water
4. Mulch can facilitate fertilizer placement and reduce the loss of plant nutrient through
leaching.
8. Mulches maintain a warm temperature even during nighttime which enables seeds to
germinate quickly and for young plants to rapidly establish a strong root growth system.
88
CHAPTER FOUR
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
and healthy level of moisture in the soil, roots will exhibit strong and consistent growth
and will not need to seek out new sources of water. In drip irrigation, the soil volume in
the root zone is only partly wetted and the availability of moisture restricted. The soil
moisture depletion should not exceed 40 percent of the soil available moisture in the late
growing stage of vegetables. In other to obtain higher yields, the common practice is to
irrigate every day. Proper irrigation scheduling can be arranged by using tensiometers to
indicate the soil moisture tension in the root zone. If no regular operating schedule has been
89
Table 4.1: Irrigation scheduling
Semi-arid 15-30min/day
Sub-humid 15-25min/day
humid 10-15min/day
Semi-arid 8-12min/day
Sub-humid 6-11min/day
humid 5-6min/day
90
4.2 WATER ANALYSIS
The quality of water refers to the concentration of chemical substances dissolved and
suspended in the water, as well as the physical and biological properties of the water.
Analyze the water used in the irrigation system and water quality should be determined. A
prescribe a suitable maintenance program, to select the type of dripper lines and to
prescribe an appropriate nutrition plan. For agriculture, water quality is defined according
1. Agronomic water quality: this is the extent to which water is compatible with the type
2. Water quality for irrigation: this is the extent to which it causes or induce clogging of
3. Water analysis is recommended for irrigation water at least once a growing season
because it is not controllable; it verse with time for a variety of reasons. This means
that different treatments are required at different times in order to ensure that water
Water samples should be taken and test analysis on the following parameters: Electrical
With gravity-fed systems, the volume of available water and flow rate take a back seat to
pressure. All the water in the world is no good if you can’t get it to flow evenly throughout
your system and the only way to gain pressure in a gravity-fed system is by elevating your
water source. For each 2.3’ of elevation, approximately 1 PSI is gained, meaning the 10’
of elevation is 4.34 PSI (10/2.3 = 4.34 PSI). Using a low pressure source to supply a drip
irrigation system may require using products outside of the manufacturer’s specifications.
This means lower flow rates, smaller zones, and fewer emitters. If the flow rate of a
particular system is not satisfied, the pressure of the system can be adjusted by:
Calculate the daily water ration to be returned to the crop by tracking daily additions and
losses of water and balancing them. The losses are due to crop water use and leach
near the optimum level by keeping track of crop water use and then irrigating to replace
92
Table 4.2: Milliliters of water per minutes required
m) l) l) l) l) l) l) m
93
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 RECOMMENDATION
In light of the industrial training, I would like to make the following Recommendations
To ITF:
1. ITF should ensure the regular visitation of the ITF officers to Supervising Agencies
To the School:
1. More thorough supervision should be put in place by the organizers to be able to detect
any student who have actually used the period of SIWES for another thing entirely and
2. The organizers of SIWES programme should endeavor to assist students who are less
privilege to securing a relevant place for their industrial attachment in order to curb the
act of students doing their industrial training in irrelevant places where they cannot have
To the students:
94
1. Student should explore the opportunity of SIWES in place of attachment as applicable
2. to their interest and field of study. Prospective students should search for industrial
training placement where they would contribute and gain practical experience.
3. All industrial training students should be strong and humble to learn and acquire skills
5.2 CONCLUSION
The industrial work experience scheme has indeed helped me to understand the process
involve in greenhouse management, crop management, and has acquaint me with the
As a student of agricultural and environmental engineering, I have been able to obtain the
most relevant and effective practical industrial training and experience in the duration of
24 weeks. Furthermore, an awareness of the general work place has been developed in me
and I have acquired important behavior and interpersonal skills with the opportunity given
me to get a feel of the work environment and exposure as a student to the responsibility
Finally, I will like to state that the SIWES programme is a very relevant and necessary
programme for all students that must be take advantage of by every student for each
95
RERFREENCES
Bosland, P. and Votava, E. (2000) Peppers: Vegetable and Spice Capsicums. Cambridge:
CABI Publishing
Dhaliwal, M. S., Sharma, S. P., Jindal, S. K., Dhaliwal, L. K., & Gaikwad, A. K. (2017).
Growth and yield of bell pepper as influenced by growing environment , mulch , and
https://doi.org/10.1080/15427528.2017.1391146
Go, N., Jc, N., & Martey, A. (2017). Growth , Yield and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet
96
97
98