IN PLANT PROPAGATION Layout Design of Orchard The layout of an orchard refers to fixing the position of trees in an orchard when planning a plantation. Thus, the layout of an orchard is very important to ensure proper growth of trees. Designing the layout of an orchard garden must have the following goals: •to easily carry out orchard operations like intercultural and irrigation • to have an equal distribution of areas for each tree • to maximize the use of the area according to different kinds of trees • to make supervision more easy and effective Trees arrangement in an orchard
1. Square method – this is the
simplest and easiest method. Trees are planted in square-shaped position, with same distance measurement. 2. Rectangular method - this method is formed from four adjacent trees that are in a rectangular shape. Trees are planted in the same way as in square method except the distance between the rows of trees are more than the distance of the columns. 3. Triangular method – this planting arrangement is based in an equilateral triangle, which has there equal sides. 4. Quincunx or diagonal method – this follows a diamond pattern of arranging row-planted trees. 5. Equilateral triangle or hexagonal method – in this method, trees are planted at the corners of an equilateral triangle, where six triangles are joined forming a hexagon shape with a seventh tree in the center. Distances between trees and from the central tree are equal. 6. Contour or terracing method – in this method, plating is done in hilly areas by connecting all points of the same elevation across the slope from a baseline, maintaining a space on each row. Tools and Equipment Used in Plant Propagation Caring for fruit trees is the same as caring for other trees. Orchard tools and equipment play a very important role in the systematic process of plant propagation. Their availability makes the work easier and helps in the proper execution of the different procedures. 1. Bolo – used for cutting wood, trees, and grasses.
2. Crowbar – is used for digging soil to
plant. 3. Hoe – a tool used in digging and loosening hard, dry soil. It has a thin blade across the end of a long handle. 4. Rake – a long handled tool having a bar at one end with teeth in. It is used for smoothening the soil and gathering loose leaves, hay, or straw. 5. Shovel – a broad scoop attached to a handle. It is used to dig, lift, and throw loose matter. 6. Trowel – a tool with a curved blade used for loosening the ground and taking up small plants. 7. Axe – a tool with a flat, sharp blade fastened to a handle used for cutting trunk of trees and their branches. 8. Water Sprinkler – a can with a spout to sprinkle water on the plants. Plants should be watered everyday to make them grow healthier. 9. Wheelbarrow – used to transfer soil plants and other materials from one place to another.
10. Hose – used for watering seedlings arranged
in mass. 11. Sprayer – used for spraying chemicals to eliminate plant seeds.
12. Weighing Scale- for weighing plants,
seeds, and fertilizers. 13. Pieces of wood or bamboo – used as fences of seed boxes and plots to protect plants from being destroyed by animals. 14. Pruning Shears – used for cutting small branches including the unnecessary branches. 15. Garden gloves – used while working in the garden, made of strong rubber to protect from thorns and withstand punctures. 16. Fork – a tool resembling a table fork but much bigger in size. It is used in digging and preparing the soil for the plants. References: The Basics of Better Family Living, pages 67-68 and Home Economics and Livelihood Education 6, pages 73-74