Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for - Aseanipm ...

Exercise No. 3.23 101
GROWING IN EAST-WEST ROW ORIENTATION
AS A CULTURAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR
IMPROVING ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTIVITY
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
Organic vegetable growing in east-west row orientation
refers to sowing, planting or transplanting of vegetables
in east-west row direction or in relation to rising-setting
direction of sun. This cultural management practice
enhances efficient use of sunlight by organic vegetable crop
by reducing shading effects among plants leading to decrease
in photosynthetic rate and to favorable environmental
conditions for pest and disease development. Research
results indicate that this practice can increase productivity
of some organic vegetables grown in highlands. However,
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Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
many farmers in the Cordilleras are still unaware of the benefits that can be derived from such
practice.
On the other hand, a few innovative farmers had tried and benefited from this practice in benched
terraced farms and in relatively flat terrain of valley floors. In FFSs, farmers need to share with other
farmers their best experiences in using different row orientations to further sustain productivity in
growing organic vegetables. There is also a need to learn alternative approaches and understand
non-adoption by farmers of this practice in some sloping areas. The foregoing exercise was designed
as an attempt to address this particular concern.
How long will this exercise take?
when is this exercise most
appropriate?
ɶ In FFS, TOT, and
VST sessions, before
deciding on plot and row
orientations of organic
vegetables to be grown in
learning field; and
ɶ When farmers want to
learn best experiences
from other farmers
in using different row
orientations to further
sustain productivity
in growing organic
vegetables.
• Thirty minutes for field walks, farmer interviews, and observations of different row orientations
practiced for growing organic vegetables in adjoining fields of learning field; and
• Thirty minutes to one hour brainstorming session in processing area.
101 Adapted from Callo, Jr., D.P., L.B. Teofilo, and H.A. Tauli (eds). 2002. Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Vegetable IPM, Volume II. SEAMEO
Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. pp124-125.