AHCSDP403
Plan and implement seed crop maintenance


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and implement seed crop maintenance. 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 condition of seed crops

1.1 Calculate soil water percentage from an assessment of soil moisture

1.2 Calculate water requirement according to soil analysis data, standing crop and forecast weather conditions

1.3 Assess nutrient requirements and availability for crops and identify deficiencies

1.4 Identify factors affecting crop capacity

1.5 Implement sustainable land management

2. Determine pest control

2.1 Assess evidence of pests and disease and determine integrated control measures appropriate to type and species of infestation

2.2 Locate areas of weed infestation and identify species

2.3 Select integrated control methods to control pests and weeds

2.4 Schedule control methods at the optimum time

2.5 Record severity of infestations and keep treatment records

3. Manage crop health

3.1 Maintain crop water and nutritional requirements

3.2 Monitor the weed and pest control program and modify as required

3.3 Assess benefits from soil and plant inputs and treatments and document for analysis in future management programs

3.4 Monitor cropping programs for efficiency and effectiveness and document for future best practice

3.5 Document relevant data for continual analysis and effective crop management

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 crop needs

carry out crop cultural practices and treatments

determine time of harvest with specialist advice

determine water requirements from survey advice and weather forecasts

measure soil moisture and interpret data

monitor and assess crop maturity


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of seed crop maintenance

chemical use if applicable

crop growth requirements compared to soil nutrient status

crop growth stages and keys

factors leading to development of chemical resistance

fertiliser and soil ameliorant types and application times, methods and rates

integrated pest management strategies

legislation and codes of practice with regard to environmental protection

life-cycles of pest, diseases and weeds

relevant codes of practice with regard to the use and control of hazardous substances

work health and safety legislative requirements


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)