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Prepare and cultivate sites ready for planting crops

URN: LANAgC1
Business Sectors (Suites): Agricultural Crop Production,Crofting and Smallholding
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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This standard covers the preparation and cultivation of sites, ready for planting crops.
 
You will need to be able to use cultivation equipment in order to achieve the required ground conditions for planting to be carried out. You will also require an understanding of soil types and condition, climate, weather and ground conditions.
 
When working with machinery or equipment you should be trained, and hold the current certification where required, in accordance with the relevant legislation.
 
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.
 
The standard is suitable for those with responsibility for preparing and cultivating sites, ready for planting crops.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. assess the risks associated with the site and the required activity
  2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  3. select, prepare, use and maintain the required equipment and machinery, safely and correctly
  4. check that ground preparation and cultivation equipment is fit for use and that it is set up to provide the required ground conditions
  5. prepare the site to meet the requirements of the crop to be planted and other relevant factors
  6. cultivate the site to meet the instructions and specifications and other relevant factors
  7. maintain hygiene and bio-security, in accordance with business practices
  8. maintain the security of the equipment and machinery on site
  9. clean down equipment and machinery after use and leave it secure and in the correct condition for future use
  10. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
  11. follow industry and business guidance to minimise environmental damage
  12. process waste safely and correctly, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and business practices
  13. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies
  14. complete records as required by the relevant legislation and the business

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. how to identify hazards and assess risks associated with the preparation and cultivation of sites
  2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
  3. the importance of carrying out an environmental assessment of the site before starting work, and the findings that may affect the preparation and cultivation of the site ready for planting crops
  4. the requirements, advantages and disadvantages of different crop production systems
  5. the principles of sustainable agriculture and Integrated Crop Management (ICM)
  6. the types of equipment and machinery required for preparing and cultivating sites, ready for planting crops, and how to prepare, maintain and use these safely and correctly
  7. how to set up the equipment and machinery to carry out the required task, including the use of technology 
  8. the methods used to prepare the site, in accordance with instructions, specifications and production requirements
  9. the methods used to cultivate the site, in accordance with instructions, specifications and production requirements
  10. the effect that soil type, climate, weather and ground conditions, previous treatments, existing structures and systems will have on the cultivation methods used
  11. the requirements that sites may have for drainage and the relationship of this to soil type and condition, climate and geographical location
  12. the relationship between the crop and soil type and condition, climate and geographical location
  13. the sort of problems that may arise during the preparation and cultivation, and the appropriate actions to take
  14. the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security during the preparation and cultivation of sites, ready for planting crops, and the methods for achieving this
  15. why it is important to maintain the safety and security of equipment and machinery when on site
  16. how to clean down equipment and machinery, and why this is important
  17. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
  18. the importance of following the relevant environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
  19. the actions that can be taken to preserve and improve habitats and biodiversity and to respond to and mitigate the effects of climate change
  20. how to handle, transport, store and dispose of waste, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and business practices
  21. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and business policies
  22. the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them

Scope/range

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Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Instructions and specifications: 

  • drawings/plans
  • schedules
  • method statements
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • manufacturer’s guidelines
  • customer requirements
  • quality assurance requirements
  • crop requirements
  • verbal instructions

Prepare the site:

  • drainage
  • adjustment of nutrients
  • clearance

Relevant factors:

  • soil type and condition
  • topography
  • climate
  • weather and ground conditions

  • existing structures and systems (e.g. fences, hedges, drainage)

  • previous use of the site

  • previous treatments
  • access

Required ground conditions:

  • depth

  • area covered

  • tilth

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

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

5

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANAgC1

Relevant Occupations

Farmer, Tractor Driver, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

prepare; sites; cultivate; crops; fields