Lesson 3

Farm Plans and Layout

 FARM PLANS AND LAYOUT

The Farming for the Future (FFTF) program can help you to
plan the best farm layout. It is an initiative of NSW
Government agencies focusing on whole farm planning. A
whole farm plan considers the farm‘s physical, financial and
human/personal resources for both now and the future.
 Site assessment

An on-site assessment of a farm is necessary so that a map

can be drawn of the property‘s topography, boundaries, soils,
water resources and so on, and a farm business plan can be
formulated.
Government plans
Acquaint yourself with relevant Regional Environmental Plans
(REPs), Local Environmental Plans (LEPs), and Development Control Plans
(DCPs) and their short and long-term effects on your proposed or existing
farm enterprise. This will help reduce unforeseen risks and enhance your
farm business. Councils building approval or development consent (DAs)
may be needed for siting greenhouses, siting and constructing dams or
erecting hail and windbreak netting. Council approval to clear land or a no
burning of crop debris or waste materials on farm ‘may apply. Consent will
be required if odor or noise is a nuisance likely to be generated from the
development.
 How Crops Are Arranged in Row
Planting
Row planting as applied in conventional
horizontal farming or gardening is a
system of growing crops in linear pattern
in at least one direction rather than
planting without any distinct arrangement.
It is practiced in most crops whether direct
seeded, transplanted or grown from
vegetative planting materials, both in
mono-cropping and multiple cropping.
Crops are planted in rows or straight lines, either singly or in
multiple rows, mainly to enhance maximum yields as well as for
convenience. An east west row orientation is preferred to
maximize light absorption, but this is not always possible. In
many cases the topography that includes the shape, terrain and
slope of the land, as well as the location of existing vegetation,
roads, irrigation lines, buildings and physical barriers, dictate the
row orientation.
 The specific advantages of row planting over broadcasting or
scatter planting include the following
1. light absorption is maximized and, conversely, the excessive
shading effect of other plants is minimized thus favoring more
efficient photosynthesis and improved crop yield;
2. wind passage along the interrows is enhanced which increases gas
exchanges and prevents excessive humidity;
 The specific advantages of row planting over broadcasting or
scatter planting include the following:
3. access through the interrows facilitates cultivation, weeding, and
other farm operations including hauling;
4. movement within the crop area is convenient and allows close
inspection of individual plants; and
5. visibility is enhanced.
 Row Planting Arrangement
are either arranged in equidistant single rows or in multiple rRow-
planted crops ows. Planting in single rowsis most common in mono
cropping or sole cropping, the growing of a single crop.
Different systems of planting arrangement within the row are
practiced in both single and multiple row planting, depending on the
characteristics and requirement of the crop, particularly its extent of
canopy expansion. In the hill method of planting crops by direct
seeding, the crops are arranged, singly or in group, in uniform
distances. But in the drill method, the only consideration is a uniform
number of plants per linear meter.
 Multiple Row Planting Arrangement

Multiple row planting is a system of growing crops in blocks or strips of

2 or more rows. The adjacent blocks are separated by a space which may
remain vacant or planted to other crops. This planting arrangement is
common in multiple cropping in which two or more crops are grown in the
same piece of land. It is also employed in mono-cropping where an alley
wide enough to facilitate passage is needed.
 Coconut and other perennial crops are often intercropped with multiple
rows of annual crops like corn and pineapple. This is a common practice of
maximizing the use of vacant interrow spaces when the main crop has not
fully developed thus allowing sufficient light exposure. In some farms, the
intercrop consists of multiple rows of such crops as coffee, cacao and
banana. In this system, both single row planting (for the maincrop) and
multiple row planting (for the intercrop) are combined.
In vegetable production that employs close spacing and where crops
should be within easy reach, the common practice is to plant in plots having
multiple rows. A space between plots is provided to allow passage.
 Spatial Arrangement in Intercropping

Spatial arrangement - is the systematic apportioning of the farm area or any

growing surface for crop production. In multiple cropping by intercropping,
the intercrop can be planted in any of the following ways:
1. within the rows of the main crop,
2. between the rows of the main crop, and
3. in replacement series Planting of the intercrop between two adjacent hills
within the same row of the main crop allows interrow cultivation but the
intercrop has limited exposure to sunlight. This is exemplified by the
planting of peanut or mung bean between corn plants within the same row
or two coffee plants that are 3 m apart between coconut plants.
 Single row planting of the intercrop can also be done between the rows of
the main crop. For example, peanut or mung bean can be dibbled between
two adjacent rows of corn. This system of planting arrangement is likewise
common in coconut farms where fruit trees like durian, lanzones and
mangosteen are grown in single rows between coconut.
 In replacement series, one or more rows that are intended for the main
crop are replaced with the intercrop. For example, a 3:2 corn+mung bean
intercrop means that for every 4 rows that are intended for sole corn, only 3
rows are planted to corn and one row may be substituted with 2 rows of
mung bean. Another practice is in strip intercropping, for example the
simultaneous growing of 6 rows corn and 12rows soybean in alternating
strips.
These particular examples result to multiple row planting arrangement.
 Methods of Planting Crops in the Farm
In general, there are two methods of planting crops: direct
seeding and transplanting. Direct seeding is either by
broadcast, hill or dibble, or by drill method. The hill and the
drill methods are alternative options in row planting.
 Direct Seeding
Direct seeding or direct sowing is a
method of planting in which seeds are
directly planted on the ground in the
farm or any growing surface. It
generally applies to large-seeded
vegetables as well as in cereals and
grain legumes.The term direct seeding
is also commonly used to refer to the
planting of seedpieces or
underground vegetative planting
materials directly into the soil.
  Planting crops by broadcasting or sabog tanim, or scatter planting,
commonly applies to small seeds, like rice and mungbean, that are capable
of germination and sustained growth without soil cover. There is no control
of plant-to-plant spacing. The seeds are simply distributed on a well
prepared ground by hand or with a mechanical broadcaster.
 
With hand broadcasting, a volume of seeds is held by the hand and
thrown with a wide swath. Skill is important to ensure even distribution of
seeds per unit ground area based on the desired seeding rate per hectare.
For example, a seeding rate of 100 kg per hectare means that the seeds
have to be distributed at an average of 0.01 kg or 10 g per sq meter.
Assuming that the crop is rice with a weight of 1000 grains of 29 grams, this
is equivalent to a seeding rate of about 345 seeds per sq meter
 With hand broadcasting, a volume of seeds is held by the hand and thrown
with a wide swath. Skill is important to ensure even distribution of seeds per
unit ground area based on the desired seeding rate per hectare. For example, a
seeding rate of 100 kg per hectare means that the seeds have to be distributed
at an average of 0.01 kg or 10 g per sq meter. Assuming that the crop is rice
with a weight of 1000 grains of 29 grams, this is equivalent to a seeding rate of
about 345 seeds per sq meter.
Excessive seeding per unit area will mean that the prepared seeds will have
been completely sown but a portion of the farm is still unplanted, and so
additional seeds need to be procured. Conversely, seeding below the average
will complete the planting of the entire farm with some seeds still left.
 In lowland rice, the seeds are broadcasted on puddled soil or over water
and allowed to germinate without covering. The broadcast method of
planting crops is also common with mungbean and cowpea grown as green
manure. But in upland farming, it is best to pass a tooth harrow or rake after
broadcasting to cover the seeds. The soil covering will hide the seeds from
seed-harvesting organisms like chicken and birds. It will also ensure that
the seeds have full contact with the soil which will maximize germination
and improve the chance of the seedlings to fully develop. In pasture
establishment, a large herd of livestock can be released after broadcasting
to press the seeds into the ground by their hooves. Dibbling is an old
method of planting crops practiced by subsistence farmers in hilly lands.
 In both the hill and drill methods of planting crops by direct
seeding, there is a desired row-to-row spacing. Hills with a single or
multiple number of plants are spaced uniformly within each row so
that in the hill method there is always a reference to hill distance and
number of plants per hill. A hill is that specific spot on the ground on
which a plant or a group of plants is grown. In contrast, there is no
uniform spacing between plants in the row in the drill method, but
uniformity in number of plants per linear meter is intended
 The hill method of direct seeding is done by dropping seeds in holes made
by a dibbler or in furrows that are more or less equidistant. But with
mechanized farming, a combine furrower-planter is commonly used. In planting
corn under rainfed conditions at a population density of, for instance, 60,000
plants per hectare at 1 plant per hill in rows 70 cm apart, the farmer walks
forward along a furrow and drops a seed every 23.8 cm to the bottom of the
furrow. He does not carry a measuring tool, he just estimates distances on the
ground with impressive accuracy borne of long experience.
To cover the seeds, he merely sweeps the ridge at either side of the furrow
by one foot to push some soil toward the seed and steps thereon to press the
soil on top of the seed.
 The drill method of planting crops is done, either manually or
mechanically, by releasing seeds continuously, as if pouring water from a
bottle with a small opening. Manual drilling applies to small seeds like rice,
millet, and mungbean and is usually done by hand. It can also be
accomplished by placing small, roundish seeds in a bottle with a hole on the
cover.
 
 The seeds are simply released by tilting and slightly shaking the bottle so
that the seeds drop one after the other or in a cascade through the hole and
toward the ground. The seeds are drilled with or without furrows. In rice,
drilling in puddled soil in linear direction is a modification of seed
broadcasting in which plants are dispersed without plant-to-plant spacing.
But in rainfed sorghum, mungbean, and other grainlegumes, the seeds are
always drilled at the bottom of the furrow, covered with soil by raking or by
foot, and stepped on to press the soil.
 
 Just like in the hill method of planting crops, an even distribution of
drilled seeds is intended but varies with the seeding rate per hectare and
row distance. With a seeding rate of 100 kg per hectare in rows 20 cm apart,
the calculated average seeding rate per linear meter in the row is 2 grams.
With 1000 grain weight of 29 grams for rice, this is equivalent to a seeding
rate of about 70 seeds per linear meter. But if the row distance is widened to
25 cm, the average seeding rate will increase to 2.5 grams or 86-87 seeds
per linear meter.
 Transplanting
The term transplanting is also used
to refer to the practice of replanting an
already established plant in one
location and moving it elsewhere. It is a
method of planting in which makes use
of pre-grown plants, seedlings or
vegetative propagated clones.
Transplanting is most common with
small seeded vegetables, vegetative
propagated crops, ornamental crops,
fruit trees and many perennial crops.
 Transplanting is also convenient with a few plants that can be
transferred with a ball of soil around the roots. In some vegetables, it is
common to prick seedlings from the seedbed and transplant them bare
root to the garden plot. In perennial species like coffee at a time when
rainfall has become frequent and light is not intense, uprooted
wildlings or bare root transplants have been directly planted.
 
END…
 PLAN and DESIGN

IRRIGATION SYSTEM
PLAN
AND DESIGN 
 Water required by crops is supplied by nature in the form of
precipitation, but when it becomes scarce or its distribution does not
coincide with demand peaks, it is then necessary to supply it artificially,
by irrigation. Several irrigation methods are available, and the selection
of one depends on factors such as water availability, crop, soil
characteristics, land topography, and associated cost.
 Proper design of an irrigation system requires that the pumping system
precisely match to the irrigation distribution system so that the pressure and
flow rate required can be efficiently provided by the pumping system. The
energy required to pump water is determined by the total dynamic head
(water lift, pipe friction, system pressure, etc.), the water flow rate desired
and the pumping system's efficiency.
 Irrigation water management involves determining when to
irrigate, the amount of water to apply at each irrigation event and
during each stage of plant, and operating and maintaining the
irrigation system. The main management objective is to manage
the production system for profit without compromising
environment and in agreement with water availability. A major
management activity involves irrigation scheduling or
determining when and how much water to apply, considering the
irrigation method and other field characteristics.
 FUNCTIONS OF FARM IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
The primary function of farm irrigation systems is to supply
crops with irrigation water in the quantities and at the time it is
needed. Specific function includes:
1. Diverting water from the water source.
2. Conveying it to individual fields within the farm.
3. Distributing it within each field.
4. Providing a means for measuring and regulating flows.
 Other functions of farm irrigation system include crop and
soil cooling, protecting crops from frost damage, delaying fruit
and bud development, and controlling wind erosion, providing
water for seed germination, application of chemicals, and land
application of wastes
 REASONS FOR AN IRRIGATION PLAN
• A project plan enables the designer to lay out the irrigation system in
the most cost effective way. The plan is used to generate a material
list and to evaluate the anticipated project costs.
• The plan provides step by step information on system installation.
Information on crop spacing, sprinklers, pumping requirements,
pipeline sizes and lengths should be included on the plan. Pertinent
obstructions such as roads, trees, gas, oil, water, telephone or
transmission lines must also be indicated.
 REASONS FOR AN IRRIGATION PLAN
• Specification, design standards and work schedules as set out on a
plan form the basis of any contractual agreements between the
installation contractor and the farmer.
• The plan provides a record for future reference. It can be used for
overall farm planning and identifies limits of expansion potential.
 ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A PLAN
• Topographic Data - the field shape must be accurately drawn showing
pertinent obstructions, features and elevation details.
• Water Source Capacity - the water supply must be clearly indicated
showing location and available capacity.
• Depending on the water source, a well log or water license must
accompany the irrigation plan. Irrigation reservoirs also require Water
Management Branch licensing.
 ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A PLAN
• Soil and Crop Characteristics - soil and crop limitations must be
accounted for to reduce runoff and deep percolation by mismanagement
of the irrigation system.
• Design Parameters - soil water holding capacity, maximum application
rate and climatic data must be used to select the correct irrigation system
design.
• Design Data - the nozzle selected, operating pressure, discharge rate and
sprinklers pacing must all be shown on the plan. The irrigation interval,
set time, application rate and net amount app lied must also be
calculated.
DIFFERENT DESIGNS
OF
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
1. SURFACE IRRIGATION - water is applied to the field in either the
controlled or uncontrolled manner. Surface irrigation consisted of:

A.FURROW IRRIGATION
 The Major Design Considerations in Surface Irrigation Include:
1. Storing the readily available moisture in the root zone, if possible;
2. Obtaining as uniform water application as possible;
3. Minimizing soil erosion by applying non-erosive streams;
4. Minimizing runoff at the end of the furrow by using a re-use system or a
cut –back stream;
 The Major Design Considerations in Surface Irrigation Include:
5. Minimizing by labor requirements having good land preparation,
6. Good design and experienced labor and
7. Facilitating use of machinery for land preparation, cultivation, furrowing,
harvesting etc.
B.BOARDER IRRIGATION
1. In border irrigation, controlled surface flooding is practiced whereby the
field is divided up into strips by parallel ridges or dikes and each strip is
irrigated separately by introducing water upstream and it progressively
covers the entire strip.
2. Border irrigation is suited for crops that can withstand flooding for a
short time e.g. wheat.
3. It can be used for all crops provided that the system is designated to
provide the needed water control for irrigation of crops.
4. It is suited to soils between extremely high and very low infiltration
rates.
5. In border irrigation, water is applied slowly.
6. The root zone is applied with water gradually down the field.
7. At a time, the application flow is cut-off to reduce water loses.
8. Ideally, there is no runoff and deep percolation.
9. The problem is that the time to cut off the inflow is difficult to determine
 Design Parameters of Border Irrigation System
a) Strip width: Cross slopes must be eliminated by leveling.
Since there are no furrows to restrict lateral movement, any cross slope
will make water move down one side leading to poor application efficiency
and possibly erosion.
o The stream size available should also be considered in choosing a strip
width.
o The size should be enough to allow complete lateral spreading
throughout the length of the strip.
o The width of the strip for a given water supply is a function of the
length -The strip width should be at least bigger than the size of vehicle
tract for construction where applicable.
b) Strip Slope: Longitudinal slopes should be almost same as for the furrow
irrigation.
c) Construction of Levees: Levees should be big enough to withstand erosion,
and of sufficient height to contain the irrigation stream.
d) Selection of the Advance Stream: The maximum advance stream used
should be non-erosive and therefore depends on the protection afforded by
the crop cover. Clay soils are less susceptible to erosion but suffer surface
panning at high water velocities.
e) The Length of the Strip: The ideal lengths can be obtained by field tests.
C. BASIN IRRIGATION
Characteristics:

1. In basin irrigation, water is flooded in wider areas. It is ideal for

irrigating rice.
2. The area is normally flat.
3. In basin irrigation, a very high stream size is introduced into the basin
so that rapid movement of water is obtained.
4. Water does not infiltrate a lot initially.
Characteristics:

5. Water does not infiltrate a lot initially.

6. At the end, close the water inlet to avoid water loss in the pond.
7. The opportunity time difference between the upward and the downward
ends are reduced.
8. The size of basin is related to stream size and soil type.
2.SPRINKLER IRRIGATION
The sprinkler system is ideal in areas where water is scarce.
A Sprinkler system conveys water through pipes and applies it with a
minimum amount of losses.
• Water is applied in form of sprays sometimes simulating natural rainfall.
• The difference is that this rainfall can be controlled in duration and
intensity.
• If well planned, designed and operated, it can be used in sloping land to
reduce erosion where other systems are not possible.
Types of Conventional
Sprinkler Systems
Fully portable system
- The laterals, mains, sub-
mains and the pumping
plant are all portable.
- The system is designed to
be moved from one field to
another or other pumping
sites that are in the same
field.
 Semi-portable system
- Water source and pumping
plant are fixed in locations.
Other components can be
moved.
- The system cannot be
moved from field to field or
from farm to farm except
when more than one fixed
pumping plant is used.
 Fully permanent system

- Permanent laterals, mains, sub-mains as well as fixed

pumping plant. Sometimes laterals and mainlines may be
buried. The sprinkler may be permanently located or
moved along the lateral. It can be used on permanent
irrigation fields and for relatively high value crops e.g.
Orchards and vineyards. Labor savings throughout the
life of the system may later offset high installation cost.
3.DRIP OR TRICKLE IRRIGATION
a) Water is applied directly to the crop
ie entire field is not wetted.
b) Water is conserved
c) Weeds are controlled because only
the places getting water can grow
weeds.
d) There is a low pressure system.
e) There is a slow rate of water
application somewhat matching the
consumptive use. Application rate
can be as low as 1 – 12 l/hr.
3.DRIP OR TRICKLE IRRIGATION

f) There is reduced evaporation,

only potential transpiration is
considered.
g) There is no need for a drainage
system.
END OF Lesson 3