Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate fertigation equipment to deliver fertilisers via an irrigation system.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection 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. Prepare materials and equipment for operation | 1.1 Interpret workplace instructions and organise tasks to achieve daily work routine within time constraints 1.2 Select and prepare appropriate tools, equipment and machinery 1.3 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks, implement control measures and report to the supervisor 1.4 Select, use and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.5 Calibrate and connect injection or fertigation equipment 1.6 Calculate fertiliser concentration and mix the solution thoroughly 1.7 Set equipment to meet fertigation requirements |
2. Operate the fertigation process | 2.1 Implement start-up sequence 2.2 Operate and monitor fertigation process to ensure delivery is maintained 2.3 Monitor fertigation equipment to ensure no adverse environmental impact is caused by faulty operation 2.4 Implement corrections to the process and equipment adjustments as necessary |
3. Shut down fertigation equipment | 3.1 Flush injection equipment prior to shut down 3.2 Clean and store equipment 3.3 Manage waste generated by both the fertigation process and cleaning procedures 3.4 Report and record fertigation activities |
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:
select and prepare fertigation materials
connect and calibrate fertigation equipment
monitor and adjust the delivery of fertilisers
shut down, clean equipment and dispose of waste
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
the principles and practices of fertigation operation
fertigation injection equipment
chemical handling procedures for fertiliser, chlorine, acid and cleaning agents
cleaning procedures for fertigation equipment
Material Data Sheets (MDSs)
environmental impacts of delivering fertilisers via the irrigation system
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
Nursery (NSY)