This unit applies to the preparation of growing media for growing plants. The preparation of growing media and is likely to be undertaken without supervision. General guidance may be sought.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Confirm specifications of growing media

1.1. Various media components are investigated for specific plant requirements.

1.2. Components of a growing media are determined by plant requirements and accepted industry practice.

1.3. Nutrient requirements are determined for growing period.

1.4. Different sources of nutrients are investigated for their suitability.

1.5. Growing media analysed for chemical, physical and biological characteristics to determine suitability for plants.

1.6. Sterilisation methods of the growing media are determined.

2. Prepare and store growing media

2.1. Growing media composition established.

2.2. Work is undertaken according to OHS legislation and codes of practice requirements.

2.3. Required equipment is maintained in a safe, clean and effective condition.

2.4. Components are stored in a safe and hygienic manner and in a non-contaminated environment.

2.5. Components are identified and weighed, mixed and incorporated into the growing media in accordance with production requirements.

2.6. Waste is handled and disposed of safely in accordance with relevant legislation and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

2.7. Work is undertaken according to OHS legislation and codes of practice requirements.

2.8. Media is stored in safe and hygienic manner in accordance with enterprise standards.

2.9. Records are kept in accordance with enterprise standards.

Required skills

collect and analyse data

interpret published research and historical records to identify acceptable media parameters

interpret chemical labels

record and store information

weigh and measure volumes

operate machinery

co-ordinate own activities

determine requirements and schedules of contractors and other work colleagues

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

requirements of a growing media

ingredients used in the preparation of growing media

properties of the various ingredients used in the preparation of the growing media

physical, chemical and biological characteristics required of the media

plant nutrition

hygiene in the preparation and storage of the media

alternative methods of incorporating ingredients into a growing media

volume and weight determination

OHS requirements in relation to chemical use.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

confirm specifications of growing media

prepare growing media

store growing media.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Ingredients may include:

those for growing media production and the range of plant requirements.

Unit sector

Soils and media

This unit contains employability skills.