Assessor Resource

AHCSDT305
Perform a seed moisture test

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determination of the moisture content of seeds by an oven method for routine use. It applies to seed analysts working within enterprise requirements and procedures.

It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their 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. Prepare for testing

1.1 Check submitted sample is in an intact, moisture-proof container with as much air as possible excluded

1.2 Select appropriate apparatus for seed moisture testing

1.3 Equilibrate temperature of submitted sample to that of the testing laboratory

1.4 Reduce exposure of sample to the atmosphere of the laboratory to an absolute minimum, according to the species and ISTA requirements

2. Prepare samples for drying

2.1 Mix submitted sample thoroughly

2.2 Take a minimum of three subsamples and combine to form a working sample of the required size

2.3 Limit exposure to air to thirty seconds during sample reduction

2.4 Where cutting or grinding is required, prepare one working sample so that two replicates can be drawn from the cut/ground material

2.5 Undertake pre-drying where moisture content exceeds International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) requirements

2.6 Weigh containers and lids before and after filling

2.7 Ensure weighing procedures conform with ISTA requirements and express weight in grams to at least three decimal places

2.8 Keep lids on containers until samples are placed in oven

3. Dry and weigh sample

3.1 Distribute working sample evenly over the surface of the container

3.2 Rapidly place open containers and their lids into an oven maintained at the required temperature for the species being tested

3.3 Commence drying period once oven returns to the required temperature after placement of containers

3.4 Replace lids before cooling to ambient temperature in desiccators at the end of prescribed drying period

3.5 Weigh the containers with lids and dried contents after cooling

4. Calculate results

4.1 Express moisture content as a percentage of the weight of the original sample

4.2 Report result of test

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:

calculate weights and percentages

cut and grind seeds

determine the moisture content of seeds for routine use by an oven method

prepare working samples

weigh containers and seed samples

calculate and report results

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

apparatus used in seed moisture testing

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

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. Prepare for testing

1.1 Check submitted sample is in an intact, moisture-proof container with as much air as possible excluded

1.2 Select appropriate apparatus for seed moisture testing

1.3 Equilibrate temperature of submitted sample to that of the testing laboratory

1.4 Reduce exposure of sample to the atmosphere of the laboratory to an absolute minimum, according to the species and ISTA requirements

2. Prepare samples for drying

2.1 Mix submitted sample thoroughly

2.2 Take a minimum of three subsamples and combine to form a working sample of the required size

2.3 Limit exposure to air to thirty seconds during sample reduction

2.4 Where cutting or grinding is required, prepare one working sample so that two replicates can be drawn from the cut/ground material

2.5 Undertake pre-drying where moisture content exceeds International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) requirements

2.6 Weigh containers and lids before and after filling

2.7 Ensure weighing procedures conform with ISTA requirements and express weight in grams to at least three decimal places

2.8 Keep lids on containers until samples are placed in oven

3. Dry and weigh sample

3.1 Distribute working sample evenly over the surface of the container

3.2 Rapidly place open containers and their lids into an oven maintained at the required temperature for the species being tested

3.3 Commence drying period once oven returns to the required temperature after placement of containers

3.4 Replace lids before cooling to ambient temperature in desiccators at the end of prescribed drying period

3.5 Weigh the containers with lids and dried contents after cooling

4. Calculate results

4.1 Express moisture content as a percentage of the weight of the original sample

4.2 Report result of test

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:

calculate weights and percentages

cut and grind seeds

determine the moisture content of seeds for routine use by an oven method

prepare working samples

weigh containers and seed samples

calculate and report results

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

apparatus used in seed moisture testing

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

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
Check submitted sample is in an intact, moisture-proof container with as much air as possible excluded 
Select appropriate apparatus for seed moisture testing 
Equilibrate temperature of submitted sample to that of the testing laboratory 
Reduce exposure of sample to the atmosphere of the laboratory to an absolute minimum, according to the species and ISTA requirements 
Mix submitted sample thoroughly 
Take a minimum of three subsamples and combine to form a working sample of the required size 
Limit exposure to air to thirty seconds during sample reduction 
Where cutting or grinding is required, prepare one working sample so that two replicates can be drawn from the cut/ground material 
Undertake pre-drying where moisture content exceeds International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) requirements 
Weigh containers and lids before and after filling 
Ensure weighing procedures conform with ISTA requirements and express weight in grams to at least three decimal places 
Keep lids on containers until samples are placed in oven 
Distribute working sample evenly over the surface of the container 
Rapidly place open containers and their lids into an oven maintained at the required temperature for the species being tested 
Commence drying period once oven returns to the required temperature after placement of containers 
Replace lids before cooling to ambient temperature in desiccators at the end of prescribed drying period 
Weigh the containers with lids and dried contents after cooling 
Express moisture content as a percentage of the weight of the original sample 
Report result of test 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSDT305 - Perform a seed moisture test
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

AHCSDT305 - Perform a seed moisture test

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: