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Control the environmental conditions for protected crops

URN: LANH16
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding,Horticulture
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 31 Jan 2022

Overview

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This standard is for those who control the environmental conditions for protected crops. It is relevant to individuals who are working with crops that are grown in protected conditions. You will have considerable responsibility for climate control. This will involve setting up environmental conditions and adjusting them as necessary.

Environmental conditions include: temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, light and shade. You will need to have knowledge and understanding of the relationship between environmental conditions and crop growth.

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 controlling the environmental conditions for protected crops, including risks from carbon dioxide levels

  2. confirm that suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn

  3. confirm that hygiene and bio-security are maintained, in accordance with organisational practices

  4. check that the working methods for controlling environmental conditions for protected crops are established and clearly communicated

  5. confirm that the environmental conditions for the protected crops are prepared in accordance with specifications

  6. confirm that the equipment for controlling and maintaining environmental conditions is working, in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions

  7. check that the environmental conditions for protected crops are monitored, in accordance with specifications 

  8. confirm that the adjustments to environmental conditions are carried out in accordance with specifications

  9. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work

  10. confirm that environmental and health and safety policies and risk assessment requirements are put into practice across your area of responsibility

  11. confirm that records are maintained 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 the risks associated with the provision of nutrients to crops or plants, and the need to provide adequate warning where carbon dioxide levels may be high

  2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity 

  3. the methods of maintaining hygiene and bio-security while providing nutrients to crops or plants, and the reasons why this is important

  4. the correct environmental conditions required to achieve optimum crop growth

  5. the effects of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, ventilation, light and shade on the growth and development of the crops

  6. the safe and correct use of equipment for controlling environmental conditions for protected crops

  7. the correct methods for preparing environmental conditions for protected crops

  8. the procedures and methods for monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions for protected crops

  9. the indications that environmental conditions require adjustment

  10. the use of technology to monitor and maintain environmental conditions for protected crops 

  11. the importance of confirming that the activities involved in controlling the environmental conditions for protected crops are completed in accordance with specifications

  12. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done

  13. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment

  14. your responsibilities under the relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

  15. the conventions and ways in which information relating to environmental conditions must be recorded

Scope/range

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A. Identify the following environmental conditions required by protected crops:

1. temperature
2. humidity
3. light and shade (including coloured lighting where used)
4. carbon dioxide levels

B. Set up and use the following types of equipment to control environmental conditions:

1. computer
2. heating
3. ventilation
4. light/shade
5. watering systems
6. carbon dioxide generators/injectors
7. data-recording equipment

C. Make adjustments to the following environmental conditions:

1. temperature
2. humidity
3. light and shade (including coloured lighting where used)
4. carbon dioxide levels
5. ventilation

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Environmental conditions:

•  temperature
•  humidity
•  light and shade
•  carbon dioxide levels

Specifications: 

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

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

5

Indicative Review Date

31 Jan 2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANH16

Relevant Occupations

Fruit and Vegetable Production Worker, Nursery Worker, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5112

Keywords

protected crops; greenhouse; glasshouse; polytunnel; cloche