Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate a water supply for irrigation.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. 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. Determine water needs for irrigation | 1.1 Determine the water needs of plants to be irrigated 1.2 Calculate the permeability of the soil and deep drainage losses 1.3 Calculate evapotranspiration rates through the growing season 1.4 Calculate soil water deficits throughout the season based on expected rainfall 1.5 Calculate the amount of irrigation water required through the growing season |
2. Assess a water source for water quality | 2.1 Test water source for electrical conductivity and analyse results 2.2 Test water source for ionic composition and analyse results 2.3 Test water source for biological composition and analyse results |
3. Determine cost and availability of alternative water sources | 3.1 Evaluate water availability and access requirements for water sources 3.2 Cost capital expenditure requirements 3.3 Cost operating expenditure requirements 3.4 Investigate regulatory requirements for purchasing irrigation water and incorporate into business planning |
4. Complete water sourcing or acquisition arrangements | 4.1 Make contractual arrangements for purchase or sourcing of water 4.2 Plan for short term purchasing or selling of water depending on seasonal conditions if necessary |
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:
analyse results for electrical conductivity and ionic composition of irrigation water
apply principles of hydraulics to the selection of irrigation systems, legal access and structures
calculate capital and operating expenditure for a water supply system
calculate water losses in an irrigation system
compare costs for different water sources
estimate the irrigation requirements of plants
take water samples
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
capital and operating expenditure calculations to source water
climatic factors in irrigation development, rainfall, evaporation, evapotranspiration and hydrology
conveyance and disposal of drained effluent
cost benefit analysis
efficiency of irrigation systems and long-term viability
environmental and energy-use implications of resource utilisation and development
irrigation drainage, seepage, surface and subsurface drainage systems
irrigation scheduling, soil moisture measurement
management planning and operation of water allocations
operations and maintenance requirements
plant physiology and plant water use, transpiration crop water requirements in terms of water quality and quantity
plant water requirements in terms of water quality and frequency of supply
re-use systems, management of irrigation systems
salinity and ionic composition impacts on soil structure and plant growth
selection of irrigation systems
soils and water, soil moisture retention and movement, plant root zones and development, infiltration and leaching
types of irrigation systems
water legislation
water supply potential for the development of irrigation systems
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)