What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in maintaining nursery plants requires evidence that environmental parameters can be monitored quality of media for growing can be tested daily water requirements of plants can be determined and plant growth can be promoted by intervention

The skills and knowledge required to maintain nursery plants must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different plants maintenance requirements and nursery situations

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

effects of environmental parameters on plant growth

methods of calculating daily water needs

relationship between plant water needs and environmental parameters

characteristics of various types of potting media

factors affecting the growth of nursery plants

optimum growing conditions for a range of plants in a nursery

quality parameters for a range of nursery plants

symptoms of unhealthy plants

basic plant physiology including the principles of transpiration water intake nutrient uptake photosynthesis respiration and translocation

effect of different pruning and intervention methods

processes for modifying environmental parameters

phenological stages of plant growth

treatments required by plants at different phenological stages and environmental parameters

OHS hazards and the associated risks when maintaining plants

environmental impacts of applying plant interventions

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

select fit and use appropriate personal protection clothing andor equipment

liaise with other work areas and customers

prepare mix and use chemicals as required

interpret and record required workplace information

operate irrigation systems

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Ideas and information relating to work issues tasks and problems may be discussed with suppliers end users and members of the work team

This could include giving instructions or discussing watering system requirements for example with suppliers

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information relating to daily site and plant maintenance routines may be accessed from management and interpreted so that daily work actions and outcomes can be organised within required time constraints

Problems and anomalies with daily work routines should be recognised and corrected or reported

How are activities planned and organised

Production plans and daily work instructions may need to be reviewed before and between work periods in order to select appropriate equipment materials and treatment for plant maintenance activities Work teams may need to be organised and tasks allocated

How can team work be applied

Meeting production requirements may require the coordination of team activities

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical concepts may need to be used to monitor growing conditions to calibrate spray equipment and calculate quantities of treatment to apply

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems particularly of a horticultural nature should be recognised and resolved either by implementing preventativecorrective action or reporting to management

How can the use of technology be applied

The monitoring of environmental parameters may require the use measuring equipment and data bases

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

What areas may be considered part of the nursery environment?

What environmental parameters are to be taken into account for this standard?

What market requirements may require the modification of environmental parameters?

How are daily water requirements determined?

What needs to be monitored to ensure plant water requirements are maintained?

What enterprise guidelines may be relevant to this standard?

What potting media specifications are relevant to this standard?

How is the overall healthof the plant monitored?

What plant interventions may be utilised to promote plant growth?

What OHS requirements apply to this standard?

What environmental considerations may be relevant to this standard?

What workplace records are relevant to this standard?