Assessor Resource

AHCIRG321A
Operate low volume irrigation systems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This Unit applies to skilled workers in the food and fibre production and amenity horticulture industries, and is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within enterprise guidelines.

This Unit covers the process of operating low volume irrigation systems and defines the standard required to: carry out pre-start checks; operate and monitor the system; measure and interpret flow rates and pressures; identify environmental hazards; and shut down in response to irrigation indicators.

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

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

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:

carry out pre-start checks

operate and monitor the system

measure and interpret flow rates and pressures

identify environmental hazards

shut down in response to irrigation indicators.

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 include:

Ability to:

read and follow operations manual and procedures

start up system and carry out operational checks

monitor system effectiveness

application rates

irrigation times

emitter output

pressure variations and blockages

salinity levels and water quality

depth of irrigation

measure and interpret flow rates and pressures

perform shut down procedures

assess soil moisture levels

carry out measurements for output and distribution

record data.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

principles of irrigation and the water cycle

general irrigation methods for low volume systems

main components of low volume irrigation systems

pump types used in low volume irrigation systems and their operation

shutdown sequence and flushing procedures

energy efficiency indicators/ benchmarks for low volume irrigation

soil characteristics

soil/plant/water relationships

water requirements of plants/crops consistent with sound environmental management

critical measures for moisture availability

readily available water

water holding capacity

wilting point

field capacity

infiltration rates

evapotranspiration

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Low volume irrigation systems may include:

systems that operate under comparatively low volume and pressure including micro irrigation, pop-ups at less than 0.1 litres/second, and drippers.

System components may include:

pump (flow rate and head requirement)

filter system

pressure gauges

backflow preventer

pressure regulator valves

fertiliser injector

flowmeter

block valve

air and vacuum release valves

main and sub-main lines

flushing manifold

connectors

lateral lines or tapes

emitters

controllers.

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
Checks of water, power, fuel and lubricants ensure that all are available and the control system is operational 
Pumps are primed, if necessary, and valves and controls are open or closed as directed 
Pressure and flow testing equipment are calibrated and available as required 
Other pre-start system checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and enterprise procedures 
Start up sequence is implemented in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Emitter spacing is checked against the irrigation plan 
Water pressure is adjusted as required 
Filters are kept clear and replaced as required 
All malfunctions, leaks and blockages are corrected or repaired immediately and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Emitters are checked for output 
Application rate of water is calculated 
The water distribution pattern in the irrigated area is checked 
Moisture levels in the root zone are monitored 
Environmental impacts of the operation are minimised 
Water is applied for sufficient time to achieve required soil moisture levels in accordance with irrigation schedule, environmental considerations and allowing for weather conditions 
Irrigation activities are recorded and reported in accordance with regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG321A - Operate low volume irrigation 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

AHCIRG321A - Operate low volume irrigation 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: