Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comment |
1 |
AHCv1.0 |
Initial release |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor and control the nutritional requirements of and applications to plants across a range of situations and environments.
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.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil.
Unit Sector
Plants culture and management (PCM)
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 implementation of the plant nutrition program |
1.1 Identify goals, target site, soils, plant species and varieties for implementing the program 1.2 Identify materials for soil and plant treatments and locate the storage site or supplier details 1.3 Locate services using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor 1.4 Identify work health and safety hazard, assess risks and implement control measures 1.5 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2. Monitor soil pH |
2.1 Monitor soil pH in the implementation site in relation to plant nutrition 2.2 Identify, select, compare and source products useful in changing soil pH 2.3 Assess product application methods according to product type and type of growing media |
3. Determine nutritional problems in plants |
3.1 Identify common nutrient deficiency and toxicity problems in plants, using visual inspection 3.2 Consult supervisor or horticulturist, as required, to determine causes of nutritional or toxicity problems 3.3 Identify, compare, select and source soil ameliorants to improve soil fertility |
4. Prepare to use fertilisers |
4.1 Select a fertiliser that is compatible with plant species and type of growing media 4.2 Assess fertiliser application methods, taking into account the fertiliser type, soils and the environmental implications 4.3 Apply fertilisers appropriate to the plant growing cycle and the organisation’s fertiliser calendar |
5. Prepare application equipment |
5.1 Select tools, equipment and machinery 5.2 Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery 5.3 Calibrate tools, equipment and machinery |
6. Apply specific products at appropriate rates |
6.1 Select specific products based on their analysis to meet plant needs 6.2 Calculate product application rates to optimise plant benefit and minimise environmental impact 6.3 Apply specific products at the correct rate, timing and method according to the product type and analysis and with consideration of the environmental implications 6.4 Record product applications 6.5 Monitor, document and report target plant response to the plant nutrition program, as well as non-target effects responses including environmental impacts or pests |
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range of Conditions
Unit Mapping Information
This unit is equivalent to AHCPCM301A Implement a plant nutrition program.
Links
Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72