AHCPHT201
Plant horticultural crops


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plant horticultural crops in the annual, vegetable and flower growing industries.

It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.

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 for crop planting operations

1.1 Follow instructions about planting the crop

1.2 Prepare machinery, equipment and tools for crop planting

1.3 Recognise workplace hazards and report safety concerns

1.4 Use and maintained personal protective equipment (PPE)

2. Prepare the site and plant material for planting

2.1 Prepare soil or growing media

2.2 Implement crop protection

2.3 Apply pre-planting treatments

2.4 Store planting material where required

2.5 Operate machinery, equipment and tools for soil preparation

3. Carry out planting operations

3.1 Select planting material

3.2 Store, handle and transport planting materials to the site

3.3 Carry out planting

3.4 Water plants in and apply post-planting treatments

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:

apply agricultural chemicals under supervision

apply enterprise quality standards

estimate spacing and planting patterns

follow safety procedures

identify workplace hazards

measure quantities of plant materials and treatments

operate machinery to manufacturers specifications and low risk operating procedures

select planting material

use and maintain planting equipment


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for planting horticultural crops

basic plant physiology

basic preparation of soil and growing media

environmental impacts and risks of planting horticultural crops

growing requirements of plants

importance of correct timing and procedures for crop planting

importance of field hygiene and quality control in regard to crop planting

nutritional, water and other requirements of the crop

principles of pest, weed and disease control

pre-planting soil and plant treatments and their importance

soil structure and health


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

Production horticulture (PHT)