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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Assess seed crop condition, growth and requirements
   • 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.
2. Apply fertiliser and amendments
   • 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.
3. Monitor crop condition, growth and requirements
   • 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.
4. Complete cleaning and hygiene operations
   • 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.

Required Skills

Required skills include Ability to

detect differences and variations in crop growth reportcommunicate such differences to the supervisorfarm 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 skillslanguage 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 manufacturers instructions and organisation proceduresinstructions 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 nonchemical OHS and pesticides legislative and enterprise requirements contractor machinery cleanliness

Evidence Required

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

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Range Statement

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.

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