Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit covers the process of determining the timing and amount of each irrigation to meet crop or plant needs and environmental requirements, and defines the standard required to: use and maintain in-field equipment that monitors the plant environment; incorporate data from monitoring sources into scheduling systems; monitor crop/plant water use; assess efficacy of irrigation; record irrigation and scheduling parameters; plan for extremes of weather. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit relates to scheduling for an irrigation system will be carried out without supervision but with general guidance on progress. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not Applicable
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Monitor crop/plant water use |
1.1. Water use is measured or estimated from one or more systems. 1.2. Water is accumulated as a soil water deficit in the root zone. |
2. Apply a measured amount of water |
2.1. A pre-determined deficit is predicted using a scheduling system(s). 2.2. Irrigation is applied to partly or fully replace the deficit. 2.3. Where appropriate, water quantities are increased to ensure dilution and transport of toxic solutes below the root zone. |
3. Assess efficacy of irrigation and repeat cycles of irrigation |
3.1. Effectiveness of irrigation application with in-field equipment is measured. 3.2. The estimated soil moisture level in scheduling system is adjusted to match that measured. 3.3. Where necessary, the scheduling system(s) is recalibrated. 3.4. Cycles of irrigation are repeated until schedule is correctly established. |
4. Record irrigation and scheduling parameters |
4.1. Each irrigation and significant rainfall event, plus other appropriate parameters used in scheduling system, are recorded. 4.2. Drainage amount below root zone at each irrigation is estimated and recorded. 4.3. System performance data is recorded. |
5. Plan for extremes of weather |
5.1. Estimated deficits are modified to cater for any prolonged saturation following heavy rainfall. 5.2. Shift areas, and where applicable, application rates, are altered to suit appropriate irrigation schedules that minimise frost damage. 5.3. Strategies involving prioritising of plants/crops and intermittent irrigation are implemented at times of extreme heat. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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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:
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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. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. |
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Types of irrigation systems may include: |
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Irrigation systems may range from: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Irrigation |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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Competency field
Competency field |