REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Department of Education
PUBLIC TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL
HIGH SCHOOLS

COMPETENCY-BASED
LEARNING MATERIAL
FOURTH YEAR

HORTICULTURE NC II
Unit of Competency: PRODUCE FRUIT-BEARING CROPS
Module No. 1 Module Title: SELECTING AND PREPARING THE
SITE FOR PLANTING FRUIT-BEARING CROPS

1
 MODULE I

QUALIFICATION TITLE : HORTICULTURE NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRODUCE FRUIT-
BEARING CROPS
MODULE TITLE : SELECTING AND
PREPARING SITE FOR
PLANTING
FRUIT-BEARING CROPS
NOMINAL DURATION : 70 HRS

WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?

This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in

selecting and preparing the site for planting fruit-bearing crops. It
includes clearing, plowing, harrowing, laying out, staking and digging of
holes for planting fruit-bearing crops.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:

1. select the site for planting;
2. prepare the land; and
3. layout, stake the site and dig holes.

WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

Pre-Test:

Select the best answer by writing only the LETTER in your quiz
notebook.
1. Which of the following is NOT true about selecting the site for
planting fruit-bearing crops?
a. The site selected should not be far from suitable freight and
express depot.
b. Climate, soil, and water supply play an important role to attain
success in farming.
c. The ideal soil for growing fruit-bearing crops is an open, porous,
sandy and loam topsoil.
d. Heavy soil and clay soil should be selected for they are often
wet, cold and slow to dry up after the rains.
2
2. What is the most favorable type of soil for planting fruit-bearing
crops?
a. Clay
b. Loam
c. Sandy
d. Silt
3. Which is the best topography of the land for fruit-bearing crops?
a. Hilly
b. Level
c. Slightly sloping
d. Mountainous
4. Which of the following is NOT a desirable reason for fruit-bearing
crops to grow near bodies of water?
a. Fruit-bearing crops must have sufficient supply of water during
their development period.
b. Water modifies the temperature of the site.
c. Water is very vital especially for fruit-bearing crops planted in
the hillsides.
d. None of these
5. Which of the following is NOT considered in locating the position of
the trees in the orchard?
a. Exposure to sunlight
b. Availability of silos
c. Sufficiency of water
d. Direction of the wind
6. Which of the following is NOT true about laying out and staking?
a. Aesthetic beauty is attained
b. Crops are set at equal distances
c. Crops are located in their proper places
d. Crops are planted anywhere
7. What is the best tool to use in digging holes for planting fruit-
bearing crops?
a. bolo
b. crow bar
c. posthole digger
d. spade
8. Which of the following is NOT true when digging holes for planting
fruit-bearing crops?
a. Deep and wide enough to accommodate the root system
b. Just enough to fit in the roots
c. Separate topsoil from subsoil
d. Use appropriate digging tools
9. Which of the following implements is used in leveling the soil?
a. plow
b. harrow
c. crowbar
d. garden hoe

3
10. Which one is NOT be used in laying out and staking?
a. rope
b. steel tape
c. foot ruler
d. planting board

4
 LESSON I

SELECT THE SITE FOR PLANTING FRUIT-BEARING CROPS

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with the different considerations in selecting the

site for planting fruit-bearing crops.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

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

1. identify the different considerations in selecting the site for
planting fruit-bearing crops; and
2. develop the love for work.

LET US STUDY

Let us Define

temperature – the degree of coldness or hotness of the atmosphere

climate – the average condition in a given locality in relation to
temperature and moisture
weather – the condition of the atmosphere with reference to its pressure,
temperature, moisture, the presence of clouds, direction and
velocity of the wind
topography – the description of the physical features or contour of the
land and its elevation or depression

Selecting the Site for Planting Fruit-bearing Crops

In selecting and developing the site for fruit-bearing crop

plantation, two things should be considered:
1. The surroundings that will affect the tree grower and his family,
and the social, economic, and aesthetic development of the
community.

5
2. The existing conditions in the place for that should be suited to the
proper development of the business. This factor can be easily
grouped into two divisions, namely:

a. Factors affecting the growth and development of crops.

 Climate. Climate influences fruit and tree crop farming. In
fact, most tree farmers at present understand that individual
farm crops or group of crops adapt to different climatic
conditions, soil, and water supply. Climate does not only
refer to rainfall but also sunshine, cloudiness, temperature,
humidity, wind and their variation. To some extent, rainfall
affects the choice of fruit-bearing crops to be grown.
Insufficient rainfall in some cases may prevent the
production of good tree crops.
Long light rains moisten the soil much more effectively
than heavy rains. Light rains deeply penetrate the soil. On
the other hand, heavy rains make puddles on the surface.
Thus water is not absorbed by the soil because it flows faster
than it penetrates the soil. The run off may cause serious
erosion on sloping field.
Temperature is the measurement of the coldness or
hotness of an object, and is therefore, has an effect on fruits.
In places where there is high temperature, fruits are ripened
prematurely. This results to this coloration of the skin and
unfavorable taste of the fruits. High temperature causes
injuries on tissues and scalding in some fruits.
 Soil. Fruit-bearing crops can be grown in almost any kind of
soil but as much as possible, the soil should be selected and
must have at least the following essential qualities: good
texture, a fair amount of organic matter, and good drainage.
In most cases, the presence of any or all of these three
qualities in the land will give the fruit-bearing crops a good
start.
The ideal soil in growing fruit-bearing crops is an open,
porous, sandy and loam topsoil with an open, gravely
subsoil. Such a soil formation is dry and warm owing to the
fact that surface moisture leaches quickly. During rainy
season such soil remains to be remarkably warm.
Furthermore, a well drained soil of this kind cleans itself
quickly.
Heavy soil and clay soil should be avoided as they are
often wet, cold, and slow to dry up after the rain. Such soil
needs more cultivation and the growing of supplementary
crops is not advisable.

6
 The loam type of soil is the most advantageous. This is
composed of ordinary soil or pulverized rocks mixed with
rotting plants and animal manure. These rotten materials
which contain much food nutrients are sticky but not as
sticky as clay. Mixed with sand, the combination produces a
soil type which is well-adapted to fruit-bearing crop growing.
A sloping site is preferable for tree crop growing. A
gentle slope generally provides fresh air and water drainage.
On the other hand, a very steep slope can be tilled with
difficulty and is likely to be wind-swept. Many fruit-bearing
orchards however, are planted on very steep hillsides or
rocky places. This orchards are rarely productive because
they cannot be cultivated or sprayed unless they heavily
manured and mulched.
 Water. Fruit-bearing crop plantation located near large
bodies of water is favorable especially when planting is done
at hillsides.
Fruit-bearing crops must have sufficient supply of
water during their development period especially during dry
season. The water supply factor should not be overlooked in
determining the selection of site.
b. Factors that control marketing of production.
 Facilities for Transportation. The site selected for fruit-
bearing crop production should be accessible to a suitable
freight and express depot to transport the products from the
farm to the consumer as quickly as possible.
 Roads. Good roads are necessary and very important in the
site selected for fruit-bearing crops. Experienced fruit-
bearing crop growers know that market order and
consequent prices are influenced by the condition of such
roads. A fruit-bearing farm must be located where weather
conditions leave no destructive effects on the road.
• The Market to be Served. The market may be the general
market or the local market nearby. For the general market,
the grower should have an enterprise that will enable the
farmer to transport the produce. The local market does not
absorb as large quantity of fruit at a given time as the
general market. does this calls for a careful market survey by
the prospective grower before determining the size of the
orchard.

7
LET US REMEMBER

The most important consideration in putting up a fruit-bearing

crop farm is the selection of the right site or location. In selecting a good
site, one should remember the following:
o the existing conditions in the place
o the market to be served
o roads and transportation facilities
o climate, soil and water

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Fill in the blank with the correct word or group of words to make
each sentence complete. Write your answer in your test booklet.
1. The average condition of the atmosphere is called __________.
2. __________ is the most important climatic factor affecting the
distribution of plant species.
3. The physical feature of the land surface whether it is sloping,
rolling, flat or level is called __________.
4. The natural supply of water for the growth of the fruit-bearing crop
is called __________.
5. __________ deals with the contour of the land, its elevation or
depression, and other features of the terrain.

LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Visit the orchard of the school and observe the physical features.
Then accomplish the table below by checking. Then submit it to your
teacher for evaluation.
Conditions Observed Not Observed Remarks
1. Climate
2. Soil
3. Water
4. Transportation
5. Market

RESOURCES

map
area selected
picture of the different terrain of the land
REFERENCES
Modern Fruit Production
The Macmillan Company

8
LESSON 2

PREPARE THE LAND

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with the preparation of the land for fruit-bearing
crops, such as clearing, plowing and harrowing.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

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

1. clear the site from stubbles and heavy trashes prior to tilling;
2. prepare the land thoroughly for growing fruit-bearing crops; and
3. value the importance of land preparation.

LET US STUDY

Let us Define

harrow – an implement consisting mainly of a frame which is provided

with teeth, blade or disc. It is used for pulverizing and leveling the
soil
plow – an animal-drawn implement used to till the land

Land preparation

The object of land preparation is to break and pulverize the soil

and put it into conditions favorable for the reception of the planting
materials. It involves the following operations:
1. Clearing the Land
Clearing the land means the removal of any material which
obstructs or makes subsequent cultural operations difficult. It involves
the removal of weeds, stubbles and heavy trashes using appropriate
tools.
2. Plowing
This is a horticultural tillage operation that is used to break
the soil usually 15 centimeters deep purposely to incorporate
organic matter.

9
 Objectives of plowing:
a. Give proper soil aeration.
b. Allow the easy penetration of water.
c. Make the soil favorable for the growth of seeds and plants.
d. Incorporate organic matter into the soil.

Animal drawn plow

3. Harrowing
Harrowing can be best achieved if the soil is properly pulverized. It
is done 2-3 times depending upon the soil condition.

Objectives of harrowing:
a. Level the soil.
b. Prevent the growth of weeds by turning under the soil.
c. Allow proper decomposition of organic matter.

Relation to Plowing
The first harrowing is followed by the second plowing. The
second plowing is followed by another harrowing. The spaces where
water and air present in the soil are dependent on the soil texture.
An example in sandy soil that has larger but fewer pores than clay
soil. However, clay soil holds more water than sandy soil. Since
clay soil has more pores because of smaller particles and more
surfaces, it can hold water better than sandy soil.

Harrow
10
LET US REMEMBER

Land that is tilled and well prepared will result to excellent vigor of
plants and will ensure high crop yield.

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Identify what is being described. Write your answer in your quiz

notebook.
1. The removal of materials which will obstruct or make cultural
operation difficult.
2. A basic tillage operation.
3. The process of pulverizing and leveling of soil.
4. The process of opening the soil so it can absorb rain water.
5. An implement consisting mainly of a frame which is provided with
teeth, blade or disc and is used for pulverizing and leveling the soil.

LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

1. Conduct an ocular inspection in the site you selected and find out
what clearing activities you will do. List down your findings for
proper scheduling of clearing activities to be done. Submit your
findings to your teacher.
2. Go to the tool room. Select and prepare the tools to be used in
clearing and preparing the land.

RESOURCES

o bolo o spade/shovel
o axe o plow and harrow
o spading fork o carabao
o crow bar o tractor with
accessories

REFERENCE

Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G.; Elementary Agriculture: Saint Mary’s

Publishing. 1983
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G.; Introduction to Tropical Crop Production: First
Edition: Saint Mary’s Publishing. 1976
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G. et.al.; Technology and Home Economics 2:
Agricultural Arts: First Edition: Abiva Publishing House, Inc:
Quezon City. 1992
Mendiola, N. B.; Principles of Crop Production: United Circulation, Inc.:
Malabon, Rizal: 1959
11
Technology and Home Economics 2 (SEDP Series)

12
LESSON 3

LAYOUT, STAKE THE SITE AND DIG HOLES

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with laying out, staking and digging holes for
planting fruit-bearing crops. It includes the procedures in laying out,
staking, digging of holes and system of planting.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

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

1. lay out and stake the site in accordance with the desired planting
system;
2. dig deep and wide enough holes to accommodate the root system of
the seedlings;
3. use the tool and materials properly in laying out and staking the
site and digging of holes; and
4. observe safety precautions in laying out, staking and digging of
holes.

LET US STUDY

Let us Define

filler – a temporary plant usually small and early bearing one which
planted in between permanent plants
planting board – a device used in laying out the area for fruit-bearing
crops

A fruit crop farm layout is as important as the preparation of the

soil. The main purpose in following a certain arrangement of trees in the
orchard or plantation is to facilitate different operations, such as
weeding, fertilization and spraying. The following are the different
systems in planting fruit-bearing crops:

13
 1. The Square System
This system of planting is the most common because it is the
easiest and simplest to lay out and it makes operations easy by
mechanical means. It is done by setting a fruit tree seedling in each
corner of the square whatever the planting distance may be.

The square system

The number of seedlings to be planted in a given area can be

computed by using the following formula:

Np = A/S2

Where:
Np = number of plants
A = area
S2 = square of planting distance

Sample Problem:
An area of two hectares, that is 200 meters long and 100 meters wide, is
to be planted with mango seedlings with a distance of 10 m x 10 m. far
from each other. Compute for the number of seedlings to be planted.

Solution:
Np = A/S2

Np = 20,000 sq.m.
(10 m)2
Np = 20,000
100
Np = 200

14
2. The Quincunx System
This system of planting makes use of square with an additional or
fifth plant at the center called filler. Thus, a square system can be made
into quincunx by placing a tree at the middle of the square. There will be
maximum utilization of the area during the early growing and fruiting
years. However, when the trees grow bigger the area will be crowded.
Thus the removal of the fifth trees is necessary. Furthermore, carrying
out of different cultural operations mechanically is difficult especially if
the land is not flat.

The quincunx system

The number of plants needed for an area can be calculated as

follows:

Np = A /S2 + (L / S – 1) (W/ S - 1)

Where:
A = area
S2 = square of planting distance
L = length of the area
W = width of the area
Np = number of plants

Using the quincunx system for the sample problem given on the
number of mango seedlings to be planted
Np = 20,000/100 + (200/10 – 1) (100/10 – 1)
= 200 + (20-1) (10-1)
= 200 + (19) (9)
= 200 + 171
Np = 371
15
 3. The Hexagonal System
In this system of planting, trees are planted equidistant to one
another from every direction to form an equilateral triangle. This
arrangement results in a greater number of trees per unit area than the
square system. However, it does not lend itself well to the use of fillers.

The hexagonal system

The number of plants in area can be determined by using the

following formula:
A
Np = ___________________

S2 x 0.866
Where:
A = area
S2 = square of planting distance
0.866 = constant

In the example on mango seedlings, we can compute the Np using

the formula given.
20,000
Np = _________________

(102 x 0.866)
20,000
= ______________

86.6
Np = 231

16
 4. The Contour or Terrace System
A special system may be developed by the grower to meet
conditions particularly in the hillsides where land is steep, the
topography is irregular, or the area is inclined. This is called the contour
system of planting. Its main purpose is to prevent or reduce soil erosion,
and in some instances, to conserve moisture between the tree rows.

Planting Distances of Various Fruit-bearing Crops

Crop Planting Distance

(in meters)

Banana 3.0
Cashew 8.0
Chico 8.0
Citrus 7.0
Durian 10.0
Guava 6.0
Jackfruit 8.0
Lanzones 6.0
Mango 10.0
Mangosteen 8.0
Papaya 4.0
Pineapple 0.3
Rambutan 8.0
Coconut 8.0

Tools and Materials Used in Laying out, Staking and Digging of Holes

1. planting board 5. spade

2. string 6. crowbar
3. poles/stakes 7. grab hoe
4. post hole digger

17
Laying out and Staking

One of the first things that a prospective fruit-bearing crop grower

must do is to decide how he will lay out the site. The best source of
information on this is often obtained by visiting the local or neighboring
farmers who are growing fruit-bearing crops successfully.
Procedure in staking:
1. Determine the baseline on one side of the field to be staked.
2. Set a stake on this line on one corner of the field where the corner
tree is to stand. This should be far enough from the road and the
line fence to allow plenty of room for turning.
3. Set a range stake at the other side of the field and use the same
distance from the road. These two stakes establish the base line.
4. Begin at stake #1 and set stakes along the base line towards stake
#2. The proper distance of planting between the trees is to be used.
5. The rest of the stakes are set with two measuring boards which are
as long as the desired distance between the crops. A measuring
board seven centimeters wide will be found satisfactory for placing
the stake in the field. There is a notch at either end of each board.
The measuring boards can be handled more easily if they are
fastened together with a small bolt. Anyone who has not seen how
this method is used will be surprised to find out how quick and
accurate the stakes can be set.

By using this method, a stake is set at every point to be occupied

by a tree and the next point ensures that the tree is established in the
identical spot where the stake stood. To do this, a device known as
planting board is used. This board is used on the ground so that the tree
stake comes in the central notch. Then a stake is driven down in each of
the end notches and the board is removed. In setting an orchard or tree
crop farm of any size, it is necessary to have several of these planting
boards. Care should be taken to make them all exactly alike.

18
Common Methods in Digging Holes for Fruit-bearing Crops

1. Slit method. Plunge grab hoe into the ground and pull handle to
make opening. Lift the candle to create a slit.

2. Trench method. Drive spade into the ground at an angle opposite

the first slit to make a V-shaped hole. Place seedling at the center
and at a correct depth. Fill the hole with soil, preferably compost
soil.

3. Center hole method. Hole to be made should be large enough to

contain the root system of the seedlings.

4. Side hole method. Place the plant against one side of the hole. Fill
hole with soil.

19
 5. Cone method. Make hole large enough to be able to form a cone
inside. Form cone inside using the topsoil. Place the seedling on
top of the cone in such a way that the roots are spread out.

LET US REMEMBER

In selecting the land for fruit-bearing crop production, good

judgment and proper performance can assure success. Their absence
may bring mediocre results or absolute failure. Beginners in this
enterprise should learn from the experience of other growers who believe
that climate, soil and water supply play an important role in some degree
to attain success in tree farming.

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Select the best answer by writing only the letter of your answer in
your quiz notebook.
1. Which of the following methods of planting fruit-bearing crop is
widely used by farmers?
a. square c. hexagonal
b. quincunx d. rectangular
2. Which of the following methods of planting is a modified square?
a. rectangular c. square
b. hexagonal d. quincunx
3. The following are methods of planting fruit-bearing crops EXCEPT
a. hexagonal c. circular
b. rectangular d. triangular
4. The space saver method of planting in which plants are set at the
same distance is:
a. hexagonal c. quincunx
b. rectangular d. square
5. Which of the following plants best describes temporary plant?
a. filler c. annual
b. permanent d. unwanted

20
LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Prepare the material/tools for laying out, staking and digging

holes. Proceed to the training area of your school and perform laying out,
staking and digging holes based on what you have learned.

RESOURCES

string
planting board
post hole digger
crow
spade/shovel

REFERENCES

Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G.; Elementary Agriculture: Saint Mary’s

Publishing. 1983
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G.; Introduction to Tropical Crop Production: First
Edition: Saint Mary’s Publishing. 1976
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G. et.al.; Technology and Home Economics 2:
Agricultural Arts: First Edition: Abiva Publishing House, Inc:
Quezon City. 1992
Mendiola, N. B.; Principles of Crop Production: United Circulation, Inc.:
Malabon, Rizal: 1959
Technology and Home Economics 2 (SEDP Series)

21
POST-TEST:

Select the best answer by writing only the LETTER of the correct
answer in your quiz notebook.
1. Which of the following is NOT a desirable reason for fruit-bearing
crops to grow near bodies of water?
a. Fruit-bearing crops must have sufficient supply of water during
the development period.
b. Water modifies the temperature of the site.
c. Water is very vital especially for fruit-bearing crops planted in
the hillsides.
d. None of these
2. Which is the best topography of the land for fruit-bearing crops?
a. Hilly
b. Level
c. Slightly sloping
d. Mountainous
3. Which of the following is NOT true about selecting the site for
planting fruit-bearing crops?
a. The site selected for fruit-bearing crop production should not be
far from suitable freight and express depot.
b. Climate, soil, and water supply play an important part to attain
success in farming.
c. The ideal soil for growing fruit-bearing crops is an open, porous,
sandy and loam topsoil.
d. Heavy soil or clay soil should be selected as they are often wet,
cold and slow to dry up after the rains.
4. Which of the following is NOT considered in locating the position of
the trees in the orchard?
a. Exposure to sunlight
b. Accessibility to farm silos
c. Availability of area
d. Direction of the wind
5. Which one is NOT advisable to use in laying out and staking?
a. rope
b. steel tape
c. foot ruler
d. planting board
6. What is the most advantageous type of soil for planting fruit-
bearing crops?
a. Clay
b. Loam
c. Sandy
d. Silt

22
7. What is the best tool to be used in digging holes for planting fruit-
bearing crops?
a. bolo
b. crow bar
c. posthole digger
d. spade
8. Which of the following is NOT true about laying out and staking?
a. Aesthetic beauty is attained
b. Crops are set at equal distances
c. Crops are located in their proper places
d. Crops are planted anywhere
9. Which of the following is NOT true when digging holes for planting
fruit-bearing crops?
a. Deep and wide enough to accommodate the root system
b. Just enough to fit in the roots
c. Separate topsoil from subsoil
d. Use appropriate digging tools
10. Which of the following implements is used in leveling the soil?
a. plow
b. harrow
c. crowbar
d. garden hoe

23
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS
PAGE

MODULE 1. Selecting and preparing site for planting... 1

What is this module about?.................................. 1

What will you learn?............................................. 1
What do you already know?.................................. 1

LESSON 1. Select site for planting fruit-bearing crops.. 4

What is this lesson about?................................... 4

What will you learn?............................................ 4
Let us study......................................................... 4
Let us remember.................................................. 7
How much have you learned................................ 7
Let us apply what you have learned..................... 7
Resources............................................................ 7
References........................................................... 7

LESSON 2. Prepare the land....................................... 8

What is this lesson about?.................................... 8

What will you learn?............................................. 8
Let us study.......................................................... 8
Let us remember................................................... 10
How much have you learned................................. 10
Let us apply what you have learned...................... 10
Resources............................................................. 10
References............................................................ 10

LESSON 3. Lay out, stake the site and dig holes........... 12

What is this lesson about?..................................... 12

What will you learn?.............................................. 12
Let us study........................................................... 12
Let us remember................................................... 19
How much have you learned.................................. 19
Let us apply what you have learned....................... 19
Resources.............................................................. 20

24
References............................................................. 20
Post test................................................................ 21

25