The document discusses the importance of crop care and maintenance, outlining various practices such as weeding, irrigation, and fertilization. It details methods for weed control, irrigation techniques, and organic versus inorganic fertilizers, emphasizing their benefits for plant growth and overall crop production. Additionally, it encourages farmers to be knowledgeable about these practices to optimize agricultural productivity and sustainability.

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8. Objectives
•Discuss care and maintenance of crops
•Explain the practices of crop care and
maintenance
•Value the importance of crop
maintenance

9. Why should a farmer be
knowledgeable on the various
practices in crop production?

10. • Can you name factors that influence the
growth of the plants?
• What should be considered in crop
production?
• Which of these practices have you observed
done by your parents or farmers in your
community?

12. WEEDING
A weed is a plant not wanted in certain places
like gardens, lawns or farms because it can
cause problems.
Weeds can cause problems in crop production
by reducing the number of crops that can be
grown, making the product less desirable, and
making the production process less efficient.

13. Controlling Weeds:
• Pulling weeds by hand-
farmers can remove
weeds by pulling them
out or using special
tools like hoes or
weeders
• Using machines-
farmers can use
cultivators or tillers to
remove or bury weeds
in the soil. This helps
stops the weeds from
removing nutrients and
sunlight from the crops

14. • Covering the soil-
farmers can cover the
soil around the crops
with straw, wood chips
or plastic. This is called
mulching, and it stops
weed seeds from
growing and blocks
sunlight from reaching
the weeds.
• Using weed-killing
chemicals- farmers can
use special chemicals
called herbicides to kill
or stop the growth of
weeds.

15. • Changing crops-
farmers can rotate the
crops they grow in
different seasons.
• Usinf natural enemies-
farmers can use insects
or other living things
that eat weeds to
control their growth.
• Using different
methods together-
farmers can use a
combination of
methods to control
weeds. They can
choose the best
methods for their farm
and use them to ensure
the weeds don't harm
the crops.

17. Irrigation/Water Supply
• Water is crucial for the growth and success of plants.
• Soil types like sandy, clay, and loamy have varying
water absorption rates.
• Irrigation is important in farming because it provides
water to crops, allows for the growth of different
crops, saves water, helps farmers plan, and
contributes to the economic development.
• It helps crops grow better, increases food
production, and supports the well being of farmers
and communities.

18. Methods:
• Sprinkler irrigation-
using sprinklers fo spray
water over the crops.
• Drip Irrigation- method
where water is
delivered directly to the
plant roots through a
network of tubes or
pipes with small
emitters.
• Flood irrigation- flooding
the field with water to
cover the soil surface
• Furrow irrigation- creating
small channels or furrows
along the crops rows
• Subsurface irrigation-
placing pipes or tubes
below the soil surface to
deliver water directly to
the plant roots

20. Applying fertilizers
To help crops grow healthy and strong,
farmers use different methods to provude
them with nutrients, which is called
fertilization.
Farmers can use natural materials like
compost, animal manure, or leftover plant
parts to make the soil rich in nutrients.

22. Organic Fertilizers
• COMPOST- made from
leftover fruits and
vegetables, grass
clippings, and animal
poop.
• ANIMAL MANURE- animal
poop, like from cows,
horses or chickens. It has
nutrients that plants need
like nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium.
• GREEN MANURE- some
unique plants, like clover
and alfalfa are grown and
then turned into the soil
to make it healthier.
• BONE MEAL- made from
crushed animal bones. It
has lots of phosphorus,
which is essential for
plant rootd and flowers.

23. • FISH EMULSION- a liquid fertilizer made from
fish leftovers. It has nutrients, especially
nitrogen that plants need to grow.
• SEAWEED AND KELP- seaweed and kelp grow
in the ocean. Farmers can use seaweed
extracts or powders to improve the soil or
spray them on the plants.

24. BENEFITS OF USING ORGANIC
FERTILIZERS
• Increasing soil fertility
• Supplying nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium, and
other essential nutrients.
• Improving soil's water-
holding capacity.
• Boosting the population and
activity of the soil
microorganisms, which aids
the nitrogen fertility status.
• Decreasing soil toxicity
caused by the chemical
fertilizers and insecticides
• Preventing soil
compactness, reducing
erosion, and providing
more oxygen to roots.
• Enhancing the physical
condition of the soil and
making it easier to
cultivate.
• Assisting in the efficient
use of chemical fertilizers
and reducing the need
for chemical fertilizers.

26. INORGANIC FERTILIZERS
• Farmers can also use special fertilizers made in factories. These
fertilizers come in small grains or powders and contain specific
nutrients that plants need.
• MAN-MADE FERTILIZERS
• Nitrogen-based fertilizers
• Phosphorus-based fertilizers
• Potassium-based fertilizers
• Mixed fertilizers
• Micronutrient fertilizers
• Slow-release fertilizers

27. Why should a farmer be
knowledgeable on the various
practices in crop production?

28. Differentiate organic & inorganic
fertilizers:
Definition Advantages Examples
Organic Fertilizers
Inorganic Fertilizers

29. Enumerate the following:
•List at least five advantages of farm
irrigation
•List three advantages of using organic
fertilizers in agriculture
•List two benefits of weeding