Laboratory Exercise No.
PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF CHEMICALS
Name: Jessryl G. Lintao
Date: December 23, 2023
Intructor: Dr. Gil Nelfa
Rationale
This competency standard covers the process of preparing and applying chemicals for the control of
weeds, pests and diseases. It requires knowledge of the chemicals related to the workplace, the hazards
and risks involved in their use, and the specific safety procedures prescribed for working unsupervised
within organisational guidelines. It requires the ability to handle and apply chemicals ensuring minimum
risk to self, others and environment and accurately record their use. Students will learn how to handle
agricultural chemicals safely and effectively by participating in the Preparation and Application of
Chemicals lab exercise. This exercise aims to teach participants how to prepare chemical solutions, apply
chemicals safely, identify safety precautions and environmental factors, and assess the effects of applied
chemicals. It also covers the types and uses of agricultural chemicals. This exercise illustrates a strategic
approach to weed and pest management through the use of herbicides, pesticides, and CropGuard,
which contains glyphosate as its active ingredient. Targeted and successful interventions are ensured by
the choice of reliable brands and particular active ingredients. Precision in chemical application is
demonstrated by precise preparation with the appropriate concentration and adherence to suggested
rates customized to meet the needs of particular crops.
The information acquired from this exercise demonstrates how the selected chemicals have a favorable
effect on crop health, growth, and yield. In comparison to untreated plots, treated plots displayed better
plant health, steady growth, and increased yield. Furthermore, treated plots showed a decrease in the
number of pests, illnesses, and weeds, with no negative effects on the environment or non-target
plants. The success of the treatments as a whole is influenced by the weather during chemical
application, such as clear days with ideal temperatures, little wind, and moderate humidity. This takes
into account the least amount of possible runoff and guarantees the best chemical efficacy.
To sum up, the lab exercise on the preparation and application of chemicals gives students a thorough
understanding of agricultural chemicals and how to use them appropriately. It highlights the significance
of safety procedures and environmental concerns, encourages ethical and sustainable farming methods,
and gives students the tools they need to manage crops sensibly.
Introduction
Chemicals are essential to modern agriculture because they help with disease prevention, weed
management, pest control, and nutrient supplementation. The goal of the laboratory exercise on the
preparation and application of chemicals is to give students the knowledge and abilities they need to
handle agricultural chemicals in a safe and efficient manner. Chemical use has become a standard tactic
in modern agricultural practices to maximize crop yield and safeguard agricultural investments. But it's
important to know what kinds of chemicals are out there, what they're used for, and how to prepare
and use them correctly.
With a focus on safety procedures and environmental considerations, this lab exercise seeks to give
students a thorough understanding of agricultural chemicals and their proper use. This lab exercise's
main goal is to help students comprehend the different kinds and uses of agricultural chemicals.
Students will learn how to choose the right chemicals for various agricultural scenarios and obtain
insight into the unique functions of various chemical formulations through experimentation. Students
will also learn how to prepare chemical solutions in accordance with guidelines and concentrations that
are specified. Comprehending the significance of precise measurements and appropriate mixing
methods falls under this category. This lab exercise also aims to make sure students can use chemicals in
a safe and efficient manner. PPE, safe handling techniques, and the significance of adhering to safety
regulations to reduce risks to oneself, others, and the environment will all be covered in the classroom.
The goal will be to maximize effectiveness while minimizing chemical waste, encouraging ethical and
sustainable farming methods.
Furthermore, this laboratory exercise aims to foster an understanding of the importance of safety
protocols and environmental considerations. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the
potential impacts of chemical use on human health, biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity. They will
explore alternative pest management strategies and discuss the role of integrated pest management
(IPM) in reducing chemical dependency.
Objectives:
1. Understand the types and purposes of various agricultural chemicals.
2. Prepare chemical solutions according to specified concentrations and guidelines.
3. Apply chemicals safely and effectively, ensuring maximum efficacy and minimum waste.
4. Recognize the importance of safety protocols and environmental considerations.
5. Evaluate the effects and efficacy of the applied chemicals.
Materials and Methods:
Materials
1. Different agricultural chemicals (e.g., a pesticide, a herbicide, a fungicide, and a fertilizer).
2. Chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, safety goggles, masks, and protective clothing.
4. Precision scales for measuring chemicals.
5. Mixing containers and stirrers.
6. Sprayers or dusters for chemical application.
7. Water source.
8. Treated and untreated plot areas for comparison.
9. Notebook and pen for observations.
Methods
1. Safety First:
Before handling any chemicals, ensure you are wearing appropriate PPE. Always handle chemicals in a
well-ventilated area.
2. Chemical Familiarization:
Read the labels and SDS for each chemical to understand its purpose, dangers, recommended
concentrations, and application methods.
3. Preparation of Chemical Solutions:
For each chemical, measure out the recommended amount using precision scales. Mix with the
appropriate amount of water (or other solvents as specified) in the mixing container. Stir thoroughly
until fully dissolved or mixed.
4. Application of Chemicals:
Fill the sprayers or dusters with the prepared chemical solution. Apply to the designated plot area,
ensuring even coverage. Use techniques that minimize drift and waste. Make sure to rinse equipment
after use, especially when switching between chemicals.
5. Monitoring and Observation:
Over the subsequent weeks, observe the treated and untreated plots for differences in plant health,
pest activity, weed growth, etc. Record any potential side effects or issues observed in the treated area.
Data to be Gathered
DATA DATA GATHERED
1. Type, brand, and active ingredients of each chemical Herbicides/Pesticides
used.
CropGuard
Glyphosate as an active ingredient
2. Concentrations and volumes of each chemical Ensured accurate volumes for application, such as 100
solution prepared. liters per acre.
3. Specific application method and rate for each Applied chemicals based on recommended rates,
chemical. adjusting for specific crop requirements.
4. Weekly observations on: Plant health, growth, and yield in treated vs. Untreated
plots.
Treated Plots: Notable improvement in plant health,
consistent growth, and a 15% increase in yield.
Untreated Plots: Slower growth, signs of nutrient
deficiency, and a 10% lower yield.
Presence of pests, diseases, or weeds in treated vs.
Untreated plots.
Treated Plots: Reduced pest and weed presence,
minimal disease incidence.
Untreated Plots: Increased weed infestation and
occasional pest damage.
Any observed side effects or issues in the treated areas.
Treated Areas: No adverse effects observed on non-
target plants or environmental impact.
Untreated Areas: No. noticeable issues in untreated
sections.
5. Weather conditions on the days of application (as this Application Days: Applied
can affect efficacy and potential runoff)
chemicals on clear days with temperatures averaging
78°F, low wind, and moderate humidity.
Considered weather conditions as favorable for
effective chemical application.
Discussion
An intentional approach to managing weeds and pests is demonstrated by the use of herbicides and
pesticides, as well as the use of CropGuard, which contains glyphosate as its active ingredient. Selecting
reliable brands and particular active ingredients guarantees focused and efficient chemical
interventions. The precise application of chemicals is demonstrated by the accurate preparation at a
concentration of 100 liters per acre. This strategy adheres to best practices to guarantee the appropriate
dosage for the best outcomes with no needless waste. A deliberate application strategy is demonstrated
by adhering to recommended rates and making adjustments for particular crop requirements. It is
ensured that the chemicals are suited to the unique circumstances of the cultivated crops by taking into
account varying rates according to crop needs. Applying chemicals on clear days with favorable
conditions (78°F temperature, low wind, moderate humidity) contributes to the overall success of
chemical treatments. Considering weather conditions during application is crucial as it can influence
efficacy and potential runoff.
The information gathered confirms the beneficial effects of the selected chemicals on crop health,
growth, and yield. The efficacy of the chemicals used is supported by the observed decrease in weeds
and pests in treated plots as well as the lack of negative side effects. Sustained crop management
success will depend on ongoing observation and adjustment in response to results. Furthermore, taking
the weather into account when applying ensures that external factors are taken into account for the
best possible chemical efficacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the preparation and application of chemicals in farming play a crucial role in enhancing
agricultural productivity. However, it's imperative to emphasize responsible and sustainable practices.
Implementing proper safety measures, precise dosing, adhering to guidelines, and considering
environmental impacts are key. Additionally, integrating modern technologies, promoting education,
and ongoing research are vital to ensure the effective and ethical use of chemicals in agriculture,
safeguarding both crop health and the environment for future generations. Students must complete the
Preparation and Application of Chemicals lab exercise in order to gain the knowledge and abilities
needed to handle agricultural chemicals in a safe and efficient manner. This exercise aims to teach
participants about the different types and uses of agricultural chemicals, how to prepare chemical
solutions based on recommended concentrations and guidelines, how to apply chemicals safely and
effectively, how important safety precautions and environmental considerations are, and how to assess
the effectiveness of the chemicals used.
The information acquired from this exercise emphasizes the application of CropGuard and glyphosate as
the active ingredients in herbicides and pesticides, as a strategic approach to managing weeds and
pests. Selecting reliable brands and particular active ingredients guarantees precise and efficient
chemical interventions. Precise preparation at the proper concentration indicates chemical application
precision; adherence to suggested rates and crop-specific adjustments indicates a well-thought-out
application plan. The efficacy of the chemicals used is supported by the observed improvements in crop
health, growth, and yield as well as the decrease in weeds and pests in treated plots. The lack of
negative effects on the environment and non-target plants highlights the significance of sustainable and
ethical farming practices even more.
Ultimately, by stressing safety procedures and environmental concerns, this lab exercise gives students a
thorough understanding of agricultural chemicals and when to use them. It encourages the adoption of
integrated pest management strategies for decreased reliance on chemicals and gives students the
knowledge and skills they need to make educated decisions about crop management.
Reference:
RTC3704A Prepare and Apply Chemicals -
https://training.gov.au/TrainingComponentFiles/RTD02/RTC3704A_R1.pdf
