Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop an irrigation and drainage management plan.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of 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. Compile property background information | 1.1 Identify ownership details 1.2 Compile irrigation history 1.3 Identify locality and property details 1.4 Identify agreements and easements with surrounding properties 1.5 Develop property maps to illustrate locality and property boundaries |
2. Compile information on infrastructure and topography | 2.1 Define significant topographical and infrastructure features 2.2 Identify opportunities and strengths of the property 2.3 Identify limitations and weaknesses of the property 2.4 Identify local planning issues that may affect the irrigation development 2.5 Develop a map overlay to illustrate topography and infrastructure |
3. Compile information on natural resources | 3.1 Gather soil survey information 3.2 Identify strategies to minimise and reduce soil erosion, and physical and chemical soil deterioration 3.3 Identify water source availability and quality 3.4 Identify ground water depth and salinity issues 3.5 Define climatic characteristics 3.6 Develop a map overlay to illustrate natural resource features |
4. Compile information on enterprise cropping and planting | 4.1 Define the suitability of soils and water quality for crops and plants 4.2 Identify any special irrigation requirements of crops and plants 4.3 Develop monthly and annual water budgets for each crop and plant program 4.4 Identify current yields and compare with benchmark crop yields 4.5 Establish targets with consideration for any factors which would limit optimum production 4.6 Define intended crop rotations 4.7 Develop a map overlay to illustrate crop and plant detail |
5. Compile information on existing irrigation and drainage system where used | 5.1 Evaluate current system performance 5.2 Compare current system performance to benchmark performance parameters 5.3 Develop scheduling procedures 5.4 Define drainage management performance including environmental authority compliance issues 5.5 Identify areas for improvement in system management and structure 5.6 Develop a map overlay to illustrate irrigation system layout |
6. Develop an irrigation and drainage management plan with specifications for new or up-graded irrigation and drainage system | 6.1 Summarise performance requirements for distribution, treatment and drainage systems 6.2 List new or replacement components 6.3 Develop a development timetable 6.4 Define proposed scheduling system 6.5 Define performance monitoring procedures and work health and safety requirements 6.6 Define drainage management processes 6.7 Develop a map overlay to illustrate proposed irrigation and drainage development |
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:
compile and analyse complex information
develop and implement relevant work health and safety and environmental procedures
develop plans and reports
identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation system activities and recommend appropriate remedial action
interpret statistical data and measurements
use a range of irrigation and information management software
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
computerised irrigation systems
enterprise policies and procedures
environmental impacts of irrigation systems using water from any ground or underground source
irrigation system options
measuring and monitoring procedures
methods and techniques of irrigation
readily available water
soil, plant and water relationships
water table and salinity
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)