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Introduction
The lesson deals with the selection of site for planting vegetable crops.
Learning Competencies/Objectives
1. Determine the factors in selecting the site for planting vegetable crops.
2. Identify the types of soil.
3. Perform soil sampling and soil analysis.
Pre-/Diagnostic Assessment
Direction: Read and understand the questions carefully. Write the letter of the
correct answer in your quiz notebook.
1. Which of the following factors in selecting the site is considered as the life –
blood of vegetable production?
a. Topography c. sunlight
b. Water d. soil
2. Access to sunlight plays a significant role in producing vegetable crops? How
long the crops should be exposed to direct sunlight per day?
a. 3 – 5 hours c. 4 – 6 hours
b. 2 – 4 hours d. 6 – 7 hours
3. What are your considerations when taking soil samples for soil analysis?
a. Slope of the area
b. Cropping history
c. Past lime and fertilizer application
d. All of these
4. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a good soil?
a. Has high water holding capacity
b. Has good aeration
c. Has plenty of minerals
d. Contains large amount of clay making the soil compact
5. What is the best topography suited for vegetable production?
a. Hilly
b. Level
c. Sloping
d. Gently sloping
What to Know?
Activity
What do you know about selecting a site for planting vegetables crops? Visit your vegetable area.
Describe the physical features of the land, the type of soil, the source of water, the prevailing climate, accessibility
and the socio-economic condition in the community. Discuss the result of you findings in your class.
Minimizing potential production problems is essential to all farming operations. This is especially true to
vegetable producers. One of the most effective means of reducing potential problems is through proper site selection.
1. Sunlight
The sunnier the spot the better for a vegetable garden because sun is the most important
ingredient for growing hearty vegetables. Most vegetables need full sun (at least six hours of direct
sunlight per day) to grow to their maximum potential, so avoid spots that are shaded by trees or
buildings during the heat of the day. Use the traditional planting arrangement of rows running north
to south to provide a maximum and even quantity of sunlight throughout the day.
To determine if your site has the right light conditions, stand facing the south with your left
hand pointing east (in the direction the sun rises) and your right hand pointing west (in the direction
the sun sets). Now take your east-facing finger and follow it to the southern sky and then down
behind the western horizon. This is the course the sun will take throughout the day. If there are no
major obstructions then you have a sunny spot.
2. Water and drainage
Water is the life-blood of vegetable production. Vegetable crops generally require more
total water and more frequent irrigation than most other agronomic crops. The water source should
have the capability to provide the volume required for the maximum needs of the highest water-
using crop to be planted. (https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/guidesorganic-vegetable-
production-guide/key-factors-in-vegetable-production. Retrieved March 2, 2014)
Vegetable crops develop water requirements which are specific to their variety, maturity,
and the surrounding atmospheric and soil characteristics. With respect to drainage, it is the
physical topography of a particular site which assumes the most significant role. The immediate
elevation, slope, and soil structure needs to be carefully assessed before establishing the
vegetable garden. The most suitable types of location have gentle surface slopes and contain deep
and well drained soils. Many vegetable growers prefer a moderately heavy loam with at least
several feet of topsoil. (www.organicguide.com. Retrieved March 2, 2014)
3. Topography of the land
Topography refers to the physical characteristics of the overall field site and includes
such conditions as; contour, soil depth, water and air drainage, and, the presence of rock out
cropping and trees. These characteristics can have a significant influence on crop production and
management. Poorly drained fields or those with low areas can become water logged during
periods of excessive rain. Such conditions can enhance the incidence of diseases, reduce plant
vigor and yield, and, under excessive conditions, cause plant death.
An ideal topography for vegetable production is one that is nearly flat to slightly sloping,
well drained, and, free of trees, rocks and low areas. Efficiency of crop maintenance, irrigation
and harvest operations is greatly enhanced in fields with this type topography. (https://aggie-
horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/guidesorganic-vegetable-production-guide/key-factors-in-
vegetable-production. retrieved March 2, 2014)
4. Types of soil
Soil type refers to the physical composition or properties of the soil. Soils basically
consist of decomposed mineral matter (sand, silt, and clay) and decomposed organic matter.
Optimum vegetable production is achieved on well-drained sandy loam soils. Although
vegetables can be grown on a wide range of soil types, most vegetables are not well adapted to
heavy clay soil types. Soils of this type tend to have poor aeration and drainage and can restrict
root growth. Consequently, these soils should be avoided. Soil is the fundamental resource base
for all agricultural production systems. (https://aggie-
horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/guidesorganic-vegetable-production-guide/key-factors-in-
vegetable-production Retrieved March 2, 2014)
Most vegetables require a mildly acidic or neutral soil with a pH reading between six and
seven. (www.organicguide.com Retrieved March 2, 2014)
5. Accessibility to road and transportation
Vegetables are highly perishable. They are best liked when they are fresh and of good
quality. If the site is accessible to all forms of transportation, vegetable products are easily
transported without much damage.
6. Climatic requirements
The climate is mainly governed by (a) temperature, (b) water, and (c) light.
Temperature affects some vital processes inside the plant like photosynthesis,
respiration, absorption of water and minerals and in the germination of seeds.
There are three basic temperatures necessary for the germination and
growth of each plant specie. First, the minimum temperature limits of the growth
of plants. If the temperature goes below the minimum temperature, the plant will
not grow or will be stunted. Second, the maximum temperature where in the
plants can still survive. Third, the moderate temperature which is between the
maximum and the minimum temperature will make the plants grow fast.
Plants which require cool temperature like Irish potato, peas and others
should be planted during the cool season and in mountainous or high places like
Baguio and Benguet. Plants like peanuts, eggplant, tomato and pepper require a
high temperature.
Water serves as a solvent. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and the other food
elements named cannot be taken up by the plant unless there is water in the soil,
serves as a solvent for the plant food which in the form of a solution is absorbed
by the roots.
Light affects the growth of crop plants mainly through affecting (1) their structural
development (2) their food production and (3) the time required of certain species
of varieties to produce seeds. Light is necessary for photosynthesis and is
therefore required by green plants for the manufacturing of food. Many plants are
influenced by the length of day especially with regard to flowering, fruiting and
production of seeds. This effect of light is known as photoperiodism. Some plants
are known as long day plants and others as short day plants. The long day plants
need a comparatively long day for flowering and their vegetative growth
increases when the days are short(CBLM)
7. Socio-economic condition
Socio-economic factors such as the peace and order in the area and cost of labor should
be considered because this will determine the profitability of the project.
SOIL
According to the Resource Manual in IPPM for Vegetables (2005), soil is defined as the
loose and friable material of the earth surface for plants to grow. In certain places and under certain
conditions, soil consists of two principal layers: a more productive top or surface layer known as surface
soil and a less productive under layer known as the sub-soil. The soil is composed of mineral matter of
different sizes of particles known as soil texture with a small proportion of organic life and mixed with
decayed animal and vegetable materials. The soil particles are arranged from the surface soil to the
parent rock. Such arrangement is called soil profile.
Soil texture, as has been defined by soil scientists to facilitate the discussion of soils, refers
strictly speaking to the proportion of sand, silt and clay particles that comprise a particular soil sample as
described in Table 1.4.
Below is the table on the types of soil with their characteristics:
Table 1
Sand Silt Clay
Soil particles having Soil particles having particles having
diameters ranging from diameters ranging from diameters that are less
0.05 to 2.0 millimeters 0.002 to 0.05 millimeters than 0.002 millimeters
Gritty in texture Soapy slick when Sticky when wet, smooth
moistened when dry
Low in nutrients Poorly aerated Poorly drains
Prone to erosion Prone to water logging Compacts easily
Poor root anchorage Fairly fertile Organic matter present
Good drainage Cold soil
Better aeration
Activity 2
1. Visit a nearby vegetable farm. Inspect the area based on what you have learned
in selecting the site for producing vegetable crops. Put a check mark on the
space provided if the factors in site selection are met.
1. Sunlight
3. Type of soil
6. Climatic requirements
7. Socio-economic condition
In not more than fifty words, discuss how proper site selection affects the production
of vegetable crops?
What to transfer?
Activity 4:
You are about to start the first activity in producing vegetable crops. Your task is to get
soil samples in your vegetable area by following the correct procedure. Bring the samples in a soil
laboratory for complete analysis or use the STK if available.
The result of the analysis will be your basis in applying fertilizers.
Summative Assessment
Direction: Read and understand the questions carefully. Write the letter of the
correct answer in your quiz notebook.
1. Which of the following factors in selecting the site is considered as the life – blood of
vegetable production?
a. Topography
b. sunlight
c. Water
d. d. soil
2. Access to sunlight plays a significant role in producing vegetable crops? How long the
crops should be exposed to direct sunlight per day?
a. 3 – 5 hours
b. 4 – 6 hours
c. 2 – 4 hours
d. d. 6 – 7 hours
3. What are your considerations when taking soil samples for soil analysis?
a. Slope of the area
b. Cropping history
c. Past lime and fertilizer application
d. All of these
4. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a good soil?
a. Has high water holding capacity
b. Has good aeration
c. Has plenty of minerals
d. Contains large amount of clay making the soil compact
5. What is the best topography suited for vegetable production?
a. Hilly
b. Level
c. Sloping
d. Gently sloping
Summary/Synthesis/Feedback
Proper site selection plays a significant role in vegetable production. One
must take consideration on the factors or requirements of a good site.
Let your soil be analyzed by using Soil Testing Kit (STK) or sent to soil
laboratories. Soil analysis helps you in determining the fertilizers to be applied in your
vegetable area.
QUARTER 1
Produce Vegetable Crops
Introduction
The lesson deals with steps in preparing the land for planting vegetable crops. It
also includes the importance of proper land preparations and the tools, implements
and simple equipment to be used in this activity.
Learning Competencies/Objectives
1. A type of cultivation in which the planting area is not loosened except for the
place where the seeds are set.
a. Zero tillage
b. Hoe cultivation
c. Cultivation/tillage
d. Interplant cultivation
2. Which of the following set of tools is used in preparing a garden plot?
a. Axe, knife, mattock pick
b. Shovel, pruning shear, scythe
c. Grub hoe, mattock pick, shovel
d. Plow and harrow
3. Which of the following is the primary purpose of plowing?
a. To control weeds
b. To provide dust mulch
c. To break compact soils and pulverized soil clods
d. To provide soil tilth
4. When is the best time to prepare the land for planting vegetable crops?
a. When the soil is too wet so that tilling would be easy
b. When the soil is too dry to avoid puddling
c. When the soil is not too wet and not to dry to facilitate cultivation
d. None of these
5. What are the factors to consider in proper land preparation?
a. Climatic factor
b. Soil
c. Availability of labor
d. All of the above
6. to Know?
What
Activity 1
What do you know about proper land preparation in vegetable crops?
Have you ever heard “zero tillage or no-till cultivation”?
Cutting Tools
Bolo Used for cutting
weeds and small
branches of
trees, digging
small holes and
pulverizing the
soil
Cross-cut saw
Digging Tools
Post hole digger For digging holes
Transplanting Tools
Hand trowel
Shovel Used for balling
seedlings
Cultivating Tools
Hand trowel For cultivating
soil around the
plants
Harvesting Tools
Pruning shear For harvesting
Scissor vegetable fruits,
Knife tops and flowers
Measuring Tools
Meter stick
Foot rule For measuring
Steel tape the height of
plants and land
area
Carpentry Tools
Hammer Used in
Cross-cut saw constructing and
Reap saw repairing
Pliers temporary shed,
Screw driver vicinity fence, etc.
Plumbing Tools
Hack saw Used when
Basin or sink working with
wrench water systems
Sleeve puller
Pipe wrench
Pipe bender
Pipe threader
Others
Farm Implements
Equipment
Equipment are machineries used in horticultural farm operations especially in
producing vegetable crops.
Table 3
2. To soften the surface soil and prepare a good seedbed to allow easier seeding of crops
3. To expose the soil organic matter to oxygen and help release soil nutrients for crop growth
4. To reduce compaction of the soil and reduce its bulk density to allow for rooting and to improve
soil structure
6. To incorporate any soil amendments including organic materials, lime or basal fertilizers
8. To assist operations that are needed to shape or level the land in order to allow more uniform
water application
When to plow the field?
In tropical and sub-temperate areas, the land may be plowed and allowed idle for about two
weeks. The purpose is to allow weeds and plant debris to decay and allow weed seeds to germinate.
Plowing should be done when the soil is not too dry or too wet in order not to destroy the soil structure.
Get a handful of soil and pressed into ball. When the fingers are relaxed and the mass is formed
into a compressed mud ball, the soil is too wet and sticky to work on. Working or plowing the soil in this
condition makes it cloddy and hard to work on.
On the other hand, if the soil crumbles easily in your hand, the soil is said to be friable or very dry.
This kind of soil is also not ideal to work on.
Therefore, the soil is in a workable condition when there are no droplets of water and does not
crumbles as you take in one hand and pressed into a ball.
2. Plowing or hoeing is the initial breaking of soil surface. Depending on the degree
of hardness and presence of weeds/other plants, plowing or hoeing could be done
two to three times, 7 - 10 days after first operation.
3. Harrowing. This is done to further breakdown the plowed or hoed slice of soil to
smaller sizes and to loosen the soil particles using the spading fork or harrow as
needed. This makes the soil particles smooth and even in size using the same tools
or equipment until such time that the desired condition has been achieved.
The spading fork can be operated easily just like the hoe. While the harrow must
be drawn either by working animals like carabao, cow or tractor.
Zero tillage farming is defined as farming where the soil is left relatively undisturbed from harvest
to planting. At planting time, narrow seedbed is prepared or holes are drilled in which the seeds are
placed. No-till is considered as a management tool under the conservation tillage practices.
Why no-till?
No-till with retained stubble has the potential to improve soil properties and increase
sustainability. It can do this by lifting and modifying soil biological activity that gives excellent
improvements in all aspects of soil fertility, being physical, chemical and biological. These improvements
lead to better farm management as well as improved sustainability.
What to Process?
Activity 2
Interview at least three (3) farmers in your community. Ask them on how
they prepare their area for planting vegetable crops. Take note on the tools, implements
and equipment they used. Discuss the results of your findings in your class.
What to Reflect and
Understand?
Activity 3
In preparation for your next activity, ask your teacher for a borrower’s slip and write down
the tools, implements and equipment needed in preparing the land. Then proceed to the tool room and
get the items you have listed.
What to Transfer?
Activity 4
This time, you are going to conduct a comparative study on Zero Tillage
and cultivated land planted with eggplant. Divide the class into two groups. Each
group will prepare a 300 square – meter land.
Group 2 – Cultivated
Your next lesson will teach you how to grow seedlings. Propagated
seedlings will be planted to your prepared area.
Summative Assessment
Direction: Let us find out how much have you learned. Read and understand the items
being described below. Choose the letter of the answer and write it in your quiz
notebook.