Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determination of the moisture content of seeds by an oven method for routine use. It applies to seed analysts working within enterprise requirements and procedures.
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 for testing | 1.1 Check submitted sample is in an intact, moisture-proof container with as much air as possible excluded 1.2 Select appropriate apparatus for seed moisture testing 1.3 Equilibrate temperature of submitted sample to that of the testing laboratory 1.4 Reduce exposure of sample to the atmosphere of the laboratory to an absolute minimum, according to the species and ISTA requirements |
2. Prepare samples for drying | 2.1 Mix submitted sample thoroughly 2.2 Take a minimum of three subsamples and combine to form a working sample of the required size 2.3 Limit exposure to air to thirty seconds during sample reduction 2.4 Where cutting or grinding is required, prepare one working sample so that two replicates can be drawn from the cut/ground material 2.5 Undertake pre-drying where moisture content exceeds International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) requirements 2.6 Weigh containers and lids before and after filling 2.7 Ensure weighing procedures conform with ISTA requirements and express weight in grams to at least three decimal places 2.8 Keep lids on containers until samples are placed in oven |
3. Dry and weigh sample | 3.1 Distribute working sample evenly over the surface of the container 3.2 Rapidly place open containers and their lids into an oven maintained at the required temperature for the species being tested 3.3 Commence drying period once oven returns to the required temperature after placement of containers 3.4 Replace lids before cooling to ambient temperature in desiccators at the end of prescribed drying period 3.5 Weigh the containers with lids and dried contents after cooling |
4. Calculate results | 4.1 Express moisture content as a percentage of the weight of the original sample 4.2 Report result of test |
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:
calculate weights and percentages
cut and grind seeds
determine the moisture content of seeds for routine use by an oven method
prepare working samples
weigh containers and seed samples
calculate and report results
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
apparatus used in seed moisture testing
enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements
enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)
relevant health, safety and environment requirements
the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing
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 testing (SDT)