Education Department of
Seventh-day Adventists
LESSONS FROM AGRICULTURE:
AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH
By
Shadrach R. Santosidad,
Ph.D.
Dean, School of Science and
Technology
And Chairperson, Agriculture
Department
Mountain View College
Valencia, Bukidnon,
Philippines
433-00 Institute for
Christian Teaching
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904 USA
Prepared for the
26th Internatinal
Faith and Learning Seminar
held at the
Geoscience Research Institute,
Loma Linda, California, U. S. A.
July 16-28, 2000
INTRODUCTION
The teaching of Christian
values in the classroom is not always easy and effective when approached per
se. Learning is a process of
integration and is best when the lessons are meaningfully related to the
experiences of the learner (Gregorio, 1990).
In the classroom, teachers
are often in a quandary as to what to use for illustrations to bring about the
lessons on virtues they like to impart.
However, to teachers whose creative minds go beyond the four walls of
their classrooms to the boundless resources of creation, "nature provides
rich materials from which to draw lessons on values" (White, 1949). Through agriculture, the teacher would be
able to put across effectively the lessons in values with interest to the youth
and without any danger of misinterpretation and distortion. The Lord Jesus, Himself, used in His
parables the plants; (the lilies of the fields and how they grow); the birds
(the sparrows); the animals (the parable of the good shepherd); and
agricultural practices of His time (the sower, the harvest, etc.) to illustrate
the unlimited goodness of God and His coming kingdom.
The study of agriculture is
full of challenges and rich opportunities for discovering God's purposes in our
lives as well as new ways of improving production and quality of plant and
animal life. Ellen G. White, herself, made extensive use of object
lessons from nature in her book Education to put across moral and spiritual
principles.
It is the purpose of this
paper to present some agricultural practices often done in tropical regions
such as the Philippines and from these practices draw spiritual implications to
the teaching of Christian values to both agriculture and non-agriculture
students. The objectives of this study
are:
1. To integrate faith and knowledge of the truth in agricultural
technology and practices and help the learners discover God's intentions for
His children.
2. To draw the minds of the learners to find interest in the
greatest source of knowledge-- the Word of God, and
3. To seek to improve the teaching of agriculture through the
integration of value-laden lessons and activities in the curriculum.
There are several practices
utilized by farmers to ensure quality and high productivity in crops. However, this particular paper presents only
three of these practices: hardening of seedlings, hot water treatment of seeds
and fruits, and pruning and defoliation.
THE WHYS OF AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is defined by
Pava and Abellanosa (1995) as an art and science of raising plants and
animals. It is an art because raising
plants and animals requires skills and practices that produce beauty and
pleasant arrangements of plant and animal combinations to satisfy man's
aspirations for perfection of his environment.
Morris (1971) defines
agriculture as the science, art, and business of cultivating the soil,
producing crops, and raising livestock useful to man. Likewise, Moshner (1966) defines agriculture as a special kind of
production based on the growth processes of plants and animals.
Agriculture is a science
because knowledge and skills are learned through systematic discovery - discovery
of facts and principles, through the formulation of hypotheses, testing of
hypotheses, designing of experiments, gathering of facts, analysis and
interpretation of facts until a general conclusion and recommendation are
arrived which ultimately become a general practice.
Agriculture spans the
activities of man for he has to eat in order to survive. Even man's aesthetic activities involve
agriculture. The processes of landscape
gardening include the arrangement of shrubs, trees, flowers, and stones in
their proper places and perspectives to effect beauty for the enjoyment of man.
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES THAT CAN BE
INTEGRATED IN THE CURRICULUM
Hardening of Seedlings.
Practices in agriculture, even
those that seem harsh, have their own purposes and are at the end for the
benefits of the plant. Many plants are
fragile and sensitive to external forces such as drought, storm and strong
winds, weeds and pests, etc. For them
to survive these external threats, young plants must be strengthened and
prepared before they are exposed to these natural enemies in the open
fields. Subjecting them to various
rigorous treatments may enable the plant to develop stiff and tough tissues and
grow into stalwart, healthy and resistant plants (Knott and Deanon, 1978).
Any treatment that makes
plant tissues tough and firm is desirable prior to field setting so as to
enable the young plants to better withstand the rigors of transplanting as well
as adverse conditions such as higher or lower temperature, strong wind, dry
soil or air, and heat (Knott and Deanon, 1978).
Hardening is usually
accomplished by exposing the seedlings to less favorable conditions in order to
reduce the rapid growth. The best and
most practical method under tropical conditions is by exposing the plants to
direct sunlight a few hours a day. The
transition will prepare the plants to change from indoor life to outdoor life
and lessen the shock of physical transplantation, which can be quite damaging (Johnston
& Brindle, 1976).
Strong, stocky plants that
have been properly hardened in the seedbed have higher resistance to
transplanting shock better than soft, succulent plants.
Physiological Explanation
During the hardening process, the plants undergo certain changes. With the reduction of the water content in
plants, the osmotic concentration increases correspondingly. Growth processes are slowed down, thus
making the plant tissues firm and tough.
There is an accumulation of carbohydrates, pectins, nucleic acids, and
various proteins in the tissues of the plant (Halfacre & Barden,
1979). The carbohydrates that
accumulate in the plant tissues provide materials to hasten the development of
the new shoots and new root system and thereby enable them to be established
more readily (Adriance and Brason, 1967).
This root system serves as conduit, which supplies the top of the plant
with adequate moisture more efficiently than unhardened plants. Furthermore, hardened plants do not rapidly
lose water by transpiration.
In agriculture, problems of
plant diseases and threats from natural calamities pose great dangers to plant
survival in the open fields. Unless the
plants are prepared for these enemies, they will not survive.
Actually, the hardening
treatment is less favorable to the growth of the plant. It deprives the young seedling of adequate
moisture and causes it to suffer direct heat of the sun that most often makes
the leaves temporarily experience wilting.
This agricultural practice may seem harsh but without subjecting the
seedlings to the hardening process, they can remain succulent and tender and
will have a slim chance to survive transplanting in the open field.
In like manner, young people
today are bombarded by all kinds of contradicting values from the various
media, and unless they are prepared to sift them, they will succumb to their
devastating effects.
Young people who come to our
Adventist colleges must be prepared to deal with problems and temptations,
which are brought by the fast changing technological society. Students who are weak in faith could easily
succumb to youthful temptations. It is
then the burden of every Christian teacher to help the students understand that
these experiences, trials, and temptations in life when viewed in the
perspective of God's love are for the strengthening and refining of every
Christian character. Lessons in
agriculture could help develop in them faith and a deeper relationship with the
Creator.
Ellen G. White said that we are
God's spiritual plants (ML. p.273). The
heavenly Father is the husbandman (FE, p.111).
In His great love, He allows His children to undergo unpleasant
experiences that they will develop strong qualities that would enable them to
weather greater obstacles ahead.
Trials, if borne bravely,
advance character building (MB, p.117).
They strengthen faith (4T, p. 76); renew courage (1TT, p464); develop
steadfastness of character (COL, p.61), and refine and purify (AA, p.
261). The Apostle Paul tells us not to
be indifferent to trials. In fact, he
encourages us to be happy about them.
In 1Peter 4:12, Peter says: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the
fiery trial which is to try you... But
rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when His
glory shall be revealed, you will also rejoice exceedingly.
At the end, like Job of old
after a succession of trials, these young people could say: "But He knows
the way that I take; when He has tested me I will come forth as gold" (Job
23:10). And like the Apostle Paul, life
becomes perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:10).
THE USEFULNESS OF HEAT
TREATMENT
In some areas where farm technology is limited by traditional
practices, a more convenient way of germinating seeds and preservation of
fruits could be done through the use of the simple heat treatment. For seed
types that are difficult to germinate, exposure to heat for a short time will
disturb the seed coat sufficiently to permit passage of water and gases and
stimulate the seeds to germinate.
A graphic example of this phenomenon is a burned field or forest after
a soaking rain. It is observable that
many new seedlings grow in areas that have been burned over which does not
occur in unburned land. The heat from
the fire has disrupted the hard coats of the seeds lying just under the soil so
that the water is able to penetrate the embryo and cause germination.
In another function, heat is
practically applied to check fungal infections on fruits. It is found out that heat is effective in
controlling incipient or latent anthracnose infections in mangoes (Spalding,
1972). In the Philippines, farmers
usually subject their lychee trees to excessive heat that simulates drought in
order to stimulate the trees to flower (Agriculture, 2000, p. 13).
Many seeds of trees and some
plants have hard seed coats, which often contain inhibitors that prevent quick
germination (Copeland, 1976). A good
example of seeds with tough coats is the seeds of mimosa and persimmons. Other seeds have developmental structures
that inhibit germination. For example,
the endosperm of date and redbud encloses the embryo completely so that
germination cannot occur normally. The
bonelike seeds of peach, almond, and blueberry develop from the endocarp of the
ovary wall whereas beet seeds are enclosed in the coalesced pericarps and calyx
bracts of the inflorescence. The
seedcoat alone or in combination with the various other structures that
enclosed the embryo may delay germination in any one of several different ways.
Heat Treatment Procedures
For seeds that are tough, a
convenient method is to pour the seeds into a container of boiling water with
the volume of water equal to three times the volume of the seeds. The heat is turned off immediately after the
seeds are added. The seeds are allowed
to remain in the gradually cooling water for 24 hours (Horticultural Science,
1983, pp. 81-82).
Another procedure would be
to place the seeds contained in a cloth bag in boiling water and left there for
2 minutes, the actual time varying with the kind of seeds (Adriance, &
et.al., 1955).
Heat treatment, as applied
to fruits, uses temperature, which could be lethal to the infectious organisms
but does not alter the quality of the fruits.
The recommended heat for carabao mango (Philippine mango) is 53 degrees
centigrade for 10 minutes. For control
of anthracnose, a benomyl solution heated at 50 degrees centigrade for 10
minutes at 1000 ppm. could be useful.
Hot water treatment can
raise the pulp temperature of mangoes to initiate considerable ethylene
production and ripening changes. The
excess heat, which may threaten the fruits, could be removed rapidly by
immersing the fruits in ice water (23 C) for 4-6 minutes (Spalding, 1972).
Heat is allied with various meanings.
It could mean comfort at a time when the temperature is cold. It could also mean a burning desire to
fulfill one's purposes in life.
However, in a scorching tropical region, heat is a source of discomfort,
often causing sickness as well as famine in its extreme. Using the analogy of
heat, a classroom teacher could bring out moral implications that touch on the
personal lives of many college students.
For example, in the
Philippines where most college students are young and financially dependent on
their parents, requiring them to fulfill several work hours while at the same
time studying is looked upon by many as a burden and an encroachment into their
personal rights (Santosidad, 1989).
However, through modeling
and the use of Biblical illustrations to put across the lesson, students could
be led to understand the very truism that work is more constructive than
destructive (UNESCO, 1985). It is through
their work that their emotional attitudes and dispositions are formed (White,
1994). As the Bible enjoins everyone to
"Go to the ant you sluggard; consider his ways and be wise." (Prov.
6:6), each student could be made to understand the real purpose of work.
Likewise, the passivity of
many student learners can create problems in the classrooms especially in
classes, which require research and field practicum. This attitude is like a fungus that retards the growth of
knowledge and destroys human capability.
But the teacher could point the students to Jesus who, while still in
earth, was tirelessly on His feet bringing healing and comfort to those in
need.
However, just as heat can
also be useful, the energy of the students could be channeled to a more
profitable activity, like flower gardening, grafting, and other related work,
that would divert their minds from destructive vices such as drug use. Furthermore, students should be led to
understand that any discomfort or trying experience has its own benefits. As the Apostle Paul says in James 1:2-4 "Consider
it pure joy... Whenever you face trials
of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance...so that you will be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
The Christian life is a
daily conflict waged between good and evil.
God in His providence allows His children to meet fiery trials (hot
treatment) to soften their selfishness and "hardheadedness." The three Hebrew youth, though obedient to
God, literally experienced the "hot treatment" from King
Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 3) and came out
with much stronger faith in God.
Pruning is the removal of
certain parts of the plant to produce some definite modifications in the
portion that remains (Adriance & Brison, 1955). Steiner (1952) looked at pruning as a violent but effective
means to restore the vigor of neglected, old shrubs.
Pruning the topmost branches
will allow the sunlight to reach the midsection of the tree. However, pruning is only done when the trees
are dormant and not when they are flowering or already bearing fruits
(Ballesteros, 1993). Also, pruning must
be done when trees are dormant, that is without leaves, so that the branches
could be seen easily (Childers, 1976).
Plants that are pruned
develop new shoots and are more prolific and sturdier (Steiner, 1952).
For fruits and nut trees,
the following are reasons for pruning or defoliating:
1. To develop a strong trunk and scaffold system of branches that
are well distributed around the tree and which are able to support heavy loads
of fruits without limb breakage.
2. To control fruit production.
Proper pruning encourages the development of productive fruiting shoots
and gives a thinning effect that can improve fruit size and quality.
3. To remove excess, dead, or interfering branches in order for the
light to penetrate the lower portion of the tree and allow spray materials to
reach the inner branches, thus, facilitating control of insects and diseases.
4. To limit the tree size to the space allocated, or limit tree
height so fruits can be conveniently harvested.
1. To aid in the establishment and maintenance of the vines;
2. To distribute the fruiting wood to obtain the maximum production
of high quality fruits;
3. To maintain vigor and production of fruiting canes;
4. To aid in the control of crop size and increase berry size by
reducing the number of fruiting clusters (PCARRD, 1977)
According to Adriance & Brison (1955), all plants if not pruned
tend to develop a balance between growth of the shoot and the root
systems. Cutting away a part of the
top, including the plant's photosynthetic apparatus and food storage tissues,
together with reduction of the number of vegetative points and flower buds
while leaving the root system intact leads to the following physiological
reactions:
1. The total number of growing points is reduced resulting in fewer
developing shoots, fewer leaves, reduced photosynthesis, reduced amounts of
carbohydrates translocated to the roots, reduced root growth, followed by a
reduction in mineral and water absorption which in turn further decrease shoot
growth. The effects dwarf the entire
plant. The remaining growing points
following pruning, which utilize all the stored foods in the plant usually,
show a strong shoot growth. With a
judicious use of fertilizers and ample supply of moisture, together with moderate
pruning, an increased vigor of shoots is seen (Halfacre, 1979).
2. Moderate pruning of fruit trees can increase production. By removing those branches that are
nonbearing, the photosynthates that are supposed to be utilized by them are instead
used for production of fruits (PCARRD, 1991)
Similar study done on plants
was done with the removal of corn leaves at a five-leaf stage. Results showed that an increase of 39% in
yield is attained (Santosidad, 1983).
The increase in production is attributed to the alteration in the use of
energy for the development of grains instead of vegetative growth (Hicks,
1977).
Human character is not
perfect in every stage of life. The
words of the Lord Jesus Christ found in Matthew 5:20 "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of
the Scribes and the Pharisees you shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven"
describe the spiritual state of man.
The Bible describes the
nature of man, which may bar him from inheriting eternal life. Such sinful nature as "sexual
immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry, hatred, discord, jealousy,"
etc. which the Apostle Paul described in Galatians 5:19-21 need to be pruned to
fit man to live in His kingdom of glory.
Disobedience to His moral
law could result in an unwanted pregnancy, a stint in jail, a broken
relationship, a loss of a good name, a failing grade, and a bothered
conscience.
God's pruning scissors are
sharp and the wounds left may be painful.
But by allowing God to remove or cut all the unwanted "branches"
of selfish ambitions, worldly desires, lust of the flesh, malice and hatred
toward our fellow men, we become healthy, productive Christians bringing forth
fruits in deeds of love. As Christians,
we need to continuously draw spiritual nourishment from the word of God so that
we may grow spiritually healthy and bear the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal.5:22)
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Many people in this present
world are seeking for pleasure. They
are willing to pay the high cost of so-called "happiness" if only to
satisfy their worldly lust. While God
is not at all anti-happiness, He wants His followers to be happy but He desires
His people to have a more lasting joy in contrast to the short-lived happiness
that the world can offer.
The Holy Scripture says that
the way ahead is not easy. Jesus tells
us to "Enter through the narrow gate for wide is the gate and broad is the
road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But narrow is the gate and narrow is the
road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt. 7: 13-14).
Olympic athletes while
preparing for the big event do regular and rigorous practices daily. They run, they exercise; they do strenuous
activities or pass some obstacles. All these,
plus proper diet, condition their bodies and make them physically fit for the
best performance of their lives.
Christians, too, are running
a spiritual race. It may not be as
spectacular as an Olympic event but essentially more rewarding and lasting, for
eternal life is the ultimate prize. But
heaven is a place for people whose character has been "polished after the
similitude of the palace." That's
why Christ initiates His people with spiritual obstacles to allow them to
experience numerous tests so that they will attain "perfection through
suffering" (Heb. 2:10).
In the other hand, God "doth
not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men" (Lam. 3:33). "While He permits trials and
afflictions, it is for our own profit, that we might be partakers of His
blessings" (Heb. 12:10). If
received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a
blessing. The cruel blow that blights
the earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven.
How many there are who would
never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek comfort. (MB, p.10).
The hardening of seeds and
seedlings, the hot-water treatment of seeds, and pruning of branches are indeed
"painful" agricultural practices for plants. But the orchardman faithfully does them, not
to torture or torment his crops but in the contrary for the total good of his
plants for them to be healthy and finally to bear much fruit.
The words of God's messenger Ellen White expressed
beautifully the purposes of God in allowing trials to come to His
followers. She said:
"The trials of life are
God's workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their
burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down
to the grinding wheel. But the stone is
brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple." (Thoughts From The Mount of Blessings. p.
10)"
Such is the end purpose of
God for His children and which every teacher must help the students to see and
understand through the various aspects of the agricultural practices.
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