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)