This unit includes monitoring the health of the plants, the hydroponic environment, and the nutrient solution that is vital to the success of hydroponic farming.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Monitor plant health

1.1. Workplace information is interpreted and clarified with the supervisor.

1.2. Growth rate of plants are assessed against targets set in the production plan.

1.3. Plants are assessed for overall health according to sound horticultural practice.

1.4. Plant is assessed for onset of fruit according to production plan.

2. Monitor the hydroponic environment

2.1. Environmental parameters are monitored according to the production plan and adjustments made as required.

2.2. Samples are collected and sent off for analysis to identify potential sources of contamination.

2.3. Hygiene procedures are monitored and adjusted according to enterprise guidelines.

2.4. Disposal of materials is monitored to ensure it follows enterprise guidelines, and with due consideration of the environmental implications.

3. Monitor nutrient solution

3.1. Ingredients of the hydroponic nutrient solution are identified.

3.2. Samples are taken for testing and analysis.

3.3. Results are interpreted and discussed with the supervisor.

3.4. Nutrient solution is modified in accordance with results to ensure the correct balance of ingredients for optimum growing conditions.

4. Perform routine maintenance checks

4.1. All buildings and structures are inspected and checked for wear and tear.

4.2. Equipment for delivering the nutrient solution is checked according to enterprise guidelines.

4.3. Equipment controlling the atmospheric and root zone environments is checked according to enterprise guidelines.

4.4. OHS hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented according to enterprise guidelines.

5. Complete monitoring activities

5.1. Any significant problems are reported to the manager and/or owner operator.

5.2. All checks are recorded according to enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

read and interpret design and layout plans

test and calibrate hydroponic equipment

monitor and test environment parameters and nutrient solutions

read and interpret test results accurately

record all test results clearly and concisely with attention to detail

undertake minor repairs of equipment, e.g. pumps, pipes and drippers

dispose of unused or waste materials from site in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

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

Required knowledge

equipment used in hydroponic systems

properties of a nutrient solution

testing methods for the gauging of environmental parameters

testing methods for a hydroponic nutrient solution

recirculated and non-recirculated systems

media choices and their properties

characteristics of healthy plants

potential problems associated with a range of crops grown in a hydroponic environment

environmental implications of the disposal of chemicals or chemical containers, and the drainage of high nutrient effluent.

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:

read nutrient analysis information

assist in performing nutrient measurement tests

administer nutrients to a hydroponic system as instructed

undertake hydroponic system maintenance and repairs of sheds, structures and other associated equipment.

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.

System may include:

hydroponic systems including equipment and nutrient solutions.

Unit sector

Hydroponics

This unit contains employability skills.