COMPETENCY-

BASED
LEARNING
MATERIAL

1
Sector : AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

Qualification Title : AGRICULTURAL CROPS PRODUCTION (NC II)

Unit of Competency : PERFORM NURSERY OPERATIONS

Module Title : PERFORMING NURSERY OPERATIONS

HOW TO USE THIS MODULE

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 Welcome to the module “AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION NC
II”. This module contains training materials and activities for you to
complete.
The unit of competency “Perform Nursery Operation” contains
knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for an Agricultural Crop
Production NC II course.
In this module, you are required to go through a series of learning
activities in order to complete each learning outcome. In each learning
outcome are Information Sheets, Self-Checks, Operation Sheets and
Task/Job Sheets. Follow and perform the activities on your own. If you
have questions, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your facilitator.
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 is
there to support you and show you the correct way to do things.
• You will be given plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practice on
the job. Make sure you practice your new skills during regular work shifts.
This way, you will improve your speed, memory and your confidence.
• Use the Self-Checks, Operation Sheets or Task or Job Sheets at the end of
each section to test your own progress. Use the Performance Criteria
Checklist or Procedural Checklist located after the sheet to check your own
performance.
• 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.
A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to you after passing the
evaluation; you must pass the Institutional Competency Evaluation for this
competency before moving on with the next competency
You need to complete this module before you can perform the next module.
Plant Crops.

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 RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

(RPL/RCC)
You may already have some of the most of the knowledge and skills
covered in this learner’s guide because you have:

 Been working for some time

 Already completed training in this area
If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are already
competent in a particular skill or skills, talk to him/her to be able to
recognize your skill so you don’t have to do the same training again.
If you have a qualification or Certification of Competency from
previous training, show it to your trainer. If the skill you acquired is still
current and relevant to the unit/s of competency they may become part of
the evidence you may present to RPL. If you are not sure about the currency
of your skills, discuss with your trainer.
At the end of this module is a Learner’s Diary. Use this diary to
record important dates, jobs undertaken and other workplace events that
will assist you in providing further details to your trainer or assessor. A
Record of Achievement is also provided for your trainer to complete once you
complete the module.
This module was prepared to help you achieve the required
competency, in PERFORM NURSERY OPERATIONS. This will be the source
of information for you to acquire knowledge and skill into this particular
trade independently and at your own pace, with minimum supervision or
help from your instructor.

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 COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

List of Competencies

No. Unit of Competency Module Title Code

Perform Nursery Performing Nursery AFF 610301

1.
Operations Operations

AFF 610302
2. Plant Crops Planting Crops

Care and Maintain Caring and Maintaining AFF 610303

3.
Crops Crops

Carrying-out harvest
Carry-out harvest and AFF 610304
4. and postharvest
postharvest operations
operations

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 References/Further Reading

Performance Criteria Checklist

Operation/Task/Job Sheet

Self-Check Answer Key

Self Check

Information Sheet

Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome Summary

Module
Module Content
Content

Module
List of Competencies
Content

Module Content

Module Content

Front Page
In our efforts to standardize CBLM, the
above parts are recommended for use
in Competency Based Training (CBT) in
Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA)
Technology Institutions. The next
sections will show you the components
and features of each part.

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 MODULE CONTENT

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: PERFORM NURSERY OPERATIONS

MODULE TITLE: PERFORMING NURSERY OPERATIONS

MODULE DESCRIPTOR:

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to

perform nursery operations for agricultural crops including establishing
nursery shed, preparation and handling of planting materials, preparation of
growing media, transplanting germinated seedlings and handling of
nursery tools and equipment.

NOMINAL DURATION: 65 hours

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module you MUST be able to:
1. Prepare nursery tools, farm implements and simple equipment
2. Maintain nursery facilities
3. Handle seeds/planting material
4. Prepare growing media
5. Conduct propagation activities

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. Tools, farm implements and simple equipment are prepared according
work requirements.
2. Basic pre-operative checking of tools, farm implements and equipment
is performed in accordance with manufacturer’s manual and GAP
standard
3. Tool with wear and corrosions are segregated and treated according
to maintenance plan and procedure

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4. Nursery sanitation is maintained according to GAP standard.
5. Repair and maintenance of nursery facilities are performed to
maximize their efficiency and effectiveness.
6. Preventive measures are applied for inclement weather.
7. Safety measures are practice according to OSHS.
8. Planting materials are determined according to kinds and varieties.
9. Quality seeds are elected according to prescribed characteristics.
10. Seeds testing are conducted to determine the percentage germination
of the seed stock in accordance with the standard procedures.
11. Planting materials are treated following standard protocol.
12. Seed scarification is performed for germination purposes based on
type of crop.
13. Growing media are prepared according to prescribed mixture and
crop requirement.
14. Growing media are placed in prescribed containers according to crop
requirements.
15. Containers are arranged and labeled according to varieties/species.
16. Seedbed is prepared based on crop species.
17. Nursery shed is set-up according to plant requirement.
18. Quality seedlings are selected based on prescribed characteristics.
19. Propagation materials are selected according to propagation activity.
20. Plant propagation techniques are performed based on recommended
practices.
21. Germinated seedlings are maintained until fully established.
22. Pricking and thinking of seedlings are performed based on
recommended practices.

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LEARNING OUTCOME NO. 4
PREPARE GROWING MEDIA

CONTENTS:
1. Selected planting materials
2. Conducted seed testing
3. Prepared growing medium
4. Performed plant propagation techniques

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. Growing media are prepared according to prescribed mixture and crop

requirement.
2. Seedbed is prepared based on crop species.

CONDITIONS:
Students/trainees MUST be provided with the following:

 Shed/Greenhouse
 Writing instruments
 Nursery tools/implements/equipment
 Nursery supplies
 Logbooks
 Irrigation system and parts
 References (NSIC catalogue, GAP, OSHS, HACCP manuals, etc.)

ASSESSMENT METHODS:
1. Written examination
2. Oral evaluation
3. Demonstration with questions

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 LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Learning Outcome 4:
GROWING MEDIA ARE PREPARED ACCORDING TO PRESCRIBED
MIXTURE AND CROP REQUIREMENT.
Learning Activities Special Instructions
 Read information sheet 1.4-1
Growing media are prepared
according to prescribed mixture
and crop requirement.
 Answer self-check 1.4-1 Growing
media are prepared according to
prescribed mixture and crop
requirement.
 Check answers using answer key
1.4-1 Growing media are prepared Answer information sheet and perform
according to prescribed mixture task sheet and job shet then proceed to
and crop requirement. the next module.
 Observe your trainer
demonstrate the activity. Perform
and practice task sheet 1.4-1
Growing media are prepared
according to prescribed mixture
and crop requirement.
 Evaluate your work using
performance criteria checklist 1.4-
1 Growing media are prepared
according to prescribed mixture
and crop requirement.
Read information sheet 1.4-2
“Seedbed is prepared based on
crop species”.
Answer self-check 1.4-2 Seedbed
is prepared based on crop species.
Check answers using answer key
1.4-2 “Seedbed is prepared based
on crop species”.
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Observe your trainer demonstrate
the activity. Perform and practice
job sheet 1.4-2 Seedbed is
prepared based on crop species.
Evaluate your work using
performance criteria checklist 1.4-
2 Perform job sheet 1.4-2
“Seedbed is prepared based on
crop species”.

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 INFORMATION SHEET 1.4-1
GROWING MEDIA ARE PREPARED ACCORDING TO PRESCRIBED
MIXTURE AND CROP REQUIREMENT.

Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:

 Know the different types of growing media.

 Differentiate the components of the growing media.
 Explain the importance of preparation of different growing media.

What is growing media?

- Often also referred to as “substrate” or “potting soil”, a material other

than soil on the spot in which plants are grown.
- Used by the horticulture industry as well as consumers to support the
development of plants.
- The material that your plants grow in is called the “growing medium”.
Dozens of different ingredients are used in varying combinations to
create homemade or commercial growing media. By understanding the
functions of growing media, you can evaluate the qualities of
individual types and select which ones might work best for your
container vegetable garden. The choice is very important because your
plants are dependent on a relatively small volume of growing medium.
Unlike their cousins growing in garden soil, containerized plant roots
cannot grow around obstacles or mine the soil far and wide for
nutrients and water.
 Growing medium has three main funtions- 1) supply roots
with nutrients, air, andwater, 2) allow for maximum root
growth, and 3) physically support the plant.
 Roots grow in the spaces between individual particles of
soil. Air and water also travel through theses pore spaces.
Water is the medium that carries nutrients that plants
need to fuel their growth, and air needed for root growth
and the health of soil microorganisms that help supply
plants with nutrients.

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  Irrigation water moves through the pore spaces, pushing
out the air. If excess water cannot drain away, fresh air
cannot enter and roots will suffocate.
 Select light and fluffy growing media for good aeration and
root growth.

Fundamentals of Growing Media

Growing media are one of the most widely used materials for growing
greenhouse crops. With many different formulations available for growers, it
can be a challenge to choose which the best blend to use. Understanding the
composition, functions and intended use can make the selection process
easier.
What are the functions of growing media? They provide a reservoir for water
holding, a nutrient holding and exchange system, a zone for gaseous
exchange for the plant root system and anchorage for plant roots. These
physical characteristics of a growing medium are determined by the
components used and the proportions in which they are blended together.
What is important to remember is that the resulting physical characteristics
do not equal the sum of the ingredients. First, let’s look at the components
used in formulating growing media, then focus on the characteristics of
growing media, and finally biological additives. 

Growing Media Components

Growing media components are either organic or inorganic. Organic
components include, but are not limited to: peat moss, bark, coconut coir,
rice hulls, wood fiber, etc. Inorganic components include, but are not limited
to: perlite, pumice, vermiculite, sand, hydrogel, etc. Some of these
components hold water on their surface, while others hold water on their
surface and within their structure, and others hold very little, if any water,
such as perlite. Keep in mind that a specific type of ingredient can vary in
its water holding capacity and physical structure, depending on its origin
and how it is processed.
For example, bark can vary greatly in its source and its structure depending
on how it is processed, aged, composted and screened. This is also true for
peat moss. Light brown, fibrous peat moss has a porous structure and can
hold up 16 times its weight in water. However, if this same peat moss is
processed into fine particles, the water holding capacity can be reduced and
the air porosity decreased dramatically. If you blend your own growing
media, your source materials should be consistent to produce a quality and
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predictable growing medium. It is important to know the structure, chemical
and physical properties of the ingredients you use to be sure that the
growing medium blend you produce is the same, batch after batch.

Garden Soil Carbonized Rice Hull (CRH)

Peat Moss Coco Coir

Saw Dust Compost

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Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

Benefits of Growing Media

Growing media for use in container nurseries is available in two basic
forms: soil based and organic based. Compared with soil based media that
has field soil as a major component, organic based media (a base of organic
materials that may be compost, peat, coconut coir, or other organic
materials, mixed with inorganic ingredients) promotes better root
development. In temperate areas, nurseries can choose from a wide range of
commercial products for their growing media, including peat moss,
vermiculite, and perlite, and premixed blends of these ingredients. Most
nurseries in the tropics, however, do not have easy and affordable access to
these materials, and even nurseries in temperate areas are seeking to
replace some of these ingredients with more local and sustainable materials.
In the tropics, growers often create their own media using locally available
ingredients. A favorable growing medium consists of two or more
ingredients. Growers must be familiar with the positive and negative
characteristics of the various ingredients and how they will affect plant
growth when creating a suitable growing medium, or even when purchasing
a commercial one. This chapter describes the uses, functions, and
properties of growing media ingredients. From this information, you can
experiment with available materials and find the best combination(s) for
your nursery.
Functions of Growing Media
1. Physical Support
The growing medium must be porous yet provide physical support.
Young plants are fragile and must remain upright so that they can
photosynthesize and grow. With larger nursery stock in individual
containers, a growing medium must be heavy enough to hold the plant
upright against the wind. Bulk density is the responsible factor and will be
discussed in the next section.

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2. Aeration
Plant roots need a steady supply of oxygen to convert the
photosynthate from the leaves into energy so that the roots can grow and
take up water and mineral nutrients. The byproduct of this respiration is
carbon dioxide that must be dispersed into the atmosphere to prevent the
buildup of toxic concentrations within the root zone. This gas exchange
occurs in the large pores (macropores) or air spaces in the growing medium.
Because nursery plants grow rapidly, they need a medium with good
porosity—a characteristic termed “aeration” that will be discussed in more
detail in the next section.

3. Water Supply
Nursery plants use a tremendous amount of water for growth and
development, and this water supply must be provided by the growing
medium. Growing media are formulated so that they can hold water in the
small pores (micropores) between their particles. Many growing media
contain a high percentage of organic matter such as peat moss and compost
because these materials have internal spaces that can hold water like a
sponge. Therefore, growing media must have adequate porosity to absorb
and store the large amounts of water needed by the growing plant.
4. Supply of Mineral Nutrients
Most of the essential mineral nutrients that nursery plants need for
rapid growth must be obtained through the roots from the growing medium.
Most mineral nutrients are electrically charged ions. Positively charged ions
(cations) include ammonium nitrogen (NH4 +), potassium (K+), calcium
(Ca+2), and magnesium (Mg+2). These cations are attracted to negatively
charged sites on growing medium particles up to the point when the roots
extract the cations. The capacity of a growing medium to adsorb these
cations is referred to as cation exchange capacity (CEC), and this important
characteristic is discussed in the next section. Different media components
vary considerably in their CEC, but peat moss, vermiculite, and compost
have a high CEC value, which explains their popularity in growing media.

Qualities of Different Types of Growing Media

 Garden soil
Never use this by itself for container gardens. Soils hold water
and nutrients very well and can drown roots growing in a container.
Diseases and weed seeds can also be a problem. And soil is heavy

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 which an advantage is if you are trying to anchor top-heavy plants
and pots, but a disadvantage if you want to move pots.

Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

 Peat moss
Peat moss is the name typically given to the decomposed, dead
remains of sphagnum moss, a plant native too many parts of the
world. Gardeners tend to love it for its ability to retain water – it can
often hold up to 20 times its weight. It also has a rich nutrient
composition that can promote faster growth for a range of plants, from
crops to ornamental shrubs. The popularity of peat has caused some
controversy when it comes to resourcing, however. Though sphagnum
grows in many places, it often takes a long time to decompose and die
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 away. When the demand outpaces the natural production, there is a
danger of overcharming.

**Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

 Saw dust or wood dust

It is a by-product of cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding. Or
otherwise pulverizing wood with a saw or other tool; it is composed of
fine particles of wood. It is also the by-product of certain animals,
birds and insects which live in wood, such as the woodpecker and
carpenter ant. It can present a hazard in manufacturing industries,
especially in terms of its flammability. Sawdust is the main
component of particleboard.
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** Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

 Coco coir
fiber coir is a natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconut
and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes,
mattresses, etc. technically coir is the fiborousmaterial found between
the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. Other uses of
brown coir (made from ripe coconut) are in upholstery padding,
sacking and horticulture. White coir, harvested from unripe coconuts,
is used for making finer brushes, string, rope and fishing nets.

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** Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

 Compost
Composting speeds the natural process whereby
microorganisms break down complex organic matter into simple,
nutritious topsoil. When this occurs on the forest floor, it’s called
mulching, but when people have a hand in the procedure, we call it
composting. Composting requires water, air, and rotting material with
good nitrogen to carbon ratio.
Composting starts with the proper equipment. A container
needs to be durable, with slots for air circulation, compartments for
different engredients, and a cover to keep out rain and snow. Some
people like to mount their compost bin on an axle so they can rotate it
and mix everything together. Containers should be kept on level
ground away from sources of contamination, like pets or garbage.

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 Turning some trash into useful fertilizer requires careful sorting
of all the ingredients. The ratios of certain materials, like grass
clippings versus banana skins, need to be monitored to make sure the
batch of compost decomposess well. Things that seem like they will
disintegrate probably will, including vegetable peelings, seed hulls,
fruit rinds, beans, wilted lettuce, etc. avoid anything that seems like it
would rot, like dairy, meat, or oil.

** Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

With a good supply of rich vegetable waste, compost still needs

other additives for bacteriato turn rough materials into topsoil. For
example, scraps from your kitchen and grass clippings have a lot of
nitrogen. You’ll also want some carbon to regulate the speed of
decomposition, also add hay, bark, wood chips, or dry leaves.
The compost will radiate heat if it contains a good ratio of
carbon to nitrogen while it cures. Subtle, emanating warmth means
that worms, fungi, and bacteria are working hard. When the majority
of decomposition has taken place and the compost is ready to be
spread on a garden or lawn, the compost will feel cool.
Create ideal conditions for speedy composting by monitoring air
and moisture levels. Too much dense vegetation will make compost
compact. Microorganisms need air, too, and if they suffocate they are
no longer creating precious material. Fluff it up with hay or dry leaves,
add vents, or merely mix it with a shovel. There should be enough

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 moisture such that the mixture looks damp, but no water drips from
the bottom.
The resultant soil material from composting is called humus.
It’s a very valuable, nutritious kind of topsoil that replenishes the dirt.
Humus is appropriate to spread over vegetable gardens, lawans,
around trees, fields, and anywhere you want something to grow.
Composted fertilizer makes up for nutrients lost due to crops,
vivacious weeds, or other vegetation that sapped minerals and
vitamins from the soil.

 Animal manure
Manure is organic matter, mostly derived from animal feces
except in the case of green manure, which can be used as organic
fertilizer in agriculture. Manures contribute to the fertility of the soil
by adding organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are
trapped by bacteria in the soil. Higher organisms then feed on the
fungi and bacteria in a chain of life that comprises the soil food web. It
is also a product obtained after decomposition of organic matter like
cow dung which replenishes the soil with essential elements and adds
humus to the soil.

** Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

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  Rice hulls:
(or rice husks) are the hard protecting coverings of grains of
rice. In addition to protecting rice during the growing season, rice
hulls can be put to use as building material.

** Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

Growing Medium
- Growing medium ensures that the plant can healthily grow by proving
it with a range of essential elements:
1. Optimum rooting environment for physical stability.
2. Storage of air for the roots.
3. Water absorption and retention.
4. Supply of nutrients for the roots.

Characteristics of Good Growing Medium

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  Good aeration – also called aerification is the process by which air is
circulated through, mixed with or dissolved in a liquid or substance.
Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air,
water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots.
 Good water holding capacity – soil water holding capacity is a term
that all farms should know to optimize crop production. Simply
defined soil water holding capacity is the amount of water that a given
soil can hold for crop use.
 Good drainage – it is the natural or artificial removal of a surface’s
water and sub-surface water from an area. The internal drainage of
most agrivultural soils is good enough to prevent severe waterlogging
(anaerobic conditions that harm root growth), but many soils need
artificial drainage to improve production or to manage water supplies.
 Can supply nutrient – Proper nutrition is essential for satisfactory
crop growth and production. The use of soil tests can help to
determine the status of plant available nutrients to develop fertilizer
reecommendations to achieve optimum crop production.

SOIL STERILIZATION – The process of subjecting the soil to heat or

chemicals to kill micro organisms and other bacteria
Methods of Soil Sterilization
1. Burning organic materials on the soil
- A common method of soil sterilization is heating up the soil. The high
temperature will cause the death of many micro-organisms, including
pathogens on the top of the soil and insect pests with soil-dwelling
stages such as cut worms.
2. Pouring boiling water to the soil
3. Solarization
- Solarization as a method of soil sterilization uses the sun to heat the
soil. Solarization can control soil borne diseases, weed seeds and
some nematodes including root knot nematodes
- To solarize soil, the soil is covered with clear polythylene or plastic
sheets. The best time is during the hot season, where there is plenty
of sun. the sun heats up the soil through the plastic and the plastic
sheet keeps the heat inside the soil. The sheets should be left in the
field for 4 weeks.
4. Biofumigation
- Soil borne pests and pathogens can be suppressed by chemical
compounds that are released during decomposition of certain crops.
This is called biofumigation. The chemical compounds that kill or
suppress pathogens are principally isothiocyanates. Those crops with
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 biofumigation potentials are used as rotation crop, a companion or a
green manure crop.
5. Chemical treatment
- Treat the soil with chemicals like Formaldehyde, 1 tablespoon per 1
gallon of water. However, the use of chemicals is not environmentally
friendly because chemicals may kill not only destructive micro-
organisms but also the beneficial ones.
Steps in preparing growing media
1. Prepare the mixture
2. Mixing the growing media components
3. Check the growing media moisture
4. Sterilization or solarization
History of container use in nurseries
Although ornamental plants have been in containers since the early
days of human civilization (Matkin and others 1957), the production of
forest tree seedlings in containers is a relatively recent innovation. One of
the first large-scale users of container tree seedlings in North America was
during the Great Plains Forestry Project of the 1930’s. a tarpaper pot system
was developed to produce hardy container seedlings for the harsh
environmental conditions encountered in shelterbelt plantings (Strachan
1974).
The first large-scale production of reforeslation seedlings in modern
plastic containers was in Canada: the “Walters Bullet” in British Columbia
(Walters 1974) and the “Ontario Tube” in Ontario (Reese 1974). Based on
these early prototypes, other containers were developed and tested in
Canada and the United States during the 1960’s and early 1970’s, including
some that are still popular today: Styrofoam blocks (Sjoberg 1974), Spencer-
Lemaire (S/L) Rootrainers (Spencer 1974), and the Ray Leach Single Cell
system (Allison 1974). In addition to these North American products, the
“Japanese paperpot” was adapted in Scandinavia (Rasanen 1982) and
subsequently imported to the United States and Canada.
Many types of containers have been tested in North American forest
nurseries during the past 20 years, but the perfect container has yet to be
developed. In reality, no single container will ever fill the needs of every
nursery manager because of differences in nursery cultural practices or
outplanting site conditions. Which is the best container for a given purpose
will depend on the specific objectives of the nursery and of the reforestation
system.

Containers
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 - Begin the repotting process by selecting a new container. A general
rule of thumb is never to go more than 2-inches in diameter than the
original pot. Any greater increases will make watering difficult and
non uniform. Be sure the new container has adequate drainage holes.
If it does not, use a pot as a liner and set it inside of the decorative
container.
- All pots should be free of any used soil, salt residues or other organic
materials. To disinfect a pot prior to planting, soak it in a solution of
one part liquid bleach and 9 parts water for 15-30 minutes.
Types of Containers
Containers have been grown in many different types of containers over
the years. Initially, standard horticultural containers were used, but nursery
managers soon realized that woody plant seedlings required containers with
special features. Many different types of containers have been tried but,
after 2 decades of testing, only a relatively small percentage (28%) of the
containers listed in are still in use. New types of containers are still being
designed and tested at the present time, this effort to develop the ideal
container will undoubtedly continue because there is no single type of
container that is perfect for all applications.

REFERENCE:
https://growingmedia.co.uk/about/what-is-growing-media-.html
https://www.pthorticulture.com/en/training-center/fundamentals-of-
growing-media/
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamental/greenhouse-
management/growing-media/
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 SELF – CHECK 1.4-1
PREPARATION OF DIFFERENT GROWING MEDIA

Multiple Choices:
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Directions: Read and understand the questions carefully. Write the
letter of the correct answer in your quiz notebook.
1. Any activity that reduces the spread of pathogen inoculums, such
as removal and destruction of infected plant parts, cleaning of tools
and equipment.
a. sanitation c. sowing seeds
b. soil sterilization d. growing media
2. The process of subjecting the soil to heat and chemicals to kill
micro organisms and other bacteria.
a. Sanitation c. sowing seeds
b. Soil sterilization d. growing media
3. Prepared garden plots primarily for production of seedlings.
a. Sanitation c. Sowing seeds
b. Seed beds d. growing media
4. Compose of equal parts of garden sieved sand, compost and saw
dust or rice hull.
a. Sanitation c. Sowing seeds
b. Seed beds d. Growing media
5. The placing and depositing of seeds in a moist soil for good seed
germination.
a. Sanitation c. Sowing seeds
b. Seed beds d. Growing media
6. A box filled with soil or growing media where seeds are germinated.
a. Sanitation c. Sowing seeds
b. Seed beds d. Growing media

ANSWER KEY 1.4-1

1. A
2. B
3. C
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 4. D
5. D

TASK SHEET 4.1-1

Title: Prepare Growing Media

Performance Objective: Given the necessary tools, materials and

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 equipment you should be able to perform
growing media.

Supplies/Materials : Garden soil,Compost, Rice hull/carbonized rice

hull, container

Equipment : NONE

Steps/Procedure:
1. Wear your PPE
2. Prepare growing medium
3. Mix thouroughly the different growing media
4. Sterilize the mixed growing media
5. Put in a Container appropriate for the crop

Assessment Method:

Written examination
Oral evaluation
Demonstration with questions

INFORMATION SHEET 1.4-3

SEEDBED IS PREPARED BASED ON CROP SPECIES

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Seedbed – seedbed or seedling bed is the local soil environment in which
seeds are planted. Often it comprises not only the soil but also a specially
prepared cold frame, hotbed or raised bed used to grow the seedlings in a
controlled environment into larger young plants before transplanting them
into a garden or field. A seedling bed is used to increase the number of seeds
that germinate.

Seedbed preparation – Proper seedbed preparation is vital to successful

forage stand establishment. The soil and the planting technique must
assure that good soil-seed contact is achieved. If plowed, then the soil
should be disked and compacted with a corregated roller before seeding
occurs. If no-till planting is practices, the tilling operation and compaction
are applied in a limited area dusring the planting operation. Precipitation or
irrigation of plowed, disked, and harrowed soils may negate the need for
compaction prior to planting. In either case, the seedbed must be firm and
compact to assure optimum seed-soil contact. A rule-of-thumd for soil
surface firmness is to have the soil sufficiently firm that when a person
stands on it, the indentation caused by the weight is about 1 cm
(approximately 3/8 in.) deep.

**Image source: aggie-horticulture.tama.edu

Steps in seedbed preparation

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- The steps to properly preparing a seedbed will make more sense when
you understand the overall needs for seed germination. A key to plant
growth rests in the concept that there must be good seed to soil
contact. Good seed to soil contact helps the seed to utilize the
moisture in the soil and later the emerging plant can utilize the
nutrients in the soil. This concept usually assumes that a firm
seedbed will be helpful. It may necessitate a more finely pulverized soil
for smaller seeds. There are many seemingly small ways that seed to
soil contact can be enhanced.
- The characteristics of a good seedbed are: uniformly firm soil to depth
of 5 inches (12.7 centimeters), adequate soil moisture, and weed free.
Each of these characteristics help the seed to have the best chance to
germinate and flourish. A seedbed that is weed free allows the desired
crop to grow without the fierce competition for nutrients, space, and
sunlight. Adequate soil moisture triggers the enzymatic changes
needed to grow. The seedbed needs to be firm because that indicates
that moisture down in the soil can be brought up for seed
germination. Fluffy soil at the surface usually means too much air is
trapped in the soil and that will dry out the conditions and seeds will
not germinate.
- The steps to obtaining a good seedbed include plowing the soil to 5
inches (12.7 centimeters) in depth. Using a disk to carve through the
soil is especially beneficial when the disk is run through the soil twice,
with the second trip cutting perpendicularly to first cut. So if the soil
is plowed north to south, then the second disking would be east to
west, more thoroughly disturbing the soil. When plowing, weed seeds
are brought closer to the surface and with closer contact with the
sunlight and soil moisture they will germinate soon thereafter. So
often, after disking or plowing, a procedure will allow the weed seeds
to germinate and use herbicides to eradicate them. Then the soil is
disked again to turn under the dead plant material to promote seed to
soil contact.

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REFERENCE:
https://www.best4hedging.co.uk/blog/preparing-your-seed-beds-in-5-easy-
steps

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 Self- Check 1.4-3

SEEDBED IS PREPARED BASED ON CROP SPECIES

Direction: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if the

statement is wrong.
1. Final seedbeds can be prepared by disk, harrow, or chisel plowing.
2. Seedbed preparation is an important step that can iptimize seed
germination and survival rate.
3. To make sure your plants will be competing for space, water or
nutrients, you need to ensure that your seed beds are completely full
of weeds.
4. Plowing involves breaking down all the lumps in your soil and
applying fertilizer or well-rotted organic matter.
5. It is a good idea to warm your soil up to encourage better germination.

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 ANSWER KEY 1.4-3
SEEDBED IS PREPARED BASED ON CROP SPECIES

1. True
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True

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 JOB SHEET 1.5-3
Title: SEEDBED IS PREPARED BASED ON CROP SPECIES

Performance Objective: Given materials, tools and equipment, you

should be able to Prepare Seedbed Based on
crop species in accordance with industry
standard.

Supplies/Materials:
 PPE, Digging tools

Tools:
NONE

Steps/Procedure:
1. Observe OHS policies and procedures.
2. Wear appropriate PPE.
3. Select and use the proper tools, materials and equipment
needed.
4. Perform the activities.
5. Perform housekeeping.
6. Present your work to the trainer.

Assessment Method:
 written examination
 demonstration with questioning

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 Performance Criteria Checklist 1.5-3
SEEDBED PREPARATION

CRITERIA
YES NO
Did you….
Observed OHS guidelines and procedures √
Selected and wore appropriate PPE √
Selected and used the proper tools, materials and √
equipment needed.

Performed the task in accordance to the prescribed √

criteria of the qualification.
Performed housekeeping √
Presented work to the trainer √

COMMENTS:

The trainee performed the task completely

Trainee Name: Lea G. Soriano

Date: September 25, 2021

Assessed by:

Jess Anthony Q. Agustin

Trainer

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