AHCBAC305A
Undertake preparation of land for agricultural crop production

This unit covers the process of preparing land for agricultural crop production and defines the standard required to: interpret production/planting plans; produce standards, quality specifications and work procedure documents; measure materials and site plan specifications; service, operate, adjust and calibrate cultivation equipment safely; and complete pre- and post-operational checks on tools, vehicles and equipment.

Application

This unit applies to farm workers operating under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress. Preparing land for crop production is usually done within established routines, methods and procedures. Some discretion and judgement are required in the selection of equipment and materials, organisation of work and services. The outcomes should be achieved within specified timelines.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for cultivation

1.1. Requirements for the work to be undertaken are interpreted from the planting plan and confirmed with the manager.

1.2. The method and order of cultivation is identified and interpreted from the planting plan.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified; risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

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

1.5. Environmental implications of cultivating the site are identified, likely outcomes assessed and, if necessary, responsible action taken.

2. Prepare the cultivating equipment

2.1. Vehicles and equipment required for site cultivation are selected according to the planting plan and organisation guidelines.

2.2. Vehicles and equipment are serviced, adjusted for the conditions and worn parts are replaced to ensure reliability during cultivation.

2.3. All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the maintenance and servicing work are disposed of safely and appropriately.

2.4. All maintenance and servicing is documented according to the requirements of the organisation's record keeping system.

3. Cultivate soil

3.1. Previous crop or land clearance debris is removed, incorporated or burnt according to the organisation's guidelines.

3.2. The cultivation plan is followed and completed for each paddock.

3.3. OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

3.4. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.

3.5. Vehicles and equipment are operated in a safe, effective and efficient manner and at speeds to suit the conditions.

3.6. The quality of cultivation is maximised by continually checking and adjusting the vehicles and equipment as necessary.

3.7. All timelines, resource and quality requirements of the planting plan are met.

4. Prepare site for planting

4.1. The planting layout and soil profiles are completed as required by the planting plan.

4.2. Weed and pest control measures are taken as required by the planting plan.

4.3. Fertilisers, ameliorants, and/or other pre-planting treatments are applied as required by the planting plan.

4.4. The environmental implications of site preparation are identified, likely outcomes assessed and, if necessary, responsible action is taken.

5. Complete land preparation operations

5.1. Equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

5.2. Vehicles and equipment are cleaned and stored to minimise damage according to manufacturer specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

5.3. All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the cleaning and maintenance work are disposed of safely and appropriately.

5.4. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly according to organisational requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

interpret production/planting plans, produce standards, quality specifications and work procedure documents

measure materials and site plan specifications

operate, adjust and calibrate cultivation equipment safely

complete pre- and post-operational checks on tools, vehicles and equipment

perform routine safety, service and maintenance procedures on tools, cultivator and equipment

read and interpret manufacturer specifications, work and maintenance plans, and material safety data sheets (MSDS)

interpret and apply task instructions

communicate with work team and supervisor

record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents

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

methods of cultivating a range of soil types

environmental issues of cultivating soil for planting, such as drainage and irrigation systems, soil amelioration and waste disposal procedures

a range of pre-planting treatments, their purpose and method of application

operation and maintenance of planting equipment

OHS guidelines, procedures and principles, including manual handling and exposure to hazardous substances.

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:

interpret production/planting plans, produce standards, quality specifications and work procedure documents

measure materials and site plan specifications

service, operate, adjust and calibrate cultivation equipment safely

complete pre- and post-operational checks on tools, vehicles and equipment.

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.


Range Statement

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

Preparation practices may include:

land preparation equipment and soil pre-planting treatments used in commercial cropping for the range of crops, including:

wheat and coarse grains

cotton

grain legumes

oilseeds

sugar

temperate pastures

tropical pastures.


Sectors

Unit sector

Broadacre cropping


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not Applicable