Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: AF 1: 2nd Semester-2024-2025
College: College of Teacher Education
Campus: Bayombong
DEGREE PROGRAM Bachelor of Technology
COURSE NO AF 1
and Livelihood Education
SPECIALIZATION COURSE
AGRI-FISHERY ARTS Field Crops and Cereal Production
TITLE
YEAR LEVEL 3hrs WK IM
First Year TIME FRAME 1-2 1
NO. NO.
I. CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Field Crops and Cereal Production
II. LESSON TITLE:
1. Definition of Terms
2. Importance in global and local economies.
3. Key characteristics and classifications of cereals and field crops.
4. Overview of the agricultural systems for production.
III. LESSON OVERVIEW
This chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance, characteristics, and
production systems of cereal and field crops. It lays the foundation for understanding their critical role in
both global and local contexts.
IV. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Explain the global and local economic significance of cereal and field crops.
2. Classify various types of cereals and field crops based on their grain type, usage, and growing
requirements.
3. Compare traditional,modern, and sustainable agricultural systems for cereal and field crop
production.
LESSON CONTENT
1. Definition of Terms
a. Agronomy : is a specialized area of plant science that deals with field crops It is a Greek word:
Agro-field,Nomus-management
b. Cereal Crops: Grasses cultivated for their edible grains, including wheat, rice, maize, barley,
oats, and sorghum.
c. Crop : is a collection or group of plants naturally or artificially grown for the benefit of man.
d. Field Crops: often referred to as agronomic crops are crops grown on a large scale for human
consumption, livestock feeding, or raw materials for industrial products. Field crops are plants
grown in large fields for crops grown for their oil, protein, fiber, and other by-products, including
soybeans, peanuts, cotton, and sunflowers.
“In accordance with Section 185, Fair Use of Copyrighted Work of Republic Act 8293, the copyrighted works included in
this material may be reproduced for educational purposes only and not for commercial distribution,”
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Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: AF 1: 2nd Semester-2024-2025
e. Field Crops Production: is basically conversion of environmental inputs into economic products
in the form of human or animal food or industrial materials. It is the art and science of the
genetic improvement of crops to produce new varieties with increased productivity and quality
f. Agricultural Systems: The methods and practices used in the cultivation and production of
crops, including traditional, modern, and sustainable approaches.
2. Importance in Global and Local Economies
a. Global Impact: Cereal and field crops are staple foods, crucial for global food security and
nutrition. They also play a significant role in international trade.
b. Economic Contribution: These crops generate income for farmers, create employment
opportunities, and contribute to GDP.
c. Local Economies: In many regions, smallholder farmers rely on these crops for their livelihood,
making them central to local food systems and cultural practices.
3. Key Characteristics and Classifications of Cereals and Field Crops
1. Cereals are typically classified based on their grain type and usage.
Common classifications:
1. Wheat: Used primarily for bread, pasta, and pastries. There are different types of wheat,
including hard wheat (used for bread) and soft wheat (used for pastries).
2. Rice: A staple food in many countries, rice is classified into types such as long-grain, medium-
grain, and short-grain, each with distinct uses in cooking.
3. Maize (Corn): Used for a variety of purposes, including animal feed, cornmeal, and processed
foods like corn syrup.
4. Barley: Often used in brewing beer and as animal feed. It's also used in soups and stews.
5. Oats: Commonly used in breakfast cereals, oatmeal, and baking.
6. Rye: Used to make rye bread, crispbread, and certain alcoholic beverages.
7. Sorghum: Used for food, animal feed, and ethanol production. It's also a staple food in some
regions.
Nutritional Importance
Rich in Carbohydrates:
1. Cereals are a major source of carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy.
Carbohydrates are essential for daily functioning and physical activities.
2. They contain complex carbohydrates, particularly starch, which provides sustained energy
release.
Provide Essential Nutrients:
1. Dietary Fiber: Cereals, especially whole grains, are high in dietary fiber, which aids in
digestion and helps prevent constipation.
2. Vitamins: They are a good source of several B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin,
niacin, and folate, which are important for energy metabolism and overall health.
3. Minerals: Cereals contain essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and
zinc. Iron is crucial for red blood cell formation, while magnesium and phosphorus support
bone health.
4. Proteins: Although cereals are not as rich in protein as legumes or meat, they still contribute
a significant amount of protein to the diet, which is necessary for growth and repair of body
tissues.
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this material may be reproduced for educational purposes only and not for commercial distribution,”
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Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: AF 1: 2nd Semester-2024-2025
2. Field Crops: Classified based on their primary use (e.g., oilseeds, legumes, fibers) and growing
requirements (e.g., climate, soil type).
Field Crops: Classification and Growing Requirements
Field Crops are typically classified based on their primary use and their specific growing requirements.
Classification Based on Primary Use
1. Oilseeds: These crops are primarily grown for their oil content. They are processed to extract edible
and industrial oils.
o Examples: Soybeans, sunflower, canola, and peanuts.
o Uses: Cooking oils, biodiesel, industrial applications, and food products.
2. Legumes: These crops are grown for their protein-rich seeds and their ability to fix nitrogen in the
soil, which enriches soil fertility.
o Examples: Soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts.
o Uses: Human food, animal feed, and green manure.
3. Fibers: These crops are cultivated for their fibrous content, which is used in textiles and other
industrial products.
o Examples: Cotton, flax, and hemp.
o Uses: Clothing, textiles, ropes, and paper.
4. Grains: Although similar to cereals, these are broader categories including crops grown for their
seeds, which can be used for food, feed, or industrial purposes.
o Examples: Corn (maize), sorghum, and millet.
o Uses: Human food, animal feed, ethanol production, and industrial starches.
Classification Based on Growing Requirements
1. Climate:
o Warm-Season Crops: These crops thrive in warmer climates and are typically planted in the spring
and harvested in the fall. They require higher temperatures to grow.
Examples: Soybeans, corn, and cotton.
o Cool-Season Crops: These crops prefer cooler temperatures and are often planted in early spring
or fall.
Examples: Wheat, barley, and oats.
2. Soil Type:
o Well-Drained Soils: Crops that require well-drained soils to prevent root rot and other issues
caused by excessive moisture.
Examples: Peanuts, cotton.
o Heavy Soils: Crops that can tolerate or even thrive in heavier, clay-like soils.
Examples: Rice, which often grows in paddy fields with standing water.
3. Water Requirements:
o Irrigated Crops: Crops that require consistent and reliable water supply through irrigation systems.
Examples: Rice, cotton.
o Rainfed Crops: Crops that rely primarily on rainfall for their water needs.
Examples: Millet, sorghum.
4. Nutrient Requirements:
o High Nutrient Crops: Crops that demand high levels of nutrients, often requiring fertilization.
Examples: Corn, wheat.
o Low Nutrient Crops: Crops that can grow in less fertile soils with minimal fertilization.
Examples: Rye, oats.
“In accordance with Section 185, Fair Use of Copyrighted Work of Republic Act 8293, the copyrighted works included in
this material may be reproduced for educational purposes only and not for commercial distribution,”
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Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: AF 1: 2nd Semester-2024-2025
3. Cultivation Practices: Includes planting methods, irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.
1. Planting Methods
o Direct Sowing: Seeds are sown directly into the field where the crops will grow to maturity. This
method is common for crops like rice, wheat, and corn. It can be done manually or using seed
drills and planters.
o Transplanting: Young seedlings are first grown in a nursery and then transplanted to the field.
This method is often used for crops like rice and certain vegetables. Transplanting allows for
better control over plant spacing and early growth.
o Broadcasting: Seeds are scattered uniformly over the soil surface and then incorporated into
the soil. This method is simpler but may result in uneven plant spacing and competition.
o Hill Planting: Seeds are planted in small mounds or hills, commonly used for crops like corn
and squash. This method helps improve drainage and root development.
2. Irrigation
o Surface Irrigation: Water is distributed across the field by gravity, including methods like
furrow, basin, and border strip irrigation. It is cost-effective but can lead to water wastage.
o Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is sprayed over the crops using sprinklers, providing even
distribution and reducing water loss. This method is suitable for a variety of crops and terrains.
o Drip Irrigation: Water is delivered directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes and
emitters. This method is highly efficient, minimizing water wastage and promoting healthy root
growth.
o Subsurface Irrigation: Water is applied below the soil surface, either through buried drip lines
or natural capillary action. It helps reduce evaporation and water runoff.
3. Fertilization
o Organic Fertilizers: Derived from natural sources such as compost, manure, and green
manure. They improve soil structure and fertility over time.
o Inorganic Fertilizers: Manufactured chemical fertilizers that provide specific nutrients like
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They offer quick nutrient release and can be tailored to
crop needs.
o Foliar Fertilization: Nutrients are applied directly to the leaves of plants in the form of liquid
sprays. This method provides rapid nutrient uptake and can be used to correct specific
deficiencies.
o Soil Testing: Conducting soil tests helps determine nutrient deficiencies and tailor fertilization
practices accordingly, ensuring optimal crop growth.
4. Pest Management
o Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A holistic approach that combines various strategies to
manage pests effectively and sustainably. It includes biological control, cultural practices,
mechanical control, and chemical control.
o Biological Control: Utilizes natural predators, parasites, and pathogens to control pest
populations. For example, ladybugs can be used to control aphids.
o Cultural Practices: Practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and planting resistant varieties
help reduce pest infestations and improve crop health.
o Mechanical Control: Physical methods such as hand-picking pests, using traps, and employing
barriers to prevent pest access to crops.
o Chemical Control: The use of pesticides and herbicides to control pests and weeds. It should
be used judiciously to minimize environmental impact and prevent pest resistance.
“In accordance with Section 185, Fair Use of Copyrighted Work of Republic Act 8293, the copyrighted works included in
this material may be reproduced for educational purposes only and not for commercial distribution,”
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220)
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Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: AF 1: 2nd Semester-2024-2025
4. Overview of the Agricultural Systems for Production
a. Traditional Systems: Manual labor and low-input methods, such as subsistence farming and
mixed farming systems.
b. Modern Agricultural Systems: Advanced technologies, genetically modified crops, precision
farming, and mechanized equipment.
c. Sustainable Agriculture: Environmentally friendly practices like crop rotation, organic farming,
and conservation tillage.
d. Integrated Farming Systems: Combining crop cultivation with livestock production to optimize
resource use and improve farm profitability.
V. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. What are the importance of field crops and cereal production in your place?
VI. ASSIGNMENT:
1. What are some careers in your community that are related to field crops and cereal production? List
down as many as you can.
VII. REFERENCES
Book:
Carney, Kandem, Principles of Crop Production , Lanser and Keller Education, New York , NY10001,
USA, 2017
E-Resources:
[Link]
461
“In accordance with Section 185, Fair Use of Copyrighted Work of Republic Act 8293, the copyrighted works included in
this material may be reproduced for educational purposes only and not for commercial distribution,”
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220)
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