This unit applies to farm supervisors and cropping managers who maintain the health of agricultural crops.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine condition of agricultural crops

1.1. Measurement and assessment of soil moisture is undertaken to calculate soil water percentage.

1.2. Water requirements are calculated according to soil analysis data, standing crop, and forecast weather conditions.

1.3. Nutrient requirements and availability for crops are assessed and deficiencies identified.

1.4. Factors affecting crop capacity are identified.

1.5. Sustainable land management is implemented according to enterprise requirements and environmental standards.

2. Determine pest control

2.1. Evidence of pests and disease is assessed and integrated control measures appropriate to type and species of infestation are determined.

2.2. Areas of weed infestation, which may be reduced or eradicated, are located and species identified.

2.3. Integrated control methods are selected to control pests and weeds.

2.4. Control methods are scheduled at the optimum time with minimal damage to the crop.

2.5. Severity of infestations and records of treatments are maintained to provide essential data for future management programs.

3. Manage crop health

3.1. Crop is planned and monitored to maintain water and nutritional requirements for optimal production.

3.2. Weed and pest levels are monitored and the control program modified as required.

3.3. Benefits from soil and plant inputs and treatments are assessed and documented for analysis in future management programs.

3.4. Cropping programs are monitored for efficiency and effectiveness, and documented for future best practice.

3.5. Relevant data is documented for continual analysis and effective crop management.

Required skills

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

communicate with industry, suppliers and other personnel

read and interpret Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), production plans and analysis results

estimate and measure pest control treatments

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

Required knowledge

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

integrated pest management strategies

life-cycles of pest, diseases and weeds

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislative requirements

relevant codes of practice with regard to the use and control of hazardous substances

legislation and codes of practice with regard to environmental protection.

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:

accurately assess crop needs

carry out crop cultural practices and treatments

monitor and assess crop maturity

ascertain water requirements from survey advice and weather forecasts

accurately measure soil moisture and interpret data

determine time of harvest with specialist advice.

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.

The range of crops may include:

wheat and coarse grains

cotton

grain legumes

oilseeds

sugar

temperate and tropical pastures.

Unit sector

Broadacre cropping

This unit contains employability skills.