Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a maintenance program for hydroponic growing systems.
It 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. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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 plant health | 1.1 Interpret and clarify workplace information about the existing hydroponic system 1.2 Assess growth rate of plants against targets set in the production plan 1.3 Assess plants for overall health 1.4 Assess plant for onset of fruit according to production plan |
2. Monitor the hydroponic environment | 2.1 Monitor environmental parameters according to the production plan and make adjustments as required 2.2 Collect samples and send off for analysis to identify potential sources of contamination 2.3 Monitor and adjust hygiene procedures 2.4 Monitor disposal of materials to ensure it follows enterprise guidelines |
3. Monitor nutrient solution | 3.1 Identify ingredients of the hydroponic nutrient solution 3.2 Take samples for testing and analysis 3.3 Interpret and discuss results 3.4 Modify nutrient solution to ensure correct balance of ingredients |
4. Perform routine maintenance checks | 4.1 Inspect all buildings and structures for wear and tear 4.2 Check equipment for delivering the nutrient solution 4.3 Check equipment controlling the atmospheric and root zone environments |
5. Complete monitoring activities | 5.1 Report problems to the manager 5.2 Record all checks |
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:
monitor and assess plant health
administer nutrients to a hydroponic system as instructed
assist in performing nutrient measurement tests
read nutrient analysis information
undertake hydroponic system maintenance and repairs
monitor hydroponic maintenance programs
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for implementing a hydroponic maintenance program
characteristics of healthy and unhealthy plants
environmental implications of the disposal of chemicals or chemical containers and the drainage of high nutrient effluent
equipment used in hydroponic systems
plant growing media choices and their properties
potential problems associated with a range of crops grown in a hydroponic environment
properties of a nutrient solution
recirculated and non-recirculated systems
testing methods for a hydroponic nutrient solution
testing methods for the gauging of environmental parameters
Assessment Conditions
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
Hydroponics (HYD)