Develop a plan for a hydroponic system

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:27 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
AHCHYD502

State Code
OFF29

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
11/02/2025

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

11/08/2025

Field of Education

050301 - Horticulture

Original Release Date

11/08/2025

Nominal Hours

110

Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design a hydroponic system. It applies to those who design systems for hydroponic production of horticultural crops.The unit applies to individuals who apply specialist skills and knowledge to develop a plan for a hydroponic system, take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They analyse and synthesise information, and analyse, design and communicate solutions to sometimes complex problems.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace, and sustainability and biosecurity practices.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Carry out preliminary research

1.1 Research type of crop to be grown based on sound marketing principles
1.2 Research the growing requirements of the crop based on sound horticultural practices
1.3 Establish the associated risks of growing a particular crop based on sound horticultural practices
1.4 Identify growing media to be utilised, and calculate estimated number or volume of growing media required for crop establishment
1.5 Determine quantity of the plants to be grown based on a cost-benefit analysis

2. Assess the suitability of a site

2.1 Assess the physical characteristics of the site
2.2 Ascertain and assess the proximity of the site to markets
2.3 Identify local council,legislativeand regulatoryrequirements in relation to the site and the development of a hydroponic farm
2.4 Identify and consider the environmental implications of developing a hydroponic farm on the site

3. Select the required system

3.1 Research main types of hydroponic systems
3.2 Carry out analysis on each type of system for the chosen crops
3.3 Carry out a cost-benefit analysis on each system for each type of crop
3.4 Determine the type of hydroponic system to be installed

4. Design the hydroponic system

4.1 Identify the benefits and disadvantages of a closed and open hydroponic system
4.2 Select and document the water collection and storage system on the plan
4.3 Select the irrigation system and its components according to the required volume of water and flow rate
4.4 Select and document the fertigation system
4.5 Determine the dimensions of the controlled environment structure following full consideration of the relevant factors
4.6 Determine the environmental control system, and document specifications on the plan

5. Prepare and document the design

5.1 Develop a design plan
5.2 Determine specifications and detailed costings, with the help of experts if required
5.3 Develop and document detailed production procedures and schedules
5.4 Present design documentation to the client for approval

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BAO82	AHCHYD501	Develop a plan for a hydroponic system	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BJS1	AHC50324	Diploma of Production Horticulture	Qualification
BJT1	AHC40224	Certificate IV in Protected Horticulture	Qualification