Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and document a sports turf maintenance program.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. 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. Test soil and plant material | 1.1 Develop a soil and plant testing program which defines field and off-site testing activities, scheduling and information outcomes 1.2 Implement and monitor testing tasks and undertake remedial action 1.3 Present data and readings in a form that can be easily interpreted by the turf manager 1.4 Consider seasonal issues affecting test results from information on the turf species and cultivars, historical records and own experience 1.5 Determine nutritional status of the turf plant species and cultivars by analysing collected data and comparing with accepted standards |
2. Identify the requirements of a sports turf maintenance program | 2.1 Define the standards for turf presentation according to client requirements and industry best practice 2.2 Identify the different maintenance requirements for a range of conditions over the growing cycle 2.3 Select sports turf maintenance procedures to achieve the standards for turf presentation 2.4 Identify and confirm availability of resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for the sports turf maintenance program 2.5 Determine the most cost-effective approach to maintaining the sports turf playing surface |
3. Prepare and document the sports turf maintenance program | 3.1 Prepare detailed plan, specifications and quotation based on the requirements of the program 3.2 Develop and document on-site procedures and schedules for the sports turf maintenance program |
4. Monitor the sports turf maintenance program | 4.1 Monitor the program to ensure enterprise standards for presentation of sports turf playing surfaces are achieved 4.2 Review the sports turf maintenance program to ensure it remains responsive to changing conditions 4.3 Implement appropriate courses of action to overcome shortcomings in the program 4.4 Document and report remedial action undertaken to management |
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:
prepare an seasonal/annual program according to the requirements of the enterprise and the grounds maintenance budget
outline the scheduled activities in the sports turf maintenance program to green keeping staff and their respective roles and responsibilities
use existing information and records to determine a comprehensive maintenance program
monitor and review the program to ensure responsiveness to changing conditions
implement appropriate courses of action to overcome program shortcomings
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of maintaining a range of sports turf playing surfaces
growth habits and cultural requirements of specific turf plant species and cultivars under a range of soil and environmental conditions
maintenance requirements and practices for specific turf plant species and cultivars after initial establishment
nutrients required by specific turf plant species and cultivars and the effects of nutrient deficiency and toxicity on individual plant species and cultivars, including visual symptoms
plant diseases, pests and disorders and weeds of specific turf plant species and cultivars
site evaluation techniques including analysis of the condition of soils, plants, and the site for turf maintenance activities
soil ameliorants commonly required to treat the soil problems experienced by the enterprise
the characteristics of soil and other growth media types, uses and additives to enhance the available nutrition for specific turf plant species and cultivars
the main simple and compound fertiliser products available to the enterprise
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
Turf (TRF)