Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What constitutes media components?
Organic or inorganic materials that provide an anchor for the root system of the plant, and make available nutrients either directly or indirectly to the root zone. These materials would be compatible to plant health.

What is the purpose of the growing media?
A growing media provides water, air and nutrients through the root system to the plants depending on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the media. Each plant may require different components, and there may be a variation in those requirements according to the growth cycle of the plant.

What are the nutrient requirements for plants?
Plants require different nutrient levels at different stages of growth. These nutrients include air, water, macro-nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium), and micro-nutrients and trace elements. Nutrient requirements might be determined by plant analysis, by experience and experimenting, or by accessing information from research papers.

What are the physical, chemical and biological characteristics being referred to in a growing media?
Physical characteristics may include colour, texture, structure, and any impermeable layer that may exist. Chemical characteristics may include pH, salinity, free lime and nutrient content. Biological characteristics may include decaying plant material, humus and microbiotic content.

Under what circumstances would sterilization be used?
Sterilization may be used to destroy soil or media borne pathogens known to be harmful to plants or seedlings. The acceptable techniques may include high temperature or chemicals.

What sort of equipment may be required for the preparation of the growing media?
This will vary in size depending on the extent of the operation. The equipment will range from wheelbarrows and shovels to bobcats and front end loaders. Weighing and volume measuring apparatus will also be necessary.

What is the production requirement of the growing media?
The production requirement is the recipe of component materials that provides the media with the physical, chemical and biological characteristics required for the particular plant to grow.

What are enterprise standards?
Enterprise standards constitute the normal practice for storage of materials. In this instance, it would include direction on OHS, equipment use, hygiene and maintenance of product, and recordkeeping guidelines.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in this unit requires evidence that a person can research and identify the requirements of a growing media to satisfy the physical, chemical and biological needs of particular plants. This results in the development and description of a recipe of component materials for the growing media.Competence must also be shown in mixing the growing media from its constituent components in a safe and accurate manner, and to a level of hygiene required by the particular plants.The skills and knowledge required to must be transferable to different work environments and workplace contexts, including waste organic recycling manufacturers, and can be extended to other plant species.
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:

requirements of a growing media
ingredients used in the preparation of growing media
properties of the various ingredients used in the preparation of the growing media
physical, chemical and biological characteristics required of the media
plant nutrition
hygiene in the preparation and storage of the media
alternative methods of incorporating ingredients into a growing media
volume and weight determination
OHS requirements in relation to chemical use.

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:

collect and analyse data
interpret published research and historical records to identify acceptable media parameters
interpret chemical labels
record and store information
weigh and measure volumes
operate machinery
co-ordinate own activities
determine requirements and schedules of contractors and other work colleagues.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?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
Written, oral and telecommunication of ideas and information relating to design, preparation and storage of growing media activities, and problems encountered will be required with the work group, supervisor and contractors. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Research will be required to ascertain the composition of the growing media. This will require interpretation and analysis of research documents from websites, professional journals or company records. Information collected may be included in company or personal records. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Work activities for co-workers, contractors and self will be planned prior to and adjusted during preparation and storage activities. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In the preparation and storage of the growing media, contractors and co-workers will participate in the process. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In the design of the recipe for the growing media, the amounts and volumes required for the component parts will be determined, and any adjustments will be calculated according to amount to be manufactured. In preparation, correct amounts (by volume or weight) of the components need to be determined for mixing. (3)

Solving problems
The calculation of new recipes for different plant species, and in the event certain components are unavailable, may require different solutions for the growing media. Site contingencies, personnel difficulties and timeline failures may require problem-solving techniques. (3)

Using technology
Technological understanding and skills will be required to access and apply specifications for the growing media, communicate, report and keep records. (2)