Revised, APRIL 2018

Republic of the Philippines

TARLAC AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
TAU Vision
Camiling, Tarlac
TAU as one of the top 500 universities in ASIA College of Agriculture and Forestry
GRADUATE SCHOOL
TAU MISSION

TAU is committed to improve the quality of life through the production of competent
COURSE SYLLABUS
graduates and relevant technologies in the service of society
CAF GOALS Course Code Number : AGRONOMY
 To produce technically competent and entrepreneur-oriented graduates in
agriculture, forestry and allied courses. Course Title : ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
 To establish and strengthen the flagship program/s through relevant research,
extension and training activities in agriculture, forestry and food technology. Credits : 3 units
 To generate income through implementation of financially viable agriculture, forestry
and food processing projects to complement instructions, research and extension Pre-requisite/s : Principles of Crop Production
programs to sustain the requirements for modernization.
Course Description : Principles and practices of organic farming; farms as ecological systems; the certification
Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy (Ph. D. Agronomy) Program Outcomes process and agencies; organic matter management to support the soil food web and nutrient availability; managing biodiversity,
 Articulate and discuss the latest development in the field of agriculture (PQF level 6 crop rotations, plant competition, ground cover, and plant health; integrating crops and animals; organic animal husbandry
descriptor) practices, crop systems studies, farmer and researcher panel discussion
.
 Effectively communicate orally and in writing using both English and Filipino;
 Work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams
Course Objectives : At the end of the semester and after going through all the activities in the subject, the
(PQF level 6 descriptor)
students should be able to:
 Act in recognition of professional, social, and ethical responsibility (RA 8435)
 Preserve and promote “Filipino historical and cultural heritage” (RA 7722)
1. Develop an understanding of the historical, biological and ecological basis for Organic farming including crop and livestock
 Generate and share knowledge relevant to specific fields in the study of agriculture; management.
 Formulate and implement of agricultural developments plans and programs; 2. Understand the National Organic Program rules.
 Apply scientific method in the conduct of research activity 3. Learn the basic principles of organic matter management to feed the soil food web through the use of cover crops, compost
 Apply the concepts of agricultural productivity and sustainability in the context of and other organic and mineral amendments.
national, regional, and global developments; 4. Learn the basic principles of managing biodiversity, crop rotations, non-crop competitors (weeds) and plant health for
 Engage in agricultural production and post-production activities; productive cropping systems with minimal off-farm resources.
 Promote sound agricultural technologies to various clients and in the manpower 5. Understand the foundation of organic animal husbandry and the integration of crops and animals on the organic farm.
development of agriculture 6. Develop critical and creative thinking with a systems approach to agriculture using case studies as working examples of farming
 Employ relevant tools in information technology in solving agriculture-related systems.
problems 7. Understand the social, economic, political and environmental context for current and future organic agriculture production
 Practice and promote public safety in the use of technology in agriculture and sales.
 Diagnose and analyze strengths, weaknesses and limitations including opportunities 8. Demonstrate ability to knowledgeably discuss the principles and practices of organic agriculture.
and threats in practicing the agriculture profession
 Ability to participate in the generation of new knowledge or in research and
development projects particularly in the field of Agriculture (CMO 46 S. 2012). Course Professor : DR. CIELITO A. BELTRAN
 Agronomy – Organic Agriculture
COURSE OUTLINE

Time Time Time

Frame Frame Frame
A. A. Class Orientation V. Nutrient Management in Organic
VMGOs of the College & CAF III. Step by Step Conversion to Organic Agriculture Agriculture
Week Course Requirements & Grading System Week 4 A. Step 1: Good information first Practices to enhance soil fertility
Classroom Policies 3hours B. Step 2: Getting familiar with organic practices A. Composting
1-2 1.The heating phase
6 hours I. Introduction to Organic Farming C. Step 3: Full conversion to organic farming
2.The cooling phase
- Population , Growth and Organic Concerns 3.The maturing phase
- Sustainable Agriculture Week 8- 4.Different systems and methods
-Scope, Nature, History, Week IV Integrated Farm Management Systems 9 B.Green manure
-Principles of Organic Farming 5-7 A. Crop Planning and Management 1.Green manure have a number of benefits
6 hours
-Types of organic farming 9 hours 1. Crop rotation 2.Factors to consider before growing green
-What is a farm? a. Criteria for crop rotation manures
-What is an Organic farm? 2. Cash crops 3.How to use green manures
-What is organic certification? a. Rotation design C.Animal manure
-Why Organic? 3. Intercropping D.Microbial fertilizers
-Organic farming historical perspectives, 4. Cover crops E.Mineral fertilizer
organizations Certifications, social-political- B. Crop animal association
environmental-economic back drops C. Designing cropping systems
VI Organic Soil Management and Crop
-Knowledge/ecology vs synthetic inputs 1. Record keeping
Week Nutrition II
based.Farm as Ecological System, Healthy Soil D. Managing waste
a. Biogas 10
as Foundation to Organic Production A. Mulches
b. Biofuel 3 hours B. Green manures
c. Composite, mulches, biofeetilizer
C. Catch crops
E. Some Practices Related to Organic Farming:
D. Cover crops
Week 3 II. Considerations for Conversion to Organic 1. Permaculture
E. Selection of crops for green manuring
3 hours Agriculture 2. Polyculture
F. Organic fertilizers
A. Analysis of the location 3. Biodynamics
B. Farm-related challenges to conversion.
Week
1. Farms with high external input use. VII. Soil Properties and Processes 2: Physical &
2. Farm with low external input use. 11
3 hours Chemical:
3. Mixed farm A. How do plants grow?
4. Degraded land B. Soil structure and type, nutrient and
C. Climate related challenges to conversion water capacity and availability, Role of
SOM
Time Time Time
Frame Frame Frame

Week VIII. Soil Properties and Processes 3:Building XII. Soil cultivation and Tillage in Organic
12 SOM – Agriculture
3hours A. Cover Crops, Compost, Animal
Manure, Mulch & more Week 16 A. Creating good growing conditions for
3 hours plants
B. Minimum disturbance
C. Soil compaction
Week IX. Soil Properties and Processes 5: Management
D. Types of soil cultivation
13 & Evaluation:
3 hours A. Soil quality, Tilth, Crop Rotations
B. Tillage, Soil Testing & Observations, Week 17 XIII.. Plant Propagation in Organic Agriculture
Plant health as indicator 3 hours
A. Plant propagation
B. Criteria for seed evaluation,
Week X. Pest and Disease Management in Organic characterization and multiplication
14- Agriculture C. Importance of traditional varieties
3 hours D. Seed conservation
A. Prevention practices and
monitoring
B. Curative methods Week 18 XIV. Animal Husbandry in Organic Agriculture
C. Disease Suppression & Soil Biology 3 hours
–
Supplementary Lectures Making a decision on animal husbandry

Week XI.. Weed Management in Organic A. Animal housing

15- Agriculture B. Animal feeding
3 hours C. Animal health
A. Preventive practices
B. Biological control of weeds Breeding goals
C. Mechanical control
 LEARNING PLAN
INTENDED LEARNING TEACHING AND Resource Materials
TOPICS/SUBJECT MATTER Textbooks/ References ASSESSMENT TIME FRAME
OUTCOMES LEARNING ACTIVITIES
The students should be A. A. Class Orientation New Organic Grower MFCCE= MI Field Power point Demonstrate Week 1-2
able to: VMGOs of the College & CAF Crop Ecology ; MFCPE= MI Field Crop presentations competitive ability 6 hours
1. Define organic Course Requirements & Practical: Land Pest Ecology (Optional/Recommended) in delineating
farming. Grading System preparation & sowing OF=Organic Farming; IWM= Integrated Organic farming
2. Explain Classroom Policies vegetables seed Weed Management and sustainable
sustainable CP: 1. Letter to Farmer in Chief EBFS: agriculture
agriculture I. Introduction to Organic pp3-12; SS: p1-6, CP: 2. Organic
3. Develop an Farming Overview p1-8, 24; CP: 3. Certification
understanding - Population , Growth and To be completed before and NOP; CP: 4. Organic in America &
of the Organic Concerns class that day Source Key Organic Certification www.attra.org
historical, -Sustainable Agriculture EBFS= Ecologically UDSA NOP http://www.ams.usda.gov/
biological and -Scope, Nature, History, Based Farming Systems nop (OF: pp1-10, 574-585
ecological -Principles of Organic Farming SS= Soul of Soil ;
basis for -Types of organic farming CP=Course Pack ; NOG
Organic -What is a farm? =
farming. -What is an Organic farm? Lecture /field visit
-What is organic certification? EBFS: pp12-31; SS: pp7-
-Why Organic? 8; NOG: pp1-4; CP: 5.
-Organic farming historical Ecological Agriculture
perspectives, organizations principles practices and
Certifications, social-political- constraints (OF: pp13-17,
environmental-economic back 52-56)
drops Knowledge/ecology vs Reflection: Ecology &
synthetic inputs based. Systems basis for
agriculture – your
Farm as Ecological System, thoughts, ideas, and
Healthy Soil as Foundation to visions.
Organic Production Introduce Organic
Farming System Group
Project (OFSGP)
1. Explain the II. Considerations for Week 3
considerations Conversion to Organic 3 hours
for conversion to Agriculture
organic A. Analysis of the location
agriculture B. Farm-related challenges to
2. Analyze location conversion.
appropriate for 1. Farms with high external
organic input use.
agriculture 2. Farm with low external
3. Assess farm- input use.
related
3. Mixed farm
challenges to
4. Degraded land
conversion of
farm from C. Climate related
conventional to challenges to conversion
organic farming
1. Enumerate and III. Step by Step Conversion Week 4
explain the steps to Organic Agriculture 3hours
in conversion to A. Step 1: Good information
organic first
agriculture B. Step 2: Getting familiar
with organic practices
C. Step 3: Full conversion to
organic farming

IV Integrated Farm Demonstrate Week

1. Explain the
Management Systems Practical weeding and Visual aids competitive skills 5-7
processes Crop Planning and watering explaining the 9 hours
involved in; Management process of
a. integrated Cash crops germination and
farm Rotation design development of a
management Managing waste weed
systems Some Practices Related to
b. Crop Organic Farming:
Planning andPermaculture
Management Polyculture
Biodynamics
2. Discuss practices -Rotation design, Cash crops, )
related to Managing waste,
organic farming Permaculture, Polyculture,
Biodynamics etc
 -Cash crops
-Rotation design
-Managing waste
Some Practices Related to
Organic Farming:
-Permaculture
-Polyculture
-Biodynamics
Crop Planning and
Management in Organic
Agriculture
A. Crop rotation
B. Intercropping
C. Cover crops
D. Crop animal association
E. Designing cropping
systems
V. Nutrient Management in Hands on field Correctly identify Week 8-9
1. Identify the Organic Agriculture observation and explain the 6 hours
practices to Practices to enhance soil practices to
enhance soil fertility Hands on field enhance soil
fertility A. Composting observation fertility
2. Differentiate the 1.The heating phase
phases in 2.The cooling phase
composting 3.The maturing phase MFCE pp17-27, 28-43;
3. Enumerate the 4.Different systems and MFCPE pp26-31; SS:
benefits of methods pp8-15, 36-51
composting B.Green manure Write up an overview
1.Green manure have a number of the type of organic
of benefits farming system you
2.Factors to consider before want to create for your
growing green manures group project. Scale,
3.How to use green manures markets, crops,
C.Animal manure livestock, location,
D.Microbial fertilizers
focus, for-profit, not-
E.Mineral fertilizer
forprofit/educational,
rural/urban etc…?
~1pg Will be
shared/used to form
groups in class
 VI Organic Soil Management Lecture and classroom Visual aids List down and Week 10
1. Name and explain and Crop Nutrition II discussion explain the major 3 hours
major factors influencing (Mulching, Green manuring,  Practical factors
composting. Cover crops, Organic (mulching) influencing
fertilizer)
composting and
2. Discuss the process in correctly execute
Composting. the procedures in
Soil Properties and Processes
3.Execute the composting.
2: Physical & Chemical : How
procedures in
do plants grow? Soil structure
composting. and type, nutrient and water SS: pp16-35, 52-67; (OF:
capacity and availability, Role pp21-28, 56-58, 62-84)
of SOM

1. Characterize VII. http://www.sare.org/publications/ Power point Execute Week 11

the different MFCE pp44-53; SS: pp85- covercrops.pdf pp54-201 presentations competitive ability 3hours
practices Soil Properties and 91, 103-119 in choosing
involved in Processes 3:Building SOM CP: 6 USDA Managing promising cover
organic – Cover Crops, Compost, Cover crops profitably crops for organic
farming. Animal Manure, Mulch & pp9-53 farming system
2. Identify more project
promising
cover crops for
organic
farming system
1. Develop and VIII. Soil Properties and Develop and write up a Develop and write Week 12
write a soil Processes 5: Management soil management a feasible soil 3 hours
management & Evaluation: Soil quality, program for your organic management
program for Tilth, Crop Rotations farm system including program for
organic farming ,Tillage, Soil Testing & types of tillage, crop organic farming
system (OFS) Observations, Plant health rotations, soil system including
as indicator health/fertility mgnt, soil types of tillage,
testing/evaluation etc… crop rotations, soil
~2pgs health/fertility
management , soil
testing/evaluation
1. Select a pest or IX. Pest and Disease Research works/activities Computer aided audio Write and present
disease Management in Organic visual aids a good organic Week 13-
challenge for a Agriculture Soil samples system 3 hours
 crop in OFS and D. Prevention management plan
outline a good practices and to address pest
organic system monitoring and disease
management E. Curative problems.
plan to address
methods
pest and disease
F. Disease
problems. Suppression &
Soil Biology –
G. Supplementary Group presentation
Lectures Pest and Disease
Management I
Group presentation
Pest and Disease
Management II
Group presentation

1. Define a weed X.. Weed Management in Lecture/Discussion Computer aided audio Characterize a Week 14
2. Characterize a noxious Organic Agriculture visual aids noxious weed 3 hours
weed Enumerate the
3. Enumerate the D. Preventive damages caused
damages caused by practices by weeds
weeds E. Biological Discuss the
4. Discuss the different different types of
control of weeds
types of weed costs
F. Mechanical weed costs
5.Categorize the different
control Categorize the
classification of weeds
6. Differentiate the different
different weed control classification of
practices weeds
Differentiate the
different weed
control practices
1. Develop and write up XI. Soil cultivation and Lecture /discussion Computer aided audio Develop and write Week 15
a soil management Tillage in Organic visual aids up a soil 3 hours
program for organic farm Agriculture management
system including types of program for
tillage, crop rotations, E. Creating good organic farm
soil health/fertility growing system including
management, soil conditions for types of tillage,
testing/evaluation plants crop rotations, soil
health/fertility
 F. Minimum management, soil
disturbance testing/evaluation
G. Soil compaction Execute
H. Types of soil competitive ability
in creating good
cultivation
growing
. conditions for
plants
1. Explain the XII.. Plant Propagation in Lecture/Discussion Computer aided audio Demonstrate Week 16
principles and Organic Agriculture Portfolio Collection visual aids competitive ability 3 hours
practices of in explaining the
plant E. Plant principles and
propagation in propagation practices of plant
organic farming, F. Criteria for seed propagation in
as well as the evaluation, organic farming,
importance of characterization as well as the
the use of and importance of the
traditional multiplication use of traditional
varieties and varieties and their
G. Importance of
their conservation
conservation traditional
2. Discuss the varieties
criteria for seed H. Seed
evaluation, conservation
characterization
and
multiplication
3. Enumerate the
importance of
traditional
varieties.
1. Execute skills in XIII. Animal Husbandry in Lecture /discussion Computer aided audio Demonstrate Week 17-18
caring, training, Organic Agriculture visual aids competitive skills 6 hours
and nurturing of in caring, training,
animals in Making a decision on and nurturing of
farming animal husbandry animals .
communities.
D. Animal housing
E. Animal feeding
F. Animal health
 G. Breeding goals

Total lecture hours- 3 Total Number of Hours -54

hours per week
3 hours x 18weeks
Total lecture hours -
54

Course Requirements Attendance in all lecture discussions and activities.

Completion and submission of required term papers/feasibility study proposal.
Passed term exams, quizzes.
Grading System Term Exams – 30%
Quizzes – 20%
Class Participation – 20%
Term Papers – 30%
=======
100%

Passing Percentage Score = 75%

Formula in the Computation of Grade: (score/100)

Classroom Policies 1. The rule on failing mark for 20% unexcused absences shall be strictly enforced (Chapter 4, Section 2, p. 24 of TCA Student Manual).
2. Short quizzes will be given unannounced; however, schedule for long quizzes shall be announced at least one week prior to its administration.
3. Mid-Term and Final Exams shall be given only to students who have completely or partially settled their accounts for the specified period.
4. Students will be held responsible for all assignments and requirements for the entire content on the course missed regardless of reasons for
his absence (Chapter 4, Section 2, p. 24 of TCA Student Manual).
5. Only students officially enrolled in the course will be allowed to attend the class.
6. Talking during examinations, possession of textbooks or notes of any kind (unless authorized), giving or receiving information or any other
attempts at communication shall render the offender to disciplinary action (Chapter 5, Section 4, p. 26 of the Student Manual).
7. The professor is not obliged to give a special or late test to any student who fails to take an examination at the regular time, except upon a
written request approved by the Dean of the Institute concerned (Chapter 5, Section 5, p. 26 of the Student Manual).
 8. Grades of 3.10-4.00 are conditional failures, and must be removed by re-examination before the enrolment for the next term (Chapter 6,
Section 1, p. 27 of the Student Manual).
9. When given a grade of INC. (Incomplete), the student shall complete the grade within one year, otherwise, a grade of 5.0 is automatically
given by the registrar.
10. A student under the influence of liquor and/or any dangerous/prohibited drug shall not be allowed entry in the classroom to attend class.
11. All students enrolled in this class are advised to read Chapter 7, pp. 84-93 of the TCA Student Manual for other salient policies and guidelines.

Suggested Readings and Other AGRI INFO IN @ 2011. Weeds and Their Control.
References
ANDERSON, W.P. 1977. Weed Science: Principles. 598 p.

BANTILAN, R.T., M.C. Palada and H.R. Harwood. 1974. Integrated Weed Management: Key Factors Affecting Crop-Weed Balance. Philippine
Weed Science Bulletin. 1:14-36.

BELTRAN, C. A. and CALILUNG B. 2012. S & T Based Farm for Organic Based Rice Seed Production Using Vermicompost in Tarlac City.

FRYER, J.D. and R.J. Makepeace. 1977. Weed Control Handbook. Vol. 1 – Principles – Including Plant Growth Regulators, 510 p.

IRRI, and IWSS. 1981. Weed Control in Rice. 422 p.

IRRI 2009. Principles of Weed Management in Rice.

KLINGMAN, G.C. and F.M. Ashton. 1975. Weed Science Principles and Practices. 431 p.

MERCADO, B.L. 1979. Introduction to Weed Science

MOODY, K., C.E. Munroe, R.T. Lubigan and E.C. Paller, Jr. 1984. Major Weeds of the Philippines.

MUZIK, T.J. 1978. Weeds Biology and Weed Control. 273 p.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IFAS EXTENSION, 2012. Weed Management in Sugarcane.

ZIMDAHI, R.L., Lubigan, R.T., Moody, K. and M.O. Mabbayad. 1989. Seeds and Seedlings of Weeds. 63 p.
Prepared By
CIELITO A. BELTRAN, Ph.D.
Professor

Recommending Approval

FE G. AGLIAM, Ph. D. RONALDO C. BRIONES, MS

Chairman, Crop Science Department Chair, Curriculum Committee

RESTITUTA B. PARAGAS, Ph.D EDMUNDO B.BACCAY, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Agriculture and Forestry Director, Curriculum and Instruction

Approved
ERNESTO A VIRAY JR., Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs