ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Ensure the moving sprinkler irrigation system is prepared for operation

1.1 Staff are trained in carrying out pre-start checks and routine servicing

1.2 The irrigation controller is programmed and/or adjusted to meet the required schedule

1.3 Procedures are established for adjusting valves and checking filters and emitters

2 Develop and implement start-up and shutdown procedures for a moving sprinkler irrigation system

2.1 Start-up procedures for a sprinkler irrigation system are developed according to system specifications and technical manuals

2.2 Shut down sequence and isolation procedures are developed according to system specifications and technical manuals

2.3 Soil conditions for operation are specified, or tracks maintained, to reduce compaction

3 Carry out trouble shooting for faults and blockages

3.1 Access to faulty components and blockages is arranged

3.2 Faulty components are removed from the system, according to system specifications and technical manuals, and repaired or disposed of in an environmentally responsible way

3.3 Replaceable components are selected from manufacturer catalogues and procured using enterprise procedures

3.4 Replacement components are installed to meet system specifications according to technical manuals

4 Measure performance of a moving sprinkler irrigation system

4.1 Variations in pressures are identified and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

4.2 Water flow rates are measured and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

4.3 Variations in water flow and distribution are identified and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

4.4 Pump performance parameters are measured as necessary and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

4.5 Variations in pump performance parameters are measured where relevant and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

4.6 Distribution and delivery systems are inspected and malfunctions in system are identified, fixed and actions recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

4.7 Factors external to the system that may cause interference are identified and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

5 Review system performance status

5.1 System pressures and variations are recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

5.2 System flow rates and variations are recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

5.3 Distribution uniformity and mean application rates are calculated and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

5.4 Watering depth is determined and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

5.5 Calculations are made for energy use and water efficiency and compared to industry benchmarks

Required skills include:

Ability to:

measure output and efficiency of an irrigation system

develop and supervise procedures for starting up, carrying out operational checks and shutting down

monitor system effectiveness:

application rates

irrigation times

sprinkler coverage and output

soil moisture levels

pressure variations and blockages

salinity levels and water quality

depth of irrigation

infiltration and runoff

measure, interpret and adjust flow rates and pressures

fix blockages and replace components

use records to review an irrigation system.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

moving sprinkler irrigation technologies

component specifications

pump types used in moving sprinkler irrigation systems and their output and efficiency ratings

servicing and maintenance of travelling mechanism

environmental hazards of runoff and compaction

general irrigation methods for moving sprinkler systems

main components of moving sprinkler irrigation systems

pump types used in moving sprinkler irrigation systems and their operation

energy efficiency indicators/ benchmarks for moving sprinkler irrigation:

Application Efficiency

Average Application Rate

Instantaneous Application Rate

soil moisture testing techniques

soil/plant/water relationships

water requirements of plants/crops consistent with sound environmental management

critical measures for moisture availability:

readily available water

wilting point

field capacity

monitoring soil compaction and drainage

physical soil characteristics such as infiltration rate, water holding capacity and wetted volume in the root zone

irrigation schedules

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

best practices for reducing environmental impacts of irrigation

water requirements of plants/crops consistent with sound environmental management.

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 and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules

carry out pre-start checks

operate and inspect the system

measure and interpret flow rates and pressures

identify environmental hazards

shut down in response to irrigation indicators.

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.

Moving sprinkler irrigation systems may include:

moving sprinkler irrigation systems describe specifically hard and soft reel self-travelling irrigators, lateral move systems and centre pivots.