TLE-G 9/10 Agricultural Crops Production

Weekly Activity sheets

Note: Do not write anything on this weekly Activity sheet it will be returned together with
your answered answer sheets.

Week 1. Day.1
PRE-ASSESSMENT

1. What can you say in the picture?

2. What are they doing? Why do you think they do it?
3. What farm tools are they using?

Note:. Write your answer on your answer sheet.

At the end of the lesson you are expected to:

1. name the different farm hand tools in the farm;
2. identify the common hand tools use in the farm; and
3. familiarize its uses.

What to know?
LESSON 1: FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS

Tools and machineries are made for reducing human effort. Farmers are using
tools,
organic or modern farm equipment lists consists of a series of mechanical elements. 
Equipment, machineries and agricultural tools used interchangeably. The
differences can establish between equipment, and machinery to improve farm productions and
reducing their efforts as well. Here we bring a list of farm tools name for you which will be very useful
for your farm and makes our lives easier.
Traditionally, there are three types: A. Hand tools B. Farm Implements C.Farm
Machinery

The greater knowledge of using farming tools and machineries can open the possibility of success.
The equipment usually used for general tillage, weed elimination, fumigation, and fertilizer
application. Here are some farm tools and equipment name used for farming worldwide
A. Hand Tools
Hand tools are the simplest tools since they are used with your bare hands in
performing farm operation and practices in a small farm or vegetable garden in the backyard
or in school.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF FARM TOOLS AND THEIR USES
1. Sickle/scythe is a hand tool that has a curved blade attached to a short handle which is used for
harvesting grains or cutting grasses
2. Grub-hoe is a heavy hoe used for breaking hard topsoil and pulverizing soil.
3. Bolo is a large cutting tool used for cutting tall grasses and weeds and cutting branches of trees.
4. Pick mattock is a digging tool with a pointed head at one end and a transverse blade at the other.
5. Hand trowel is a gardening tool which is used for loosening the soil, digging small holes,
transplanting seedlings and other similar task.
6. Hand fork is a gardening tool with sharp tines which makes it easy to prick into the soil (moist soil)
making it suitable for planting, transplanting, weeding and mixing additives into the soil.
7. Crowbar is a tool used for digging big holes and for digging out big stones and stumps
8. Hand cultivator is a gardening tool used for cultivating the garden plot by loosening the soil and
removing weeds around the plant.
 9. Spade is a gardening tool with a flat and sharp edge which is used for digging or loosening soil.
10. Shovel is a tool for digging, lifting, moving bulky materials from one place to another, removing
trash, and mixing soil media.
11. Rake is a long-handled tool used for cleaning the ground by gathering the leaves and for
loosening or leveling the soil.
12. Spading fork is a gardening tool with a handle and strong tines which is used for loosening the
soil, digging out root crops and turning over the materials in a compost heap.
13. Dibbler or dibble is a pointed wooden stick used in making holes in the ground for planting
seeds, seedlings or small bulbs.
14. Pruning shears is a type of scissors used for basic maintenance tasks like cutting small
branches, twigs and leaves.
15. Sprinkler is a devise used for watering plants and seedlings.
16. Sprayer is an equipment used for applying herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers to agricultural
crops
17. Wheelbarrow is a hand-propelled vehicle used for hauling trash, manure, fertilizers, planting
materials and other equipment.
18. Pail or can is a container used for hauling soil, compost, chemical fertilizer and even water.
19. Axe is an implement used to split and cut a bigger post
20. Knives are cutting tools used for cutting planting materials, grafting, marcotting, budding, and for
performing other operations in horticulture.
(Evaluation)
For us to know how much you have learned from our discussion, let us have a game.
It is called: GAME OF TOOLS.

Directions: Choose the correct words from the box on the right and write them under its
corresponding farm tool.
Answer this activity on your answer sheet.

ACTIVITY # 1. 2: TELL ME

Direction: Based on Activity 1.2 can you tell me how the following tools are used in the farm?
Write the name of hand tools and give its uses.
Example: 1. Pruning shears-used for cutting small branches twigs and leaves.

1. f ______________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________

3. . ____________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________
 5. . ___________________________________________________________________
6 .

____________________________________________________________________

7.
___________ ________________________________________________________

8. ________________________________________________________________

9.

______________________________________________________

10. __________________________________________________________

Week 1. Day 2
Objectives:
1. List the common Implements and machineries;
2. classify Implements from machineries; and
3. give the uses of the given Implements and machineries.
B. Farm Implements
These are accessories which are pulled by working animals or mounted machineries (hand
tractor, tractor) and which are usually used in the preparation of land. These are usually made of a
special kind of metal.
Plow-for tilling large areas making furrows and inter row cultivation.
Harrow –used for tilling and pulverizing the soil.
Rotavator –used for tilling and pulverizing the soil.

C. Farm Machinery
These are equipment’s operated by electricity, gasoline or batteries used in the farm for large scale
production.
 ACTIVITY # 2. 1: IMPLEMENT VS. MACHINE

VS

Week 1. Day 3.

Direction: Farm Implement and machineries Identification.

Write the name of the following pictures and state if it is IMPLEMENT or MACHINERIES.
Choose your answer from the word pool below: Write your answer on your answer sheet.

(Tractor , Disc harrow, rotary tiller, disc plough, Harvester, Shear plough, plow, harrow)

3.

5. 6-7
 ACTIVITY # 1. 4: LET’S TALK FARM MACHINES

Direction: Give the uses of the following pictures below based on your own idea.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Week 1. Day 4 .

Objectives:

1. Identify the different types of Personal Protective Equipment; and

2. appreciate the value of using Personal Protective Equipment.
.SAFETY MEASURES IN USING FARM TOOLS

 Wear the proper protective clothing: safety footwear, gloves, and long pants if necessary.
 Allow for safe distance between people if you are working with other people.
 Check for faulty and defective farm tools and report them in accordance with farm procedures.
 Use appropriate tools and equipment safely according to job requirements; and manufacturers’
conditions.
PPE (PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)

Personal protective equipment, more commonly referred to as PPE, is required for many farm tasks. It is important
to purchase quality products that meet safety standards and are appropriate for work you will be doing. It is equally
important to purchase products that fit well and comfortable as possible. If the equipment is not comfortable, you or
your employee will be less likely to wear it.

Personal Protective equipment not only helps protect people but also improve productivity.
Different Types of Personal protective Equipment that maybe worn in the farm:
1. Face shield
2. Gloves
3. Goggles and Glasses
4. Steel toed foot wear
5. Face mask
6. Head cover
7. Long pants and long sleeves

CLEANING, REPAIRING AND STORING OF FARM TOOLS

Farming machinery and equipment is indispensable. Nevertheless, farm machinery is prone to breakdowns

owing to the rough nature of their work. Considering the costs involved whenpurchasing and repairing this
equipment, smart farmers put great emphasis on proper care and maintenance of farm machinery.

 Care and maintenance of farm tools and equipment vary depending on one’s needs, but there are several
general maintenance services that come in handy for every farmer.
LET’S READ AND UNDERSTAND
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING FARM TOOL
By the end of the garden season, most of us simply put out garden tools, such as hoes, shovels,
trowels, and pruning shears, away for the season without even looking at them. The next spring,
when we are in a hurry to get started with yard and garden work, we find them dull and crusted with
soil, which makes pruning and digging more difficult.
Garden tools will last for many seasons if they are maintained properly. Clean, sharp blades on
spades, shovels, hoes, and shears will make garden work much easier. Although tools should be cleaned after
every use, most gardeners are busy and usually just return them to the shed or garage. Fortunately, neglected
tools can often be rejuvenated. The first step is to remove caked on soil from hoes, shovels and spades. It may
be necessary to use a forceful spray of water, a stiff brush, and soapy water. When most of the residue is
gone, go over the blade with steel wool to create a clean, smooth and shiny surface. Rub naval jelly on the
metal surfaces to remove rust spots.
Sharpen the edges of garden tools, such as hoes, shovels, and spades, using a
sharpening stone or a flat mill bastard file. Hold the file at a slight angle over the original beveled
edge, which is the top or front side of shovels and spades. In a sweeping motion from one side to
the other, push the file along the edge in a one-way stroke away from the blade. After the edge has
been sharpened, turn the tool over and lightly file the back the blade to remove the thin "burr" that
formed when the front side was filed.
After the blades have been cleaned and sharpened, wipe or spray them with a
petroleum-based lubricant and rust-inhibitor, such as WD-40. Wooden handles on tools also need
attention to prevent them from drying out and cracking. Remove soils residue and wipe the handles
with a soft cloth moistened with boiled linseed oil.
Soil and sap accumulated on pruning equipment along with frequent use results in dull
blades on pruning equipment. Remove dried sap with turpentine and use a flexible, abrasive emery
cloth to remove residue from tight places.
Many pruning tools are designed so they can be taken apart to sharpen the blades.
Sharpen the cutting blades on shears with a ceramic stone held at a slight angle and pushed across
the edge, away from the blade. Turn the blade over and gently file off the burr. After sharpening,
reassemble the shears and coat the metal parts with an aerosol lubricant to reduce friction between
moving parts and prevent rust.

Week 1. Day 5

Objectives

1. compare the work results of hand tools which are properly handled from
the neglected tools; and

2. name the common cleaning materials use to maintain the performance of farm tools and
equipment.

ACTIVITY no.1. 5

Direction: After reading the text above, answer the following questions.
1. What are the farm tools mentioned in the text?
2. What happens to the garden tools at the end of the season if we do not pay attention to them?
3. How will a garden tools last for many season? What are the things needed?
4. What are the ways to maintain and ensure that the farm tools will last?
5. Why do we need to maintain our farm tools?
6-10. Try to clean and check the tools available in your house and write your experience in doing it.
\
TLE – G9/10 Agri-crops production
Week 2. Day 1.

LESSON 2: SELECTION OF SITE

Analysis of the various factors to consider in site selection should be the first step to
be undertaken before deciding finally to go into actual farming. This also applies where the
crop to be grown has already been decided and what remains is the finding of a suitable land
where it is to be grown.
It also includes the selection of the right geographical location. This is so with
corporate investors and enterprising individuals with sufficient Capital. They would have
realized that engaging in the commercial production of certain crops is a sound business
venture. The farm may be located within the country or region of their residence or elsewhere

Objectives:
1.identify the factors to consider in farm site selection;
2. give the importance of the given factors; and
3. illustrate the best site suited for planting vegetables.

What to know?

Factors affecting the selection and location of site

1. Climate. Climatic condition in a locality determines the kind of crop to produce.
Example: Cabbage is a cool season crop while okra is a warm season plant.
a. Temperature
b. Rainfall
c. Wind velocity
d. Relative humidity
2. Topography – refers to the terrain of the soil that is hilly or level. Knowledge of
this helps determine the ease of transporting farm implements and produce and
the kind of plants suited for this site.
3. Soil – loose and friable materials on the earth surface. Example: sand, clay, silt,
etc. Soil type, drainage, depth, fertility and pH are the most important soil
characteristics to consider in choosing the crop to grow.
4. Accessibility – the place should be easily reached by vehicles. The nearer the
place, the lesser is the transportation cost.
5. Water supply – this refers to both distribution and amount of water for irrigation.
6. Socio-economic consideration – these determine the profitability of the
enterprise.
a. Peace and order situation
b. Cost and availability of labor
c. Prevalence of infectious diseases
d. Price of land
1.Climatic factors
By this, we are referring to rainfall, humidity, wind pressure and direction, temperature etc. These
factors must be favourable to the farming enterprise you choose be it crops or animals. Different
types of crops do well under a certain range of climatic conditions, likewise certain animals. It is,
therefore, relevant to consider the factors that will promote your farming enterprise and avoid those
that will
2. Socio-economic factors
These factors include infrastructure, population, settlements, market, labor and others. Infrastructure, It
includes access roads, electricity, water, telecommunication, health facilities, police station etc. The
presence of these makes it suitable to site a venture like a poultry farm. However, proximity to the urban
settlement may make it unsuitable. Another example is security and health considerations which will
require the presence of health facilities and police presence, respectively. You may need a market close
to your farm and available labor. Careful thought and research must
be carried out to assess the suitability of a farm site in the presence or absence of all or a
combination of the socio-economic factors.
3. Edaphic factors
These are related to soil conditions like structure, fertility, texture, porosity, consistency etc. These soil
factors determine the suitable farming enterprise be it crops or animals. Lands with clayey soils may be
suited for fish farming, with all other factors favorable. Some lands are prone to flooding and/or erosion.
These lands, depending on your resources may be managed to set up a profitable farm eg. fish farming.
However, with a crop farm like vegetables and tree crops in mind, avoid such areas as it will not favor the
crops.

4. Environmental factors
Your farming operations should not have a negative impact on the environment. Some farming activities,
when exposed to human or animals, can be harmful. This is usually the case when farms are site close
to the urban area. On the other hand, the environment may also have a negative impact on your farm,
reducing productivity. Some farms are forced to move or change operation and the urban developments
5. Government policies
Various government make policies that help them to achieve growth in agriculture. Take advantage of it
and set up your farm in a location likely to benefit from the implementation of the policy. For example, the
government may decide to cut taxes for farms in a particular area or zone of the country.  Also, the
government may increase the allocation of subsidized fertilizer and other agro-inputs for certain areas of
the countries. You may build a farm in such areas to take advantage of it. You must consider
Government policies in your site selection for farming purpose.
6. Biotic factors
This is relating to the presence or absence of some harmful or beneficial organisms. In site selection for
farming purposes, you may consider the natural population of certain organisms like bees and other
pollinators. and less pest and disease-causing organisms. Where the farming venture involves tree
crops, farmlands in forest areas are preferred. However, places with a long history of pests and diseases
may be avoided. Also, you should be careful in choosing a site with certain dominant weeds which are
difficult to control.
7. Economic factors
If you want your agricultural business to thrive, then this factor is the most important to consider. It
includes the cost, benefits and terms of lease or acquisition. You need to carry out a feasibility study of
the site to make sure that it will yield enough returns to sustain your farm. This will give you an idea and
better understanding, at the time of site selection, the site that will give you the highest returns, taking
into consideration all the other factors.
In summary
The site may determine the suitable farming enterprise and vice versa. Before you reach a decision on
the site for your farm or the right enterprise for your site, use all available expertise.

ACTIVITY 2.1 :WORD JUMBLE

Direction: Arranged the jumbled letters to form a word related to site selection and explain why
do we need to consider them. Copy and answer on your answer sheets.

1. YOPHTPGROA – ___________

2.LOSI PTYE – ______________

3.ESCLIBACSTIYI- ____________

4.ANLRILA - _______________

5. ERTAW PLUSYP- __________________

Week 2. Day 2.

Activity 2.2.
Direction: Illustrate the best site suited for planting vegetables on your answer sheet.
 Week 2. Day 3.
LESSON 3: SECURE, SELECT AND PLANT THE SEEDS
Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1.determine the source of good quality seeds;
2. give the characteristics of seeds;
3. test the viability of seeds;
4. calculate germination percentage; and
5. solve the New seeding Rate.

What to know?
Let us define

Seeds viability- the ability of the seeds to emerge from the soil.
Germination- capability of the seeds to emerge from the soil.
Pathogens- disease-causing mmicroorganisms.
Seed treatment-treating the seeds with the chemicals or hot water.

Proper securing and selecting of seeds used for planting is very importantto ensure high
yield. To maximize yield, good seeds should be used and proper planting must be
observed.

Characteristics of a Good Seeds

1. must be fresh and viable.
2. must be free from seed-borne pest and microorganisms.
3. must be free from foreign materials andweed seeds.
4. must be fully mature
5. must be whole not cracked.

Methods of Testing the Viability of Seeds

a. Rag-doll method-In this method, a rag of convenient size and a stick. Take a seeds of legumes at random
from the bulk supply. Distribute the seeds evenly in rows on the rag. Then roll the rag in a stick for support.
Moisten the cloth and place it in warm and moist place. Water daily and unroll the cloth after five days and
determine the germination percentage.

b. Seedbox method–Place fine sand in seed boxes. Moisten the sand to 50% of its water holding
capacity. Plant randomly picked seeds from the bulk supply in uniform layers of moist sand. Cover
to a depth of 10 to 20 millimeters. Water daily. After 5 days, take the germination percentage.

c. Petri-dish method-Place a number of randomly picked seeds from the bulk supply in a petri dish or
similar container. Place enough water to moisten the seeds. Cover the seeds with tissue paper
that can retain moisture for 5 days. Determine the germination percentage for 5 days.

Activity no.2.3.

Perform at least one method of testing the viability of seeds.

(use 50 pcs. (mungbeans)
Solve the Germination Percentage.
(Show your solution). (15 points)
Using the Formula below
Week 2. Day 4.

Determining the Germination Percentage and Adjusted Seeding Rate.

1. Formula in determining Percentage Germination

No . of seeds germinated
Percentage (%) of Germination= x 100
No .of seeds sown
 After inspecting the seed box, you find that only 85 seeds germinated out of 100 seeds
that you have sown. The percentage of germination will be

85
Percentage of germination= x100
100

8500
= 100

Percentage of germination= 85%

To calculate the exact amount of seeds needed to plant a hectare, use the following
formula:

New seeding rate=

Where:

a.) recommended seeding rate is given based on 85%

b.) percentage germination is calculated using the first formula

Example:

The recommended seeding rate of pole beans is 8000gm per hectare and the
percentage of germination is 85. The new seeding rate will be;

8000 gm/ Ha
.85
New seeding rate =

=9,411.76 gm/ha .

Note: Do not write anything on the worksheets. Provide your own answer sheet
in a Yellow pad paper. Copy the given table below.

Week 2. Day 5.

Activity 2.4 and 2.5

Solve for the Germination Percentage and theNew Seeding Rate.

Note: 3 points for germination Percentage and 2 points for New Seeding Rate.
We have 5 kinds of seeds (Tomatoes, Eggplant, Pechay and Raddish )
Total score: 4x5=20 points

Show your solution on your answer sheet. As shown in the example below.

Kind of seed Pepper Squash EGGPLANT PECHAY RADDISH

# OF SEEDS 250 230 150 170 100
PLANTED
# OF SEED 215 200 100 150 87
GERMINATED
 RECOMMENDED 200 200 75 700 3250
SEEDING RATE
gm /Ha

Example:1. Pepper
No . of Seeds Germinated
Germination percentage¿ x 100
No . of seeds sown
215
= x 100
250
21,500
= 250
Germination Percentage =86%
Recommended Seeding rate gm/ Ha
New Seeding Rate=
Germination Percentage

200
= .86
=232.56 gm/Ha
 identify the methods of plant propagation;
write the parts of the plants which is being asexually propagated; and
perform at least one artificial method of plant propagation at home.
Draw or take pictures on it.
Methods of Plant Propagations:
Plant propagation can be done through:
A. Sexual Method-It involves the use of seeds.
Two types of planting seeds
1. Direct planting means that the seeds are planted directly in the field where they will
grow permanently up to harvesting. This is usually done to plants with big seeds such as
beans, corn, peanuts, okra, patola, upo and ampalaya. Many big farms and commercial
growers use this method to make the work easy.
2.. Indirect planting is practical among plants with small seeds such as cabbage, pechay,
mustard, tomatoes, eggplants and spinach. They are sown in seedboxes or seedbeds in
rows to produce seedlings which are then transplanted into the field. As soon as seedlings
have grown three or more leaves, they are now ready for transplanting.
Transplanting is done when seedlings have attained 12 -15 cm in height and 3 – 4
leaves have developed.
Steps to follow in transplanting seedlings:
1. Water the seedlings before pulling.
2. Pull the seedlings carefully without shaking off the media from the roots.
3. Plant the seedlings immediately to prevent the roots from drying out.
4. Gently press the soil around the roots.
5. Water the seedlings at the soil surface with a gentle stream of water to settle the soil
around the roots.

B. Asexual Methods of propagation

The total characteristics of a plant can be obtained if it is propagated by means of
roots, stems, and leaves.
This method can be classified into two groups:
1. Natural Method- This method makes use of plant parts which is naturally come
out, such as the suckers in banana and taro (gabi), runners in strawberry and
bermuda, bulbs for onions,rhizome for ginger, cloves for garlic, and slip, sucker
and crown for pineapple,stem for cassava, spores for ferns and mushroom,
tubers for potato and leaf for almost all succulent plants and many others. These
parts are separated from the parent plant.
2. Artificial Method
a. Use of cuttings- This is commonlly done, in sweet potatoes, grapes and almost
all ornamental plants and vines and others.
b. Marcotting-The stems are allowed to develop roots while they are still attached
to the mother plant.
c. Layering-This method is similar to marcotting. The only difference is that the
stem is pulled down and removed the bark and this portion of the stem is
buried in the soil.
d. Budding- the bud is transferred rom a fruit bearing to a young plant.
e. Grafting- done by cutting a not so young stem from a fruit- bearing tree and
then transferring it to a similar-sized plant. The stem or scion is inserted into a
cut portion called the stock. The cut is in the center. The joint should be
carefully tied so it will not separate. Water must not be allowed to penetrate
the joint so a plastic sheet placed around the joint is necessary.
Evaluation Activity 5.1.
Note: Copy and answer on a Yellow pad paper as your answer sheets.
Directions: Write DS if the seeds is directly seeded into the field, TP for indirectly
seeded or transplanted. But if it is asexually propagated write the parts of the plants
which is being reproduced.
1. Corn- __________________
2. Pechay- __________________
3. Banana- __________________
4. Tomato- __________________
5. Sweet Potato-__________________
6. Garlic- __________________
7. Ginger- __________________
8. Eggplant- __________________
9. Onion- __________________
10. Taro- __________________
11. Pineapple- __________________
12. Cassava- __________________
 13. Squash- __________________
14. Ferns- __________________
15. Peanut- __________________

Activity 5.2. Identify of what kind of artificial method of plant

propagation. Write your answer on your answer sheets.

1. _________________________

2. ______________________ 3. ___________________

layering-lead-1280x720_1080x.webp

Activity no. 5.3. Perform at least one artificial asexual plamt propagation.

Week 5.
 Objectives:
1. identify the common terms applied to cultural practices;
2. identify the 3 major elements of inorganic fertilizers and give its
functions; and
3. give the N-P-K composition of the given inorganic fertilizers.

LESSON 4: CULTURAL PRACTICES

Cultural methods are agriculture practices used to enhance crop

and livestock health and prevent weed, pest or disease problems without the use of
chemical substances. Examples include the selection of appropriate varieties and planting
sites; selection of appropriate breeds of livestock; providing livestock facilities designed to
meet requirements of species or type of livestock; proper timing and density of
plantings; irrigation; and extending a growing season by manipulating the microclimate with
green houses, cold frames, or wind breaks. Helps in proper farming methods
Objectives:

What to know?

Applying fertilizer
Fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material that is added to soil to supply
nutrients essential to the growth of plants. A good fertilization program strives to
maintain the current supply of nutrients to optimum levels and in correct proportion for
economical production. It is achieved by proper timing and rate of application; thus,
gives assurance for better yield of the crops.

A. Fertilizer
Two kinds of fertilizer

1. Organic fertilizer – derived from vegetable and animal waste and decomposed
plants and animal remains. Example: decomposed animal manure, green
manure, worm castings
2. Inorganic – man-made fertilizer. Example: Urea,- 14-14-14
Ammonium Phosphate-16-20-0, and Potassium Sulfate-21-0-0

Methods of fertilizer application:

1. Basal method – the fertilizer is applied first before or during planting.

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

Mechanical – a method that involves the use of hand pulling, hoeing, cultivation, mowing,
and burning. Tillers drawn by animals or tractors are used in large scale plantation
1. Chemical – the method of modern weed control that involves chemicals called
herbicides.
 2. Biological - this is method that disrupts the ecological status of pests through the
use of organisms that are natural predators, parasites, or pathogens.
C. Irrigation and Drainage in Agricultural Production
Water is very important to crops. In the absence of rain, irrigation provides the
necessary moisture and carrier of plant food to obtain maximum growth and
development of crops.
Two systems of irrigation
1. Gravity – a system of irrigation that requires a dam to direct the water to a stream.
2. Pumping – a system of irrigation that uses a pump to draw water either from a nearby
stream or a ground water supply.
Methods of irrigation
1. Surface irrigation – the water is applied on the surface of the soil either in furrows or
by flooding. This is the most economical method of irrigation.
2. Sprinkler or overhead irrigation – the water is applied in the form of a spray or
artificial rain. This method uses water efficiently and the operation is flexible.
3. Drip irrigation – the water is applied through pipes at calibrated pressures.
Drainage – excess water in the field is removed. Excess water in the field may
damage the crops, cause run off and leaching of soil nutrients.
Methods of drainage:
1. Natural – the method that drains excess water from the field without the intervention
of man.
2. Artificial – this method may take the form of open ditches and tile drains or under
drains. This is the best method of removing excess water from the field because
water passes down quickly, avoiding the removal of surface flow.
Advantages of well- drained land:
1. It is porous. Porous soil is easy to work on.
2. It does not become muddy.
3. It is not acidic.
4. There is no submergence of small growing plants.
5. The growth of plants is generally better.
6. The activities of microorganisms are disturbed.
7. Well-drained land prevents the removal of top soil which is the most fertile part of the
soil.
8. Good drainage helps in flood control.
D. Crop Protection

1. Insect pests cause great damage to crops. They chew, suck and lap the leaves,
flowers and fruits hence decreasing the yield and quality of produce. They also
transmit disease to man and crops as well.
Control methods:
a. Cultural methods
• Use of resistant varieties
• Use of hand picking
• Use of botanical insecticides
• Use of crop rotation
• Use of intercropping
b. Chemical method
c. Biological method
d• Use of trap plants ex. Amarillo
• Use of plant attractants ex. Basil (amaranth), sunflower, cosmos, zinnia
Safety measures in using chemicals:
a. Use least hazardous products
b. Dispense and mix chemicals in well-ventilated areas
c. Use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

2. Diseases
 Disease is more detrimental than insect pest. Its presence is unnoticed at first
but when noticed, it is already in its advanced stage. Detection of the causal
organism is not easy as well; hence, controlling the disease is not easy.
Plant disease is either parasitic or non-parasitic.