Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:23 PM AWST
22/07/2026 11:23 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.
Perform a seed moisture test
Perform a seed moisture test
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSDT305
AHCSDT305
State Code
BAR78
BAR78
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determination of the moisture content of seeds by an oven method for routine use. It applies to seed analysts working within enterprise requirements and procedures.It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for testing
- 1.1 Check submitted sample is in an intact, moisture-proof container with as much air as possible excluded
- 1.2 Select appropriate apparatus for seed moisture testing
- 1.3 Equilibrate temperature of submitted sample to that of the testing laboratory
- 1.4 Reduce exposure of sample to the atmosphere of the laboratory to an absolute minimum, according to the species and ISTA requirements
2. Prepare samples for drying
- 2.1 Mix submitted sample thoroughly
- 2.2 Take a minimum of three subsamples and combine to form a working sample of the required size
- 2.3 Limit exposure to air to thirty seconds during sample reduction
- 2.4 Where cutting or grinding is required, prepare one working sample so that two replicates can be drawn from the cut/ground material
- 2.5 Undertake pre-drying where moisture content exceeds International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) requirements
- 2.6 Weigh containers and lids before and after filling
- 2.7 Ensure weighing procedures conform with ISTA requirements and express weight in grams to at least three decimal places
- 2.8 Keep lids on containers until samples are placed in oven
3. Dry and weigh sample
- 3.1 Distribute working sample evenly over the surface of the container
- 3.2 Rapidly place open containers and their lids into an oven maintained at the required temperature for the species being tested
- 3.3 Commence drying period once oven returns to the required temperature after placement of containers
- 3.4 Replace lids before cooling to ambient temperature in desiccators at the end of prescribed drying period
- 3.5 Weigh the containers with lids and dried contents after cooling
4. Calculate results
- 4.1 Express moisture content as a percentage of the weight of the original sample
- 4.2 Report result of test
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WE652 | AHCSDT305A | Perform a seed moisture test | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODU41 | AHCSDT308 | Perform tests for quality on seeds | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDA1 | AHC33516 | Certificate III in Seed Testing | Qualification |