Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement an irrigation schedule.
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. Interpret the irrigation schedule | 1.1 Determine work requirements and identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures 1.2 Select required tools and equipment and check for safe operation 1.3 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment 1.4 Access information on plant growing requirements 1.5 Interpret moisture requirement throughout the growing season 1.6 Read the predicted seasonal moisture deficit and watering requirements and check with management 1.7 Record parameters for the irrigation system |
2. Determine irrigation shifts | 2.1 Subdivide the irrigated area into the smallest units capable of individual irrigation and note area and irrigation equipment characteristics for each 2.2 Define each unit for its soil irrigation capability 2.3 Define the crop and plant water requirement for each unit 2.4 Combine units requiring similar irrigation to form a shift that does not exceed the water delivery capacity of the property irrigation infrastructure 2.5 Determine the water volume required to meet irrigation needs over specified period |
3. Implement irrigation schedule | 3.1 Coordinate resources and brief personnel to deliver requirements 3.2 Implement watering program |
4. Monitor irrigation | 4.1 Inspect plants and crops for growth rate and signs of stress 4.2 Record frequency of irrigation 4.3 Measure and record water usage and confirm water allocation is not exceeded for a given period 4.4 Calculate the differences between estimated water use and actual water used 4.5 Measure water quality 4.6 Assess plant and crop growth and water use efficiency 4.7 Measure soil for readily available water 4.8 Record climate and weather conditions 4.9 Adjust watering program in response to rainfall events and changes to evapotranspiration rates |
5. Record irrigation information and activities | 5.1 Record plant or crop environment data 5.2 Record water usage 5.3 Record irrigation shifts 5.4 Record system process data |
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:
access and interpret the information in an irrigation schedule
apply sampling techniques
compare plant health and growth to benchmark requirements
conduct soil moisture tests
consult with appropriate senior personnel or consultants
identify irrigation requirements throughout the growing season by monitoring:
climatic conditions
crop stage and requirements if applicable
effective root depth
frost risk
plant varietal characteristics and requirements
signs of plant nutrient deficiencies
soil moisture levels
soil type and depth
symptoms of water stress
water quality
water table level
identify, rectify and report environmental non-compliance
instruct irrigation system operators
implement the irrigation schedule including consideration of:
application rates
interaction between different irrigation employees or shifts
maintenance programs and supplies
materials, chemicals, services
resources, including operators with appropriate skills
timing and length
liaise with other work areas
monitor irrigation activities including:
environmental impact of irrigation activities
identifying emitter output consistency
identifying soil moisture content and depth to which water will reach
report and record problems and corrective action taken
take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results or non- compliance
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
consultation requirements and procedures
effect of irrigation techniques on plant growth
environmental impacts, hazards and controls for irrigation
interpretation of routine soil moisture tests
irrigation strategies
principles of soil moisture monitoring including volumetric soil moisture content, percentage compared to soil moisture tension
procedures and responsibility for reporting problems
recording requirements and procedures
resource requirements and availability
sampling techniques and procedures
testing techniques and procedures
visual symptoms of plant nutrient deficiencies, water stress and frost
water budgeting tools
workplace hazards and controls
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
Irrigation (IRG)