WEEK 9 ( Root Pruining and Transplating the Young Seedling)

 FPA150

Hi ! Salam UiTM di hatiku 💜. My name is Nik Nur Fatihah Binti Mohd Lazin and now currently studying at UiTM Melaka, Campus Jasin as one of Diploma Agrotechnology (AT1102B) student. I am 19 years old and living in Terengganu.

     I am mainly doing this portfolio to introduce the students to our activities that we did on every Friday. FPA150 provides each student of plant propagation techniques and develop core skills in plant nursery management. In addition, It is an opportunity for the students to acquire skills in conducting activities in nursery managements as well as to acquire hands-on experience in nursery practices.

WEEKLY REPORT

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS:

1. Boots

2. Gloves

3. Oil palm chisel manual

4. Oil palm chisel machine

5. Sickle blade machine

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Figure 1

As usual, the roll call is held in the morning. This week it is led by the part 1 student

Figure 2

Our task has been assigned, and Madam Mariam provided us with a briefing on pruning

What is pruning?

• Pruning trees is like giving them a haircut. It involves trimming branches to keep the tree healthy, in good shape, and to remove any damaged parts.

Pruning trees serves several purposes:

1. Removing dead, diseased, or infested branches helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases, promoting overall tree health.
2. Eliminating hazardous branches, especially those near structures or overhanging walkways, reduces the risk of property damage and injuries.
3. Fruit trees benefit from pruning, as it can stimulate the growth of new fruiting wood and improve the size and quality of the harvest.
4. Pruning shapes the tree by selectively removing branches, encouraging a strong and well-balanced structure. This can prevent limbs from growing too close together and reduce the risk of breakage.

The disadvantages of over-pruning:

1. Over-pruning can stress a tree by removing too much of its foliage, reducing its ability to produce energy through photosynthesis. This can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to diseases and environmental stressors.
2. Excessive pruning may remove too many branches, compromising the tree's structural integrity. This makes it more vulnerable to wind damage and can lead to an increased risk of branch breakage.
3. Improper pruning cuts or removing too many branches can create open wounds that invite pests and diseases. Infections may spread more easily in a tree that has been pruned excessively.
4. Over-pruning can limit a tree's ability to grow and reach its natural size. This can have a long-term impact on the tree's overall health and appearance.
5. Excessive pruning can result in an unbalanced or unnatural appearance, detracting from the tree's aesthetic value.

Figure 3

We proceeded to a plot of a young oil palm farm to initiate the task assigned to us

Figure 4

Being our first experience with pruning oil palm trees and lacking prior knowledge, we are grateful to the lecturer for guiding us through the process

  

Figure 5

 

The oil palm chisel is used for cutting and trimming, particularly in the context of pruning oil palm trees

Figure 6

To expedite the process, we incorporated innovative machines such as the sickle blade and oil palm chisel in addition to manual tools

Figure 7

Proof that the pruning machines were used can be provided by my friends

Figure 8

Following the completion of the pruning task, we proceeded to herb plots and resumed the circular weeding, consistent with the activities from the previous week