Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify crop requirements
- Crop growth and production requirements are determined according to a documented production plan.
- Environmental parameters for optimal growing conditions for the specific crop are researched using available information resources.
- Controlled growing environment factors are identified, evaluated and recorded.
- Determine requirements for controlled growing environment
- Structures, machinery, equipment and resources required to control environmental conditions are identified, costed and availability confirmed.
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented.
- Detrimental environmental impacts associated with the controlled growing environment system are identified and controls sanctioned.
- Prepare a management plan for controlled growing environment
- Management objectives for controlled growing environment are determined consistent with production plan and market requirements for crop quantity and quality.
- A schedule of environmental control procedures is developed according to controlled environment management objectives.
- Staff training needs are evaluated in regard to operation and maintenance of environmental control systems, and reported.
- A budget supporting the controlled environment management plan is documented and approval sought.
- The schedule of environmental control procedures is communicated clearly to staff.
- Manage controlled growing environment
- Controlled environment indicators and thresholds for remedial action are identified for monitoring according to industry best practice.
- Monitoring frequency and schedule is developed according to the requirements of the production plan and communicated clearly to staff.
- All monitoring data is recorded, analysed and applied to management of the controlled environment system to ensure optimal plant development.
- Remedial action undertaken is documented and reported.
- Costs of the controlled growing environment system are monitored against budget.
- Budget adjustments are recorded and reported.
- Recorded information, budget data and production outputs are evaluated and operational achievements towards management objectives are documented in a report.