Range of Variables The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available |
What crop plants are relevant to this standard? | Industry sectors involved in production may include nursery, floriculture and production horticulture. Plants may include flower, foliage or oil crops, vegetables, fruit, nuts, mushroom crops, containerised and open-rooted grown plants. |
What environmental parameters may be identified for the specific crop plants? | These should include parameters for optimal range of temperature, light quality, air flow, humidity, media type and components, water quality, flow and components for the required crop performance and minimisation of conditions suitable to identified pests and diseases for the specific crop. |
What available information resources may be used to research specific crop requirements? | Information resources may include the knowledge of team members, senior managers and self; specific industry, technical and research literature; government, university and library based literature and Internet resources; supplier specifications, catalogues, enterprise sales figures and production records, local historical performance data and industry best practice guidelines. |
What controlled growing environments may require management for optimal growing conditions? | These may include partially or completely enclosed nursery, growing on, hardening up and hydroponic production and display systems. |
What environmental factors of the site may need to be assessed? | Growing environment factors may include relevant aspects of ambient humidity, light, growing media mean temperature, season and day length, air quality, nutrient and dissolved gas availability, toxicities and deficiencies, weeds, pests, diseases and beneficial organisms, site aspect and slope, and natural and artificial water supplies. |
What structures, machinery and equipment may be required to manipulate environmental conditions? | Structures may include adjustable or fixed air vents, shade and windows. Machinery and equipment may include computerised, LED, or mechanically operated pumps, fans, humidifiers, generators, heaters, reticulation units; growth media, air, plant tissue and water analysis equipment. |
What other resources may be required to manipulate environmental conditions? | These may include labour, technological qualification of team members, financial resources, and supply of services and materials. |
What OHS hazards may be identified in the work area? | Hazards may include hazardous chemicals; potentially hazardous pot media, composts and organic products; water and dust and splashed or windborne inoculum; manual handling, moving equipment and vehicles, sharp hand tools, noise, pests, and slippery or uneven surfaces. |
What controls may be introduced to minimise the risk of OHS hazards? | Controls should be introduced according to enterprise OHS policies and procedures and may include identifying hazards; assessing and reporting risks; cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery; appropriate use of PPE including sun protection; safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery; safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances; correct manual handling; appropriate use of safety equipment such as signage and protective barriers; basic first aid available on site; personal hygiene, and reporting problems to supervisors. |
What detrimental environmental impacts may be considered for managing conditions of the controlled growing environment? | Environmental impacts may include nuisance noise and particulate and gaseous emissions associated with the operation of pumps, spray units and cooling/heating equipment. |
What management objectives may influence the development of the management plan? | Management objectives may include financial, logistical, cultural, aesthetic, legal or environmental considerations; process or product specifications, company policy, OHS, existing equipment and structures, training, maintenance services, and timelines for the program. |
What indicators and thresholds would apply when monitoring the controlled environment? | Indicators and thresholds may be included in enterprise quality standards and specifications, customer specifications and industry standards. They will relate to environmental parameters that may be set or adjusted in response to crop health and vigour, size, shape, colour, watering and nutritional requirements. |
What remedial action may be required for crops that are below defined thresholds? | Remedial action may include watering, pest and disease control, and manipulation of environmental parameters. |
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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