for TLE 7 Lesson

11

LEARNING ACTIVITY
SHEET FOR
AGRICULTURAL CROP
PRODUCTION
QUARTER 1, WEEK 3
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET IN AGRI-CROP PRODUCTION 11
Quarter 1 - Week 3: Emerging Technologies in Crop Production (Container,
Vertical, Aquaponics, Aeroponics)
I. Learning Objectives:
At the end of this learning activity, you are expected to:
1. Describe the principles and applications of container gardening and vertical
gardening.
2. Explain the symbiotic relationship in aquaponics.
3. Discuss the mechanics of aeroponics and its unique advantages.
4. Identify suitable crops for each of these innovative farming methods.
5. Appreciate the potential of these technologies in addressing food security
and sustainable agriculture challenges in the Philippines.
II. Introduction:
Last week, we expanded our agricultural vocabulary and explored hydroponics, a
fascinating soil-less farming method. This week, we will continue our journey into
the future of farming by looking at more innovative and space-efficient techniques:
container gardening, vertical gardening, aquaponics, and aeroponics. These
methods offer exciting solutions for growing food, especially in areas with limited
land or water resources, making them highly relevant for our country.
III. Content:
A. Technology and Innovation in Crop Production
Modern agriculture is constantly evolving, driven by the need for more efficient,
sustainable, and productive ways to grow crops. Here are some key innovative
approaches:
1. Container Gardening
o Definition: Container gardening is the practice of growing plants
exclusively in containers instead of planting them directly in the
ground. These containers can range from traditional pots, barrels, grow
bags, recycled materials (e.g., plastic bottles, tires), to specialized self-
watering planters.
o How it Works: Plants are grown in a confined volume of growing
medium (potting mix, compost, coco coir) within a container. The
gardener is responsible for providing all the necessary water and
nutrients to the plant, as it cannot access surrounding soil resources.
Suitable Crops: Many plants can be grown in containers, including
herbs (basil, mint), leafy greens (lettuce, spinach), tomatoes, peppers,
 eggplants, beans, small fruit trees (calamansi, dwarf mango), and root
crops like carrots or radishes in deeper containers.
o Advantages:

 Space-Efficient: Ideal for small spaces like balconies, patios,

rooftops, or urban homes.
 Portability: Containers can be moved to optimize sunlight,
protect from harsh weather, or rearrange aesthetics.
 Soil Control: Allows precise control over soil type, pH, and
nutrients, especially beneficial for poor native soils or areas with
contamination.
 Pest/Disease Management: Easier to isolate and manage soil-
borne pests and diseases.
 Accessibility: Great for individuals with limited mobility or
those who prefer not to work on the ground.
o Disadvantages:

 Frequent Watering: Containers dry out faster than in-ground

gardens, requiring more frequent watering.
 Nutrient Depletion: Nutrients leach out quickly, necessitating
regular fertilization.
 Root Bound: Plants can become "root bound" if they outgrow
their container, hindering growth.
 Weight: Large containers can be heavy, limiting portability.
 Initial Cost: Purchasing containers and potting mix can be an
upfront expense.
o Relevance in the Philippines: Widely adopted in urban centers like
Metro Manila for backyard or balcony farming, enabling residents to
grow their own food despite limited land.
2. Vertical Gardening
o Definition: Vertical gardening is a type of container gardening where
plants are grown vertically on a specially designed structure, such as a
wall, frame, or stacked system, rather than horizontally on the ground.
It utilizes vertical space to maximize plant density.
o How it Works: Plants are typically grown in individual pockets,
shelves, or stacked modules that are integrated into a vertical
structure. Watering can be done manually or through integrated drip
irrigation systems. Like container gardening, plants rely entirely on the
provided growing medium and nutrients.
 o Types of Vertical Gardens:

 Living Walls/Green Walls: Plants grown on panels attached to

a wall, often with integrated irrigation.
 Stackable Planters: Containers designed to stack on top of
each other.
 Pocket Planters: Fabric or plastic pockets hung vertically.
 Pallet Gardens: Reused wooden pallets converted into vertical
planters.
o Suitable Crops: Best for shallow-rooted plants like leafy greens
(lettuce, kangkong, pechay), herbs (mint, basil, oregano), strawberries,
and some flowering plants.
o Advantages:

 Extreme Space Efficiency: Maximizes growing area in

extremely limited spaces.
 Aesthetics: Can create beautiful green spaces, improving air
quality and reducing urban heat.
 Ergonomics: Reduces bending and kneeling, making gardening
more comfortable.
 Water Efficiency: Often incorporates drip irrigation, reducing
water waste.
o Disadvantages:

 Uneven Light Distribution: Plants at the bottom may receive

less light than those at the top.
 Water Runoff: Proper irrigation design is crucial to ensure even
watering without overwatering the bottom plants.
 Initial Setup Cost: Can be higher for engineered vertical
systems.
 Maintenance: Requires careful nutrient and water
management.
o Relevance in the Philippines: Increasingly popular in urban high-
rises, commercial establishments, and even homes to create "edible
walls" or simply beautify spaces while providing fresh produce.
3. Aquaponics
o Definition: Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that
combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals like fish) with
hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in a symbiotic environment.
 It's a closed-loop system where fish waste provides nutrients for the
plants, and the plants, in turn, filter the water for the fish.
o How it Works (The Nitrogen Cycle in Action):

1. Fish Waste: Fish excrete waste (ammonia) into the water.

2. Bacterial Conversion: Beneficial bacteria (Nitrosomonas and
Nitrobacter) convert the toxic ammonia into nitrites, and then
into nitrates.
3. Plant Uptake: Plants absorb the nitrates and other dissolved
nutrients from the water through their roots as food.
4. Water Filtration: As plants absorb nutrients, they effectively
filter and clean the water, which is then recirculated back to the
fish tank.
 This creates a mutually beneficial cycle where fish waste feeds
plants, and plants purify water for fish.
o Suitable Crops: Leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, pechay), herbs
(basil, mint, cilantro), tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and various
fish species (tilapia, catfish, carp).
o Advantages:

 Dual Production: Produces both protein (fish) and vegetables

from one system.
 Water Conservation: Highly water-efficient, using significantly
less water than traditional farming.
 No Soil or Chemical Fertilizers: Eliminates soil-borne
diseases and the need for synthetic fertilizers.
 Reduced Waste: Fish waste is utilized, not discarded as
pollution.
 Sustainable: Promotes ecological balance and reduces
environmental impact.
o Disadvantages:

 Complexity: Requires understanding of both aquaculture and

hydroponics, including water chemistry and fish health.
 Initial Setup Cost: Can be more expensive to set up than
simple hydroponics.
 System Vulnerability: A failure in one component (e.g., pump
failure, disease outbreak) can affect the entire system.
  Specific Knowledge: Needs careful monitoring of water
parameters (pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrates).
o Relevance in the Philippines: Offers a promising solution for
integrated food production, especially in areas with limited land for
farming, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods.
4. Aeroponics
o Definition: Aeroponics is an advanced form of hydroponics where
plant roots are suspended in the air within an enclosed environment
and regularly misted with a fine spray of nutrient-rich water solution. It
uses even less water than traditional hydroponics.
o How it Works:

 Plants are held in collars or cups, with their roots dangling freely
in an enclosed chamber (e.g., a tower or container).
 A pump delivers nutrient solution through misters or spray
nozzles, creating a fine fog or mist that bathes the roots.
 This intermittent misting ensures the roots receive both ample
nutrients and maximum oxygen exposure.
o Suitable Crops: High-value leafy greens, herbs, strawberries, and
some fruiting vegetables like tomatoes and peppers are commonly
grown. Root crops are less suitable.
o Advantages:

 Maximum Oxygen to Roots: Roots are exposed to more

oxygen, leading to faster growth and nutrient uptake.
 Extremely Fast Growth Rates: Plants typically grow faster
and yield more than in any other method due to optimal nutrient
and oxygen delivery.
 Minimal Water Usage: Uses the least amount of water among
all soilless systems due to precise misting and recirculation.
 Disease Reduction: Less risk of waterborne diseases
compared to systems where roots are constantly submerged.
 Efficient Nutrient Use: Plants absorb nutrients very efficiently.
o Disadvantages:

 High Initial Cost: Requires specialized equipment (high-

pressure pumps, fine mist nozzles).
 Technical Complexity: Demands precise control of misting
intervals, nutrient concentration, and environment.
  Vulnerability to System Failure: Clogged nozzles or pump
failure can quickly lead to root desiccation and plant death.
 Requires Power: Highly reliant on electricity for pumps and
environmental controls.
o Relevance in the Philippines: Ideal for high-value crop production
for niche markets, research and development, and advanced urban
farming initiatives.
IV. Activities:
Activity 1: "Match the Method"
 Instructions: Match the description in Column A with the correct farming
technology in Column B. Write the letter of your answer on the space
provided.
Column A (Description) ___ 1. Growing plants without soil, with roots suspended
in air and misted with nutrients. ___ 2. Growing plants in pots or various containers.
___ 3. Combines raising fish with growing plants, where fish waste nourishes plants.
___ 4. Growing plants on a structure that utilizes vertical space.
Column B (Farming Technology) a. Vertical Gardening b. Aquaponics c. Container
Gardening d. Aeroponics
Activity 2: "Technology in My Home/Community"
 Instructions: Choose one (1) of the four technologies discussed (Container
Gardening, Vertical Gardening, Aquaponics, or Aeroponics).
1. Explain how you could implement this technology in your own home or
community.
2. What specific benefits do you think this technology would bring to your
chosen setting? (3-5 sentences)
Activity 3: "Compare and Contrast (Table)"
 Instructions: Complete the table by indicating a key advantage and a key
disadvantage for each technology.

Key Key
Technology
Advantage Disadvantage

Container
Gardening

Vertical
Gardening

Aquaponics
 Key Key
Technology
Advantage Disadvantage

Aeroponics

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V. Reflection:
 Among the technologies discussed (container, vertical, aquaponics,
aeroponics), which one do you find most interesting or promising for the
future of agriculture in the Philippines? Why?
 How can learning about these technologies help you become a better
agricultural practitioner or entrepreneur?
VI. Assessment (Multiple Choice):
1. Which farming method involves growing plants in pots or various other
confined spaces? a) Aquaponics b) Vertical Gardening c) Container Gardening
d) Aeroponics
2. In aquaponics, what do the fish provide to the plants? a) Oxygen b) Filtered
water c) Nutrients from their waste d) Direct sunlight
3. Which of the following technologies allows plant roots to be suspended in the
air and misted with nutrient solution? a) Hydroponics b) Aeroponics c)
Aquaponics d) Container gardening
4. A primary advantage of vertical gardening is its ability to: a) Grow root crops
easily. b) Maximize growing area in limited spaces. c) Eliminate the need for
any light. d) Reduce initial setup costs.
5. What is a common disadvantage shared by highly technical soilless systems
like aquaponics and aeroponics? a) They require more water than traditional
farming. b) They are highly dependent on electricity. c) They always lead to
slower plant growth. d) They can only grow ornamental plants.
VII. Answer Key (for Teacher's Use):
Activity 1:
1. d
2. c
3. b
4. a
Activity 3 (Sample Answers): | Technology | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage |
| :------------------ | :------------------------------------------ | :---------------------------------------------- |
| Container Gardening | Space-efficient/Portability | Frequent watering/Nutrient
depletion | | Vertical Gardening | Maximizes vertical space/Aesthetics | Uneven
light/Higher initial cost (for systems) | | Aquaponics | Dual production (fish &
plants)/Water saving | Complexity/Initial setup cost | | Aeroponics | Extremely fast
growth/Maximized oxygen | High initial cost/Vulnerable to system failure |
Assessment:
1. c) Container Gardening
2. c) Nutrients from their waste
3. b) Aeroponics
4. b) Maximize growing area in limited spaces.
5. b) They are highly dependent on electricity.