Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine the requirements of a growing media for various plants and preparing and storing the media in accordance with the production specifications.
This unit 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 to work | 1.1 Clarify work instructions with supervisor 1.2 Prepare tools and equipment 1.3 Identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures 1.4 Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2. Confirm specifications of growing media | 2.1 Investigate and select various media components for specific plant requirements 2.2 Determine nutrient requirements for growing period 2.3 Determine growing media by plant requirements and accepted industry practice 2.4 Investigate sources of nutrients for their suitability 2.5 Analyse growing media for chemical, physical and biological characteristics to confirm suitability for plants 2.6 Determine sterilisation methods of the growing media |
3. Prepare and store growing media | 3.1 Establish growing media composition 3.2 Maintain soil mixing equipment in a clean and effective condition 3.3 Store components in a safe and hygienic manner 3.4 Weigh and mix components into the growing media 3.5 Dispose of waste in an environmentally safe manner 3.6 Store growing media is stored in safe and hygienic manner 3.7 Keep records |
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:
collect and analyse data
confirm specifications of growing media
interpret chemical labels
prepare growing media
store growing media
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for preparing growing media
alternative methods of incorporating ingredients into a growing media
hygiene in the preparation and storage of the media
ingredients used in the preparation of growing media
physical, chemical and biological characteristics required of the media
plant nutrition
properties of the various ingredients used in the preparation of the growing media
requirements of a growing media
volume and weight determination
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
Soils and media (SOL)