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Monitor and implement the provision of water to crops or plants

URN: LANH14
Business Sectors (Suites): Agricultural Crop Production,Crofting and Smallholding,Horticulture
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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This standard is for those who monitor and implement the provision of water to crops or plants, either outdoors or in protected conditions. 

You will require knowledge of the principles of plant growth and development as well as plant health. This will include the co-ordination of water provision to crops or plants in any agricultural or horticultural setting, whether amenity (green roofs, parks and gardens, sports turf, etc.) or crop production (fruit, vegetables, flowers, trees, etc.).

When carrying out your work you must consider the impact it will have on the environment, and work towards preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity and responding to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. assess the risks associated with the site and the provision of water
  2. confirm that suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn
  3. confirm suitable levels of hygiene and biosecurity are maintained
  4. confirm the methods for the provision of water to crops or plants are established and clearly communicated to all those involved 
  5. inspect crops or plants and assess the need for the provision of water
  6. seek technical advice where necessary
  7. confirm that the relevant licences are in place, where required
  8. implement the provision of water to the crops or plants, in accordance with specifications
  9. confirm that water is supplied at the correct time of day and in the required manner for the type of crops or plants
  10. check and confirm that the rate and pressure of water supplied to the crops or plants is at the correct level to achieve the desired results
  11. monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the provision of water
  12. identify the need for adjustments to watering systems
  13. confirm that the adjustments to watering systems are in accordance with the requirements of the crops or plants
  14. check that the equipment for providing water to crops or plants is used and maintained in a safe and correct condition and arrange repairs where necessary
  15. confirm work is carried out in a manner that minimises environmental damage
  16. confirm that work is carried out in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies
  17. confirm that records are completed and stored as required by the relevant legislation and the organisation

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. how to identify hazards and assess risks when providing water to crops and plants
  2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
  3. the methods of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the reasons why this is important
  4. why it is important to check the condition of crops or plants in accordance with specifications
  5. the stages of crop or plant development 
  6. the principles of sustainable production
  7. the ways of monitoring water requirements for crops or plants
  8. the sources of technical advice for the provision of water to crops or plants
  9. the methods, systems and sources for providing water to the crops or plants
  10. when water licences are required and how to obtain them
  11. how to establish that the supply of water is suitable for the crops or plants
  12. the correct use of equipment for providing water
  13. the use of technology to manage watering systems
  14. the types of adjustments that can be made to watering systems
  15. the problems that may arise with the delivery of water to the crops or plants and how these should be resolved
  16. the routine maintenance requirements of watering systems
  17. the main advantages and disadvantages of the different watering systems that provide water to crops or plants
  18. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in providing water to crops or plants and how this should be done
  19. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment 
  20. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies
  21. the importance of maintaining records of water provision to crops or plants in accordance with the relevant legal and organisational requirements

Scope/range

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A. When providing crops or plants with water make accurate adjustments to the following:

1. equipment
2. water supply
3. rate and pressure

B. Take the following appropriate action where problems occur:

1. remedy the situation
2. inform the required person

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Specifications: 

• schedules
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturers’ guidelines
• customer requirements
• quality assurance requirements
• crop requirements
• organisational policies

Sustainable production: Meeting the requirements for food production while maintaining profitability and preserving the environment.

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

4

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANH14

Relevant Occupations

Farmer, Fruit and Vegetable Production Worker, General Farm Worker, Horticultural Technician, Nursery Worker, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

crops; plants; water; irrigation