11

TVL- Organic
Agriculture
Production
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Producing Organic Fertilizers
Subject Area – Technology and Vocational Livelihood – Grade 11
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Quarter 1 – Module 2: Producing Organic Fertilizers
First Edition, 2020

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over them.

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Edgar O. Fernandez
Editors: Maria Luz C. Escoba
Reviewers: Edward Ryan F. Gulam
Illustrators: John Mark J. Oliveros and D-Jay P. Juario
Layout Artist: Maylene F. Grigana
Cover Art Designer: Ian Caesar E. Frondoza
Management Team: Allan G. Farnazo, CESO IV – Regional Director
Fiel Y. Almendra, CESO V – Assistant Regional Director
Gildo G. Mosqueda, CEO VI- Schools Division Superintendent
Diosdado F. Ablanido, CPA- Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Gilbert B. Barrera – Chief, CLMD
Arturo D. Tingson Jr. – REPS, LRMS
Peter Van C. Ang-ug – REPS, ADM
Gilda Orendain REPS – TLE/EPP
Donna S. Panes, PhD- CID Chief
Elizabeth G. Torres- EPS, LRMS
Judith B. Alba- ADM Coordinator
Mario S. Donio- EPS, TLE

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Office Address: Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax: (083) 2288825/ (083) 2281893
E-mail Address: region12@deped.gov.ph
 11

TVL - Organic
Agriculture
Production
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Producing Organic Fertilizers
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Grade 11 Organic Agriculture Production Self-Learning Module (SLM)

on Producing Organic Fertilizers.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

iv
For the learner:

Welcome to the Grade 11 Organic Agriculture Production Self-Learning Module (SLM)

on Producing Organic Fertilizers.

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

v
 What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will
help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can d

vi
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
producing organic fertilizers. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary
level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the
course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with
the textbook you are now using.

The module contains discussions regarding the topics:

Lesson 1 – Preparing Composting Area and Raw Materials.

 After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Determine the good area for composting;
2. Prepare your own site layout through an illustration;
3. Enumerate the materials needed for bed preparation;
4. Identify the materials used in producing organic fertilizer;
5. Appreciate the process of producing organic fertilizer by performing
all the prepared activities.

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 What I Know

Directions: Read the following questions carefully. Choose and encircle the
letter of your answer.

1. The following are the manifestations of Organic Fertilizer except ________.

A. The materials used are chemical substances
B. There is presence of high organic matter content
C. Raw materials used are indigenous in the locality
D. These are man-made fertilizers
2. Why is vermicomposting important?
A. It increases the fertility of the soil.
B. It decreases organic matter in the soil
C. It destroys the structure of the soil.
D. It can cause disease common in plants.
3. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a good composting site?
A. Have many predators
B. Availability of water supply
C. Composting site Is placed on an area with maximum exposure to
sunlight.
D. Accessibility of the composting site
4. The method of housing the worms is site specific and person specific.
A. True
B. False
5. What is the correct ratio of Carbon and Nitrogen in preparing the Raw
Materials for composting?
A. 30% Nitrogen and 70% Carbon
B. 70%Carbon and 30% Nitrogen
C. 50% Carbon and 50% Nitrogen
D. 40% Carbon and 60% Nitrogen
6. The method of housing the worm is specific in __________.
A. Site and Person
B. Place
C. Temperature
D. Cost
7. May be made of any material available whether iron bars with plastic lining,
old plastic basins, bamboo slats, or hollow blocks.
A. Worm Bins
B. Windrows
C. Housing Structure
D. Worms
8. These are piles of substrate that are decomposed before feeding them to the
worms.
A. Worm Bins
B. Windrows
C. Housing Structure
D. Worms
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9. These are the best options but are also the most expensive and should also
be considered when finances permit.
A. Worm Bins
B. Windrows
C. Housing Structure
D. Worms
10. In bed preparation, it is important to observe the following expect _____.
A. The site is shaded.
B. The site has many predators.
C. The site is near to water
D. the site must be free from predators.
11. It is also recommended that the site must have the following except ____.
A. Enough air
B. Shady
C. Have no enough supply of water
D. Above flood level
12. It is the use of worms in composting to produce vermicompost.
A. Windrows
B. Housing Types
C. Vermicomposting
D. Compost Pit
13. The following are the characteristics of good composting site except __
A. Unavailability of drainage system
B. Availability of water supply
C. Proximity to the source of raw materials
D. Have Many Predators
14. Which of the following is not a needed material in stocking the bed for
organic fertilizer?
A. Water
B. Water Sprinklers
C. Plain Sheets to cover the bed
D. Chemicals
15. Which of the following is a source of Nitrogen?
A. Madre De Cacao
B. Corn
C. Starch
D. Leaves of Mango

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 Lesson Prepare Composting Area
1 and Raw Materials

At the end of the session, you should be able to:

1. Determine the good area for composting;

2. Prepare your own site layout through an illustration;
3. Enumerate the materials needed for bed preparation;
4. Identify the materials used in producing organic fertilizer;
5. Appreciate the process of producing organic fertilizer by performing
all the prepared activities.

What’s In
Did you know that it is essential to properly plan for the
preparation of our composting area and the raw materials to be
used? Preparing the composting area and the raw materials in
housing the worms for composting must be carefully prepared so
that the desired outputs can be realized. In this particular journey,
you will be taught of how to prepare the site layout based on
location.
In this particular journey, you will be taught of how to prepare
the composting area and the needed raw materials. Please answer
all the activities honestly.

What’s New

Worms Defined
Worms are livestock and should be
cared for in order that they may be put to best
use. It is also recommended that the site must
be well above the flood level, shaded, airy and
it should be placed in an area that water and
raw materials are easily available. The
temperature that is about 26 degrees Celsius
must also be observed.

4
 What is It

Worms are living creatures which need to be cared. Traditionally, worms have
been raised for fishing bait as well as a protein and enzyme source for various
products, including animal food and biodegradable cleansers. Worms have also been
used to manage agricultural wastes such as dairy manure. They convert waste into
worm manure (also known as worm castings), a nutrient-rich, biologically beneficial
soil product. Worms do not have skin and die when exposed to direct sunlight. The
worm beds/containers are should be shaded where it is airy. Water and raw
materials are necessary and it follows that the project, to be successful should also
include cost. If the water and the raw materials will have to be brought in at
considerate expense, the cost of production would increase and impact on the
viability of the project

Vermicomposting is the use of

worms as a composting method to produce
vermicompost. Vermiculture is worm
farming for the production of worms. In
recent years, worm farming has been
practiced on both a small and large scale
with three complementary goals in mind:
waste diversion, vermicomposting, and
vermiculture.

In summary, a good composting has

the following characteristics:

1. Good drainage system

2. Availability of water supply

3. Proximity to the source of raw

materials

4. Accessibility of the composting site

5. Area of minimum contamination

6. Types of soil

7. Area with minimal sunlight

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Preparing the site Location

Site Lay-out
The method of housing the worms
is site specific and person specific.
Conditions obtaining in one place
may not be present in another. As
such, the vermiculturist should
decide what is best suited for him and
his place. However, a word caution at
this point is that for first-timers, it is
better to use tried and tested methods
before modification and combinations
are done. With more experiences and
confidence, modifications and
combinations may be instituted. The
following are the options for the lay-
out and housing type:

1. Worm Bins/ Worm Beds may be

made of any material available
whether iron bars with plastic lining,
old plastic basins, bamboo slats, or
hollow blocks. The advantage of worm
bins/ worm beds is that they are
movable and can be transferred.
However, they should be taken care of
that they are properly protected from
direct sunlight, too much water and
natural predators. The substrate is
placed in the worm beds where the
worms feed on them.

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 2. Windrows are piles of
substrate that are decomposed
before feeding them to the worms.
They are usually about 1 meter
wide and at least 1 meter high and
can be any lengths desired or
practicable. They have to be
covered by plastic material or any
organic material that will protect
the substrate and ultimately the
worms from the elements and
natural predators.

3. Housing structures
are the best options but are
also the most expensive and
should also be considered
when finances permit.
However, if there are
abandoned structures within
the site, these can be used as
well.

In the more developed countries where labor is expensive, some companies

opt to mechanical systems. But, this can only be explored when the project is big
enough and the finances warrant this option because while the manpower is low,
the capital expenditure is high and hugely dependent on electricity.

Composting Site Selection

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 Incorrect compost site selection can cause major problems, both in the
short and long term.

Characteristics of good composting site:

E. Good drainage system

F. Availability of water supply

G. Proximity to the source of raw

materials

H. Accessibility of the composting site

I. Area of minimum contamination

J. Types of soil

K. Area with minimal

sunlight

Bed Preparation

Prepare the bed by selecting site that

is shaded, free from predators, and

near to the water source. Arrange the

hollow blocks making a bed on 1m

x3mand put bamboo sticks to

strengthen the bed. Used sacks and

nylon nets can be used as matting.

Other materials that may be needed

in the stocking of the bed are:

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 1. Water

2. Water Sprinklers

3. Plastic sheets to cover the Bed

Preparing Raw Materials for Organic Fertilizers

In preparing the raw materials (substrate), it is helpful to consider the source and

quality, the carbon to nitrogen (C: N) ratio and the size of the materials.

Source and Quality

In sourcing raw

materials, care should be taken

that one is sure with the quality of

raw materials. If using animal

manure, be sure that animals were

not dewormed as this would also

deworm your project. On the other

hand, the plant source should be

free from harmful insecticides,

fungicides and herbicides which may also decimate your worm population.

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 The worms will eat all the organic

wastes and produce vermicast.

However, the quality of the vermicast

and the speed of its production depend

on several factors.

RAW MATERIALS

Carbon:Nitrogen= 70%:30% ratio

CARBON SOURCE:

 Animal Manure

 Coco coir Dust

 Banana Bracts

NITROGEN SOURCE:

 Madre de Cacao

 Leguminous Crops

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 What’s More

Activity 1: You’ve already gained much insights about preparing the composting
area and the raw materials. This time, you are challenged to do more. Show More
understanding of our lesson. Do the activities independently.

Direction: Draw one smiling face (😊) if you think the statements below are true and
draw a sad face (☹) if you think they are not. Write your answers on the space
provided before each number.

________1. Worms are livestock and should not be cared for in order that they may
be put to best use.

________2. Vermiculture is worm farming for the production of worms.

________3. Worms convert waste into worm manure.

________4. Worms do not have skin and die when exposed to direct sunlight.
________5. Worms have also been used to manage agricultural wastes such as dairy
manure.

Activity 2: Complete Me!

Direction: Provide the missing letters in the box o complete the word. Use the clues
below the box as your guide in coming up with the correct word.
Column A
1. W N W

Clue: Piles of substrate that are decomposed before feeding them to the worms.
2. W R N

Clue: May be made of any material available whether iron bars with plastic lining,
old plastic basins, bamboo slats, or hollow blocks.
3. H U I G Y P

Clue: Are the best options but are also the most expensive and should also be
considered when finances permit.
4. S E

Clue: Place in which the composting will be done.

5. L O U

Clue: This is what you prepare before preparing the composting area.

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 What I Have
Learned
Take your time remembering all the discussions we have made earlier.
It’s now the time for you to evaluate your understanding of our lesson. Please
do the task confidently.

After our lesson today, I realized good composting has the following
characteristics:
1._________________
2._____________________
3______________________
4______________________
5._____________________
6._____________________
7._____________________

What I Can Do

Instruction: Complete the missing words in the Analogy. Use the words in the
second pair as hints to guess the missing word in the first pair.
1. Nitrogen:_______________ as Carbon: Banana Bracts
2. Vermicomposting: _______________ as Bed Stocking: Water Sprinklers
3. Vermiculture: _______________as Agriculture: Agriculturist
4. Carbon: _______________ as Nitrogen: 30%
5. Carbon: _______________as Protein: Meat

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 Assessment

Directions: Read the following questions carefully. Choose and encircle the letter of
your answer.

1. The following are the manifestations of Organic Fertilizer except

________.
A. The materials used are chemical substances
B. There is presence of high organic matter content
C. Raw materials used are indigenous in the locality
D. These are man-made fertilizers
2. Why is vermicomposting important?
A. It increases the fertility of the soil.
B. It decreases organic matter in the soil
C. It destroys the structure of the soil.
D. It can cause disease common in plants.
3. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a good composting
site?
A. Have Many Predators
B. Availability of water supply
C. Composting site Is placed on an area with minimum exposure to
sunlight.
D. Accessibility of the composting site
4. The method of housing the worms is site specific and person specific.
A. True
B. False
5. What is the correct ratio of Carbon and Nitrogen in preparing the Raw
Materials for composting?
A. 30% Carbon and 70% Nitrogen
B. 70%Carbon and 30% Nitrogen
C. 50% Carbon and 50% Nitrogen
D. 40% Carbon and 60% Nitrogen
6. The method of housing the worm is specific in __________.
A. Site and Person
B. Place
C. Temperature
D. Cost
7.May be made of any material available whether iron bars with plastic lining,
old plastic basins, bamboo slats, or hollow blocks.

A. Worm Bins
B. Windrows
C. Housing Structure
D. Worms

13
8.These are piles of substrate that are decomposed before feeding them to the
worms.

A. Worm Bins
B. Windrows
C. Housing Structure
D. Worms
9.These are the best options but are also the most expensive and should also be
considered when finances permit.

A. Worm Bins
B. Windrows
C. Housing Structure
D. Worms
10. In bed preparation, it is important to observe the following expect _____.
A. The site is shaded.
B. The site has many predators.
C. The site is near to water
D. the site must be free from predators.
11. It is also recommended that the site must have the following except ____.
A. Enough air
B. Shady
C. Have no enough supply of water
D. Above flood level
12. It is the use of worms in composting to produce vermicompost.
A. Windrows
B. Housing Types
C. Vermicomposting
D. Compost Pit
13. The following are the characteristics of good composting site except __
A. Good drainage system
B. Availability of water supply
C. Proximity to the source of raw materials
D. Have Many Predators
14. Which of the following is not a needed material in stocking the bed for
organic fertilizer?
A. Water
B. Water Sprinklers
C. Plain Sheets to cover the bed
D. Chemicals
15. Which of the following is a source of Nitrogen?
A. Madre De Cacao
B. Corn
C. Starch
D. Leaves of Mango

14
 Additional Activities

Activity1.0

Direction: Imagine yourself preparing for your composting site. Draw your site
layout in the box.

Activity 2.0

Direction: Explain your thoughts regarding the following questions. Discuss your
answers briefly. Write your answers on the blanks provided.

1. How do you prepare the composting area?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the characteristics of a good composting site?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

3. What are the raw materials for composting?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

15
 16
What I
Can Do What I have
1. Madre De Learned
Cacao/
Leguminous 1. Good drainage system
Crops 2. Availability of water
2. Worm supply
3. Vermiculturist 3. Proximity to the
4. 70% source of raw
5. Animal materials
Manure/Coco 4. Accessibility of the
Coir
composting site
Dust/Banana
Bracts 5. Area of minimum
contamination
6. Types of soil
7. Area with minimal
sunlight
What More What I Know Assessment
Activity1 1. A 1. A
2. A 2. A
1. ☹ 3. C 3. A
2. 😊 4. A 4. A
3. 😊 5. B 5. B
4. 😊 6. A 6. A
5. 😊 7. A 7. A
Activity 2 8. B 8. B
9. C 9. C
1.Windrows
10.B 10.B
2. Worm Bin 11.C
11.C
3 Housing Type 12.C 12.C
4. Site 13.D 13.D
5. Layout 14.D 14.D
15.A 15.A
Answer Key
References

Esparagoza, Hope P., Galera, Ronnie T. (2015). Organic Agriculture

Production NCII.Sunas-Tesda

Necesito, Marcela G., Vermi Culture Production.DA-CEMIARC.South

Cotabato.www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq2/e

17
 EDITOR’S NOTE
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd
SOCCSKSARGEN with the primary objective of preparing for and addressing
the new normal. Contents of this module were based on DepEd’s Most
Essential Learning Competencies (MELC). This is a supplementary material
to be used by all learners of SOCCSKSARGEN Region in all public schools
beginning SY 2020-2021. The process of LR development was observed in the
production of this module. This is Version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback,
comments, and recommendations.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SOCCSKSARGEN
Learning Resource Management System (LRMS)

Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax No.: (083) 228 8825 / (083) 228 1893
Email Address: region12@deped.gov.ph