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Organic Agriculture Gr12 Module8.Final For Teacher
Organic Agriculture Gr12 Module8.Final For Teacher
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
TVL
Quarter 1 – Module 8:
Compost and Harvest Fertilizer
(Carry out processing of compost fertilizer based on production
requirements)
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
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2. Don‟t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the nature of Organic Agriculture. The scope of this module permits it
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What I Know
A. MULTIPLE CHOICES
Direction: Read each item carefully. Write the correct answers in your notebook. Let
us determine how much you already know about compost materials.
3. The following are techniques on how growers can assess compost quality. Which is
not included?
a. Assessments with own senses
b. Color of the compost
c. Structure of compost
d. The appearance of the pile
6. When the compost becomes brown or blackish, this means that the compost is
____?
a. immature
b. mature
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c. still in the first stage
d. in the final stage of decomposition
7. Below are essential elements required by the composting microorganism which is
not included?
a. Carbon
b. Nitrogen
c. Oxygen and moisture
d. Hydrogen
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Lesson COMPOST AND
2 HARVEST FERTILIZER
In this module, you will be learning the proper ways of composting and the
general guidelines and methods of composting. Activities found in this module are
intended for your learning. Completion of weekly tasks is encouraged and advised. Be
ready and prepared for a fun-filled learning. Enjoy!
What’s In
Direction: Analyze the questions below and answer. Do this in your notebook.
3. How will you check the quality of harvest based on PNS indications of fully
decomposed fertilizer?
4. Why is it important to apply good working and safety habits during harvesting
activity?
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What’s New
Instruction: Supply the arrow with the things to consider in the composting process.
Discuss every factor based on your understanding. Copy and answer this in your
notebook.
Things to
consider in
compost
processing
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What is It
The worm is not doing much composting. It does some digestion, but its main
contribution to the process is that it breaks organic matter into small pieces and
mixes it with microbes. A point that is not emphasized enough is the fact that much of
the composting process takes place after the casts exit the worm. This external
processing may be the most significant part of the composting process.
Temperature
Conventional composting relies on the right ratio of carbon to nitrogen and the
action of microbes to carry out the degradation process. When these conditions are
right, the process produces a lot of heat, hence the term hot composting.
In vermicomposting, the process is carried out at cooler temperatures by the action of
the worms and the microbes.
Nitrogen Levels
A hot environment releases more nitrogen into the air than a cooler process.
Consequently, vermicomposting usually results in compost with higher nitrogen levels.
Since the nutrient most likely to be deficient in any soil is nitrogen, vermicomposting
has an advantage.
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Killing of Seed
Hot composting kills weed seed, while cold composting such as
vermicomposting does not. However, in most home systems, weed seeds are not
introduced as food for the worms, so this may not be a major issue. It does become a
more important consideration in large scale production of vermicompost when it uses
input ingredients that contained weeds. This is more likely the case for purchased
vermicompost.
Killing of Pathogens
Any composting process will result in a decrease of pathogens, but that
decrease happens faster in a hot environment. Vermicomposting happens cold, so one
would expect it not to be effective in removing pathogens, but that is not the case.
Some studies show vermicasts introduced plant pathogen when mixed with
soilless mixes, killing seedlings (ref 6). Plants in the garden have to deal with plant
pathogens anyway, but house plants and seedlings started indoors are exposed to a
lesser degree. It is probably best not to use worm castings on indoor plants.
Speed of Decomposition
Conventional hot composting is a relatively fast process which is followed by a
slower process in which the compost goes through a finishing step. Vermicomposting
also consists of two steps, one inside the worm, followed by a slow maturation
process. Compared to hot composting it is a slower process.
So-called finished compost from either source is still a long way from being
completely decomposed- which is good news since it means they will feed the garden
for years.
Starting C: N Ratio
Conventional hot composting depends very much on having the right C: N ratio
of 30:1. The starting C: N ratio is not as critical for vermicomposting, making it easier
for homeowners to use.
Plant Growth
All that is nice science but which compost results in better plant growth?
Some studies show one or the other as superior, but the consensus is that
neither compost produces better plant growth than the other. A lot depends on the
specific conditions of soil, technologies used, and input ingredients.
Pros of Vermicomposting
Easily done in small batches.
Works during cold weather if done indoors.
Less nitrogen loss.
Cons of Vermicomposting
You have to buy and deal with the worms – do you need another pet?
Worms have to be separated from the compost before it is added to the garden.
Not easily managed by homeowners for large amounts of yard waste.
Does not kill weed seeds.
Produces nitrous oxide and methane – harmful greenhouse gases.
Leachate may spread plant pathogens.
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will convert organic matter into stable compost that is odor and pathogen-free, and a
poor breeding substrate for flies and other insects. Also, it will significantly reduce the
volume and weight of organic waste as the composting process converts much of the
biodegradable component to gaseous carbon dioxide.
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Composting microorganisms thrive in moist conditions. For optimum
performance, moisture content within the composting environment should be
maintained at 45 percent. Too much water can cause the compost pile to go
anaerobic and emit obnoxious odors. Too little will prevent the microorganisms
from propagating.
Particle Size
The ideal particle size is around 2 to 3 inches. In some cases, such as in the
composting of grass clippings, the raw material may be too dense to permit
adequate airflow or maybe too moist. A common solution to this problem is to add
a bulking agent (straw, dry leaves, paper, and cardboard) to allow for proper
airflow. Mixing materials of different sizes and textures also help aerate the
compost pile.
Turning
During the composting process, oxygen is used up quickly by the microbes
as they metabolize the organic matter. As the oxygen becomes depleted the
composting process slows and temperatures decline. Aerating the compost by
turning should ensure an adequate supply of oxygen to the microbes.
Composting Period
The composting period is governed by several factors including, temperature,
moisture, oxygen, particle size, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and the degree of
turning involved. Generally, effective management of these factors will accelerate
the composting process.
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Most organic materials do not have this ratio and, to accelerate the
composting process, it may be necessary to balance the numbers.
Table 1.
Keeping accurate and up-to-date records are vital to the success of any
business. The business must realize that records kept will be one of the most
important management tools it possesses and, therefore, it should be allocated due
importance. Many business owners invest a lot of time and effort into the running
of their business and yet fail to realize the importance of maintaining good
documentation. The business owner is looking for the maximum return from their
investment and the maintaining of good records is part of that equation.
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How will it help you?
Keeping clear and accurate records will contribute to the success of your business
in the following ways:
The following checklist will give you an idea of some of the things that your records
will be able to reveal as far as your business is concerned:
The income you are generating now and how much income you can expect
to generate in the future.
How much you owe for goods or rent or other expenses.
How much cash you have on hand and how much cash is tied up in other
things such as stock.
How often you turn over your stock.
Your gross profit and your net profit.
How your financial situation compares with last year or with your budgets.
How much cash is owing to you at any time and how long has it been
outstanding.
What are your actual expenses and overheads compared to your
projections?
Which of your products are making a profit and which are running at a
loss?
How your business compares in financial terms, as well as product quality
and service supplied, etc, with those of your competitors and with the
industry in general.
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What’s More
Instruction: Perform record keeping based on farm procedure. Use this form if you
produce compost, either from on-farm and/or off-farm ingredients. List down
compost ingredients and sources. Do this in a short bond paper.
other (specify)___________________
Total C: N
Ratio
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What I Can Do
Difference Difference
Similarities
Rubrics
Category 20 15 10 5
Similarities Proficient At the Standard Approaching Unsatisfactory
Standard
The identified The identified The student The identified
character traits character traits highlights 2 or character traits
are 4 or more and are 3 or more and less character provided are 1 or
do not repeat. do not repeat. traits and does less.
They include well They include well not repeat. They
described described include well
examples. examples. described
examples.
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examples. examples. described
examples.
Organization The Venn The Venn The Venn The Venn
Diagram is very Diagram is legible Diagram is very Diagram is very
neat and well and organized. sloppy and it sloppy and
organized. takes away from unreadable.
the content.
Assessment
Direction: Read each item carefully. Chose the letter of the correct answer. Do this
in a separate sheet and submit to the teacher.
3. The following are techniques on how growers can assess compost quality. Which
is not included?
a. Assessments with own senses
b. Colour of the compost
c. Structure of compost
d. The appearance of the pile
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a. Compost sampling
b. Monitoring
c. Controlling
d. Filing
7. When the compost becomes brown or blackish, this means that the compost is
____?
a. immature
b. mature
c. still in the first stage
d. in the final stage of decomposition
Additional Activities
Instruction: Cover the bin with your insights about this lesson. Do this in your
notebook.
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I will apply
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
10. D
9. A 10. D Answers may vary
8. D 9. A
7. D 8. D What‟s More
6. B 7. B
5. B 6. A
4. A 5. B
Answers may vary
3. D 4. D
2. D 3. D What‟s In
1. D 2. D
1. A
What I Know Answers may vary
Assessment Additional Activities
References
Content:
Anacleto B. Coronel, MS., DVM. A primeron Animal Husbandry Technology and
Livelihood Education III .Agriculture and Fishery. Animal Production. SEDP
SERIES
http://lessismore.org/materials/72-benefits-of-composting/
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
Images:
https://poultrymanual.com/poultry-philippines-chicken-breeds
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Hubbard+chicken&FORM=HDRSC2
http://www.filipinopoultry.com/index.php/2016/05/23/chicken-breeds-in-
philippines/
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https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Houses%20for%20Chicks%2FBrooders%
20in%20the%20philippines&qs=n&form=QBIR&sp=-
1&pq=houses%20for%20chicks%2Fbrooders%20in%20the%20philippines&sc
=0-45&sk=&cvid=51701CC9666441AEA2D030BE12BFF6A3.
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