Assessor Resource

AHCHYD301
Implement a maintenance program for hydroponic systems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a maintenance program for hydroponic growing systems.

It applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to 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. Monitor plant health

1.1 Interpret and clarify workplace information about the existing hydroponic system

1.2 Assess growth rate of plants against targets set in the production plan

1.3 Assess plants for overall health

1.4 Assess plant for onset of fruit according to production plan

2. Monitor the hydroponic environment

2.1 Monitor environmental parameters according to the production plan and make adjustments as required

2.2 Collect samples and send off for analysis to identify potential sources of contamination

2.3 Monitor and adjust hygiene procedures

2.4 Monitor disposal of materials to ensure it follows enterprise guidelines

3. Monitor nutrient solution

3.1 Identify ingredients of the hydroponic nutrient solution

3.2 Take samples for testing and analysis

3.3 Interpret and discuss results

3.4 Modify nutrient solution to ensure correct balance of ingredients

4. Perform routine maintenance checks

4.1 Inspect all buildings and structures for wear and tear

4.2 Check equipment for delivering the nutrient solution

4.3 Check equipment controlling the atmospheric and root zone environments

5. Complete monitoring activities

5.1 Report problems to the manager

5.2 Record all checks

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:

monitor and assess plant health

administer nutrients to a hydroponic system as instructed

assist in performing nutrient measurement tests

read nutrient analysis information

undertake hydroponic system maintenance and repairs

monitor hydroponic maintenance programs

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for implementing a hydroponic maintenance program

characteristics of healthy and unhealthy plants

environmental implications of the disposal of chemicals or chemical containers and the drainage of high nutrient effluent

equipment used in hydroponic systems

plant growing media choices and their properties

potential problems associated with a range of crops grown in a hydroponic environment

properties of a nutrient solution

recirculated and non-recirculated systems

testing methods for a hydroponic nutrient solution

testing methods for the gauging of environmental parameters

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. Monitor plant health

1.1 Interpret and clarify workplace information about the existing hydroponic system

1.2 Assess growth rate of plants against targets set in the production plan

1.3 Assess plants for overall health

1.4 Assess plant for onset of fruit according to production plan

2. Monitor the hydroponic environment

2.1 Monitor environmental parameters according to the production plan and make adjustments as required

2.2 Collect samples and send off for analysis to identify potential sources of contamination

2.3 Monitor and adjust hygiene procedures

2.4 Monitor disposal of materials to ensure it follows enterprise guidelines

3. Monitor nutrient solution

3.1 Identify ingredients of the hydroponic nutrient solution

3.2 Take samples for testing and analysis

3.3 Interpret and discuss results

3.4 Modify nutrient solution to ensure correct balance of ingredients

4. Perform routine maintenance checks

4.1 Inspect all buildings and structures for wear and tear

4.2 Check equipment for delivering the nutrient solution

4.3 Check equipment controlling the atmospheric and root zone environments

5. Complete monitoring activities

5.1 Report problems to the manager

5.2 Record all checks

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:

monitor and assess plant health

administer nutrients to a hydroponic system as instructed

assist in performing nutrient measurement tests

read nutrient analysis information

undertake hydroponic system maintenance and repairs

monitor hydroponic maintenance programs

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for implementing a hydroponic maintenance program

characteristics of healthy and unhealthy plants

environmental implications of the disposal of chemicals or chemical containers and the drainage of high nutrient effluent

equipment used in hydroponic systems

plant growing media choices and their properties

potential problems associated with a range of crops grown in a hydroponic environment

properties of a nutrient solution

recirculated and non-recirculated systems

testing methods for a hydroponic nutrient solution

testing methods for the gauging of environmental parameters

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
Interpret and clarify workplace information about the existing hydroponic system 
Assess growth rate of plants against targets set in the production plan 
Assess plants for overall health 
Assess plant for onset of fruit according to production plan 
Monitor environmental parameters according to the production plan and make adjustments as required 
Collect samples and send off for analysis to identify potential sources of contamination 
Monitor and adjust hygiene procedures 
Monitor disposal of materials to ensure it follows enterprise guidelines 
Identify ingredients of the hydroponic nutrient solution 
Take samples for testing and analysis 
Interpret and discuss results 
Modify nutrient solution to ensure correct balance of ingredients 
Inspect all buildings and structures for wear and tear 
Check equipment for delivering the nutrient solution 
Check equipment controlling the atmospheric and root zone environments 
Report problems to the manager 
Record all checks 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCHYD301 - Implement a maintenance program for hydroponic systems
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCHYD301 - Implement a maintenance program for hydroponic systems

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: