List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine requirements for an agricultural crop establishment program | 1.1 Select plant varieties that are best suited to soil, climate, seasonal conditions and marketing goals 1.2 Determine required irrigation schedules where required for each soil and crop type based on assessed water requirements, rainfall and evapotranspiration data 1.3 Assess nutrient requirements for crops to determine appropriate fertiliser program 1.4 Assess technology to ensure most efficient performance of operations 1.5 Identify and maintain budgetary constraints 1.6 Develop a crop establishment program appropriate to the crop production plan 1.7 Identify work health and safety hazards and develop control strategies in establishing agricultural crops |
2. Implement crop maintenance | 2.1 Implement strategic grazing to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation 2.2 Determine fertiliser applications and rates appropriate to crop type and applied accordingly 2.3 Determine crop nutrient requirements to ensure sustainability and achievement of yield 2.4 Monitor soil moisture and adjust watering schedule if appropriate 2.5 Determine and implement processes to minimise waste and soil degradation appropriately |
3. Monitor an agricultural crop through to harvest | 3.1 Determine longer term trends in weed, pest and disease incidence, and implement any necessary changes to control measures 3.2 Monitor soil structure and erosion and determine necessary changes to cultural practices, grazing management and drainage 3.3 Check and maintain irrigation and drainage systems 3.4 Monitor grazing management to ensure crop production levels 3.5 Monitor crop maturity and undertake harvesting to meet marketing and production targets |
4. Implement the harvest strategy | 4.1 Follow the harvesting plan to apply pre-harvest pest control treatments where weather patterns permit 4.2 Ensure adherence to all work health and safety and environmental requirements throughout the application of preharvest treatments and throughout the harvest 4.3 Ensure that all required labour and equipment is ready and available at the scheduled place and time 4.4 Commence the harvest at the scheduled time 4.5 Follow the order of the harvest described in the harvesting plan 4.6 Monitor harvesting operations and adjust to allow for weather, contracting and equipment maintenance needs 4.7 Instruct truck, tractor and harvester operators on procedures to deliver each crop load at maximum quality |
5. Record production | 5.1 Maintain appropriate records of production for analysis and evaluation of production performance |
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
apply environmental protection strategies in land use
set objectives and milestones for a cropping program
determine soil quality and land use capability
determine crop nutrient requirements and fertiliser requirements
measure and assess quantities of fertiliser to meet plant requirements
predict patterns of weed infestation
manage irrigation processes to avoid soil degradation if applicable
demonstrate use of technology to improve efficiency
prepare budgets
develop a cropping program for an enterprise
plan for crop establishment
monitor growing crops, provide inputs and carry out cultural practices as required
develop a plan for the crop harvest
monitor crop yields and evaluate production performance
implement work health and safety policies in the context of the work team
implement enterprise environmental sustainability practices in the context of the work team.
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
land and soil conditions
effects of soil characteristics on nutrient availability
role of technology in improving efficiency
budgeting and financial analysis techniques
environmental protection strategies
cultivation requirements for different types of crop
safe handling processes for fertilisers
infestation patterns for different types of weed
integrated strategies for the management of pests, weeds and diseases
work health and safety legislative requirements
environmental legislation and codes of practice, relating to farm production.