ABE 43 (Laboratory)

Plant and Livestock Systems and Environmental Control Engineering

LABORATORY EXERCISE
ANALYSIS OF PLANT AND LIVESTOCK WEATHER RELARIONSHIPS

I. INTRODUCTION

Weather plays a major role in determining the success of agricultural pursuits such
as crop and livestock production. Most field crops solely on weather to provide life
sustaining water and energy. Livestock are also dependent on weather for their comfort
and food supplies. Occasionally, adverse weather conditions can cause production losses,
especially if experienced during critical stages of growth-individual elements of weather
influence crops and livestock in particular ways. However, combining all weather elements
occurring simultaneously can have additive effects (Vining, 1990).

This exercise aims to provide an overview of the effects of individual elements of

weather (solar radiation, temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind) have on the
physiology and production of crops and livestock.

II. OBJECTIVES

After performing the exercise, the students should be able to:

1. Describe and discuss the different weather elements that significantly affect the
growth and development of crops and livestock.
2. Determine crop/livestock weather relationship.
3. Discuss crop/livestock physiological responses to the environment.

III. MATERIALS

Textbooks, manuals, PAES, tape measure, papers, pen, sensors, PAG-ASA data

IV. PROCEDURE

A. Crop and Weather Relationship

1. Select a crop that can be grown and ready for harvest within 30 days.
2. Supervise and monitor the growth of the test crop under field conditions and a
protective structure, e.g., a greenhouse and follow the recommended cultural
practices during the production.
 ABE 43 (Laboratory)
Plant and Livestock Systems and Environmental Control Engineering

3. Monitor and measure plant growth and development, e.g., height, number of
leaves, etc., during the experiment until harvest.
4. Also gather the following climatic data (inside the greenhouse and at the field set-
up) to establish the plant and weather relationship:

a. Temperature
b. Relative humidity
c. Precipitation
d. Solar Radiation

5. Compare the data you gathered under the two growing conditions.
6. What are the observed differences between the two set-ups? What
environmental factors contributed to the crop’s growth and yield differences?
7. Discuss the role of the different microclimate factors on the growth of the crops
grown.

PETCHAY PLANT

Growth Parameters of Pechay

Number of Leaves per Plant: This was taken by counting the number of leaves per plant
weekly/daily.

Plant Height: This was taken by measuring from one inch from the base of the plant up to the
tip of the highest leaf in weekly/daily.

Leaf Length: Measured along the midrib from the tip of the lamina to the point where the
petiole and lamina intersected.

Leaf Width: measured perpendicular to the midrib from both ends between the broadest
lobes of a lamina.

The measurement of leaf parameters was based on the methods of Kalisz et al. (2013). Leaf
characteristics were measured weekly/daily using a ruler and approximated within one
decimal place for length, width and height – similar to the methods employed by Rouphael
et al. (2010).

The growth parameters of pechay, can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil
conditions, and care. Here are some general guidelines:

Temperature: Pechay grows best in cool to mild temperatures between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to
21°C). It can tolerate some frost but may bolt (produce flowers and seeds prematurely) in hot
weather.
 ABE 43 (Laboratory)
Plant and Livestock Systems and Environmental Control Engineering

Sunlight: Pechay prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH
level (around 6.0 to 7.0).

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top
inch of soil feels dry.

Spacing: Space pechay plants about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart in rows that are 12 to 18
inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or compost to provide essential nutrients.

Apply fertilizer according to package instructions.

Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress
weeds.

Pest and Disease Control: Watch for common pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Use
organic or chemical control methods as needed. Rotate crops to reduce the risk of disease.

Harvesting: Start harvesting pechay leaves when they reach a suitable size, typically around 6
to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length. You can harvest the whole plant or just the outer leaves,
allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

Days to Maturity: Depending on the variety, pechay can be ready for harvest in about 40 to 60
days from planting.

B. Livestock and Weather Relationship

1. Visit the Small Ruminant Center, poultry area at the Animal Science Department, or
any establishment/agency engaged in livestock production.
2. Observe how the animals are grown in the area (include photo documentation during
the visit showing all members of the group).
3. Prepare a questionnaire to establish the relationship between livestock and weather.
4. Conduct interviews with the personnel in charge to determine the effect of the
different weather parameters on the selected livestock under observation.
5. What are the different management procedures imposed to control the effect of the
different weather parameters on the livestock?
 ABE 43 (Laboratory)
Plant and Livestock Systems and Environmental Control Engineering

QUESTIONNARES

FREE RANGE CHICKEN

1. Have you observed any weather related health issues in your livestock?
2. If there are weather related health issues, how did you mitigate it?
3. Do you provide shelter for your livestock during extreme weather conditions?
4. How do you manage your livestock during hot and cold weather?
5. Do you have any procedures imposed to control the weather temperature? If yes, what
are they?
6. Does weather impact the availability of food and water for your livestock? If yes, please
explain how.
7. Have you made any changes to your livestock management practices due to changing
weather patterns? If yes, please explain.
8. Did you experience loss in your livestock? What are the reasons why you experience loss
in your livestock?
9. What are the effects of change in temperature in your livestock?
10. Is there any pest and diseases you encountered? what are they and how did you
manage it?
11. What is the mortality rate in your livestock per day/week?