Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for implementation of the plant nutrition program
- Identify goals, target site, soils, plant species and varieties for implementing the program
- Identify materials for soil and plant treatments and locate the storage site or supplier details
- Locate services using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor
- Identify work health and safety hazard, assess risks and implement control measures
- Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Monitor soil pH
- Determine nutritional problems in plants
- Prepare to use fertilisers
- Select a fertiliser that is compatible with plant species and type of growing media
- Assess fertiliser application methods, taking into account the fertiliser type, soils and the environmental implications
- Apply fertilisers appropriate to the plant growing cycle and the organisation’s fertiliser calendar
- Prepare application equipment
- Apply specific products at appropriate rates
- Select specific products based on their analysis to meet plant needs
- Calculate product application rates to optimise plant benefit and minimise environmental impact
- Apply specific products at the correct rate, timing and method according to the product type and analysis and with consideration of the environmental implications
- Record product applications
- Monitor, document and report target plant response to the plant nutrition program, as well as non-target effects responses including environmental impacts or pests