ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Interpret the irrigation schedule

1.1 Information on plant growing requirements is obtained

1.2 Moisture requirement throughout the growing season is interpreted

1.3 Predicted seasonal moisture deficit and watering requirements are read and checked with management

1.4 Parameters for the irrigation system are recorded

2 Determine irrigation shifts

2.1 The irrigated area is subdivided into the smallest units capable of individual irrigation and area, and irrigation equipment characteristics are noted for each

2.2 Each unit is defined for its soil irrigation capability

2.3 The crop/plant water requirement is defined for each unit

2.4 Units requiring similar irrigation are combined to form a shift that does not exceed the water delivery capacity of the property irrigation infrastructure

2.5 Water volume required to meet irrigation needs over specified period is determined

3 Implement irrigation schedule

3.1 Resources are coordinated and personnel briefed to deliver requirements

3.2 Watering program is implemented

4 Monitor irrigation

4.1 Plants and crops are inspected for growth rate and signs of stress

4.2 Frequency of irrigation is recorded

4.3 Water usage is measured and recorded, and does not exceed water allocation for a given period

4.4 Differences between estimated water use and actual water used are calculated

4.5 Water quality is measured according to enterprise OHS policy and procedures

4.6 Plant or crop growth and water use efficiency is assessed

4.7 Soil is measured for readily available water

4.8 Climate and weather conditions are recorded

4.9 Watering program is adjusted in response to rainfall events and changes to evapotranspiration rates

5 Record irrigation information and activities

5.1 Plant or crop environment data is recorded

5.2 Water usage is recorded

5.3 Irrigation shifts are recorded

5.4 System process data is recorded

Required skills include:

Ability to:

access and discuss irrigation schedule

interpret the information in an irrigation schedule

liaise with other work areas

consult with appropriate senior personnel or consultants

compare plant health and growth to benchmark requirements

identify irrigation requirements throughout the growing season by monitoring:

soil moisture levels

watertable level

water quality

signs of plant nutrient deficiencies

climatic conditions

frost risk

plant varietal characteristics and requirements

soil type and depth

crop stage and requirements if applicable

symptoms of water stress

effective root depth

implement the irrigation schedule. This may include consideration of:

resources, including operators with appropriate skills

application rates

timing and length

materials, chemicals, services

maintenance programs and supplies

interaction between different irrigation employees or shifts.

instruct irrigation system operator(s) as required

apply sampling techniques

conduct soil moisture tests

monitor irrigation activities. This may include:

identifying soil moisture content and depth to which water will reach

identifying emitter output consistency

take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results or non- compliance

report and/or record problems and/or corrective action taken

monitor the effectiveness of irrigation activities

monitor the environmental impact of irrigation activities

identify, rectify and/or report environmental non-compliance

maintain workplace records

maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

implement and follow relevant enterprise OHS and environmental policies and procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

effect of irrigation techniques on plant growth

visual symptoms of plant nutrient deficiencies, water stress and frost

principles of soil moisture monitoring eg volumetric soil moisture content, percentage compared to soil moisture tension

water budgeting tools

irrigation strategies

sampling techniques and procedures

testing techniques and procedures

interpretation of routine soil moisture tests

procedures and responsibility for reporting problems

resource requirements and availability

recording requirements and procedures

consultation requirements and procedures

OHS hazards and controls

environmental impacts, hazards and controls for irrigation.

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.

Overview of assessment

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:

estimate water availability for plants/crops

determine irrigation shifts and rates

test soil moisture levels

monitor and record irrigation data

evaluate effectiveness of irrigation.

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.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Irrigation schedules may include:

any system that schedules irrigation water through a growing season. Schedules may be based on:

soil-based systems, monitoring soil moisture

climate-based systems

plant-based systems, monitoring the plant

a combination of the above.