Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What agricultural crops does this unit cover?
Agricultural crops covered by this unit include wheat and coarse grains, cotton, grain legumes, oilseeds, sugar, temperate and tropical pastures.

What actions will need to be recorded, and how might they be documented?
All chemical usage should be recorded as well as any necessary recording of vehicle and equipment use in logbooks. Additionally, any assessment of pests and weeds, protein levels, quality and yield should be recorded appropriately. Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What might the alternatives be when controlling pests and diseases?
Alternatives to such chemical methods may include altering management methods, considering the way that water is supplied to the crop, and using mechanical methods.

How are the fertilisers and other amendments selected?
Fertilisers and other amendments used will be dependent on nutrient levels, trace elements, acidity, alkalinity, texture and other physical characteristics of the soil, and the growth stage of the crop.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise OHS risk?
The range of actions are both systemic and at an operational level. These are listed below.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
Boots, hat/hard hat, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection (sun hat, sun screen).

What specialist sprays may be included?
The specialist sprays may include fertilisers, soil ameliorants, defoliants and insecticides.

Which sprays will be applied to the crop?
Chemicals used for invertebrate, disease and weed control will depend on the growth stage of the crop.

How will moisture status and needs of crops be monitored?
They will be monitored using an evaporation pan, rain gauge or other methods.

What environmental implications may be associated with cleaning and maintenance procedures?
Detrimental environmental impacts may result from excessive noise and exhaust emissions, the incorrect use and disposal of maintenance debris (oils, containers, chemical residues), and hazardous substances (fuel). Impacts may also include run-off flows of water and cleaning agents from servicing, maintenance and cleaning activities.

What equipment will be used?
2WD, 4WD and crawlers, appropriate mechanical loader e.g., front-end loader, hydraulic crane, block and tackle, sprayer equipment, fertiliser applicator or spreader, chipping hoe, cultivation equipment, and irrigation equipment.

What agricultural crops does this unit cover?
Agricultural crops covered by this unit include wheat and coarse grains, cotton, grain legumes, oilseeds, sugar, temperate and tropical pastures.

What actions will need to be recorded, and how might they be documented?
All chemical usage should be recorded as well as any necessary recording of vehicle and equipment use in logbooks. Additionally, any assessment of pests and weeds, protein levels, quality and yield should be recorded appropriately. Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What might the alternatives be when controlling pests and diseases?
Alternatives to such chemical methods may include altering management methods, considering the way that water is supplied to the crop, and using mechanical methods.

How are the fertilisers and other amendments selected?
Fertilisers and other amendments used will be dependent on nutrient levels, trace elements, acidity, alkalinity, texture and other physical characteristics of the soil, and the growth stage of the crop.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise OHS risk?
The range of actions are both systemic and at an operational level. These are listed below.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
Boots, hat/hard hat, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection (sun hat, sun screen).

What specialist sprays may be included?
The specialist sprays may include fertilisers, soil ameliorants, defoliants and insecticides.

Which sprays will be applied to the crop?
Chemicals used for invertebrate, disease and weed control will depend on the growth stage of the crop.

How will moisture status and needs of crops be monitored?
They will be monitored using an evaporation pan, rain gauge or other methods.

What environmental implications may be associated with cleaning and maintenance procedures?
Detrimental environmental impacts may result from excessive noise and exhaust emissions, the incorrect use and disposal of maintenance debris (oils, containers, chemical residues), and hazardous substances (fuel). Impacts may also include run-off flows of water and cleaning agents from servicing, maintenance and cleaning activities.

What equipment will be used?
2WD, 4WD and crawlers, appropriate mechanical loader e.g., front-end loader, hydraulic crane, block and tackle, sprayer equipment, fertiliser applicator or spreader, chipping hoe, cultivation equipment, and irrigation equipment.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in maintaining agricultural crops requires evidence that fertilisers and other chemicals are applied in a sound manner at the right time in the growth cycle for the crop in order that undesirable results and run-off do not occur.
The skills and knowledge required to maintain agricultural crops must be transferable to a different work environment for example, over the entire growth cycle of the crop.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturers instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
potential hazards associated with the operation of basic tools and equipment
general machine maintenance procedures
machinery operating principles and operating methods
environmental impacts associated with the operation of machinery and equipment in a harvesting context
organisation recording and reporting procedures
organisation moisture and hygiene requirements for agricultural crops and equipment that comes into contact with the crop
types and uses of herbicides, insecticides and other pesticides and alternative pest control methods (non-chemical).

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

detect differences and variations in crop health
to report/communicate such differences to the supervisor/farm owner
observe and report on health and growth of the crop
read and interpret manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturers instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
potential hazards associated with the operation of basic tools and equipment
general machine maintenance procedures
machinery operating principles and operating methods
environmental impacts associated with the operation of machinery and equipment in a harvesting context
organisation recording and reporting procedures
organisation moisture and hygiene requirements for agricultural crops and equipment that comes into contact with the crop
types and uses of herbicides, insecticides and other pesticides and alternative pest control methods (non-chemical).

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

detect differences and variations in crop health
to report/communicate such differences to the supervisor/farm owner
observe and report on health and growth of the crop
read and interpret manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
In dealing with the full range of field staff and industry participants. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
In dealing with the full range of field staff and industry participants. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In collecting and interpreting information to do with crop growth performance and maintenance. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In collecting and interpreting information to do with crop growth performance and maintenance. (2)

Planning and organising activities
In preparing for, undertaking and completing application of crop improvement operations. (2)

Planning and organising activities
In preparing for, undertaking and completing application of crop improvement operations. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In methods and procedures to complete seeding operations according to work plan requirements. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In methods and procedures to complete seeding operations according to work plan requirements. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating loads, yields and crop quality to estimate the required amounts of farm chemicals and fertiliser. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating loads, yields and crop quality to estimate the required amounts of farm chemicals and fertiliser. (2)

Solving problems
By accessing information from supervisors and in the operation of equipment. (2)

Solving problems
By accessing information from supervisors and in the operation of equipment. (2)

Using technology
In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during, the crop harvest - communication technology, calculating equipment, and measuring equipment. (2)

Using technology
In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during, the crop harvest - communication technology, calculating equipment, and measuring equipment. (2)