AHCPHT503
Manage a controlled growing environment


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage controlled growing environments.

It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. 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. Identify crop requirements

1.1 Determine crop growth and production requirements according to a documented production plan

1.2 Research environmental parameters for optimal growing conditions for the specific crop, using available information resources

1.3 Identify and record controlled growing environment factors

2. Determine requirements for controlled growing environment

2.1 Identify, cost and confirm availability of structures, machinery, equipment and resources required to control environmental conditions

2.2 Identify detrimental environmental impacts associated with the controlled growing environment system

3. Prepare a management plan for controlled growing environment

3.1 Determine management objectives for controlled growing environment consistent with production plan and market requirements for crop quantity and quality

3.2 Develop a schedule of environmental control procedures according to controlled environment management objectives

3.3 Evaluate and report staff training needs with regard to operation and maintenance of environmental control systems

3.4 Document a budget supporting the controlled environment management plan and seek approval

3.5 Communicate the schedule of environmental control procedures clearly to staff

4. Manage controlled growing environment

4.1 Identify controlled environment indicators and thresholds for remedial action for monitoring

4.2 Develop monitoring frequency and schedule according to the requirements of the production plan and communicate to staff

4.3 Record, analyse and apply all monitoring data to ensure optimal plant development

4.4 Document and report remedial action undertaken

4.5 Monitor costs of the controlled growing environment system against budget

4.6 Record and report budget adjustments

4.7 Evaluate recorded information, budget data and production outputs and document operational achievements towards management objectives in a report

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:

develop a management plan to cover staff training, budgets, operating procedures and remedial actions

develop environmental monitoring procedures

evaluate and document the achievements towards management objectives

identify the growing requirements of the crop

prepare specifications for controlled growing infrastructure


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for managing controlled growing environments

controlled environmental conditions in regard to crop plant physiology, growth stages, and product quality and quantity

legislation and regulations relating to the controlled environment systems

market requirements for crop quantity and quality

monitoring, analysis and recording systems

plant physiology and biochemistry

quality production methods and techniques for a range of controlled environment plants

staff training requirements

techniques and methods of implementing optimal growing conditions for a range of horticultural crops


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)