Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What type of crops may be considered for hydroponic production?
Type of crops may include fruit, vegetables, herbs, flower crops and foliage plants.

What growing requirements may need to be considered in a hydroponic system?
Growing requirements may include nutrients, light, salt tolerance, humidity, carbon dioxide, airflow, temperature and water quality.

What risks may be associated with hydroponic production?
Risks may include pests and diseases, oxygenation levels, imbalance of nutrients, and incorrect environmental parameters.

What physical characteristics are likely to be assessed when selecting a site?
Physical characteristics may include climatic conditions such as potential for frost, hail, wind damage, average rainfall, daily temperatures and available sunlight; topography such as slope, aspect, drainage and windbreaks; and the quality and quantity of water supply.

What legal requirements are likely to be identified?
Legal requirements may include the identification of zoning, local or State government ordinances relating to the site, and waste management regulations under the Environment Protection Act.

What environmental implications are likely to be considered when designing a hydroponic farm?
Environmental implications may include drainage and the effective management of high nutrient effluent situations, the safe disposal of unused materials, chemicals and chemical containers, and the control of contaminants from soil, water or vegetable matter.

What are the main types of hydroponic systems?
Hydroponic systems may include those that use a growing medium and those that do not. They may be a recirculating system, such as a gravity fed, or non-recirculating system.

What is likely to determine the type of system to be installed?
Determination may involve consideration of the physical characteristics of the site, type of crops to be grown, the set up and operating costs, the operator's/owners skills, and future modification or expansion requirements.

What types of water collection and storage systems may apply to hydroponic systems?
Water collection and storage equipment may include sealed dams and above ground tanks.

What factors will affect the choice of fertigation systems?
Factors may include dosing level required, and frequency of nutrient refill required.

What factors need to be considered when determining the design of the structure?
Factors may include convenient access for delivery vehicles to the site, storage areas and sheds; covered areas and work benches for sorting, packing and storing; cool room facilities, sealed surfaces (concrete or asphalt) for high traffic areas, the office, lunchroom and amenities; the position of greenhouses in relation to water storage and waste disposal facilities, and type of hydroponic systems.

What does the environmental control system involve?
The environmental control system may include humidity and temperature controls, exhaust fans, fans for moving the air, misting system, light, and reflective characteristics of cladding.

What is involved in doing a detailed costing of the hydroponic system?
Detailed costing may include a bill of quantities and costs of labour, equipment and machinery, and professional and sub-contracted services.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in designing a hydroponic farm requires evidence that a site can be assessed for suitability, the appropriate hydroponic system can be selected, and a detailed design for the layout of the farm, system and equipment can be produced.The skills and knowledge required to design a hydroponics farm must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, a person should be able to produce a design for a range of hydroponic systems and plant types.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

advantages and disadvantages of the different equipment used in hydroponic systems
technical requirements and operating parameters of recirculated and non-recirculated systems
media choices, their properties and enterprise specifications
legislation and regulations relating to the establishment of a hydroponic system
an awareness of the environmental implications of the disposal of chemicals or chemical containers, and the drainage of high nutrient effluent.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

research information using available technology
organise information derived from the research process in a written report
draw a scaled design by hand and/or on computer
use a range of financial analysis tools to determine viability of the system.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Information and ideas may need to be communicated to the client verbally and in writing as progress is made in the design of the farm. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information for design development can be collected through research, consultation with experts and own experience. This information will be analysed and organised in the form of a design plan, specifications and financial report. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Activities of self and other team members may need to be planned around client requirements, and delegation may be used to achieve outcomes. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Teamwork with colleagues, staff and experts based on effective, timely communication and consultation will help to achieve projected planning outcomes in an appropriate and timely manner. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques may be required to analyse data such as costings, and in designing an efficient layout for the farm, areas may need to be measured and drawn to scale. (3)

Solving problems
Problem-solving skills may need to be applied when the physical characteristics of the site are not suitable for the intended crop. (3)

Using technology
Technology may be applied to gather information, communicate and keep records, and may involve computerised word processing, financial planning, telecommunication, photography, video, email, Internet, and drafting equipment/programs. (3)