COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

Sector:Agriculture and Fishery

Qualification Title:Horticulture NC II

Unit of Competency:Conduct Pre-Horticultural Farm Operations

Module Title:Conducting Pre-Horticultural Farm Operations

SURALLAH NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLSurallah, South Cotabato

HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

Welcome to the module in Conducting Pre-Horticultural Farm Operations. This module contains training materials and activities for you to complete.

You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to complete each learning outcome of the module. In each learning outcome are Information Sheets, Self-Checks, Operation Sheets and Job Sheets. Follow these activities on your own. If you have questions, dont hesitate to ask your trainer/facilitator for assistance.

The goal of this course is the development of practical skills. To gain these skills, you must learn basic components and terminology. For the most part, youll get this information from the Information Sheets and TESDA website www.tesda.gov.ph.

This module was prepared to help you achieve the required competency, in Horticulture NC II. A person who has achieved this Qualification is competent to be:

Horticultural Farm Aide

Horticultural Farm Caretaker

Coffee Farmer

Fruit Tree Farmer

Cacao Farmer

Vegetable Farmer

This will be the source of information for you to acquire knowledge and skills in this particular competency independently and at your own pace, with minimum supervision or help from your instructor.

Remember to:

Work through all the information and complete the activities in each section.

Read information sheets and complete the self-check. Suggested references are included to supplement the materials provided in this module.

Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or manager. He/she is there to support you and show you the correct way to do things.

You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions and practice on the job. Make sure you practice your new skills during regular work shifts. This way you will improve both your speed and memory and also your confidence.

Use the self-check, Operation Sheets or Job Sheets at the end of each section to test your own progress.

When you feel confident that you have had sufficient practice, ask your Trainer to evaluate you. The results of your assessment will be recorded in your Progress Chart and Accomplishment Chart.LIST OF COMPETENCIESNo.Unit of CompetencyModule TitleCode

Core Competencies

1. Conduct pre-horticultural farm operationsConducting pre-horticultural farm operationsAGR611101

2. Produce vegetables Producing vegetables AGR611102

3. Produce fruit bearing cropsProducing fruit bearing cropsAGR611103

4. Perform post harvest operations of major tropical fruits Performing post harvest operations of major tropical fruits AGR611104

5. Perform post harvest operations of major lowland and semi-temperate vegetable cropsPerforming post harvest operations of major lowland and semi-temperate vegetable cropsAGR611105

MODULE CONTENT

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : CONDUCT PRE-HORTICULTURAL FARM OPERATIONSMODULE TITLE : CONDUCTING PRE-HORTICULTURAL

FARM OPERATIONSMODULE DESCRIPTOR:This unit covers the knowledge and skills required to assist in farm operations including the preparation of the tools, farm implements and simple equipment and perform routine operations.

NOMINAL DURATION: hrsLEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this module the students/ trainees will be able to:

ELEMENTSPERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare tools, farm implements and simple equipment for horticultural operations1.1 Appropriate tools, farm implements and simple equipment are identified and sorted according to its usage.

1.2 Basic pre-operative checking of tools, farm implements and equipment is performed in accordance with manufacturers manual.

1.3 Tools with wear and corrosions are segregated and treated according to maintenance plan and procedures.

2.Prepare and maintain Farm Facilities2.1 Workplace hazards and environmental implications associated with maintenance procedures are controlled in line with farm requirements

2.2 Maintenance activities are performed to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of facilities

2.3 Relevant information with regard to the maintenance activities are identified and noted following standard procedures

3. Secure tools, farm implements/equipment and facilities3.1 Simple repair and modifications of tools, farm implements/equipment and facilities is conducted following standard procedures.

3.2 Preventive structures are installed during inclement weather

3.3 Basic post-operative checks of tools, farm implements and equipment is conducted in accordance with manufacturers manual

3.4 Tools, farm implements and equipment are stored according to approved practices.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Conduct Pre-Horticultural Farm OperationsLearning ActivitiesSpecial Instruction

Read Information Sheet 1.1-1on Basic Gardening Tools Film Viewing

Answer self-check 1.1-1

1. Compare your answer with Answer Key

2. Evaluate your own work using the

Performance Criteria

3. Present your work to your trainer for evaluation

Read Information sheet 1.1-2 on Farm First Aid Kit Answer self-check 1.1-21. Compare your answer with Answer Key

2. Evaluate your own work using the Performance Criteria

3. Present your work to your trainer for evaluation

Read Information sheet 1.1-3 on Be Good to Your Garden Tools and Theyll Be Good to You.

Read task sheet 1.1-3 on Film Viewing

Perform Task sheet 1.1-3 on Perform Job Sheet 1.1-3 on

1. Compare your answer with Answer Key2. Evaluate your own work using the Performance Criteria3. Present your work to your trainer for

evaluation

Information Sheet 1.1-1

Basic Gardening Tools

Learning Objective:

After reading this information sheet, you must be able to:

1. Identifies appropriate tools, farm implements and simple equipment and sorts according to its usage;2. Performs basic pre-operative checking of tools, farm implements and equipment in accordance with manufacturers manual.

3. Segregates and treats tools with wear and corrosions according to maintenance plan and procedures.

There are many different types of gardening tools available, both hand and power operated. You don't have to buy the most expensive tools available when starting to garden; if you find later that you either don't need a specific tool, or don't care for gardening as an activity, you will not have lost a large investment. Later you can upgrade to the better quality tools, if desired.

Handles:

Long-handled tools usually offer greater leverage and reach, and often allow working from a standing position. The handle may be either straight or have a D-shaped hand grip on the end. With some tools, such as long-handled pruners, handle extensions may be available.

Short-handled tools are lighter in weight, usually less expensive, more compact to store than the long-handled varieties, and allow one to work efficiently in confined spaces or while kneeling. Common short-handled tools include hand pruners and clippers, hoes, garden trowels, and cultivators.

Handles are commonly constructed of wood (requires some additional maintenance to keep splinter-free), fiberglass or plastic (check for cracks), and sometimes metal (check for corrosion and cracks).

If a handle or any other part of the tool is damaged or loose, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Pay particular attention to where the handle fits into the tool for looseness or damage.

Hand Tools:

In no particular order, some of the more common hand gardening tools are listed below (the same tool may have several different common names). This is only a basic list, for there are many styles and variations of these and other tools available to the home gardener.

Spading Fork. These have heavy, flat tines and often a D-shaped handle. They are used to open up the ground, dig bulbs, incorporate soil amendments, and turn compost.

Hoe. A hoe is used for weeding and scraping the surface of the soil. Garden hoes include the traditional flat scraping/chopping types, along with the newer loop, scuffle or stirrup styles.

Pitchfork/Manure Fork. Pitchforks and manure forks have long, thin tines which are not as heavy as those on a spading fork. They are used for picking up and moving loose materials.

Round-nosed Shovel. Used for heavy digging and mixing, such as when incorporating soil amendments or preparing planting holes.

Square-nosed Shovel. The flat blade allows it to be used to scoop up materials, level high spots in the soil, and cut straight lines through sod and soil.

Mattock/Pickaxe. The mattock is a heavy, flat-bladed tool designed to dig or grub in the soil. The pickaxe, with its sharp points, is used to break up heavy or rocky soils. Often a combination tool is found, which has a mattock on one end of the tool head, and a pickaxe on the other end.

Bow or Garden Rake. This is a heavy rake with short, stiff tines supported by a flat or bow-shaped metal frame. It is used for raking heavy materials, removing rocks and other debris from the soil, and smoothing the soil in preparation for planting.

Leaf Rake. A light rake with long, thin, flexible tines designed to gather leaves or other light materials.

Cultivator. A tool with heavy curved or bent tines, or sometimes multiple spinning blades, designed to open up and aerate the soil. The cultivator styles with tines are also used to mix materials and to effectively loosen weed roots.

Hand Pruner. Used for removing flowers, light-weight foliage, and small branches. They may have either anvil or bypass blades.

Long-handled Pruner/Lopper. These are long-handled versions of hand pruners, and provide greater reach and leverage, allowing for larger items to be cut. They may have either anvil or bypass blades, and some of the heavy-duty versions have ratchet mechanisms for additional power.

Pruning Saw. These are hand saws designed for efficient garden pruning. They may be either a single blade with a handle, or utilize a metal or wood frame. Pruning saws may also be mounted on long handles which allows higher branches to be cut from the ground (these styles often have a rope-controlled lopper in addition to the saw).

Garden Knife. Useful for cutting twine and plant ties, opening bags, plant propagation, opening up plant root balls, and general garden use. The safest styles have a sturdy fixed blade (often with serrations) which will not collapse on your fingers during use.

Axe/Hatchet. Axes and hatchets are used to do rough chopping. Some axes have a double blade, others a flat end on the head which is used to carefully drive wooden stakes (not metal, which might make the tempered axe head chip), while others have a flat, transverse grubbing blade on the head for the removal of roots (these are called a Pulaski, garden or grubbing axe). Hatchets are smaller, short-handled versions of axes.

Clipper/Shears. These are used to remove a layer of vegetation from the surface of a planting, hedge, or turf grass. Grass clippers trim turf grass, and hedge shears are used to shape hedges and shrubs.

Sickles. A curved, hand-held agricultural tool typically used for harvesting cereal crops or cutting grass for hay. The inside of the curve is the cutting edge, and is serrated. 1905.74.4 Ancient iron socketed sickle

Wheelbarrow/Garden Cart. These are not only used to move heavy and/or bulky materials such as soil, garden debris, compost and plants, but also as portable mixing containers for materials such as soil amendments and even concrete.

Garden Hose. Used to provide supplemental water to your plants, clean items, and sometimes to assist in applying fertilizers or pesticides.

Watering Can. No home or garden would be complete without a high quality watering can. Perfect for watering indoor plants and window boxes as well as hard to reach outdoor plants and flower bed.

Power Tools:

When using power tools read and follow all use and safety instructions, keep them in good working condition, and remember that hot surfaces, spinning blades, excessive noise, and thrown material may cause serious injury to the operator and those nearby. Use eye and ear protection, and be sure to keep children, other persons, and pets away from these tools when in use. With electric tools be careful not to damage the cord or get things wet, and always use and store gasoline and other liquid fuels in a safe location and manner.

Lawn Mower. These are used to cut turf grass. Walk-behind mowers may be powered by gasoline or electricity; some power mowers may be either self-propelled or riding mowers. Power mowers often can be configured to mulch or "grasscycle" clippings (returning the clippings to the lawn). Large wheel, heavy-duty versions are available for cutting weeds.

Tiller/Cultivator. These are used to break up large areas of compacted soil and to quickly incorporate soil amendments. They may also be used to loosen the soil prior to grading.

Lawn Edger. These are used to trim the edge of a lawn or bed.

String Trimmer. These devices use a heavy string (usually plastic) on a revolving head to trim grass and light plant material.

Leaf Blower. Gasoline or electric, these use forced air to push light material.

Electric Clipper/Trimmer/Shears. These are often used to trim turf grass, hedges and shrubs. They may use a cord or battery.

General Suggestions:

Here are some general suggestions to consider when purchasing and using garden tools:

Use the correct tool for the job. Using the wrong tool for a task is not only inefficient, but may damage the tool and endanger the user. For example, most shovels are designed for digging, but if you use one for prying it may fail, causing an injury.

Try to select tools that not only fit the task, but also feel good in your hands. You may be using these tools for a long time, and a tool that feels good will make your gardening experience more enjoyable.

Tools should be kept clean. Dirty tools are harder to hold and use, are less safe, may deteriorate faster, make it more difficult to see any tool damage, bring dirt into your tool storage area, and may transmit diseases and pests to other parts of your garden. Often a quick wipe down or rinse with a garden hose will remove most of the grime. Remember to disinfect your tools after working with diseased plants or soils (see below).

Edged tools should be kept sharp. Sharp tools require less effort to use, making them both safer and more efficient. However, don't make your tools razor-sharp, for too fine of an edge will chip or dull quickly under heavy use. Edged tools include axes, hoes, shears, saws, mowers, garden knives, and shovels (shovels "cut" into the soil).

Protect your tools. Rain, sun, chemicals, impacts and excessive temperatures can damage your tools. Keep them in a protected location and maintain them properly.

Keep your garden tools away from children and pets. Many garden tools are sharp, pointed and/or heavy, and children may hurt themselves if they handle these tools without supervision. Pets may also be harmed by sharp tools, and may chew on hoses and handles.

Be aware of your surroundings when using tools. Remember that others may be working nearby or walk up unexpectantly, there may be overhead wires or other obstructions, and there may also be underground utilities or other items buried in the ground.

When you set your tools down, do so in a place and manner that will prevent accidental injury or damage.

Purchase and use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, sun protection, eye and ear protection, work shoes, knee pads, and back braces for use in heavy lifting. Avoid loose-fitting clothing and dangling hair when working around power tools.

Disinfect tools and equipment after working with diseased plants. Diseases may be transmitted to uninfected plants via contaminated garden tools and equipment. Disinfect your tools by first washing them with soap and water, then wiping them down with either rubbing alcohol or a freshly-mixed 10% bleach solution in water.

Self-check 1.1-1

True or False: Write the word True if the statement is correct and write False

If the statement is wrong. Write your answers on your answer sheet.

1. A cultivator is a tool with heavy curved or bent tines, or sometimes multiple spinning blades, designed to open up and aerate the soil.2. Axes and hatchets are used to do rough chopping.3. Shovels are designed for digging, but if you use one for prying it may fail, causing an injury.4. A clipper/shear is a curved, hand-held agricultural tool typically used for harvesting cereal crops or cutting grass for hay.5. Rain, sun, chemicals, impacts and excessive temperatures can damage your tools.Answers key

1. True2. True

3. True

4. False

5. True

Information Sheet 1.1-1aFarm First Aid Kit

Learning Objective: After reading the information sheet the trainee can identify the basic farm first aid kit.Every farm should have a basic first aid kit readily available. One person should be designated to check it regularly and restock supplies as needed. Readily available means several kits placed in strategic locations, such as on the most frequently used tractors, other harvesting machines like combines, and in the work shop, milk house, and home. First aid materials should be kept in an enclosed container that keeps out dirt and water.

The following is the list of items to stock in your kit.

Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care (AMA)Phone numbers for local emergency rescue service, family physician, Poison Control Center18-ounce sterile waterAntiseptic Soap to wash wounds (Betadine)Antiseptic or antibiotic spay (pump bottle preferred) Bactine equivalent2 - 4" or 6" Ace-style Wraps4 - 2" by 2" sterile compress bandages or gauze sponges4 - 4" by 4" sterile compress bandages8 - 6" x 10" pressure bandages2 - 2" rolls of cling gauze1 box assorted adhesive bandages2 - 2" rolls of athletic tape2 - 2" roles of elastic tapeBandage scissors, heavy duty to cut clothing materialSterile eyewash solutionFlashlight with fresh batteries

Cardboard arm splintRoad flares1 garbage-sized plastic bag2 kitchen-sized garbage bag2 quart-sized ziplock bags for proper storage/transportation of amputated limbs or tissue

http://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/icash/resources/first-aid-kit-list.htmlInformation Sheet 1.1-1b

Be Good to Your Garden Tools and Theyll Be Good to You

We all know how important it is to have the right tool for the job, but many of us dont realize how important it is to take proper care of the tool so that it continues to perform at its peak. This holds true for all tools... especially garden tools.

Garden tools are probably the most neglected of tools. We use them, abuse them, and put them away dirty and wet only to see them rust and lose their effectiveness over time. But with proper maintenance and a little time spent, your tools can last and be effective for many years to come.

Proper Tool StorageThe best advice I can give you regarding garden tools is to put them away. Do not leave them outside! Not only will proper storage keep unnecessary moisture away from your tools, it will also protect your valuable tools from theft. Even when rain is not in your forecast, tools left outside are exposed to moisture from wet grass and dew.

When storing your tools, keep them off the ground so theyre not exposed to moisture on your garage or shed floor. Hanging racks like the one pictured are a convenient way to hang several long-handled tools in one small area. They also help prevent damage to sharpened edges. For smaller tools, try using a pegboard system to hang your tools. Not only will it keep your tools off the ground, but it will help you with good tool organization. If each tool has a space, its more likely that the tool will get put away after use. A pegboard system also helps you identify if you have any missing tools. If a peg is empty, you know to take another jog around the yard before calling it a night.

Clean and Dry ToolsBecause most garden tools are exposed to dirt and moisture, this is the first place to start when it comes time for tool maintenance. Cleaning and drying your garden tools will keep them in good working order. For shovels, rakes and trowels that come in contact with soil, wash the dirt off with the strong spray from your hose. If the dirt is caked on, keep a brush nearby for a good scrubbing. Most importantly, dry your tools thoroughly before putting them away. I installed a hook in my garage near my garden tools so I could keep an old towel handy for drying.

Youll also want to be sure to wipe down smaller tools, like pruners and shears, before putting them away. This will help you remove any moisture, as well as sap, from the blades. Turpentine is an effective solvent for removing stubborn sap. Remember, be careful as you wipe the blades as they are very sharp. And once again, be sure to properly dry your tool before storing.

Prevent RustWhile proper storing, cleaning and drying are important to the condition of your tool, its still important to prevent rust. The most effective way to prevent rust is to provide some type of protective coating to the surface. Given the high cost of quality garden tools, its important to take this step to ensure many productive hours in the garden. You can use Boeshield T-9, a convenient aerosol spray or Bull Frog Rust Blocker which is non-polluting and biodegradable.

General Tool MaintenanceSome general maintenance is also handy for keeping your garden tools in good shape. There are several tips we recommend: First, for wood-handled tools, sand the handle if it becomes rough. This will help prevent splinters. And for all wood-handled tools, apply a light coating of boiled linseed oil to help prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.

Second, you will want to apply some type of lubricant like Boeshield T-9 to your pruners, loppers, and similar tools. This will ensure smooth operation of moving parts and will also help prevent rust from forming.

Third, remove rust that has already formed. Because many of us have not practiced proper tool maintenance, were probably facing a garage full of rusty tools. If thats the case for you, do not worry, there is still hope. There are several types of rust removal products available. Evapo-Rust is a safe and easy-to use on items that can be soaked. Bull Frog Rust Remover is an organic, non-toxic gel that also protects the tool against future rust formation. It works particularly well in household applications as it does not contain any harsh chemicals or emit strong odors.

Keep Your Tools SharpAnother key to garden tool maintenance is keeping your tools sharp. Sharp tools not only are more effective, but they reduce your frustration. A sharp pruner will cut through a branch with ease, and a sharp shovel will dig into hard clay soils. Sharpening garden tools requires just a two simple tools, a mill file and a small handheld sharpener.

The bigger tools like shovels, spades and hoes only require the use of a mill file. Mill files are available in bastard, second, and smooth cut. The bastard cut is the most aggressive while the smooth cut leaves the finest finish. Each cut is available in different sizes. Because larger files are cut coarser, we recommend a 10 second cut or an 8 bastard cut for garden tools. Another vital piece of a file is the handle. These are sold separately but make the sharpening process much easier and safer.

Before you use the file, secure your tool so you do not have to chase it around while you are trying to sharpen it. Once secured, find the angle where the tool was previously sharpened. Now use your mill file held at that angle and push the tool across the edge. Do not push the file back and forth on the tool! Files were meant to cut on the push stroke, and pulling will only serve to dull the file. Continue this process until the entire edge of your tool is sharpened. You will know it is sharpened when the entire edge looks like bright, shiny metal. Mill files can be found at almost any hardware store or at www.sharpeningsupplies.com.

The smaller tools like pruners, loppers, and shears require a keener edge to perform their duties, so we recommend a small diamond stone for sharpening. If you sharpen a variety of garden tools, we have found that the DMT Double Sided Diafold works effectively. With a coarse and a fine grit, it will quickly sharpen dull tools on the coarse side, and put a nicely honed edge on the tool on the fine side. If you sharpen mostly pruners and loppers, another alternative is the DMT Mini-Hone. These are small enough to sharpen pruners and loppers while the blade is still in the tool.

Sharpening using a diamond stone is much like a file. Secure the blade of your tool; a small vise works well if you have one. Next find the angle where your tool was previously sharpened. If you have trouble finding the angle try this trick: Use a permanent marker and apply the marker to the blade edge. Rub your stone across the edge at your selected angle. If you removed the marker behind the blade edge, you need to sharpen at a steeper angle, if you only removed the marker from the front edge you need to reduce the angle. Once youve found a good angle just rub the diamond stone back and forth with your coarse side until all your edge is uniformly sharp. Now switch to your fine side and sharpen using the same angle. Your edge is now ready for use. If you feel the edge starting to get dull again, you can skip the coarse grit and just use a few strokes with the fine stone to keep your tool in excellent shape. DMT diamond stones can be found at www.sharpeningsupplies.com.

With a little effort and time your garden tools will be tip-top shape for years to come. Even tools that have been neglected can be nursed back into shape. Proper storage, cleaning and drying, general maintenance, and sharpening will result in more effective tools and more productive time in the garden.

http://www.theruststore.com/Garden-Tool-Maintenance-W37C2.aspxTask Sheet 1.1-1 & 1.1-1a

Title

: Classification of tools, farm implements

and simple equipment.

Performance Objective: After reading the information sheet, the trainee should be able to:

1. Identifies appropriate tools, farm implements and simple equipment and sorts according to its usage;

2. Performs basic pre-operative checking of tools, farm implements and equipment in accordance with manufacturers manual.

3. Segregates and treats tools with wear and corrosions according to maintenance plan and procedures.

Supplies/Materials: Tools, farm implements and simple

equipment.

Steps/Procedure:

1. Identifies appropriate farm tools, farm implements and simple equipments according to requirements/uses.2. Checks farm tools, farm implements and simple equipments for damages and defects.

3. Performs preventive maintenance of farm tools, farm implements and simple equipments

4. Select and operate farm tools, farm implements and simple equipments according to its manufacturers manual.5. Identifies the basic farm first aid kit.

Assessment Method:

Oral questioning, Performance Criteria Checklist

Performance Criteria Checklist

Task Sheet 1.1-1 & 1.1-1a

Trainees Name: ___________________________________ Date: ___________________

CriteriaYESNO

Did the Student

1. Identified appropriate farm tools, farm implements and simple equipments according to requirements/uses?

2. Checked farm tools, farm implements and simple equipments for damages and defects?

3. Performed preventive maintenance of farm tools, farm implements and simple equipments?

4. Selected and operated farm tools, farm implements and simple equipments according to its manufacturers manual?

5. Identified the basic farm first aid kit?

Comments/Suggestions:

Trainer: ___________________________________ Date: ___________________

Job Sheet 1.1-1

Title

:

Performance Objective:

Supplies/Materials:pad, paper, pen

Equipment

:

Steps/Procedure:

Assessment Method:

Demonstration, Performance Criteria Checklist

Performance Criteria Checklist

Job Sheet 1.1-1

Trainees Name: ___________________________________ Date: ___________________

CriteriaYESNO

Did the Student

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Comments/Suggestions:

Trainer: ___________________________________ Date: ___________________

SUNAS

QA

SYSTEMHORTICUURE NC II

Conduct Pre-Horticultural Farm OperationsDate Developed:

September 2011Document No.

Issued by:Page 23 of 23

Developed by:

BOB DARYL A. ANTENOR

Revision # 00