PERMANENT CRPS PRODUCTION

1. Enumerate the factors that influence the production of crops.
2. Distinguish between climatic and edaphic factors in crop production.
3. Identify economic factors which influence the types of crops you will grow in your area.
4. Describe basic principles in the selection of seeds, care of seeds, planting of seeds; growing of seedlings, and care for seedlings at the pre-nursery, nursery and the field levels
5. Describe the management operations that are critical in the production of permanent crop seedlings—weeds, pests and disease, water and soil nutrient.

13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: General Introduction to Permanent Crops

   • Unit 1: Factors Affecting Permanent Crop Production · 3 hours

     Read the introduction to understand the scope of permanent crop production.. Study climatic factors affecting crop production, including rainfall, solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and winds.. Distinguish between climate and weather and their impact on crop selection..

2. Week 2Module 1: General Introduction to Permanent Crops

   • Unit 1: Factors Affecting Permanent Crop Production · 3 hours

     Study edaphic/soil factors influencing crop production, including soil fertility, acidity, and physical characteristics.. Analyze the nature of crops and their specific requirements for optimal growth.. Examine economic factors such as labor, supply of tools, and market forces..

3. Week 3Module 1: General Introduction to Permanent Crops

   • Unit 2: Principles and Operations in Tree Crop Production · 3 hours

     Study nursery activities and operations, including site selection and design.. Learn about seed collection, handling, storage, and pre-treatment.. Understand seedling production techniques and nursery soil mixtures..

4. Week 4Module 1: General Introduction to Permanent Crops

   • Unit 2: Principles and Operations in Tree Crop Production · 3 hours

     Study sowing of seeds, watering plants, and pricking out seedlings.. Learn about vegetative propagation methods and the size and quality of planting stock.. Understand the preparation of seedlings for planting sites, including hardening-off..

5. Week 5Module 1: General Introduction to Permanent Crops

   • Unit 2: Principles and Operations in Tree Crop Production · 3 hours

     Study field activities and operations, including land acquisition and clearing.. Learn about layout and lining techniques for plantation establishment.. Understand post-planting maintenance operations such as weeding, pest and disease management, and water and soil nutrient management..

6. Week 6Module 2: Stimulant/Beverage Crops

   • Unit 3: Cacao · 3 hours

     Study the botany of cacao, including its scientific classification and varieties.. Examine the requirements for cacao growth, including climatic and soil conditions.. Understand the world distribution of cacao and its origins..

7. Week 7Module 2: Stimulant/Beverage Crops

   • Unit 3: Cacao · 3 hours

     Study nursery operations for cacao, including propagation methods and nursery management.. Examine field operations for cacao, including planting and shade management.. Understand harvesting and processing techniques for cacao beans..

8. Week 8Module 2: Stimulant/Beverage Crops

   • Unit 4: Coffee · 3 hours

     Study the history and spread of coffee cultivation.. Examine the botany of coffee, including different species and their characteristics.. Understand the agro-climatic and edaphic requirements for coffee production..

9. Week 9Module 2: Stimulant/Beverage Crops

   • Unit 4: Coffee · 3 hours

     Study nursery operations for coffee, including bed preparation and seed planting.. Examine field operations for coffee, including pre-planting and planting operations.. Understand post-planting operations such as weed, pest, and disease management..

10. Week 10Module 2: Stimulant/Beverage Crops

    • Unit 5: Cola/Kola · 3 hours

      Study the history and development of kola.. Examine the botany of kola, including its classification and characteristics.. Understand the ecology and agro-climatic requirements for kola production..

11. Week 11Module 2: Stimulant/Beverage Crops

    • Unit 5: Cola/Kola · 3 hours

      Study the propagation of kola, including nursery operations and management.. Examine pests and diseases of kola and their control measures.. Understand harvesting and post-harvesting management of kola nuts..

12. Week 12Module 3: Oil Crops

    • Unit 6: Oil-Palm · 3 hours

      Study the history of oil palm cultivation.. Examine the botany of palms, focusing on the African oil palm.. Understand the requirements for oil palm growth, including light, water, and soil conditions..

13. Week 13Module 3: Oil Crops

    • Unit 6: Oil-Palm · 3 hours

      Study agronomic considerations for oil palm, including nursery and field operations.. Examine soil nutrient uptake and plantation maintenance practices.. Understand harvesting, processing, and grading of palm produce..