This unit applies to working under close supervision with regular checking. Competency at this level requires the application of limited knowledge and skills to a range of agricultural crop establishment tasks, including assistance with vehicle and machinery preparation. The work undertaken is usually within established routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for agricultural crop establishment operations

1.1. Instructions about planting are interpreted and clarified with the supervisor.

1.2. Machinery, equipment and tools are selected and prepared for the task being undertaken.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor.

1.4. The environmental implications of the crop production plan are identified and discussed with the supervisor.

1.5. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

2. Prepare the site for crop establishment

2.1. Old crop and other waste materials are removed and disposed of in full consideration of environmental implications.

2.2. Soil treatment/amendments are applied according to soil test results and the supervisor's instructions.

2.3. Site is worked according to the crop production plan.

2.4. Crop protection is implemented according to enterprise guidelines.

2.5. The planting pattern is marked out according to the crop production plan.

2.6. Machinery, equipment and tools are operated according to enterprise guidelines.

3. Carry out establishment operations

3.1. Planting material is selected according to the type of crop and enterprise quality standards.

3.2. Planting material is treated according to the crop and supervisors instructions.

3.3. Planting material is handled and transported to the site with no signs of transport damage.

3.4. Planting is carried out according to the planting plan.

4. Complete establishment operation

4.1. Tools and equipment are cleaned and sterilised according to the manufacturer's specifications, enterprise procedures and regulations.

4.2. All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris are disposed of safely and appropriately.

4.3. All required workplace records are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safety directions

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

communicate with team members and supervisor

read and interpret a range of workplace information

calibrate equipment

measure quantities of treatment

determine spacings and planting patterns

operate machinery to manufacturers specifications and enterprise procedures

safely apply appropriate agricultural chemicals

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

importance of field hygiene and quality control in regard to crop establishment

operations of a range of crop establishment machinery

the importance of correct timing and procedures for crop planting

range of pre-planting soil treatments and their importance

methods of waste disposal causing minimal impact on the environment

OHS and environmental impacts of establishing crops.

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:

carry out ground preparation of the area for planting

apply pre-planting soil treatments

calibrate the planting equipment

treat and plant seed

apply fertiliser with seed at sowing or as a separate operation

apply weedicides or herbicides under supervision

record all details of sowing.

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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Agricultural crops may include:

canola

wheat

hay

barley

oats

rice

triticale

maize

millet

chickpeas

cotton

faba beans

lucerne lupins

pigeon peas

sorghum

soybean

sugar

sunflower

other crops grown as part of a broadacre mixed farming enterprise not specifically named as horticultural crops.

Unit sector

Broadacre cropping

This unit contains employability skills.