Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and implement agricultural crop maintenance.
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. Determine condition of agricultural crops | 1.1 Measure and assess soil moisture and calculate soil water percentage 1.2 Calculate water requirements to soil analysis data, standing crop, and forecast weather conditions 1.3 Assess nutrient requirements and availability for crops and identify deficiencies 1.4 Identify factors affecting crop capacity 1.5 Assess technology to ensure most efficient performance of operations 1.6 Identify work health and safety hazards in crop maintenance and assess risks |
2. Determine pest control | 2.1 Assess evidence of pests and disease and determine appropriate integrated control measures 2.2 Locate and identify areas of weed infestation for reduction or eradication 2.3 Select appropriate integrated control methods 2.4 Schedule suitable control methods appropriately 2.5 Maintain records on severity of infestations and treatments used |
3. Manage crop health | 3.1 Implement work health and safety controls 3.2 Monitor crop to maintain water and nutritional requirements for optimal production 3.3 Implement sustainable land management practices appropriately 3.4 Monitor weed and pest levels and modify the control program as required 3.5 Assess, document and analyse benefits from soil and plant inputs and treatments 3.6 Monitor and document cropping programs 3.7 Document and record relevant data for continual analysis and effective crop management |
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:
refer to records of, and assess, soil health and nutrient status
dispatch soil samples to laboratories
carry out a soil health appraisal
identify likely threats to crop from pests, weeds and diseases
recognise damage to crop caused by weeds, pests or diseases
recognise poor growth and lack of vigour in crop caused by nutrient deficiency
record monitoring results
plan and implement integrated control strategies to address nutrient deficiencies, disease outbreaks, pest and weed infestations
accurately measure soil moisture and estimate irrigation needs if required
apply pesticides or fertility treatments as required
apply correct use of technology to improve efficiency
communicate with industry, suppliers and other personnel
read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), production plans and analysis results
estimate and measure pest control treatments
assess crop needs accurately
carry out crop cultural practices and treatments
monitor and assess crop maturity
ascertain water requirements from survey advice and weather forecasts
measure soil moisture and interpret data accurately
determine time of harvest with specialist advice
implement work health and safety policies in the context of the work team
implement enterprise sustainability practices.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
crop growth stages and keys
crop growth requirements compared to soil nutrient status
fertiliser and soil ameliorant types and application times, methods and rates
chemical use if applicable
factors leading to development of chemical resistance
role of technology in improving efficiency
integrated pest management strategies
life-cycles of pest, diseases and weeds
work health and safety legislative requirements
relevant codes of practice with regard to the use and control of agricultural chemicals
legislation and codes of practice with regard to environmental protection.
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)