Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to supervise agricultural crop establishment, including planning and scheduling plantings based on the planting plan.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and biosecurity legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
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. Source information for input to planting plan | 1.1 Identify and obtain documents relating to crop production 1.2 Identify competing demands on human and physical resources that may affect planting 1.3 Identify the specific target area, or paddock, for planting from the production or management plan 1.4 Obtain paddock history to identify crop and pasture rotation, and potential weed, pest & disease issues 1.5 Obtain and evaluate soil test results to determine appropriate soil treatments 1.6 Assess and account for trash levels and seedbed conditions |
2. Prepare planting plan | 2.1 Determine the agricultural crop and method(s) of planting to be used from the organisations production or management plan and availability 2.2 Assess and calculate the resources required for the planting operations from the area to be sown, the method of planting to be used, and the available timelines 2.3 Assess technology to ensure most efficient performance of operations 2.4 Set target dates for planting, including the sequencing for planting across paddocks or crop areas, in line with the overall production or management plan 2.5 Select the chemical applications that are required prior to and post planting and organise to occur appropriately 2.6 Prepare the plan to ensure that any potential detrimental environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated, including the proper disposal of containers, drums and other waste 2.7 Identify and assess hazards, and safe work practices for planting are implemented and overseen with staff 2.8 Identify, arrange and obtain required approvals for the planting operations 2.9 Determine measurable indicators, specifications and targets, based on the production or management plan and the method, resources and seed to be used |
3. Determine scheduling and key responsibilities | 3.1 Determine appropriate planting schedule 3.2 Determine key responsibilities for required specific preparatory processes 3.3 Determine key responsibilities for specific implementation processes 3.4 Determine and implement appropriate recordkeeping processes, including the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both managers and operators 3.5 Document the plan, including scheduling and key responsibilities |
4. Monitor and adjust the planting plan | 4.1 Ensure adherence to monitoring points outlined in the implementation plan 4.2 Conduct checks to ensure that work health and safety procedures and site environmental requirements are being observed and followed 4.3 Communicate with operational staff and any contractors 4.4 Conduct checks to ensure that the required documentation is completed clearly and accurately during the progress of the planting process 4.5 Determine and implement any required corrective action or amendment to the planting plan |
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:
identify hazards and oversee safe operating procedures
identify the seasonal conditions which affect crop establishment
plan and schedule planting including amending plans during the operations
recognise poor growth and lack of vigour caused by nutrient deficiency and incorrect planting depth
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and work health and safety hazards
plan the planting operation including timing and resources required
correct use of technology to improve efficiency
carry out pest, weed and disease control either pre or post planting if required
supervise staff and monitor the planting operation
implement work health and safety policies in the context of the work team.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
equipment that is required for a range of tillage methods, and pest and weed control prior to planting
crop establishment requirements
equipment servicing requirements
role of technology in improving efficiency
integrated pest and weed management techniques
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures for work health and safety and environmental management
management practices and processes to minimise environmental impacts such as noise, soil degradation, and debris from planting operations.
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)