This unit relates to implementing, monitoring and adjusting irrigation schedules will be carried out without supervision but with general guidance on progress.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Monitor plant or crop environment for irrigation requirement

1.1. Plant or crop environment is monitored and results are interpreted according to enterprise policy and procedures.

1.2. Plants or crops are inspected for signs of stress.

1.3. Changes to irrigation shifts are recommended according to environmental conditions and plant or crop requirements.

2. Check water supply and availability

2.1. Water volume required to meet irrigation needs over specified period is determined.

2.2. Water is ordered, if necessary, according to water management authority standards and procedures.

2.3. Sufficient notice of water order is given, if necessary, to ensure water is available when required.

3. Implement irrigation shifts

3.1. Resources are co-ordinated and personnel briefed to deliver requirements.

3.2. Agreed irrigation schedule is implemented.

4. Evaluate effectiveness of irrigation activities

4.1. Plant or crop environment is monitored according to enterprise policy and procedures.

4.2. Plants and crops are inspected for signs of stress.

5. Monitor irrigation system process as specified by enterprise policy and procedures

5.1. Frequency of irrigation is recorded.

5.2. Water usage is measured and recorded and does not exceed water allocation for a given period.

5.3. Differences between estimated water use and actual water used are calculated.

5.4. Water quality is measured according to enterprise Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy and procedures.

5.5. Plant or crop growth and water use efficiency is assessed.

5.6. Soil chemical characteristics are measured and soil moisture is assessed.

5.7. Labour performance is measured.

5.8. Climate and weather conditions are recorded.

6. Record irrigation information and activities as specified by enterprise policy

6.1. Plant or crop environment data is recorded.

6.2. Water orders and water usage is recorded.

6.3. Irrigation shifts are recorded.

6.4. System process data are recorded.

Required skills

use enterprise monitoring equipment

identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation activities and appropriate remedial action

access irrigation data

plot and read graphic data

measure and interpret environmental data

estimate water availability for plants/crops

read and apply map data to property features

implement and follow relevant enterprise OHS and environmental policies and procedures

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

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

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 and plant health

weather patterns

irrigation monitoring procedures

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

soil water retention testing techniques

monitoring irrigation surface runoff and infiltration due to soil type and terrain

water quality monitoring methods and techniques of potable and recyclable water

water allocation

water authority standards and procedures

purchasing procedures, budget restrictions and limits

enterprise policies and 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:

use enterprise monitoring equipment

monitor plant or crop environment for irrigation requirement

check water supply and availability

implement irrigation shifts

evaluate effectiveness of irrigation activities

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.

Environmental factors may include:

drainage

soil moisture

water table levels

soil salinity

rainfall

air temperature

frost risk

water quality

plant/crop and soil nutrient deficiencies

irrigation system maintenance requirements.

Water quality measurements may include:

salinity (ground water and surface water

pH level

nutrient concentration.

Unit sector

Irrigation

This unit contains employability skills.