Assessor Resource

AHCBAC508
Apply plant biology to agronomic practices

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency covers the application of introductory plant biology (plant taxonomy, plant morphology and plant physiology) to a wide range of agronomic practices including crop/pasture establishment, fertiliser use, irrigation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), crop harvesting, grazing management and the provision of specialist agronomic advice.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.

This unit applies to work as an agronomist. Work is normally undertaken without supervision.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Apply plant taxonomy to agronomic practices

1.1 Identify botanical terminology of plant taxonomy (plant kingdom divisions, major plant families and genera) for plant classification

1.2 Apply the rules of plant nomenclature when naming plants

1.3 Describe the external features of plants – leaves, stems, flowers and fruits using botanical terminology

1.4 Identify a range of plants used in agronomy to species level, using plant keys and/or other references where required

1.5 Use correct botanical terminology to discuss plant taxonomy in agronomic practices

2. Identify plant functions and their impact on growth

2.1 Investigate and identify plant cell structures, their functions and the organisation of cells into primary tissues

2.2 Research the structure and functions of leaves, stems, root and flowers in relation to agronomic practices

2.3 Describe the processes and outcomes of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration

3. Apply plant morphology to agronomic practices

3.1 Research, analyse and document specialist botanical knowledge of plant morphology (leaf, root, stem, flower and seed characteristics from development to maturity) for crop and pasture management

3.2 Use correct botanical terminology when discussing plant morphology and identifying growth stages of plants

3.3 Identify critical growth stages for crop/pasture monitoring, nutrient assessment and spray applications

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

use appropriate authoritative references and resources for plant classification

apply scientific concepts of plant biology to agronomic practices

identify plants according to accepted taxonomic classifications.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

plant morphology

plant taxonomy

plant physiology

plant nomenclature according to the rules and recommendations of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) and the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP)

broad knowledge of agronomic practices.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Apply plant taxonomy to agronomic practices

1.1 Identify botanical terminology of plant taxonomy (plant kingdom divisions, major plant families and genera) for plant classification

1.2 Apply the rules of plant nomenclature when naming plants

1.3 Describe the external features of plants – leaves, stems, flowers and fruits using botanical terminology

1.4 Identify a range of plants used in agronomy to species level, using plant keys and/or other references where required

1.5 Use correct botanical terminology to discuss plant taxonomy in agronomic practices

2. Identify plant functions and their impact on growth

2.1 Investigate and identify plant cell structures, their functions and the organisation of cells into primary tissues

2.2 Research the structure and functions of leaves, stems, root and flowers in relation to agronomic practices

2.3 Describe the processes and outcomes of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration

3. Apply plant morphology to agronomic practices

3.1 Research, analyse and document specialist botanical knowledge of plant morphology (leaf, root, stem, flower and seed characteristics from development to maturity) for crop and pasture management

3.2 Use correct botanical terminology when discussing plant morphology and identifying growth stages of plants

3.3 Identify critical growth stages for crop/pasture monitoring, nutrient assessment and spray applications

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

use appropriate authoritative references and resources for plant classification

apply scientific concepts of plant biology to agronomic practices

identify plants according to accepted taxonomic classifications.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

plant morphology

plant taxonomy

plant physiology

plant nomenclature according to the rules and recommendations of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) and the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP)

broad knowledge of agronomic practices.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify botanical terminology of plant taxonomy (plant kingdom divisions, major plant families and genera) for plant classification 
Apply the rules of plant nomenclature when naming plants 
Describe the external features of plants – leaves, stems, flowers and fruits using botanical terminology 
Identify a range of plants used in agronomy to species level, using plant keys and/or other references where required 
Use correct botanical terminology to discuss plant taxonomy in agronomic practices 
Investigate and identify plant cell structures, their functions and the organisation of cells into primary tissues 
Research the structure and functions of leaves, stems, root and flowers in relation to agronomic practices 
Describe the processes and outcomes of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration 
Research, analyse and document specialist botanical knowledge of plant morphology (leaf, root, stem, flower and seed characteristics from development to maturity) for crop and pasture management 
Use correct botanical terminology when discussing plant morphology and identifying growth stages of plants 
Identify critical growth stages for crop/pasture monitoring, nutrient assessment and spray applications 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCBAC508 - Apply plant biology to agronomic practices
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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCBAC508 - Apply plant biology to agronomic practices

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