LESSON GUIDE

TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION 7

(AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY ARTS)
QUARTER 2 – WEEK 4

I. Attributes, Curriculum Content, Standards, and Lesson Competencies

A. Attributes: Key 1. Healthy: Be able to promote healthy living and

Stage Outcome maintain healthy relationship with others (Promotes
(Indicator) healthy living in a wider community).
2. Environmental Steward: Be able to participate in
preserving environment including managing
resources (Initiates environmental protection
advocacies.
3. Critical Thinker and Articulate: Be able to inquire,
investigate, and convey ideas systematically (Test
hypothesis to validate ideas, explains, validates, and
analyzes data and information)
4. Lifelong Learner: Be able to take responsibility for
their own learning ( Specializes in a certain skill
[formal training on a specialized skill], seeks
information or resources to help them understand
and cope with difficult situations).
B. Content Demonstrate an understanding of the concept and skills
Standard in agricultural crops production
C. Performance The learners perform agricultural practices in crop
Standard production based on industry standards.
D. Learning Learning Competencies
Competency
and Objectives • Perform agricultural practices in crop production
(TL7Q2LC6-A6KS3I6)
• Discuss care and maintenance of crops (TL7Q2LC7-
A2KS3I3, TL7Q2LC7-A5KS3I2, TL7Q2LC7-A6KS3I2,
TL7Q2LC7-A3KS3I3)

Objectives
1. Identify and evaluate suitable sites for crop
production within the school premises based on the
soil quality, water availability and humidity,
2. Select a crop suitable for the local environment and
present a brief explanation of their choice, and

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3. Demonstrate proper techniques in planting seeds and
transplant seedlings on their plot.
 4. Discuss methods in care and maintenance of crops.
5. Apply methods in care and maintenance of crops.
E. Content Agricultural Practices in Crop Production
• Site Selection
• Land Preparation
• Crop Selection
• Planting
• Transplanting
Care and Maintenance of Crops
• Weeding and Cultivating
• Irrigation/water supply
• Fertilizing
• Mulching using organic materials
• Natural prevention of common pests and diseases
(using natural/organic farming)

F. Learning • Cartolina/Manila Paper

Resources • Drawing materials
• Powerpoint presentation
• Realia
• Pictures

G. References • MATATAG Curriculum Guide

• MATATAG DepEd Lesson Exemplars
• Bangsamoro Basic Education Curriculum Framework
• Bituin, A., et al. (nd) Learning Modules in Agri-fishery
Arts.Batangas State University-Balayan Campus.
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2023). Care of crops
during growth. Encyclopædia Britannica.
• https://byjus.com/biology/agriculture-agricultural-
practices/
• https://www.agrivi.com/blog/how-can-regular-crop-
maintenance-provide-stable-yields/
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/vegetablefarming
/Care-of-crops-during-growth GeeksforGeeks.
(2022). Basic practices of crop production - soil
preparation, irrigation. GeeksforGeeks.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/basicpractices-of-
crop-production/ GeeksforGeeks. (2023). Types of
crops and factors affecting crop production.
GeeksforGeeks.
• https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-crops/
Walia, M. K. (2021). Basics of crop management -
University of Nevada, Reno.
https://naes.agnt.unr.edu/PMS/Pubs/2021-
4103.pdf

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II. Teaching and Learning Procedures

A. Lesson Proper

Activity I am a Proud Farmer

Take the students to the school gardens or nearby community farm and
ask them to bring with their notebook, pen and phones (to be used for
documentation). During the walk, point out various practices related to crop
production and care maintenance tasks. Ask the students to observe and take
note the different practices and any hazards they might identify.
After the activity
1. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a manila
paper/cartolina and drawing materials.
2. Assign each group one leader and a reporter.
3. Give each group 15 minutes to think and design their own mini farm.
4. Instruct the students that they need to consider and draw elements
such as the location of the farm, type of soil, water sources, crops they
would plant, the layout of the farm and how they would plan to take
care of their crops.
5. After the groups have completed their mini-farm designs, gather the
class together and have each group present their output 2-3 minutes.
Encourage student reporters to explain their choices of farm site, type
of soil, crop selection, planting layout, care and maintenance of crops
techniques and other factors.

Analysis
Process the presentation using the following guide questions:
1. What made you decide of the mini farm you chose?
2. What are the key factors in selecting a good site for crops?
3. What crops did you choose to plant?
4. Did you consider process of taking care of the crops?
5. How does proper land preparation affect crop growth?
6. Why is it important to weed and cultivate crops properly?
7. What are the benefits of using organic materials for mulching
(*Teacher must define what is mulching)?
8. How can we naturally prevent pests and diseases?

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 Abstraction Agricultural Crop Production

The following terms are used in the entire lesson. Defining them will guide the
students to better understand the lesson.
• Crops - These are plants or plant-produce that can be raised, cultivated
and harvested for subsistence or profit. They may be classified as food
crops, cash crops, forage crops, oil crops, industrial crops, fiber crops,
and ornamental crops.
• Pesticides - These may be natural/organic or commercial products that
control the widespread of pests and diseases in the agricultural field.
• Irrigation - It is the process of maintaining the moisture and water
content of soil needed for the plant growth.
• Herbicides - These may be natural/organic or commercial products that
control the widespread of weeds in the field.
• Cultivation - This is the process of loosening the hardened soil through
plowing or harrowing. It is believed to control weeds and pests in the farm.
• Fertilizer - These may be natural/organic or commercial products
applied to increase the nutrients into the soil.
• Mulching - the process of covering the topsoil with plant material such
as leaves, grass, twigs, crop residues, straw etc. A mulch cover enhances
the activity of soil organisms such as earthworms.
• Trellis - These may be made from wood or metal that serves as support
for climbing and crawling crops.

Soil preparation
Before raising a crop, the soil in which it
is to be grown is prepared by ploughing,
levelling, and manuring. Ploughing is
the process of loosening and digging of
soil using a plough. This helps in proper
aeration of the soil. After ploughing, the
soil is distributed evenly and levelled in
the process called levelling. The soil is
then manured.

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Sowing

Selection of seeds of good quality crop strains is the

primary stage of sowing. After the preparation of soil, these
seeds are dispersed in the field and this is called sowing.
Sowing can be done manually, by hand or by using seed
drilling machines. Some crops like paddy are first grown
into seedlings in a small area and then transplanted to the
main field.

Manuring/Fertilizing
Crops need nutrients to grow and produce
yield. Thus, the supply of nutrients at
regular intervals is necessary. Manuring is
the step where nutritional supplements are
provided and these supplements may be
natural (manure) or chemical compounds
(fertilizers). Manure is the decomposition
product of plant and animal wastes.
Fertilizers are chemical compounds
consisting of plant nutrients and are
produced commercially. Apart from
providing nutrients to crop, manure replenishes soil fertility as well. Other
methods for soil replenishment are vermicompost, crop rotation, planting of
leguminous plants.

Irrigation

Irrigation is the supply of water.

Sources of water can be wells, ponds,
lakes, canals, dams etc. Over
irrigation may lead to waterlogging
and damage the crop. This frequency
and interval between successive
irrigation need to be controlled.

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Weeding

Weeds are unwanted plants which grow

among crops. They are removed by using
weedicides, by manually pulling them
with hands and some are removed
during soil preparation.

Harvesting

Once the crop is matured, it is cut

and gathered, this process is called
harvesting. Followed by harvesting,
grains are separated from the chaff
either by threshing, or manually in
small scale (winnowing).

Storage

Grains yielded are stored in granaries

or bins at godowns for later use or
marketing. Therefore, methods
of crop protection need to be better.
In order to protect grains from pest
and rodents- cleaning, drying,
fumigation, etc., are done prior to
storing.

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 Figure 1. The cycle of Agricultural Practices in Crop Production
Crops are also classified according to growth habits: This includes herb, vine,
liana, shrub, tree, evergreen, and deciduous. In addition, these crops may be
considered as annual, biennial, or perennial crops.

Types of Crops

Type of Crops Description

This is primarily raised, cultured,
and harvested for human
consumption. It may be classified as
field crops or root crops.
Field crops are grown on a large scale
for commercial purposes. This
Food Crops
includes fruits and vegetables,
wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane.
Root crops are underground plant
parts for human consumption. E.g.
carrot, sugar beet, turnip, potato,
peanut, radish, etc.
This type of crops is sold for profit. It
can be exported to other countries as
Cash Crops
well. E.g. coffee, cocoa, sugarcane,
and other exportable crops.
This type of plant is usually raised,
cultured, and harvested for livestock
Feed/Forage Crops
consumption. E.g. corn, pasture
grasses.
This type of plant is usually raised,
cultured, and harvested for its fibers
Fiber Crops to be used as a raw material. E.g.
cotton, abaca, banana/pineapple
fiber.

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 This type of plant is usually raised,
cultured, and harvested for
Oil Crops
production of oil. E.g. sugarcane,
palm tree, coconut, etc.
This type of plant is usually raised,
cultured, and harvested for
Ornamental Crops decorations in the garden and
landscape projects. E.g. orchids,
rubber tree, bougainvillea, rose.
This type of plant is usually raised,
cultured, harvested, and processed
Industrial Crops
by industries to produce non-edible
materials. E.g. tobacco.

There are many variables that influence crop production. These include
water, soil, wind, temperature, sunlight, seed selection, knowledge, and crop
care and maintenance. It is deemed important to consider these factors as
they affect the growth of the plant and as well as the produce/harvest.

Crop production is a process because it involves several steps wherein

farmers should take precautionary measures at each step. The farmers
should also consider the external conditions and factors to achieve bountiful
harvest. Thus, farmers should have sufficient knowledge in crop care and
maintenance. The practices of crop care and maintenance are as follows:

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS

Farming is a complex activity, one in which every segment impacts the crop
production. To have a successful crop production, all segments need to be
managed properly. Good soil preparation is half of the job, while the other half
is good management of crop maintenance.
After soil preparation and planting are completed, there is still no break for
the farmers. If they want to achieve a good and quality yield, they must
constantly implement crop maintenance practices during the growing season.
Crop maintenance practices important for proper crop growth include:
• Weeding
• Soil cultivation
• Irrigation
• Mowing
• Insect pest and disease control
• Removal of standing water
• Pruning
Crop maintenance practices need to be done in a timely manner. When some
practices will be implemented will, depend on crop growth stage, soil, crop,
and weather conditions.
Cultivation. This is the first stage of crop production. Cultivation refers to
the stirring the soil through plowing or harrowing. Cultivating the soil is one

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of the most effective way to control weeds and pests. Cultivating the soil
loosens the soil around the plant which provides air for the root of the plants.
This technique is called conventional tillage. Reduced or no-tillage can lead to
accumulation of soil carbon, consequently benefitting soil health and
improving crop yields.

Soil Cultivation Improves Soil Performance

Soil cultivation is a farm management practice that breaks up and loosens
the soil surface. The main purpose of soil cultivation is to create optimal
soil structure, which will improve water retention, allow for better
penetration of air, water, and nutrients, and help with weed control.

Soil cultivation is a favorable soil maintenance practice that helps retain

water and provides optimal soil structure and favorable crop conditions. Soil
cultivation may also reduce the need for water irrigation.

Seed sowing/Planting seedlings. Good quality and healthy seeds and

seedlings should be considered prior to sowing, and planting, respectively.
Correct depth of soil of 1.5 to 2 inches deep is important for sowing seeds to
ensure proper moisture. In sowing the seeds or planting the seedlings,
farmers should consider the proper spacing to allow plants on its optimal
growth.

Weeding Removes Potential Threat to Crops

Weeding is a farm practice that involves the physical removal of weeds from
the field. This practice can be performed manually or with the use of
mechanization.

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Although manual weeding is more labor intensive, it is the preferred farm
practice due to the minimal soil disturbance it creates and its decreased
opportunity for soil erosion. Oppositely, mechanized weeding is less labor
intensive. However, it’s important to manage it carefully so as to prevent soil
disturbance and the spreading of weed seeds. Mechanized weeding is more
appropriate for large farmland.

Weed Control. Weeds lead to the reduction of crop yield, increased

production costs, and increased incidence of pests and diseases. To control
weeds, methods employed including hand weeding, mechanical cultivation,
application of pesticides. Manual weeding/hand weeding is time-consuming
and labor-intensive method. Laborers uses their hands and or sickle/scythe
to remove weeds. Mechanical weeding uses machineries to remove weeds
such as cono-weeder, power tiller, basket hoe. Chemical weeding uses
herbicides to remove seeds. They may be considered selective or non-selective
herbicides. Selective herbicides aim the weeds only with effect to the crops
while nonselective herbicides harm both main crops and the weeds. Thus,
skill is needed to be applying this kind of herbicide.

Irrigation. Crops require water because water prevents crops from drying out
especially during drought. However, the amount of water differs from each
variety of crops. There are various ways in which farmers irrigate the crops:
manual, drip, and sprinkler irrigation. Manual irrigation is labor-intensive
and time-consuming method which uses laborers to irrigate water using water
cans. Drip irrigation is the most effective way to supply water and nutrients
to crops. It provides water and nutrients directly to the zone of plants in
proper amount and proper time. Sprinkler irrigation uses pipes and spray
to irrigate the whole field. Pipelines may be used when water is scarce to
eliminate water losses. Finally, soil and plant factors determine the irrigation
requirements of the crops.

Irrigation for Secure Plant Growth

Irrigation is a crop maintenance measure that is needed to provide normal
crop growth when the water supply is limited. Maximizing plant potential,
every farm production should set an irrigation system.
Irrigation is especially important when the crop is in sensitive growth phases
such as germination, flowering, and fruit setting.

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Depending on the crop type and climate, different irrigation methods are used:
• Drip irrigation
• Furrow irrigation
• Sprinkler irrigation
• Pivot irrigation
• Flood irrigation

Fertilizer Application. If the soil is deprived of nutrients, it requires

management of nutrient such as application of fertilizers, manures, and
compost to enrich the soil content. There are methods of fertilizer application:
scattering and mixing with the soil before planting.

Pests and Diseases Control. To drive away pests, farmers apply pesticides.
There are different varieties of pesticides and each of them has a particular
function. This includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, molluscicides,
and rodenticides. However, farmers are encouraged to employ eco-safe and
ecofriendly ways to control pests and diseases. This may include production
of organic pesticides and encouragement on the presence of organisms that
kills pests.

Appropriate Insect Pest and Disease Control to Sustain the Yield

If not treated properly and on-time, plant pests can significantly reduce the
crop yield and affect its quality. Therefore, regular crop maintenance needs to
include insect pest and disease control. Crop losses can be reduced by using
various organic and chemical crop protection measures such as:
• Natural; natural pest predators (ladybug, praying mantis)
• Cultural; tracking of weather, monitoring fields, and crops
• Physical; disinfection of the soil, seed, and seedlings
• Mechanical; pruning and removing of diseased plants from the
field/orchard
• Biological; various beneficial fungi, bacteria, and parasitic wasps as
pest predators
• Chemical; chemical based fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides

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Mowing Enhances Orchard Management
Mowing is a regular farm maintenance practice in orchards and vineyards. It
includes mowing of the space between and inside rows. Mowing is the manual
or machine removal of grass and invasive weeds. It improves soil condition,
reduces pest occurrence, and enhances crop growth.

Removal of Standing Water Saves the Yield From the Beginning

Removal of standing water is a crop maintenance practice mainly used in
cereal production. However, it can also be practiced in the production of
arable and vegetable crops. This practice includes the removal of standing
water from the field that accumulated during the winter period as the result
of melting snow.
Excessive water creates depressions on the field surface and harms young
plants. If crops stay in the water for more than 3 days, the entire crop
production can be destroyed.

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Standing water can be removed by using soil cultivators to level the field’s
surface and plows to create furrows around the field’s edges.
Crop maintenance is a common farm practice among farmers. Only regular
and proper crop maintenance can provide quality crops and stable yields.
As every human being needs regular maintenance of the body to maintain
optimal health, the plant needs regular maintenance of all factors crucial for
its proper development and growth as well.

Pruning Is a Must-Have Practice for Permanent Crops

Regarding the maintenance of permanent crops, there is no alternative to

pruning. Pruning is a selective cutting away of a portion of a tree or a shrub
practiced for the following purposes:
• Balancing tree or a shrub growth and the fruit production
• Improving pest and disease management
• Managing the size and the shape of a tree or a shrub.
There are four types of pruning, regarding the different crop requirements:
• Formative pruning
• Dormant pruning
• Green pruning
• Restorative pruning.

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Crop maintenance is a common farm practice among farmers. Only regular
and proper crop maintenance can provide quality crops and stable yields.

Support for Climbing plants. There is a need to provide support for climbing
and crawling plants such as bitter gourd, squash, string beans. Trellis may
be made or wood or metal

As every human being needs regular maintenance of the body to maintain

optimal health, the plant needs regular maintenance of all factors crucial for
its proper development and growth as well.

Application Garden of Love

Ask the students to apply what they have learned by managing a small garden
in the school. Let them go through each stage of crop production and proper
care and maintenance of crops. (If the area is limited, students may opt to use
recycled containers such as old pails, basins, and other available containers at
home to create a containerized garden. Students may also wish to explore
hydroponics if the teacher or the parents have sufficient knowledge on this type
of crop production. If the school garden is available, it is better to utilize it as a
laboratory room for this lesson.)

Each student will go to their community and interview some local farmers,
document the process including observations, techniques used, and
challenges faced in managing a small garden. They will maintain a journal or
portfolio that includes drawings, notes, and photos.

Note to the teacher:

Given the luxury of time, each group will present their project to the class. They
will explain each stage of the process from site selection to transplanting and
how did they care and maintain a healthy crops. The students will demonstrate
their understandings through their documentation.

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The rubric below will be used to assess the students’ presentation and practical
work:

Rubrics for Group Activity (Group ___)

Needs
Satisfactor
Excellent Good Improveme
Criteria y
(4) (3) nt
(2)
(1)
Shows
complete
understandin Shows some
Shows good Lacks
g of all stages understandi
Understandin understandi understandi
of crop ng with
g ng with ng of key
production notable
minor errors concepts
and care and errors
maintenance
of crops
Applies
Applies Applies Fails to
techniques
techniques techniques apply
Application accurately
with minor with notable techniques
and effectively
errors errors correctly
in the project
Actively
Participates Limited
participates Rarely
and participatio
and participates
Participation collaborates n and
collaborates or
with minor collaboratio
effectively collaborates
issues n
with peers
Thorough and
Basic
clear Good Poor
documentati
Documentati documentatio documentati documentati
on with
on n with on with on with few
limited
detailed some details details
details
observations
Presentation Fails to
Presents Presents
lacks clarity present
information information
Presentation or information
clearly and with minor
completenes effectively
effectively issues
s
TOTAL
POINTS

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III. Evaluation

Multiple Choice

Instructions: Read the questions carefully. Encircle your answer to the

questions.

1. What is the primary factor to consider when selecting a site for crop
production?
a. Nearness to the market
b. Soil quality
c. Availability of labor
d. Presence of wildlife

2. What is the main benefit of using organic materials for mulching?

a. Increases soil temperature
b. Reduces water retention
c. Helps control weeds and conserve moisture
d. Enhances soil color

3. Why is land preparation being important before planting crops?

a. It ensures the soil is clean.
b. It helps in removing weeds and improving soil structure.
c. It decorates the farm.
d. It saves water.

4. Which of the following is NOT important in crop selection?

a. Soil compatibility
b. Climate suitability
c. Market demand
d. Color of the plant

5. What is the ideal depth for planting most seeds?

a. On the surface
b. Twice the seed’s diameter
c. One meter deep
d. Anywhere in the soil

6. What is the key benefit of crop rotation?

a. Increases soil erosion
b. Reduces soil fertility
c. Helps in managing pests and improving soil health
d. Decreases crop yield

7. Which of the following is a benefit of transplanting seedlings?

a. It reduces the need for watering.
b. In ensures plant start growing in ideal condition.
c. It shortens the growing season.
d. It eliminates the need for fertilizers.

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8. What is the main purpose of using fertilizers during planting?
a. To kill pests
b. To improve soil drainage
c. To provide essential nutrients to the plants
d. To change the color

9. Which practice helps in retaining soil moisture and reducing erosion

during land preparation?
a. Burning crop residues
b. Mulching
c. Overwatering
d. Constant tilling

10. What is the primary purpose of irrigation in crop production?

a. To wash the plants
b. To provide essential water for growth
c. To cool down the soil
d. To enhance the color of crops

Answer key:
1. B. soil quality
2. C. Helps control weeds and conserve moisture
3. B. it helps in removing weeds and improving soil structure
4. D. color of the plant
5. B. Twice the seed’s diameter
6. C. Helps in managing pests and improving soil health
7. B. it ensures plants start growing in ideal conditions
8. C. to provide essential nutrients to the plants
9. B. mulching
10. B. to provide essential water for growth

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