Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish horticultural crops by seed, seedlings or other vegetative means.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation 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 machinery and equipment for use | 1.1 Select and prepare machinery and equipment and confirm against the work plan 1.2 Attach and calibrate equipment for operation 1.3 Identify workplace hazards, assess and control risks |
2. Prepare for horticultural crop establishment | 2.1 Monitor soil and weather conditions for optimal seeding conditions 2.2 Recognise and confirm soil conservation and sustainable land management practices and procedures 2.3 Confirm and prepare seeding/planting, fertiliser, and pest and weed control requirements |
3. Sow/plant the crop | 3.1 Undertake seeding/planting and fertiliser applications out 3.2 Coordinate pest and weed control treatment with seeding/planting and fertiliser applications |
4. Complete seeding/planting operations | 4.1 Maintain seeding/planting, machinery and equipment operation records 4.2 Report machinery and equipment damage, malfunctions or irregular performance 4.3 Clean, secure and store machinery and equipment |
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:
carry out ground preparation and apply pre-planting treatments
prepare and service machinery and equipment
carry out sowing/planting operations and fertiliser application
monitor the environmental impacts of establishing the crop
clean, secure and store machinery and equipment
keep records of the sowing/planting operation
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for establishing crops
crop types, preparation of seeds/plants, seeding/planting methods and application techniques
effects of weather conditions on seeding/planting and fertilising applications
enterprise policies for seeding/planting operations and recording and reporting routines
fertiliser types, rates of application and crop nutrient requirements
operating principles and operating methods for machinery and equipment
positive environmental practices, negative environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with seeding operations
personal protective equipment (PPE) and when and how it should be used
pre-operational and safety checks, servicing and maintenance procedures for seeding/planting machinery and equipment
principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and vehicle movement
procedures for cleaning, securing and storing machinery, equipment and materials
relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace health and safety and the use and control of hazardous substances
sustainable land management and soil conservation techniques
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)