COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

Sector: AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERY

Qualification Title: AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION NC II

Unit of Competency: PERFORM NURSERY OPERATION

Module Title: PERFORMING NURSERY OPERATION

Prepared by : MYLYN B. ADOR

Bical National High School, Salvacion, Sto. Domingo, Albay

HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

The unit of this competency “Perform Nursery Operation “ is one of the

competencies of AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION NC II , a qualification
which comprises the knowledge,skills and activities required for a trainer to
possess.

The module, Perform Nursery Operation contains training materials and

activities related to perform seed treatment for germination purposes based on the
type of crop, prepare growing media according to prescribed mixture, performed
plant propagation techniques based on recommended practices, and select quality
seedlings and other propagation materials based on the established criteria of the
crop.

In this module, you are required go to 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. If you have questions,
do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your facilitator.

Remember to:

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

 Perform the Task Sheets and Job Sheets until you are confident that your
outputs conform to the Performance Criteria Checklist that follows the sheets.

 Submit outputs of the Task Sheets and Job Sheets to your facilitator for
evaluation and recording in the Accomplishment Chart. Outputs shall serve as
your portfolio during the Institutional Competency Evaluation. 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. You must pass the Institutional Competency Evaluation
for this competency before moving to another competency. A Certificate of
Achievement will be awarded to you after passing the evaluation. You need to
complete this module before you can perform the module on Performing Nursery
Operations

AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION NC II

 COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

List of Competencies

No. Unit of Competency Module Title Code

Perform nursery Performing nursery

AFF 610301
1. operations operations

2. Plant crops Planting crops

AFF 610302

Care and maintain Caring and

AFF 610303
3. crops maintaining crops

Carry-out harvest Carrying-out harvest

4. and postharvest and postharvest
operations operations

MODULE CONTENT
UNIT OF COMPETENCY: PERFORM NURSERY OPERATION

MODULE TITLE: PERFORMING NURSERY OPERATION

MODULE DESCRIPTOR: This module covers the knowledge,

skills and attitudes in drafting and cutting
patterns of casual apparel. It details the
requirements for planning garment design,
taking body measurements, drafting
basic/block pattern, manipulating and
cutting final pattern.

NOMINAL DURATION: 80 hours

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this module you MUST be able to:

LO1. Prepare nursery tools, farm implements, and simple equipment

LO2. Maintain nursery facilities

LO3. Handle seeds /planting materials

LO4. Prepare growing media

LO5. Conduct propagation activities

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

a. Prepare tools and simple equipment are according work requirements.

b. Perform basic pre-operative activities such as checking of tools and
equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s manual
c. Segregate and treat damaged and corroded tools according to
maintenance plan and procedures.
d. Maintain nursery sanitation according to GAP standard.
e. Perform repair and maintenance of nursery facilities
f. Apply preventive measures for inclement weather
g. Practice safety measures according to OSHS
h. Determine seeds/planting materials according to kinds and varieties
i. Select quality seeds according to prescribed characteristics
j. Conduct seed testing to determine the percentage germination of the seed
stock in accordance with the standard procedures
k. Treat planting materials following standard protocol.
 l. Perform seed treatment for germination purposes based on type of crop*
m. Prepare growing media according to prescribed mixture*
n. Prepare seedbed based on crop species
o. Place growing media in prescribed containers according to crop
requirements
p. Arrange and label pots or seedling trays according to varieties/species.
q. Set-up a nursery shed according to plant requirement
r. Select quality seedlings based on prescribed characteristics
s. Perform plant propagation techniques based on recommended practices*
t. Maintain the plant based on recommended practices
u. Select quality seedlings and other propagation materials based on
established criteria of the crop*

LEARNING OUTCOME NO. 1

 PREPARE NURSERY TOOLS, FARM IMPLEMENTS, AND SIMPLE
EQUIPMENT

Contents:

1.1 Tools, farm implements and simple equipment are

prepared according work requirements.
1.2 Basic pre-operative checking of tools, farm implements
and equipment is performed in accordance with
Manufacturer’s manual and GAP standard.
1.3 Tools with wear and corrosions are segregated and
treated according to maintenance plan and procedures.

Assessment Criteria

1. Prepared tools , farm implements and simple equipment according with

work requirements
2. Performed basic pre-operative checking of tools, farm implements and
equipment in accordance with Manufacturer’s manual and GAP standard
3. Segregated and treated otools with corrosion according to maintenance
plan.

Conditions:
Students/trainees must be provided with the following:

Include the following but not limited to:

1.1. Tools:
1.1.1. Digging tools
1.1.2. Propagation tools
1.1.3. Harvesting tools
1.1.4. Measuring tools
1.2. Farm implements and simple equipment:
1.2.1. Water pumps
1.2.2. Hand tractor
1.2.3. Plow
1.2.4. Harrow
1.2.5. Sprayer
Assessment Method:

Demonstration
Interview
Written
 Learning Experiences
Learning Outcome No. 1
PREPARE NURSERY TOOLS, FARM IMPLEMENTS AND SIMPLE EQUIPMENTS

Learning Activities Special Instructions

Read Information Sheet 1.3-1 Be familiar of the different nursery

Preparation of nursery tools ,farm tools, farm implements, and simple
implements, and simple equipment equipment and it usage.

Answer Self-Check 1.3-1 Try to answer self-check without

looking at the answer key

Compare answer using answer key 1.3- Double Check the answer in case you
1 forgot to answer correctly using self-
check

Read Information Sheet 1.3-2 on Familiarize the procedures in in pre-

Procedures in pre-operative checking of operative checking of tools, farm
tools, farm implements and equipment implements and equipment
in accordance with the manufacturer’s
manual and Philippine GAP (Philippine
Good Agricultural Practice
Answer Self-check 1.3-2 Try to answer self-check in 15
minutes.

Compare to answer key 1.3-2 Double check the answer

View multimedia presentation in Watch and listen carefully

Procedures in in pre-operative checking
of tools, farm implements and
equipment

Auto feedback Recognize and reflect on your

positive/negative feedback

Task sheet 1.3-2 Perform segregation Perform Task sheet 1.3-2 on Perform
and treatment of tools with wear segregation and treatment of tools with
corrosion according to maintenance wear corrosion
plan and procedures
Perform Task sheet 1.3-2 on Perform Follow the steps carefully
segregation and treatment of tools with
wear corrosion

Rate own performance using Repeat the task if you fail to achieve
Performance Criteria Checklist 1.3-2 the criteria
 Information Sheet 1.3-1

PREPARE TOOLS, FARM IMPLEMENTS AND SIMPLE EQUIPMENT

Learning Objectives:

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

1. Differentiate tools, farm implements and simple equipment.

2. Identify the different kinds of tools, implements and simple equipment

INTRODUCTION

1. This information sheet will cover the different tools, farm implements and
simple equipment.
2.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Hand tools – objects that are usually light and are used
without the help of animals and machines
2. Farm implements – accessories pulled by animals or
mounted to machineries to make the work easier
3. Equipment – powered tool machine used in farming
4. Repair – to restore good condition something broken or
damaged
5. Prepare – to take the necessary action to put something
into a state where it is fit for use or for a particular event
or purpose.

Farm tools, implements, and equipment play a very important role in

horticultural operations. Their presence makes the work much easier and
faster. However, even if one may have the most sophisticated tools and
implements, if he does not know how to use them, they are useless. In order
to do horticultural operations successfully, one must have a good working
knowledge of the tools, implements, and equipment before using them.

Hand Tools

Hand tools are usually light and are used without the help of animals or
machines. They are used in performing farm activities that involve small areas
like school garden and home garden.

Examples:

1. Bolo is used for cutting grasses and weeds, loosening

and pulverizing the soil, digging small holes for
planting, post construction, and breaking the topsoil in
preparing garden plots if no other tools are available.
 2. Crowbar is used for digging big holes and for digging out big stones
and stumps.

3. Pick-mattock is used for digging canals, breaking hard

topsoil, and digging up stones and tree stumps.

4. Grub-hoe is used for breaking hard topsoil and pulverizing soil.

5. Spade is used for removing trash or soil, digging

canals or ditches, and mixing soil media.

6. Shovel is used for removing trash, digging loose soil,

and moving soil from one place to another and for
mixing soil media.
7. Rake is used for cleaning the ground and leveling the
topsoil.

8. Spading fork is used for loosening the soil, digging out

root crops, and turning over the materials in a
compost heap.

9. Light hoe is used for loosening and leveling soil and digging out
furrows for planting.

10. Hand trowel is used for loosening the soil around the
growing plants and putting small amounts of manure
in the soil.

11. Hand cultivator is used for cultivating the garden

plot by loosening the soil and removing young weeds
around the plant.

12. Hand fork is used for inter-row cultivation.

 13. Pruning shears is used for cutting branches of
planting materials and unnecessary branches of
plants.

14. Axe is used for cutting bigger post.

15. Knife is used for cutting planting materials and for

performing other operations in horticultur

Farm Implements

Farm implements are accessories pulled by working

animals or mounted to machineries that are usually used in the preparation
of wide land. They are usually made of a special kind of metal.

Examples:

1.Plows. They refer to farm implements used in horticultural operations,

either pulled by a working animal or a tractor. The plow is specifically used for
tilling large areas, making furrows, and inter- row cultivation.

Plows pulled by working animals are made of either a combination of metal or

wood or pure metal. They are used to till areas with a shallower depth than
that of the disc plows which are pulled by tractors.
 Native Plow Disc Plow

2.Harrow. The native wooden harrow is made of wood with metal teeth and
pulled by a carabao while the disc harrow is a metal mounted to a tractor.
Harrows are used for tilling and pulverizing the soil.

Native Wooden Harrow Disc Harrow

3.Rotavator. The rotavator is an implement mounted to a tractor used for

tilling and pulverizing the soil.

Equipment

Equipment is machineries used in horticultural operations especially in

vegetable production. They are used in land preparation and in transporting
farm inputs and products. To use these machineries, highly skilled operators
are needed.

1. Hand tractor is used to pull a plow and harrow in

preparing a large area of land.
2. Four wheel tractors are used to pull disc plow and disc
harrow in preparing a much bigger area of land.
3. Water pumps are used to draw irrigation water from a
source.
 Hand Tractor Four Wheel Tractor
Water Pump

Other Materials, Tools, and Equipment

1. Water pails – are used for hauling water, manure, and fertilizers
2. Sprinklers – are used for watering seedlings and young plants
3. Wheel barrow- is used for hauling trash, manures, fertilizers,
planting materials, and other equipment
4. Sprayers – are used for spraying insecticides, foliar fertilizers,
fungicides, and herbicides

Water Pails Sprinklers Wheel Barrow

Trigger Sprayer Knapsack Sprayer Power Sprayer

 It was mentioned earlier that tools, implements, and equipment
facilitate work conveniently, but a user must bear in mind that knowledge on
the use of these tools leads to a safe and successful endeavor. Before using
any of the tools, implements, and equipment, it is important to always check
whether or not they are still usable or serviceable. It is also a good practice to
always check with or refer to the manual of operations as prescribed by the
manufacturer. The assistance of a skilled operator should also be sought
whenever necessary.

Tools that are defective should be segregated and be fixed immediately to avoid
accident.
 SELF CHECK 1.3-1

A. Read the questions carefully and select the correct answer. Write only the
letter of your choice in your quiz notebook.
1. A bolo is used for______.

a. breaking hard top soil

b. digging up stones and tree stumps
c. cutting grasses and weeds
d. removing trash or soil
2. Axe is used for ______.
a. cutting bigger posts
b. cutting planting materials
c. trimming small branches
d. cutting grasses
3.What tool does NOT belong to the group?
a. crowbar
b. pick mattock
c. shovel
d. pruning shear
4. Farm tools, implements, and equipment are very important in pre
-horticultural operation because they ______. a. make work easier
b. make work faster
c. save time and effort
d. all of the above

5.______ is a tool with one end flattened and the other pointed at right angle
toward its handle is
a. pick mattock
b. crow bar
c. bolo
d. spade
6.______ is a tool which resembles the appearance of a spoon and is used for
transferring soil.
a. spade
b. shovel
c. spading fork
d. grub hoe
7. A wheel barrow is used for______.
a.hauling
b.pulling
c.digging
d.cutting

8. When is the time to perform operative check-up of tools, implements,

and equipment?
a. during the cropping season
b. after the cropping season
c. before the start of the growing season

d. after the harvest season

9. What equipment in horticultural operations is used to draw water from a
source?
a. sprinkler
b. sprayer
c. water pail
d. water pump
10. A small cart used to transport things, usually in the form of an open
container with a single wheel in front and two handles at the back is called
________.
a. hand tractor
b. four-wheeled tractor
c. basket
d. wheel barrow
 INFORMATION SHEET 1.3.2

PRE-OPERATIVE CHECK UP OF FARM TOOLS, IMPLEMENTS, AND

EQUIPMENT

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

1. Basic pre-operative checking of tools ,farm implements and equipment

2. Perform segregation and treatment of tools with wear corrosion
according to maintenance plan and procedures

INTRODUCTION

This information sheet will cover the different tools, farm implements and
simple equipment.

Imagine that the long, hot summer vacation has finally come to an end.
It is the beginning of the school year and you are ready to start working in
your vegetable gardens. But before that, check first the tools, implements,
and equipment you are going to use.

Armed with your working clothes and personal protective equipment (PPE),
please proceed to the shop to retrieve your tools so that you can start clearing
away the last remnants of the summer and begin breaking the soil for a new year.
Imagine your frustration as you start to see that they are covered with rust and
dirt from last vacation. It seems that on this nice day, you are going to spend more
time cleaning and repairing tools than actually using them.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.Facility – something designed or created to provide a service or fulfill a need

2.Nursery – a light structure where seedlings are cared for before planting. The
shed also provides shade to growers while raising seedlings
3.Greenhouse – a more sophisticated building in which seedlings are started
before they are brought in to the nursery shed. In most green houses,
environmental condition is controlled.
4.Storage barn – a building where agricultural chemicals are being stored
5.Shop building – a building where hand tools are stored and repaired
6.Manual handling – any activity that requires a person to use force to push,
hold, restrain, or carry an object
7.Maintenance – work that is done regularly to keep a machine, building, or
piece of equipment in good condition and working order
 For productive, cost-efficient, and effective farm facilities, here are
activities that you can immediately implement:

Schedule a regular clean up at least twice a year. This is also the time to
undertake a general inspection of machines and equipment. The activities
include removing all cobwebs, thorough scrubbing of the ceiling, walls, and
floor, and cleaning of machines. Segregate unserviceable tools, implements
and equipment that are beyond repair from those that can be repaired.

Schedule clean-up activities twice a month. This includes wiping lighting

fixtures and windows, scrubbing of rest rooms, cleaning and oiling of metal
parts of farm tools, and applying lubricants to the moving parts of machines.
Repair defective tools, implements, and equipment immediately.

For regular clean-up chores, give workers about five minutes daily to
tidy up the work station. The clean up involves cleaning of the tools, farm
implements, machines and equipment the workers have used. They should do
this before they go home. This enables the next workers (if they operate in
shifts) to start work immediately. This is also a subtle way of developing in
them the housekeeping routine.

Cultivate the habit of collecting waste even before it touches the floor.
Provide a sack or garbage bag in one or two corners of the workplace where
you can throw your garbage. At the end of the day, the workers can just put
their wastes in the designated places for disposal as scheduled.

How to Clean Your Tools

1.Knock some of the rust off the blade of the shovel, spade, hoe, hedge trimmer

2.Keep a large whetstone in your shop to sharpen the blades of your garden tools.
The best way to use the whetstone is to find a way to stabilize the tool that you
want to work on. A bench vise is ideal. You will be able to clamp the tool into place
at an angle, so you can work on it

3.Apply lubricating oil to the end of the tool and carefully begin to work the stone
over the blade.

4.Maintain a 30-degree angle between the stone and the blade to form the ideal
cutting edge for your tool.

5.Clean and make them free from rust and dirt that keep the tools from functioning
properly
6.Remove stubborn rust with fine steel wool or wire brush. Using an old toothbrush
with some lightweight lubricating oil is a great way to work fresh oil into the joints
of most garden tools.

7.Use medium-grit sandpaper to remove rust on larger tools such as shovels,

spades, and hoes.

8.When sharpening, try to maintain the original factory

bevel or angle. For pruners, use a whetstone because it
produces a very sharp cutting edge.

9.In instances where the moving parts of your garden

tools (e.g. pruning shears, and loppers) have frozen in place, like springs and pivot
joints, you should disassemble them carefully.

10.Farm implements like ordinary plow and wooden harrow should be

checked thoroughly before use. Loosened bolts and nuts should be tightened
firmly. Disc plow and harrow should also be lubricated on their moving parts
like bearings. Tractors should be tuned-up very well by a skilled operator,
checking on their oil, lubricant, fuel, and cooling system.

11.Tools that are defective should be separated and be fixed immediately to

avoid accident.

Simple Repair and Modification of Tools and Implements

Simple garden tools are easy to repair. Spend a little time checking your
garden tools for things to fix and recycle.

To replace a tool handle:

1. Clamp the tool blade in a bench vise.
2. Remove the handle from the hasp using a drill,
hammer, or other tools as needed.
3. Insert the new handle into the hasp.
4. Tighten the handle in the hasp using fasteners. Use a
screw and screwdriver to firmly attach the handle to
the tool head.
To fix a leaky hose:
1. Cut through the hose on either side of the bad
section using a sharp knife.
2. Attach male and female hose couplings to the cut
ends, following the directions that come with the
couplings. If the new hose fittings don't slide in
easily, try softening the ends of the hose in hot
water or lubricating them with soap or cooking oil.

To fix a broken tooth of rake/fork:

Bring this to the shop and weld the broken portion
of the tools. Do the same with the other tools and
implement that need welding. For farm
machineries that need repair, contact expert
mechanics to do the job.

Prepare Farm Facilities and Equipment for Storage

After quite a long time, farming operations finally come to an end. At

this time, we have to check the tools, implements, and equipment we used
and prepare them for storage.

Regarding the preparation of garden tools for long storage, you can adopt
some of these practices:

1.Begin by gathering all hand tools and removing any dirt or rust with a wire
brush, steel wool, or light sandpaper. An old pro’s tip is to keep a galvanized
tub with sand and waste oil in which to clean tools in. By inserting the
shovels, spades and forks into the mixture and moving them up and down,
they get a good scrubbing with the abrasive sand as well as a coat of lubricant.

2. Sharpen the tools using a file that is made specifically for this task.
Remember to move the file in one direction only, and at a 45-degree angle.
3. Sand wooden handles with sandpaper and follow up with a coat of paste
wax or linseed oil if necessary.
4. Spray all metal parts with a good coat of lubricating oil. This will discourage
rust as your tools are stored in your tool shed or garage.
5. Store your tools up off the ground and in a dry spot.
6. Drain water hoses and hang them in the garage.
7. Don’t forget about the lawnmower. If you don’t have the chance to use up
the gas before storing it, add a gas stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent
corrosion.
8. Store pesticides out of reach of children and pets. Store dry pesticides in
plastic bags. Liquid pesticides should be stored in a location that will stay
above 40 degrees F.

By following these few basic preparatory steps, you can ensure that on the
following year, you’ll be working in your garden instead of working on your
garden tools. With proper care of the farm tools, implements, and equipment, you
can also save yourself from buying new ones.

For proper care and maintenance of farm hand tools and equipment, the
following guidelines should be observed:
1 .Hand tools must always be kept dry in a tool rack when they are not in use.
2. Tools should be washed or cleaned before keeping them in the tool rack.
3. The iron parts of tools should be oiled, greased, or painted with coal tar
when they are to be stored for a long time.
4. Defective tools should be repaired immediately. Those tools, implements, and
equipment which are beyond repair should be disposed properly.
5. Cutting and digging tools (bolos, scythe, hoes and axes) should be sharpened
frequently.

Prepare Farm Facilities and Equipment for Storage

After quite a long time, farming operations finally come to an end. At

this time, we have to check the tools, implements, and equipment we used
and prepare them for storage.

Regarding the preparation of garden tools for long storage, you can adopt some
of these practices:

1. Begin by gathering all hand tools and removing any dirt or rust with
a wire brush, steel wool, or light sandpaper. An old pro’s tip is to
keep a galvanized tub with sand and waste oil in which to clean tools
in. By inserting the shovels, spades and forks into the mixture and
moving them up and down, they get a good scrubbing with the
abrasive sand as well as a coat of lubricant.
2. Sharpen the tools using a file that is made specifically for this task.
Remember to move the file in one direction only, and at a 45-degree
angle.
3. Sand wooden handles with sandpaper and follow up with a coat of
paste wax or linseed oil if necessary.
3. Spray all metal parts with a good coat of lubricating oil. This will
discourage rust as your tools are stored in your tool shed or garage.
4. Store your tools up off the ground and in a dry spot.
5. Drain water hoses and hang them in the garage.
6. Don’t forget about the lawnmower. If you don’t have the chance to
use up the gas before storing it, add a gas stabilizer to the fuel tank to
prevent corrosion.
7. Store pesticides out of reach of children and pets.
8. Store dry pesticides in plastic bags. Liquid pesticides should be
stored in a location that will stay above 40 degrees F.

By following these few basic preparatory steps, you can ensure that on the
following year, you’ll be working in your garden instead of working on your
garden tools. With proper care of the farm tools, implements, and equipment, you
can also save yourself from buying new ones.

For proper care and maintenance of farm hand tools and equipment, the
following guidelines should be observed:
2. Hand tools must always be kept dry in a tool rack when they are not
in use.
3. Tools should be washed or cleaned before keeping them in the tool
rack.
4. The iron parts of tools should be oiled, greased, or painted with coal
tar when they are to be stored for a long time.
5. Defective tools should be repaired immediately. Those tools,
implements, and equipment which are beyond repair should be
disposed properly.
6. Cutting and digging tools (bolos, scythe, hoes and axes) should be
sharpened frequently.

SELF-CHECK 1.3.2

Answer the following questions:

• What should you do to your tools after their use?

Why? (5 pts.)
• Why is there a need to construct preventive
structures in your work place? (5pts)
• What preparations should you do before you store
the farm facilities? (5pts)

TASK SHEET 1.3-2

 Title 1. Perform segregation and treatment of tools with wear corrosion
according to maintenance plan and procedures

Performance Objective:

Given required pattern tools and the drafted block patterns you should be able
to perform in 1 hr.

1. Perform segregation and treatment of tools with wear corrosion according to

maintenance plan and procedures

Tools

Implements

Equipment

Perform the following:

1.Segregate the damaged tools from the good ones.
2.Clean the tools and place them in their rack.
3.Repair tools with slight damage and ask assistance in repairing the
heavy damaged tools.
4.Observe safety precautions while doing the tasks.

Assessment Method:

Observation

Interview

Performance Criteria Checklist 1.3-2

CRITERIA YES NO
Did you….
1. Identify tools, implement and equipment?

2. Follow the given procedure in segregating and treat ing

tools, implements and equipment with corrosion?
3. Clean tools and place them in their rack?

4. Repair tools with slight damage ?

TASK SHEET 1.3.-3

 A. Conduct a post-operative check up of farm tools, implements, and
equipment in the tool room. Fill in the boxes below.

Name Functional Clean Unclean

(No.) Need (No.) (No.)
repair (No.)

Hand
tools/Garden tools
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Name of
Implements
1.
2.
3
Name of
Equipment
1.
2.
3.

Post Test

Name:___________________________ Date:_________________ Score:___________

Let’s find out how much you have learned from the module.

A. Identification. Identify the words being described by each of the sentences

below. Choose your answer from the given choices in the box. Write the letter
of your choice in your quiz notebook.

a. shop building e. wheel barrow i. bolo

b. green house f. shovel j. pick mattock
c. storage barn g. disc harrow k. exposure
d. safety h. nursery shed l. native plow
m. spade

1. A structure where agricultural chemicals are being kept

2. It is a light structure where seedlings are being cared for
before planting.
3. A more sophisticated building in which seedlings are
being started 4. A building where hand tools are being
stored
5. A building where fertilizers are kept.
6. A hand tool that is used for digging smaller size of hole
7. It refers to the physical or environmental conditions of
work which allow the workers to perform their jobs
within the work area
8. A tool with a flattened blade at one end and pointed at
the other end
9. This tool resembles the appearance of spoon and is used
for transferring soil
10. An implement being pulled by a working animal used in
tilling the land
11. An implement mounted to a tractor that is used to
pulverize the newly plowed soil
12. A small cart used to transport things, usually in the
form of an open container with a single wheel at the
front and two handles at the back

B. Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of your choice

in your quiz notebook.
13. Which tool is used for cutting grasses?
a. shovel c. crowbar
b. bolo d. pick mattock
14. What tool does NOT belong to the group?
a. crowbar c. shovel
b. mattock d. pruning shear
15. Proper care and maintenance of farm tools are
necessary in order to:
a. prolong the serviceability of the tools
b. save time and effort
 c. be available for use
d. all of the above

16. Farm tools, implements and equipment are very

important in pre horticultural operations because
they---------
a. make work easier c. save time and effort
b. make work faster d. all of the above
17. What work hazard is NOT possible in the repair of the
roof of a nursery shed?
a. exposed to hazardous liquid
b. face exposed to extreme heat
c. prone to fall from above
d. bodies exposed to sharp or rough surfaces
18. What preventive action should a student apply when
he/she is exposed to dust? He/She should
wear----------- a. eye and respiratory protection
b. hearing protection
c. safety footwear
d. hard cap
19. The environmental impact of improper disposal of waste
and agricultural chemicals are the following EXCEPT: a.
air pollution
b. water contamination
c. dirty and ugly surroundings
d. friendly and healthy surroundings
20. What equipment in horticultural operations is used to
draw water from a source?
a. water pump c. water pail
b. sprinkler d. sprayer
21. Why do we need to conduct pre-operative check up of
tools, implements and equipment before starting to
work? a. to check if the tools are serviceable
b. to determine the functionality of tools, and
implements
c. to repair defective tools
d. all of the above
22. What preventive structure shall we provide if the area of
our horticultural farm is prone to run off? a. fire
hydrant
b. wind breaks
c. drainage canal
d. water sealant
23. What preventive structure shall we provide if the area of
our horticultural farm is prone to run-off? a. Fire
hydrant
b. Windbreak
c. Drainage canal
 d. Water sealant

24. Why is it necessary to apply oil to the metal parts of

tools and implements before storing them for a long
period time?
a. to prevent them from rust
b. to retain its shiny look
c. to clean the tools
d. all of the above
25. What facility should we construct if there are astray
animals around?
a. nursery shed
b. vicinity fence
c. storage barn
d. farm shop
26. The first step in reducing the cause of an accident
is_________.
a. assess the risk associated with the hazard
b. identify the hazard
c. review the process
d. control the risk

27. Which of the following is NOT an example of a physical

hazard?
a. electricity
b. floors, stairs, ladders
c. heat, cold, radiation
d. excessively loud and prolonged noise
28. Which of the following is the least objective in installing
preventive structures?
a. to attain aesthetic beauty of the place
b. to safeguard crops from astray animals and thieves
c. to avoid destruction of farm facilities due to
inclement weather
d. b and c
29. Which of the following is a biological hazard?
a. machinery
b. pesticides
c. bacteria
d. falling objects
30. Which of the following is NOT true about the care and
maintenance of farm facilities?
a. Hand tools must be cleaned, dried, and placed in a tool rack
when not in use.
b. Cutting and digging tools should be frequently sharpened.
c. Defective tools are segregated and brought to the junk shop.
d. Iron parts of tools should be oiled, greased, or painted with
coal tar when they are to be stored for a long time.
LEARNING OUTCOME NO. 2
 MAINTAIN NURSERY FACILITIES
Contents:

2.1 Perform maintenance of nursery cleanliness and sanitation according

to Philippine gap standard

2.2 Perform repair and maintenance of nursery facilities to maximise

efficiency and effectiveness

2.3 Apply preventive measures for inclement weather

2.4 Practice safety measures according to OHS

Assessment Criteria

1. Performed maintenance of nursery cleanliness and sanitation

according to Philippine gap standard

3. Performed repair and maintenance of nursery facilities to maximise

efficiency and effectiveness

4. Applied preventive measures for inclement weather

5. Practiced safety measures according to OHS

Conditions:

Students/trainees must be provided with the following:

Shed/ Greenhouse
Nursery tools/ implements/ equipment
Nursery supplies
Logbooks

Assessment Method:

Demonstration
Interview
Written
 Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome No. 1

MAINTAIN NURSERY FACILITIES

Learning Activities Special Instructions

Read Information Sheet 1.3-1 Identify Be familiar of the different nursey

nursery facilities facilities and its function

Answer Self-Check 1.3-1 Try to answer self-check without looking

at the answer key

Compare answer using answer key 1.3-1 Double Check the answer in case you
forgot to answer correctly using self-
check

Read Information Sheet 1.3-2 on Familiarize the procedures in in pre-

Procedures in maintaining nursery operative checking of tools, farm
facilities implements and equipment

Answer Self-check 1.3-2 Try to answer self-check in 15 minutes.

Read Information Sheet 1.3-3 on Be familiar of the preventive measures

Preventive measures for inclement
weather
Compare to answer key 1.3-3 Double check the answer

Read Information Sheet 1.3-3 on Safety Be familiar of the SAFETY measures

measures according to OHS

Auto feedback Recognize and reflect on your

positive/negative feedback

Task sheet 1.3-2 Identify and give Perform Task sheet 1.3-2 on preventive
preventive measures for each hazard . measures for each hazard .

Perform Task sheet 1.3-2 on Perform and Follow the steps correctly
identify suggest preventive measures for
each hazard identified.

Rate own performance using Performance Repeat the task if you fail to achieve the
Criteria Checklist 1.3-2 criteria

INFORMATION SHEET 2.1

Maintain Nursery Facilities

 The most common facility in horticulture is the nursery shed or the
greenhouse. It must be thoroughly cleaned and organized. Users are required to
help in the general cleaning to maintain safe, sanitary, and orderly work
environment.
General housekeeping requires that users:
• clean worktables and/potting benches;
• clean floors and benches during and after work;
• use compost and trash cans;
 replace lids to keep out insect and growth of bacteria; and

• clean sinks after each use and limit the amount of soil
going down the drains.

In cooperation with the users, the staff should:

• wash and/or sweep floors of greenhouses and potting areas

at least once per week;
• empty trash and compost cans regularly;
• sanitize and disinfect work areas as the need arises; and
• dispose empty bottles or containers of chemicals and other
unusable materials properly following the practices in the
waste management act.

Installation of Preventive Structure

It has been observed that as we go on with our horticultural work, we

often experience the occurrence of inclement weather. Before it is too late, think
of anything that you can do to safeguard your crops, tools, and other facilities.
We should not only focus our attention on the occurrence of inclement weather,
but we have to consider also other elements that may cause loss or damage to
our property (e.g., stray animals, fire, and thieves).

Let’s take a look at our facilities, such as the nursery shed, storage house,
and farm shops. Examine their physical conditions (roofing, sidings, or floorings).
Can they survive any disaster that may occur? Are the things inside safe? If not,
what preventive structures should you undertake?

Below is a table indicating the facilities, physical conditions, possible calamities

or disaster that may occur and the suggested preventive structures or
contingency measures to be undertaken.
 Facilities Physical Calamities/ Suggested
conditions Disaster preventive/
contingency
measure
Nursery shed Weak posts Typhoon Put braces

Storage barn Leaking roofing Heavy rains Put water

sealant
(vulcaseal)
Farm shop Unsafe Thieves/burglars Put grills and heavy
windows and duty padlocks
doors
Fires Provide fire
hydrants call fire
department
Run off Construct
drainage
canal
Vicinity fence Dilapidated Astray animal Reconstruct fence

Prepare Farm Facilities and Equipment for Storage

After quite a long time, farming operations finally come to an end. At this
time, we have to check the tools, implements, and equipment we used and
prepare them for storage.

Regarding the preparation of garden tools for long storage, you can adopt some of
these practices:

7. Begin by gathering all hand tools and removing any dirt or rust with a
wire brush, steel wool, or light sandpaper. An old pro’s tip is to keep a
galvanized tub with sand and waste oil in which to clean tools in. By
inserting the shovels, spades and forks into the mixture and moving
them up and down, they get a good scrubbing with the abrasive sand as
well as a coat of lubricant.
2. Sharpen the tools using a file that is made specifically for this task.
Remember to move the file in one direction only, and at a 45-degree angle.
 3. Sand wooden handles with sandpaper and follow up with a coat of paste
wax or linseed oil if necessary.
3. Spray all metal parts with a good coat of lubricating oil. This will
discourage rust as your tools are stored in your tool shed or garage.
4. Store your tools up off the ground and in a dry spot.
5. Drain water hoses and hang them in the garage.
6. Don’t forget about the lawnmower. If you don’t have the chance to use
up the gas before storing it, add a gas stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent
corrosion.
7. Store pesticides out of reach of children and pets.
8. Store dry pesticides in plastic bags. Liquid pesticides should be stored
in a location that will stay above 40 degrees F.

By following these few basic preparatory steps, you can ensure that on the
following year, you’ll be working in your garden instead of working on your garden
tools. With proper care of the farm tools, implements, and equipment, you can also
save yourself from buying new ones.

For proper care and maintenance of farm hand tools and equipment, the following
guidelines should be observed:
1.Hand tools must always be kept dry in a tool rack when they are not in
use.
8. Tools should be washed or cleaned before keeping them in the tool rack.
9. The iron parts of tools should be oiled, greased, or painted with coal tar
when they are to be stored for a long time.
10.Defective tools should be repaired immediately. Those tools, implements,
and equipment which are beyond repair should be disposed properly.
11.Cutting and digging tools (bolos, scythe, hoes and axes) should be
sharpened frequently.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Safety – the physical or environmental conditions of work which comply

with the prescribed Occupational Health Safety (OHS) standards and which
allow the workers to perform his or her job without or within acceptable
exposure to hazards

2. Occupational safety – the practices related to production and work process

3. Health – a sound state of the body and mind of the worker that enable him
or her to perform the job normally
 INFORMATION SHEET 3.1.2

Safety Precautions in Handling Farm Facilities

Horticultural farm operations deal with a lot of activities to be done in the

different workplaces. While performing these activities, we expose ourselves to a
lot of risks. Workplace hazard is a major cause of accident, injury, or harm to a
worker who performs such task. These hazards should be the major concern of
all who are involved in a certain job or work.

When undertaking risk management, it is important to distinguish hazard, risk,

and exposure

o Hazard is the potential for harm, or adverse effect on an

employee’s health. Anything which may cause injury or ill
health to anyone at or near a workplace is a hazard.
o Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury or ill
health to anyone at or near a workplace. The level of risk
increases with the severity of the hazard and the duration
and frequency of exposure. o Exposure occurs when a
person comes in contact with a hazard.

Risk management

Risk management is a four-step process

1. Identify the hazard

The first step in reducing the cause of an accident is hazard identification.
Hazard identification is identifying all situations or events that could cause
injury or illness. Eliminating or minimizing workplace hazards needs a
systematic approach. It is essential to try and anticipate all possible hazards at
the workplace known as the ‘what if?’ approach.

Methods for Identifying Hazards

There are many methods that are useful in identifying
hazards. These include:
o reviewing your workers’ compensation data and checking
the incidence, mechanism and agency of injury, and the
cost to the organization. These statistics can be analyzed
to alert the organization on the presence of hazards
 o staying informed on trends and developments in
workplace health and safety, for example via the internet
or OHS publications
o reviewing the potential impact of new work practices or
equipment introduced into the workplace in line with
legislative requirements o doing walk-through surveys,
inspections or safety audits in the
workplace to evaluate the organization’s health and safety system
o considering OHS implications when analyzing work
processes o investigating workplace incidents and ‘near
hits’ reports - in some cases there may be more than one
hazard contributing to an incident
o getting feedback from employees who often provide
valuable information about hazards, because they have
hands-on experience in their work area

2. Assess the risk associated with the hazard

This step involves gathering information and making decisions. It is important to

consider the causes and impact of hazards in a workplace. To avoid risking the
workers’ health, introduce some precautionary measures.

3.Control the risk

The third step in effective risk management involves establishing and

maintaining systems which give opportunity for regular evaluation and review
procedures. Evaluation means examining control measures to ensure that risks
are eliminated or reduced. They should not have caused new hazards.

There are three categories of control measures you might take. You can
eliminate the hazard, minimize the risk, and introduce ‘back-up’ controls (when
all other options in the previous categories have been exhausted).

4.Review the process.

The review system applies to the overall risk management process. It checks if the
process is working effectively.

Classes of Hazard

Hazards are classified into five different types.

1.Physical - includes floors, stairs, work platforms, steps, ladders, fire, falling
objects, slippery surfaces, manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling), excessively
loud and prolonged noise, vibration, heat and cold, radiation, poor lighting,
ventilation, and air quality

2.Mechanical and/or electrical - includes electricity, machinery, equipment,

pressure vessels, dangerous goods, forklifts, cranes, hoists

3.Chemical - includes chemical substances such as acids or poisons and those

that could lead to fire or explosion, like pesticides, herbicides, cleaning agents,
dusts and fumes from various processes such as welding

4.Biological - includes bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, insects, vermin, animals

5.Psychosocial environment - includes workplace stressors arising from a variety

of sources.

List of Possible Hazards in Horticultural Farm Operations

Possible Supervisor Preventative

Possible Harmful
Action to Prevent Action Students Can
Effects
Injury / Illness Take
HAZARD
Handling of Wounds/cuts  Provide necessary  Observe safety
farm tools safety precautions precautions
Unleveled Falls  Place appropriate  Observe safety
terrain Cuts safety signs signs
 Require appropriate  Wear PPE
PPE
Dust Foreign body in eye  Provide eye and  Wear eye and
Respiratory effects respiratory protection respiratory
protection
Fertilizers Skin contact may  Use least hazardous  Use PPE
result into allergic product for the task  Follow safe working
Pesticides reaction  Dispense and mix procedures when
Swallowing of chemicals in well handling chemicals
 pesticides or ventilated areas  Clean up spills
inhalation of fumes  Store and label immediately
Fuel can lead to chemicals
headache, nausea, appropriately
dizziness, vomiting,  Ensure the
poisoning, loss of availability of First
consciousness, and Aid Kit
fatality.
 Provide emergency
eyewash
Long-term
 Provide appropriate
exposure may
result to chronic PPE
(ongoing) illness  Clean up spills
including cancer immediately
Manual Musculoskeletal  Provide mechanical  Use mechanical
handling disorders, aids aids
(bending, including  Provide training in  Seek help when
reaching, sprains and strains safe manual handling you think a team
stretching, techniques lift is
pulling,  Encourage team lifts required
lifting,  Exercise before
repetitive starting the work
motions,
awkward
posture)
Hot or cold Heat rashes, heat  Provide regular rest Be aware of

weather cramps, heat breaks potential
conditions stress,  Provide shade hazards during
dehydration, loss of  Re-schedule work if hot or cold
fine motor controls, the weather is weather
sunburn, extremely unfavorable conditions that
numbness, cause illness .
 Assess work hours in
frostbite, Rest and seek
difficult conditions
assistance if
 Provide sufficient
you feel that
water during hot heat or coldness
weather affects you.
 Require worker to  Wear
wear appropriate appropriate
PPE clothing and
take regular
rest.

Handling soil/ Legionnaire’s  Minimize dust  Follow proper

Potting mixes disease  Provide appropriate hygiene
clothing and PPE  Wear appropriate
 Observe proper PPE
hygiene
 SELF-CHECK

Answer the following questions (10 points each)

1. What are the possible hazards you can identify in your workplace?
2. What preventive actions should you apply when you are going to work with
fertilizers and pesticides?

TASK SHEET 3.1

Proceed to the nursery shed and evaluate that workplace. Identify and list
down the possible hazards inside and outside the shed. Make and suggest
preventive measures for each hazard identified. Write your answers in the table
below. After you are done, submit your findings to your teacher.

Hazard Preventive measure

Hazards inside the nursery shed
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.

Hazards outside the nursery shed

1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.