Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:40 AM AWST

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Schedule irrigations

Schedule irrigations

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG408A
State Code
D6886
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/04/2013
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
11/04/2013
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit covers the process of determining the timing and amount of each irrigation to meet crop or plant needs and environmental requirements, and defines the standard required to: use and maintain in-field equipment that monitors the plant environment; incorporate data from monitoring sources into scheduling systems; monitor crop/plant water use; assess efficacy of irrigation; record irrigation and scheduling parameters; plan for extremes of weather.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Monitor crop/plant water use
  • 1.1. Water use is measured or estimated from one or more systems.
  • 1.2. Water is accumulated as a soil water deficit in the root zone.
2. Apply a measured amount of water
  • 2.1. A pre-determined deficit is predicted using a scheduling system(s).
  • 2.2. Irrigation is applied to partly or fully replace the deficit.
  • 2.3. Where appropriate, water quantities are increased to ensure dilution and transport of toxic solutes below the root zone.
3. Assess efficacy of irrigation and repeat cycles of irrigation
  • 3.1. Effectiveness of irrigation application with in-field equipment is measured.
  • 3.2. The estimated soil moisture level in scheduling system is adjusted to match that measured.
  • 3.3. Where necessary, the scheduling system(s) is recalibrated.
  • 3.4. Cycles of irrigation are repeated until schedule is correctly established.
4. Record irrigation and scheduling parameters
  • 4.1. Each irrigation and significant rainfall event, plus other appropriate parameters used in scheduling system, are recorded.
  • 4.2. Drainage amount below root zone at each irrigation is estimated and recorded.
  • 4.3. System performance data is recorded.
5. Plan for extremes of weather
  • 5.1. Estimated deficits are modified to cater for any prolonged saturation following heavy rainfall.
  • 5.2. Shift areas, and where applicable, application rates, are altered to suit appropriate irrigation schedules that minimise frost damage.
  • 5.3. Strategies involving prioritising of plants/crops and intermittent irrigation are implemented at times of extreme heat.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Types of irrigation systems may include:
micro
spray
gravity fed
border check systems
Irrigation systems may range from:
manual operation and monitoring to fully automated with computer control and monitoring.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
use and maintain in-field equipment that monitors the plant environment
incorporate data from monitoring sources into scheduling systems
monitor crop/plant water use
assess efficacy of irrigation
record irrigation and scheduling parameters
plan for extremes of weather
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3652 RTE4605A Schedule irrigations Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAQ75 AHCIRG408 Schedule irrigations Unit of competency