Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:23 AM AWST
22/07/2026 11:23 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.
Develop a plan for a hydroponic system
Develop a plan for a hydroponic system
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCHYD501A
AHCHYD501A
State Code
D6838
D6838
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2011
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
13/12/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of designing a hydroponic system and describes the standard required to: research the growing requirements, risks and returns of the proposed crop; survey the site for suitability and environmental impacts, and gain approvals; select or design s system and customise it for the site and purpose; develop a design plan including costings, specifications and on-site procedures and schedules.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Carry out preliminary research
- 1.1. Type of crop to be grown is researched based on sound marketing principles
- 1.2. The growing requirements of the crop are researched based on sound horticultural practices
- 1.3. The associated risks of growing a particular crop are established based on sound horticultural practices
- 1.4. Estimated yield and crop turnover time is calculated from historical data and research statistics
- 1.5. Quantity of the plants to be grown is determined based on a cost benefit analysis
2. Assess the suitability of a site
- 2.1. The physical characteristics of the site are assessed
- 2.2. The proximity of the site to markets is ascertained and assessed
- 2.3. Legal requirements in relation to the site and the development of a hydroponic farm are identified
- 2.4. The environmental implications of developing a hydroponic farm on the site are identified and considered
3. Select the required system
- 3.1. Main types of hydroponic systems are researched
- 3.2. Analysis is carried out on each type of system for the chosen crops
- 3.3. A cost/benefit analysis is carried out on each system for each type of crop required
- 3.4. The type of hydroponic system to be installed is determined
4. Design the hydroponic system
- 4.1. The water collection and storage system is selected and documented on the plan
- 4.2. The irrigation system and components are selected according to the required volume of water and flow rate
- 4.3. The fertigation system is selected and documented
- 4.4. The dimensions of the controlled environment structure are determined following full consideration of the relevant factors
- 4.5. Environmental control system is determined and specifications documented on the plan
5. Prepare and document the design
- 5.1. A design plan drawn to scale is developed, which can be readily interpreted and understood
- 5.2. Specifications and detailed costings are determined with the help of experts, if required
- 5.3. Detailed on-site procedures and schedules required for production are developed and documented
- 5.4. Documentation is presented to the client or management for final approval
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Hydroponic systems may include:
recirculating such as:
gravity fed
non-recirculating systems.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Hydroponic systems may include:
recirculating such as:
gravity fed
non-recirculating systems.
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:
research the growing requirements, risks and returns of the proposed crop
survey the site for suitability and environmental impacts, and gain approvals
select or design a system and customise it for the site and purpose
develop a design plan including costings, specifications and on-site procedures and schedules.
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.
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:
research the growing requirements, risks and returns of the proposed crop
survey the site for suitability and environmental impacts, and gain approvals
select or design a system and customise it for the site and purpose
develop a design plan including costings, specifications and on-site procedures and schedules.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3308 | RTF5302A | Develop a plan for a hydroponic system | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAO82 | AHCHYD501 | Develop a plan for a hydroponic system | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D516 | AHC50410 | Diploma of Horticulture | Qualification |
| D515 | AHC50310 | Diploma of Production Horticulture | Qualification |