Elements and Performance Criteria
- Carry out preliminary research
- 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 suitability of a site
- Select the required system
- Design the hydroponic system
- 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
- Prepare and document the design