ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare materials, tools and equipment for low volume irrigation work

1.1 Irrigation equipment is handled safely in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices

1.2 Irrigation components are checked and action taken, as required, in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

1.3 Water outlets are checked in accordance with enterprise practices

2 Undertake low volume irrigation work as directed

2.1 Valves are opened and shut, as necessary, in accordance with enterprise procedures

2.2 Required pressures and water flows are achieved and maintained to ensure sufficient water availability

2.3 Equipment is relocated, if necessary, in accordance with enterprise procedures and OHS guidelines

3 Observe and report on soil moisture and plant growth response

3.1 Soil moisture levels are assessed to determine watering requirement

3.2 Plant moisture requirements and signs of stress are established

3.3 Plant growth and condition is monitored to indicate over or under watering

3.4 Inadequate plant response to watering is recorded and reported

4 Maintain a low volume irrigation system

4.1 Flushing procedures are followed for clearing the system

4.2 Emitters are checked for serviceability and output

4.3 Lines are maintained

4.4 Water supply and pumping system is checked periodically

4.5 Maintenance records are kept up to date

Required skills include:

Ability to:

prepare materials, tools and equipment for irrigation work

assemble and join low volume irrigation system components

operate and adjust low volume irrigation components

operate a simple irrigation controller

operate the water delivery system, including pumps

estimate water output

observe for leaks and faulty emitters

report faults

record and report maintenance activities clean up on completion of work.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

purpose and principles of low volume irrigation

identification, characteristics and operation of replaceable components of low volume irrigation systems

basic operational procedures for low volume irrigation systems

principles of pumps and pumping systems

the range of emitters and their output and purpose

system malfunctions and their likely causes

environmental impacts of irrigation, using water from any ground or underground source

OHS requirements and safe work procedures.

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:

identify the purpose of low volume irrigation system components

monitor irrigation times and plant response

maintain low volume irrigation systems

store and maintain equipment

regulate a low volume irrigation system to achieve and maintain correct emitter output.

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. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Low volume irrigation systems include:

systems that operate under comparatively low volume and pressure including micro irrigation, pop-ups at less than 0.1 litres/second, and drippers.