Qualification Level: TESDA NC I – Sustainable Plantation Management
Crop Focus: Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.)
Objective: Track plantation health, growth, and inputs to improve decision-making, productivity, and sustainability
I. PRINCIPLES OF MONITORING
- Observation is key – Regular inspection helps detect stress, pests, or disease early.
- Systematic approach – Use consistent methods, frequency, and data recording.
- Link observations to action – Monitoring should inform management decisions like irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
- Integrate multiple aspects – Soil, water, nutrients, pests, pathogens, and tree growth.
II. WHAT TO MONITOR
| Component | Indicators | Notes / Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Tree growth | Height, stem diameter, leaf number, root development | Monthly for seedlings; quarterly for field trees |
| Soil health | Moisture, texture, color, odor, earthworm presence | Weekly or biweekly; use soil moisture probe if available |
| Nutrient status | Leaf color, growth rate, soil tests | Every 3–6 months or as per fertilization schedule |
| Pest & disease incidence | Insect presence, leaf damage, stem borers, fungal symptoms | Weekly scouting; more frequent during rainy season |
| Irrigation efficiency | Soil moisture uniformity, runoff, standing water | Weekly; adjust schedule as needed |
| Biofertilizer application | Dose applied, method, date | Every application; integrate with irrigation records |
| Organic amendments | Type, quantity, date applied | Every application; track decomposition and effect |
III. RECORD-KEEPING METHODS
- Field logbooks
- Simple notebook or printed template
- Include date, tree ID, observations, treatments, and notes
- Digital tools
- Excel or Google Sheets for plantation mapping, input tracking, and trend analysis
- Mobile apps for field data entry (if accessible)
- Templates for monitoring
- Tree growth chart
- Soil moisture and biofertilizer application record
- Pest/disease scouting form
- Irrigation schedule log
IV. MONITORING FREQUENCY
| Plantation Stage | Monitoring Frequency |
|---|---|
| Nursery seedlings | Daily to weekly |
| Young trees (1–2 yrs) | Weekly |
| Mature trees (3+ yrs) | Biweekly to monthly |
| Post-inoculation / resin induction | Weekly during stress periods |
Tip: Increase monitoring during rainy season, drought, or after biofertilizer/fertilizer application.
V. USE OF RECORDS
- Identify trends: Growth rate, pest/disease recurrence
- Optimize management: Adjust irrigation, biofertilizer doses, or pest control
- Trace interventions: Know what worked and what didn’t
- Support reporting: For cooperative members, investors, or government programs
- Facilitate decision-making: Predict stress periods and resource needs
VI. BEST PRACTICES
- Standardize measurement units (cm, liters, kg, % coverage)
- Use simple, consistent symbols or codes for easy tracking
- Keep records up-to-date and legible
- Combine visual observations with measurements (photos are useful)
- Review records regularly to inform plantation decisions
VII. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Learner must demonstrate ability to:
- Monitor tree growth, soil, pests, diseases, and irrigation effectively
- Record observations accurately and systematically
- Analyze data to inform management decisions
- Maintain a monitoring and record-keeping system for the plantation
VIII. FARMER-FRIENDLY CHECKLIST
☐ Daily / weekly observation schedule maintained
☐ Field logbook or digital record updated after each activity
☐ Tree growth measured and recorded
☐ Soil moisture checked before irrigation
☐ Pests and diseases logged with type and severity
☐ Biofertilizer and organic amendment applications documented
☐ Records reviewed regularly to guide interventions
Key Takeaway: Effective monitoring and record-keeping supports healthy, productive, and sustainable Agarwood plantations, reduces losses, and maximizes resin quality while helping farmers learn and improve practices over time.