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

Section 3 • Living Soil, Integrated Soil Nutrient and Crop Managements
Exercise No. 3.24 102
PROPER TIMING OF PLANTING TO IMPROVE
PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY IN ORGANIC
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
Many farmers in the Cordilleras learned the best time to
plant their organic vegetable crops by experience. In proper
timing of planting, farmers usually consider pest and disease
occurrence, weather condition, crop adaptability, and market
demands in an area. Some farmers, particularly when
dealing with introduced crops, may not know the best time
to plant such crops to attain better productivity and profitability.
Through field walks, observations, and brainstorming sessions in FFSs, farmers can share their
best practices on proper timing of planting, in growing organic vegetable crops in their respective
areas. This approach will allow comparison of best learning experiences among farmers and in this
process further improve their individual best practices. Thus, this exercise was designed to address
this specific concern.
How long will this exercise take?
• Thirty minutes to one hour for field walks and observations of organic vegetable crops planted
at different time during same cropping season; and
• Thirty minutes to one hour brainstorming session in processing area.
learning objectives
• To make participants understand how proper timing of planting their organic vegetable crops
can improve productivity and profitability; and
• To learn the best practices on timing of planting organic vegetable crops from other farmers.
102 Adapted from Callo, Jr., D.P., Teofilo, L.B. 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. pp126-127.
139
when is this exercise most
appropriate?
ɶ In FFS, TOT, and VST
sessions, before planting
organic vegetable crops
in learning field; and
ɶ When farmers want to
learn more of the proper
timing of planting organic
vegetable crops in their
area from other farmers.