AHCSDP401
Plan a seed crop establishment program


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan a seed crop establishment program. It applies to workers on properties where commercial seed production is undertaken.

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. Determine requirements of the seed crop establishment program

1.1 Determine paddock suitability for a seed crop from its history

1.2 Identify species and cultivars that meet production needs, cost the required quantity and confirm availability with suppliers

1.3 Determine crop establishment procedures

1.4 Plan post-planting care according to production needs, enterprise standards and site capabilities

1.5 Identify and plan for plant germination and nutrient requirements taking account of soil characteristics

1.6 Cost resources, equipment and machinery required for planting and post-planting care and confirm availability

1.7 Identify work health and safety hazards associated with the crop establishment program, assess risks and develop controls

2. Prepare and document the seed crop establishment program

2.1 Prepare plans based on the crop establishment program and production requirements

2.2 Produce plan which can be readily understood by personnel

2.3 Develop and communicate procedures and schedules for the planting and post-planting care

2.4 Plan for contingencies and identify alternative strategies

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:

assess site factors

determine resources and equipment for planting and post-planting care

identify threats to pasture establishment including weeds, pests and diseases

select suitable pasture species and cultivars


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for planning seed crop establishment

environmental impacts of seed crop establishment

establishment techniques of specific seed crop species and cultivars

maintenance requirements and practices for specific seed crop species and cultivars after initial establishment

planning process, including costing and scheduling of works

plant identification of seed crops and weed species

role of crops in sustainable land use

seed crop varieties and their characteristics, requirements and production potential

seed production contracts

the advantages and disadvantages of seed crop establishment procedures


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

Seed production (SPD)