Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:53 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:53 PM 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.
Implement an irrigation schedule
Implement an irrigation schedule
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG327A
AHCIRG327A
State Code
WE033
WE033
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/06/2014
Field of Education
059999 - Agriculture, Environmental And Related Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This Unit covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor available soil moisture and implement a documented irrigation schedule, including consultation with the manager. The Unit requires the ability to: estimate water availability for plants/crops; determine irrigation shifts and rates from the irrigation schedule; test soil moisture levels; monitor and record irrigation data; and evaluate effectiveness of irrigation.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Interpret the irrigation schedule
- 1.1 Information on plant growing requirements is obtained
- 1.2 Moisture requirement throughout the growing season is interpreted
- 1.3 Predicted seasonal moisture deficit and watering requirements are read and checked with management
- 1.4 Parameters for the irrigation system are recorded
2 Determine irrigation shifts
- 2.1 The irrigated area is subdivided into the smallest units capable of individual irrigation and area, and irrigation equipment characteristics are noted for each
- 2.2 Each unit is defined for its soil irrigation capability
- 2.3 The crop/plant water requirement is defined for each unit
- 2.4 Units requiring similar irrigation are combined to form a shift that does not exceed the water delivery capacity of the property irrigation infrastructure
- 2.5 Water volume required to meet irrigation needs over specified period is determined
3 Implement irrigation schedule
- 3.1 Resources are coordinated and personnel briefed to deliver requirements
- 3.2 Watering program is implemented
4 Monitor irrigation
- 4.1 Plants and crops are inspected for growth rate and signs of stress
- 4.2 Frequency of irrigation is recorded
- 4.3 Water usage is measured and recorded, and does not exceed water allocation for a given period
- 4.4 Differences between estimated water use and actual water used are calculated
- 4.5 Water quality is measured according to enterprise OHS policy and procedures
- 4.6 Plant or crop growth and water use efficiency is assessed
- 4.7 Soil is measured for readily available water
- 4.8 Climate and weather conditions are recorded
- 4.9 Watering program is adjusted in response to rainfall events and changes to evapotranspiration rates
5 Record irrigation information and activities
- 5.1 Plant or crop environment data is recorded
- 5.2 Water usage is recorded
- 5.3 Irrigation shifts are recorded
- 5.4 System process data is recorded
The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Irrigation schedules may include:
any system that schedules irrigation water through a growing season. Schedules may be based on:
soil-based systems, monitoring soil moisture
climate-based systems
plant-based systems, monitoring the plant
a combination of the above.
Irrigation schedules may include:
any system that schedules irrigation water through a growing season. Schedules may be based on:
soil-based systems, monitoring soil moisture
climate-based systems
plant-based systems, monitoring the plant
a combination of the above.
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:
estimate water availability for plants/crops
determine irrigation shifts and rates
test soil moisture levels
monitor and record irrigation data
evaluate effectiveness of irrigation.
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.
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:
estimate water availability for plants/crops
determine irrigation shifts and rates
test soil moisture levels
monitor and record irrigation data
evaluate effectiveness of irrigation.
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAQ78 | AHCIRG327 | Implement an irrigation schedule | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J156 | AHC32412 | Certificate III in Irrigation | Qualification |
| J269 | AHC33412 | Certificate III in Seed Production | Qualification |