Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain seed crops. It applies to workers on properties where commercial seed production is undertaken. Workers operate with some judgement and discretion and work would normally be carried out under minimal supervision within enterprise requirements and procedures.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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. Assess seed crop | 1.1 Monitor crops to assess their condition and needs and report observations 1.2 Identify, monitor and report pests and diseases at nominated threshold levels 1.3 Establish sites for regular measurement of soil moisture in consultation with directions 1.4 Use soil probe to measure moisture levels and soil water percentage calculated |
2. Apply fertiliser and amendments | 2.1 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement suitable controls 2.2 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) 2.3 Apply specialist sprays according to label directions and industry standards for growth stages 2.4 Carry out chipping or spot spraying as required 2.5 Assess, record and report crop growth stages 2.6 Apply water according to the identified need 2.7 Undertake all applications in the full consideration of adverse environmental impacts |
3. Monitor crop condition, growth and requirements | 3.1 Monitor crop maturity and report the possible need for further applications 3.2 Monitor the health of the crop and report deviation from expected growth and vigour 3.3 Report observations of crop ripening for the timing of harvest to be determined by contractors and property manager |
4. Complete cleaning and hygiene operations | 4.1 Clean equipment in accordance with certified seed procedures 4.2 Dispose of all containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the maintenance and servicing work 4.3 Complete records and documentation |
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:
implement pest and disease control strategies
monitor crops for levels of pests and diseases and moisture
monitor the health and maturity of the crop
complete records and documentation accurately and promptly
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of seed crop maintenance
appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturer’s instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
contractor machinery cleanliness
environmental impacts associated with the operation of machinery and equipment in a harvesting context
general machine maintenance procedures
hygiene requirements for agricultural crops and equipment that comes into contact with the crop
machinery operating principles and safe operating methods
organisation recording and reporting procedures
potential hazards associated with the operation of basic tools and equipment
signs of pest and disease infestation (such as bacterial wilt in lucerne), moisture stress and nutrient deficiencies
symptoms of crop lacking health and vigour
types and uses of herbicides, insecticides and other pesticides and alternative pest control methods (non-chemical)
work health and safety and pesticides legislative and enterprise requirements
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
Seed production (SPD)