Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare mushroom substrate either in a general mushroom farming enterprise or in a specialist substrate preparation enterprise. It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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 each process stage | 1.1 Confirm work requirements with supervisor 1.2 Check and prepare tools, machinery and equipment 1.3 Report and fix faults or variations from required settings 1.4 Follow site quarantine protocols and farm and personal hygiene requirements |
2. Fill units with mushroom substrate | 2.1 Operate filling equipment at a speed that maintains continuous operation 2.2 Fill units with mushroom substrate |
3. Assist with spawning processes | 3.1 Inspect and report any abnormalities found in spawn 3.2 Mix spawn into mushroom substrate 3.3 Check spawn usage rate and report any observed variation 3.4 Apply and mix supplement if required 3.5 Install spawned mushroom substrate in spawn run rooms 3.6 Take samples of mushroom substrate 3.7 Check mushroom substrate for presence of pests and take remedial action if required |
4. Prepare and apply casing mixture | 4.1 Assemble and check required quantities of pesticides, peat, limestone and additives for casing 4.2 Blend casing ingredients according to farm procedures 4.3 Take samples of prepared casing and mushroom substrate before casing has been added 4.4 Apply and mix supplement if required 4.5 Check casing depth, structure and consistency and report any variation |
5. Finalise mushroom substrate processes | 5.1 Clean, check and return equipment and tools 5.2 Clean up at the end of each process stage 5.3 Complete records legibly and accurately 5.4 Report work outcomes and seek feedback on performance |
Evidence of 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:
maintain site quarantine protocols and personal hygiene
fill units with mushroom substrate
apply spawn into mushroom substrate
prepare and apply casing mixture
accurately complete records
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of mushroom substrates
farm standards and procedures, including those relating to workplace health and safety, food safety, HACCP, quality systems and emergency procedures
the impact on the rest of mushroom production cycle of deviations of mushroom substrate quality from farm standards for substrate
the mushroom production cycle
substrate production
site quarantine protocols
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Production horticulture (PHT)