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

Competence in monitoring turf health requires evidence that a person is able to organise and coordinate selection of equipment sample collection visual observation and analysis services to achieve monitoring outcomes within time constraints

The skills and knowledge required to monitor turf health must be transferable to a different work environment For example the use and care of monitoring tools and equipment interpretation and application of monitoring observations and analytical results may be required in implementing a turf health program The identification of plant pest and disease symptoms and their relation to levels of turf health may also be useful in determining the threshold at which to apply control measures when implementing an Integrated Pest Management program

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

practical understanding of soil and plant tissue analysis as a monitoring and turf management tool the main elements of analysis and their significance as indicators of nutritional deficiency and toxicity

awareness of the role of trace elements and nutrients required by turf grass plants and symptoms of toxicities and deficiencies

turf grass diseases including commonly occurring regional diseases seasonality history of site and visual disease symptoms

main simple and compound fertiliser products available to the enterprise including analysis solubility salt index rates and cost

rates and regularity of recommended fertiliser and pesticide application to achieve optimum plant health objectives while minimising external environment impact through leaching excessive spraying and overuse

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

communicate with work team members supervisors and consultants

utilise proforma reporting analysis and work procedure documents

measure materials and interpret specifications and analytical results

coordinate work groups consultants and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete monitoring in a timely and cost effective manner

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

Written oral and telecommunication of ideas and information relating to monitoring activities and problems encountered will be required with the work group supervisor and consultants

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Enterprise work procedures and turf health literature should be consulted interpreted and applied to coordinate monitoring activities with further clarification sought from the supervisor when necessary

How are activities planned and organised

Work activities for the work group consultants and self will be planned prior to and adjusted during the monitoring program

How can team work be applied

Maintenance and repair works to improve turfed surfaces rely on the application of monitoring results and recommendations

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical application will be required when quantitatively interpreting analytical results and observations assessing the level of damage to the turf and calculating the amount of remedial chemical or manual intervention that may be required

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems in turf health and quality of appearance will require techniques such as ongoing setting of targets for improvement and recommendations for action to meet those targets

How can the use of technology be applied

Technological understanding will be required to use monitoring tools and equipment interpret test results assess turf health report recommend remedial action and keep records

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 enterprise work procedures may apply to this standard?

What tools and equipment may be required to monitor turf health?

What OHS hazards may be associated with monitoring turf health?

What personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required to construct soil profiles?

What soil tests may be undertaken?

What waste materials may result from sampling procedures?

What residues may affect sampling and analytical accuracy?

What researched and experiential awareness may be relevant to this standard?

What remedial action may be included in recommendations?

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?

What health indicators of the turf may be evident from observation?

What site conditions may affect turf health?

What seasonal conditions may affect turf health?

What factors may indicate level of turf quality?