Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:44 AM AWST

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Manage a controlled growing environment

Manage a controlled growing environment

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPHT503A
State Code
D7201
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
20/02/2013
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
20/02/2013
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of managing controlled growing environments, and defines the standard required to: identify the growing requirements of the crop; prepare specifications for controlled growing infrastructure; develop a management plan to cover staff training, budgets, operating procedures and remedial actions; develop environmental monitoring procedures; and evaluate and document the achievements towards management objectives.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify crop requirements
  • 1.1. Crop growth and production requirements are determined according to a documented production plan.
  • 1.2. Environmental parameters for optimal growing conditions for the specific crop are researched using available information resources.
  • 1.3. Controlled growing environment factors are identified, evaluated and recorded.
2. Determine requirements for controlled growing environment
  • 2.1. Structures, machinery, equipment and resources required to control environmental conditions are identified, costed and availability confirmed.
  • 2.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented.
  • 2.3. Detrimental environmental impacts associated with the controlled growing environment system are identified and controls sanctioned.
3. Prepare a management plan for controlled growing environment
  • 3.1. Management objectives for controlled growing environment are determined consistent with production plan and market requirements for crop quantity and quality.
  • 3.2. A schedule of environmental control procedures is developed according to controlled environment management objectives.
  • 3.3. Staff training needs are evaluated in regard to operation and maintenance of environmental control systems, and reported.
  • 3.4. A budget supporting the controlled environment management plan is documented and approval sought.
  • 3.5. The schedule of environmental control procedures is communicated clearly to staff.
4. Manage controlled growing environment
  • 4.1. Controlled environment indicators and thresholds for remedial action are identified for monitoring according to industry best practice.
  • 4.2. Monitoring frequency and schedule is developed according to the requirements of the production plan and communicated clearly to staff.
  • 4.3. All monitoring data is recorded, analysed and applied to management of the controlled environment system to ensure optimal plant development.
  • 4.4. Remedial action undertaken is documented and reported.
  • 4.5. Costs of the controlled growing environment system are monitored against budget.
  • 4.6. Budget adjustments are recorded and reported.
  • 4.7. Recorded information, budget data and production outputs are evaluated and operational achievements towards management objectives are documented in a report.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Plants may include:
flower
foliage crops
oil crops
vegetables
fruit
nuts
mushroom crops
containerised plants
open-rooted grown plants.
Growing environment factors may include:
relevant aspects of ambient humidity
light
growing media mean temperature
season and day length
air quality
nutrient and dissolved gas availability
toxicities and deficiencies
weeds
pests
diseases and beneficial organisms
site aspect and slope
natural and artificial water supplies.
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:
identify the growing requirements of the crop
prepare specifications for controlled growing infrastructure
develop a management plan to cover staff training, budgets, operating procedures and remedial actions
develop environmental monitoring procedures
evaluate and document the achievements towards management objectives.
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
S3335 RTF5012A Manage a controlled growing environment Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAP38 AHCPHT503 Manage a controlled growing environment Unit of competency