AHCBAC307
Maintain agricultural crops


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain agricultural crops.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and biosecurity legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.

Operating machinery carries risk and candidates should observe all enterprise and manufacturer’s requirements.

This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources and complete routine activities.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Monitor & assess agricultural crop condition, growth and requirements

1.1 Monitor crop health regularly and record observations

1.2 Report deviation from expected growth and vigour

1.3 Identify, monitor and report weeds, pests and diseases

1.4 Follow directions to establish sites for regular measurement of soil moisture

1.5 Measure moisture levels and calculate soil water percentage using soil probe

1.6 Report observations of crop ripening to manager to determine the timing of harvest

2. Undertake crop health operations

2.1 Identify hazards and implement appropriate controls

2.2 Select, use and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment

2.3 Follow label instructions and any specialist advice

2.4 Apply specialist sprays appropriately for growth stages

2.5 Apply technology to ensure most efficient performance of operations

2.6 Conduct any required chipping or spot spraying

2.7 Assess, record and report crop growth stages and keys

2.8 Apply water as required

2.9 Consider adverse environmental impacts when performing all applications

3. Complete cleaning and hygiene operations

3.1 Clean and maintain equipment appropriately

3.2 Dispose of all containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the maintenance and servicing work according to enterprise polices and minimising the impact on the environment

3.3 Complete all required records and documentation appropriately

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

detect differences and variations in crop growth

report/communicate such differences to the supervisor/farm owner

observe and report on health and growth of the crop

monitor pests and disease in crops

assess crop maturity

apply sprays and fertilizers as directed

measure soil moisture and relate data to crop requirements

apply technology to ensure most efficient performance of operations

follow enterprise work health and safety policies in the context of own work

follow sustainability practices in the context of own work.


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturer's instructions and organisation procedures/instructions

potential hazards associated with the operation of basic tools and equipment

general machine maintenance procedures

machinery operating principles and safe operating methods

environmental impacts associated with the operation of machinery and equipment in a harvesting context

organisation recording and reporting procedures

symptoms of crop lacking health and vigour

signs of pest and disease infestation, moisture stress and nutrient deficiencies

hygiene requirements for agricultural crops and equipment that comes into contact with the crop

types and uses of herbicides, insecticides and other pesticides and alternative pest control methods (non-chemical)

role of technology in improving efficiency

work health and safety and pesticides legislative and enterprise policies.


Assessment Conditions

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement


Sectors

Broad acre cropping (BAC)