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

Exercise No. 3.28 108
CROP SEQUENCING AS A CULTURAL MANAGEMENT
STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING ORGANIC VEGETABLE
PRODUCTIVITY
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
Crop sequencing refers to proper arrangement of crops
planted in succession to maximize production. It is important
to use a cropping sequence that will conserve or improve
nutritional status of soil, add organic matter, improve soil
structure, protect land from erosion and, ultimately, give high
yield. A good cropping sequence also make more efficient
use of environment, considering that space, light, moisture,
and nutrients are available most of the time. An alternate
planting of leguminous and non-leguminous vegetables is an
example of a good cropping sequence 109 .
150
Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
when is this exercise most
appropriate?
ɶ In FFS, TOT, and
VST sessions, during
discussion on cultural
management practices as
a component of Integrated
Pest Management
in organic vegetable
production; and
ɶ When farmers want to
learn from other farmers
their best crop sequencing
schemes for improving
organic vegetable
productivity.
If leguminous organic vegetables are not used in a cropping sequence, larger nitrogenous fertilizers
(usually in large amount) will be needed to maintain soil productivity. The current practice of mono
cropping by farmers, not only in the Cordilleras, may result in higher yields, but higher inputs are
also needed for crop protection, irrigation, and fertilization, among others. It also concentrates risk
of loss or price fluctuation on one crop. For small farmer, taking such a risk may not be appropriate,
especially when organic vegetable farming is his sole source of income.
It is interesting to note that many farmers, through the years, had designed more appropriate crop
sequencing scheme that better suit their prevailing local conditions. These experiences must be
shared among farmers in FFSs, so that their current best practices can be further improved, hence
this exercise.
108 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. pp136-138.
109 Balaki, E.T. 1998. As cited in: 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. 366p.