Assessor Resource

AHCSDP303A
Maintain seed crops

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This Unit applies to workers on cropping enterprises who operate under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress. It is usually done within established routines, methods and procedures where some discretion and judgment is required in the selection of equipment and materials, organisation of work, services, actions and the achievement of outcomes within time and budgetary constraints.

This Unit covers the process of maintaining seed crops and defines the standard required to: monitor crops for levels of pests and diseases and moisture; implement pest and disease control strategies; monitor the health and maturity of the crop.

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

Prerequisites

Nil.


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:

monitor crops for levels of pests and diseases and moisture

implement pest and disease control strategies

monitor the health and maturity of the crop.

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

Method of assessment

This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.


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:

detect differences and variations in crop growth

report/communicate such differences to the supervisor/farm owner

observe and report on health and growth of the crop

monitor pests and disease in crops

assess crop maturity

apply sprays and fertilizers as directed

measure soil moisture and relate data to crop requirements

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

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 includes:

Knowledge of:

appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturer’s instructions and organisation procedures/instructions

potential hazards associated with the operation of basic tools and equipment

general machine maintenance procedures

machinery operating principles and safe operating methods

environmental impacts associated with the operation of machinery and equipment in a harvesting context

organisation recording and reporting procedures

symptoms of crop lacking health and vigour

signs of pest and disease infestation (such as bacterial wilt in lucerne), moisture stress and nutrient deficiencies

hygiene requirements for agricultural crops and equipment that comes into contact with the crop

types and uses of herbicides, insecticides and other pesticides and alternative pest control methods (non-chemical)

OHS and pesticides legislative and enterprise requirements

contractor machinery cleanliness.

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.

Crops may include:

wheat and coarse grains

cotton

grain legumes

oilseeds

sugar

temperate pastures

tropical pastures

vegetables and other horticultural seed crops.

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
Crops are monitored to assess their needs, and observations are recorded and reported. 
Pests and diseases are identified, monitored and reported at nominated threshold levels. 
Sites for regular measurement of soil moisture are established in consultation with directions. 
Soil probe is used to measure moisture levels and soil water percentage calculated. 
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified; risks assessed and suitable controls are implemented. 
Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained. 
Specialist sprays are applied according to label directions and industry standards for growth stages, taking into account specialist advice if required. 
Chipping or spot spraying is carried out as required. 
Crop growth stages are assessed, recorded and reported. 
Water is applied according to the identified need and the directions of management. 
All applications are undertaken in the full consideration of adverse environmental impacts. 
Crop maturity is monitored and the possible need for further applications is reported to the manager. 
The health of the crop is continually monitored and deviation from expected growth and vigour is reported as required. 
Observations of crop ripening are reported for the timing of harvest to be determined by contractors and property manager. 
Equipment is cleaned in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, organisational procedures and certified seed procedures. 
All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the maintenance and servicing work are disposed of safely and appropriately. 
All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSDP303A - Maintain seed crops
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

AHCSDP303A - Maintain seed crops

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: