This unit applies to those who develop a crop regulation program. It covers the process of developing a crop regulation program to control the yield and quality of horticultural crops.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess crop regulation methods

1.1. Production targets and production requirements in terms of quantity, quality and availability of specified crops are identified from the enterprise production plan.

1.2. Research is conducted into the characteristics and growing requirements of plant species and cultivars that may affect the crop regulation program.

1.3. The benefits and limitations of available crop regulation methods for specified crops are assessed based on published data on the species and cultivars, historical records, own experience and enterprise guidelines.

1.4. Implementation risk of available methods is evaluated and risk controls recorded and costed.

1.5. A cost-benefit analysis is conducted on available crop regulation methods, and the most cost-effective approach to crop regulation is determined and submitted to management for approval.

2. Identify the requirements of a crop regulation program

2.1. The crop regulation program is developed to achieve the appropriate yield and quality specified in the enterprise production plan.

2.2. Resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for the crop regulation program are identified, costed and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel.

2.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with the implementation of the crop regulation program are identified; risks assessed and controls developed according to enterprise guidelines, and are budgeted and documented in the plan.

2.4. Environmental implications of the crop regulation program are identified and documented in the plan.

2.5. Staged implementation and development are outlined, where appropriate, according to the range of conditions over the growing cycle of the plant species and cultivars.

2.6. Timelines for crop regulation activities are determined taking into account the needs of the plant species and cultivars, site conditions, and any other planning requirements.

3. Prepare and document the crop regulation program and specifications

3.1. Detailed plan, specifications and quotation are prepared based on the requirements of the program and presented to management for acceptance.

3.2. Scaled site plan is produced which can be readily interpreted and understood by on-site personnel according to enterprise standards.

3.3. Detailed on-site procedures and schedules required for the crop regulation program are developed and documented.

4. Monitor the crop regulation program

4.1. Implementation of the program is monitored to ensure requirements of the enterprise production plan are achieved.

4.2. The crop regulation program is reviewed and monitored to ensure it remains responsive to changing conditions.

4.3. Appropriate courses of action are implemented to alleviate or overcome identified shortcomings in the program.

4.4. Remedial action undertaken is documented and reported to management according to enterprise policies.

Required skills

comply with legislative requirements

document plans, specifications, schedules and work procedures, and write reports for the understanding of staff, managers and contractors

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record information collected accurately and legibly, and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

site evaluation techniques including analysis of the condition of soils, plants and the site for production activities

the characteristics of soil and other growth media types and the use of additives to enhance the available nutrition for specific plant species and cultivars

the relationship between enterprise crop regulation methods, such as thinning, pruning and RDI, and the yield and quality of specific crops

processes and techniques for preparing, costing and documenting plans for scheduling crop regulation activities

specific crop physiology and timing of regulation.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

assess and select cost-effective techniques, resources and equipment for the regulation of horticultural crops

prepare a cost-benefit analysis on available crop regulation methods

develop a crop regulation program to achieve the yield and quality specified in the enterprise production plan

document detailed schedules and work procedures

document a crop regulation plan, specifications and quotation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Horticultural crops may include:

all fruit

vegetables

herbs

flowers

foliage

bulbs

tubers

nuts

fungi

wild harvest plants

oils

olives

grains

seeds

hops

other specialised crops not specifically named as broadacre crops.

Unit sector

Production horticulture

This unit contains employability skills.