Assessor Resource

AHCHYD301A
Implement a maintenance program for hydroponic systems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit includes monitoring the health of the plants, the hydroponic environment, and the nutrient solution that is vital to the success of hydroponic farming.

This unit covers the process of implementing a maintenance program for hydroponic systems and defines the standard required to: read nutrient analysis information; assist in performing nutrient measurement tests; administer nutrients to a hydroponic system as instructed; undertake hydroponic system maintenance and repairs of sheds, structures and other associated equipment.

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

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



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.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

read nutrient analysis information

assist in performing nutrient measurement tests

administer nutrients to a hydroponic system as instructed

undertake hydroponic system maintenance and repairs of sheds, structures and other associated equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

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.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

read and interpret design and layout plans

test and calibrate hydroponic equipment

monitor and test environment parameters and nutrient solutions

read and interpret test results accurately

record all test results clearly and concisely with attention to detail

undertake minor repairs of equipment, e.g. pumps, pipes and drippers

dispose of unused or waste materials from site in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

equipment used in hydroponic systems

properties of a nutrient solution

testing methods for the gauging of environmental parameters

testing methods for a hydroponic nutrient solution

recirculated and non-recirculated systems

media choices and their properties

characteristics of healthy plants

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

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

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

System may include:

hydroponic systems including equipment and nutrient solutions.

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
Workplace information is interpreted and clarified with the supervisor. 
Growth rate of plants are assessed against targets set in the production plan. 
Plants are assessed for overall health according to sound horticultural practice. 
Plant is assessed for onset of fruit according to production plan. 
Environmental parameters are monitored according to the production plan and adjustments made as required. 
Samples are collected and sent off for analysis to identify potential sources of contamination. 
Hygiene procedures are monitored and adjusted according to enterprise guidelines. 
Disposal of materials is monitored to ensure it follows enterprise guidelines, and with due consideration of the environmental implications. 
Ingredients of the hydroponic nutrient solution are identified. 
Samples are taken for testing and analysis. 
Results are interpreted and discussed with the supervisor. 
Nutrient solution is modified in accordance with results to ensure the correct balance of ingredients for optimum growing conditions. 
All buildings and structures are inspected and checked for wear and tear. 
Equipment for delivering the nutrient solution is checked according to enterprise guidelines. 
Equipment controlling the atmospheric and root zone environments is checked according to enterprise guidelines. 
OHS hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented according to enterprise guidelines. 
Any significant problems are reported to the manager and/or owner operator. 
All checks are recorded according to enterprise requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCHYD301A - 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

AHCHYD301A - 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: