Assessor Resource

AHCHYD501
Develop a plan for a hydroponic system

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design a hydroponic system. It applies to those who design systems for hydroponic production of horticultural crops.

It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. 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. Carry out preliminary research

1.1 Research type of crop to be grown based on sound marketing principles

1.2 Research the growing requirements of the crop based on sound horticultural practices

1.3 Establish the associated risks of growing a particular crop based on sound horticultural practices

1.4 Calculate estimated yield and crop turnover time from historical data and research statistics

1.5 Determine quantity of the plants to be grown based on a cost benefit analysis

2. Assess the suitability of a site

2.1 Assess the physical characteristics of the site

2.2 Ascertain and assess the proximity of the site to markets

2.3 Identify legal requirements in relation to the site and the development of a hydroponic farm

2.4 Identify and consider the environmental implications of developing a hydroponic farm on the site

3. Select the required system

3.1 Research main types of hydroponic systems

3.2 Carry out analysis on each type of system for the chosen crops

3.3 Carry out a cost/benefit analysis on each system for each type of crop

3.4 Determine the type of hydroponic system to be installed

4. Design the hydroponic system

4.1 Select and document the water collection and storage system on the plan

4.2 Select the irrigation system and its components according to the required volume of water and flow rate

4.3 Select and document the fertigation system

4.4 Determine the dimensions of the controlled environment structure following full consideration of the relevant factors

4.5 Determine the environmental control system and document specifications on the plan

5. Prepare and document the design

5.1 Develop a design plan

5.2 Determine specifications and detailed costings with the help of experts, if required

5.3 Develop and document detailed production procedures and schedules

5.4 Present documentation to the client for final approval

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:

research the growing requirements, risks and returns of the proposed crop

select, design or customise a system for the site and purpose

survey the site for suitability and environmental impacts, and gain approvals

develop a design plan

present a design plan to clients

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for developing a hydroponic system plan

advantages and disadvantages of the different equipment used in hydroponic systems

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

legislation and regulations relating to the establishment of a hydroponic system

plant growing media choices, their properties and enterprise specifications

technical requirements and operating parameters of recirculated and non-recirculated systems

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. Carry out preliminary research

1.1 Research type of crop to be grown based on sound marketing principles

1.2 Research the growing requirements of the crop based on sound horticultural practices

1.3 Establish the associated risks of growing a particular crop based on sound horticultural practices

1.4 Calculate estimated yield and crop turnover time from historical data and research statistics

1.5 Determine quantity of the plants to be grown based on a cost benefit analysis

2. Assess the suitability of a site

2.1 Assess the physical characteristics of the site

2.2 Ascertain and assess the proximity of the site to markets

2.3 Identify legal requirements in relation to the site and the development of a hydroponic farm

2.4 Identify and consider the environmental implications of developing a hydroponic farm on the site

3. Select the required system

3.1 Research main types of hydroponic systems

3.2 Carry out analysis on each type of system for the chosen crops

3.3 Carry out a cost/benefit analysis on each system for each type of crop

3.4 Determine the type of hydroponic system to be installed

4. Design the hydroponic system

4.1 Select and document the water collection and storage system on the plan

4.2 Select the irrigation system and its components according to the required volume of water and flow rate

4.3 Select and document the fertigation system

4.4 Determine the dimensions of the controlled environment structure following full consideration of the relevant factors

4.5 Determine the environmental control system and document specifications on the plan

5. Prepare and document the design

5.1 Develop a design plan

5.2 Determine specifications and detailed costings with the help of experts, if required

5.3 Develop and document detailed production procedures and schedules

5.4 Present documentation to the client for final approval

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:

research the growing requirements, risks and returns of the proposed crop

select, design or customise a system for the site and purpose

survey the site for suitability and environmental impacts, and gain approvals

develop a design plan

present a design plan to clients

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for developing a hydroponic system plan

advantages and disadvantages of the different equipment used in hydroponic systems

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

legislation and regulations relating to the establishment of a hydroponic system

plant growing media choices, their properties and enterprise specifications

technical requirements and operating parameters of recirculated and non-recirculated systems

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
Research type of crop to be grown based on sound marketing principles 
Research the growing requirements of the crop based on sound horticultural practices 
Establish the associated risks of growing a particular crop based on sound horticultural practices 
Calculate estimated yield and crop turnover time from historical data and research statistics 
Determine quantity of the plants to be grown based on a cost benefit analysis 
Assess the physical characteristics of the site 
Ascertain and assess the proximity of the site to markets 
Identify legal requirements in relation to the site and the development of a hydroponic farm 
Identify and consider the environmental implications of developing a hydroponic farm on the site 
Research main types of hydroponic systems 
Carry out analysis on each type of system for the chosen crops 
Carry out a cost/benefit analysis on each system for each type of crop 
Determine the type of hydroponic system to be installed 
Select and document the water collection and storage system on the plan 
Select the irrigation system and its components according to the required volume of water and flow rate 
Select and document the fertigation system 
Determine the dimensions of the controlled environment structure following full consideration of the relevant factors 
Determine the environmental control system and document specifications on the plan 
Develop a design plan 
Determine specifications and detailed costings with the help of experts, if required 
Develop and document detailed production procedures and schedules 
Present documentation to the client for final approval 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCHYD501 - Develop a plan for a hydroponic system
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

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Assessor name:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCHYD501 - Develop a plan for a hydroponic system

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:

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