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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Develop suitable irrigation systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116414  Develop suitable irrigation systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner achieving this unit standard will be able to manage and control irrigation infrastructure and related resources, (which include equipment, technology and infrastructure) in a sustainable manner and explain the importance of sound utilisation and maintenance practices. The learner will also be able to incorporate this understanding into an optimisation programme and policy. The learner will also be able to optimise seasonal/year work programmes with reference to water availability, irrigated area, crop water requirements, irrigation scheduling and related technology and infrastructure. The learner will also be in a position to prescribe strategies with respect to irrigation practice in situations of water shortage (risk seeking vs. risk adverse).

Learners will gain specific knowledge and skills in irrigation and will be able to operate in a plant production environment implementing sustainable and economically viable production principles.

They will be capacitated to gain access to the mainstream agricultural sector, in plant production, impacting directly on the sustainability of the sub-sector. The improvement in production technology will also have a direct impact on the improvement of agricultural productivity of the sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will show competence against the following unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF4: Scheduling The Operation And Maintenance Of Irrigation Systems.
  • NQF 5: Optimise water quality.
  • NQF5: Manage and control resources in a sustainable manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Whilst range statements have been defined generically to include as wide a set of alternatives as possible, all range statements should be interpreted within the specific context of application.

    Range statements are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Select an appropriate irrigation system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to all types of irrigation systems, crop type, soil properties, climatic characteristics, economic considerations, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Suitable irrigation systems for different uses with regard to quantity of water available are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to annual/seasonal allocations, pumping constraints, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Suitable irrigation systems for different uses with regard to quality of water are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to effect on crop growth (yield, quality), effect on efficiency of fertigation, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Suitable irrigation systems for different uses with regard to crop type are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to seasonality, rooting depth, sensitivity to water stress, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Suitable irrigation systems for different uses with regard to peak crop water requirements are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Suitable irrigation systems for different uses with regard to water holding capacity of the soil are identified are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to Field capacity, wilting point, available water, readily available water, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Efficiently and cost effectively manage an extended irrigation operation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to: optimising on-farm water use efficiency by the implementation and adaptation of irrigation scheduling programmes; optimising pressure and flow rates throughout the system; minimising water losses in the system: ensuring optimum yield vs. water use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Irrigation programmes are adapted to meet water requirements of the various crops. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Junior staff is trained to ensure that factors such as pressure and flow rate are optimised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A water loss detection programme is initiated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Alternative approaches/solutions to problems that are encountered are discussed with supervisor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An irrigation system operation "manual' is prepared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Water use, water quality and fertigation data are monitored and collated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Implement appropriate task related technology in the irrigated agricultural environment (scheduling/monitoring, adaptation of scheduling programmes, etc.) in variable water availability scenarios. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to: soil moisture measuring devices; weather stations; water saving measures (i.e. drip/micro); control valves. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An effective crop water use estimation infrastructure is maintained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Irrigation scheduling programmes to meet varying water availability scenarios are optimised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The efficiency/accuracy of irrigation scheduling devices are evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Adaptations to improve the efficiency of irrigation scheduling devices are recommended. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    New irrigation water use efficiency technologies are taken into consideration. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Included, but not limited to, attendance of relevant workshops/farmer days, Internet searches, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Manage appropriate seasonal/year irrigation related work programmes with reference to crop water requirement, crop value, area irrigated and water availability and water quality. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to meeting peak/sensitive crop water requirements, adjusting irrigation related programmes to ensure a specific yield quality requirement (i.e. fruit size/colouring/taste), implementation of fertigation programmes, sanitation of micro/drip lines, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Seasonal fertigation programmes to match crop requirement in terms of either/or yield or crop quality are optimised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Fertigation programmes when water quality changes are adjusted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Micro/drip pipeline sanitation programmes are recommended and justified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sanitation programmes to suit varying water quality are adapted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Fertigation safety procedures are recommended and evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Filter operation and maintenance programmes to varying water quality are adapted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Irrigation system operational efficiency under variable water requirement/fertigation/water quality scenarios is maximised. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Recommend a safety, servicing and replacement policy of all irrigation systems with reference to expenditure implications. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to normal maintenance and replacement of all operational equipment and safety procedures during floods, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The efficiency of all operational equipment on a regular basis is evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A nozzle replacement programme based on regular CU tests is designed and recommended. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A pump and motor servicing/replacement policy based on annual estimated hours of use is recommended. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Regular pressure and flow checks of all control valves are carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    It is at all times ensured, that a critical mass of replacements/spares is serviceable for use in emergency situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A major plant safety/evacuation procedure when floods are expected/suddenly experienced is recommended. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Lifting/removing pumps and motors from river pump stations, isolation of sub stations, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Ensure that all irrigation practices are environmentally sensitive (e.g. Eurepgap and related Agreement compliant), specifically in terms of water extractions and return flows. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to monitoring and recording of all water extractions and quality as well, where relevant, return flows and quality. On large projects a full input/output of relevant water related data could be required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A full database of all facets pertaining to water use, water quality, and other relevant water based data; in order to show compliance to any environmentally based Agreement are maintained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Any possible point sources of pollution are identified and an operational/remedial plan to limit such pollution is prepared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Contingency plans to limit damage in the event of chemical (fertilizer/cleansing acids, etc.) spills, especially if such spills could be environmentally damaging are prepared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All staff is familiarised with relevant laws pertaining to general personal and environmental safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety clothing, Regulations pertaining to storage/use of chemicals, health, etc.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established assessment principles.

    It will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the qualifying learners are working. These activities and tools may include an appropriate combination of self-assessment and peer assessment, formative and summative assessment, portfolios and observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that aol the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are assessed.

    The specific outcomes must be assessed through observation of performance. Supporting evidence should be used to prove competence of specific outcomes only when they are not clearly seen in the actual performance.

    Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in its own right, through oral or written evidence and cannot be assessed only by being observed.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a qualifying learner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, then thy should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Soils, plant physiology, climatic conditions.
  • Different irrigation systems.
  • Influence of irrigation on quality of crop.
  • Environmental issues.
  • Mechanics of pumps and motors.
  • Record keeping.
  • Foreword planning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Self-development relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49010   National Diploma: Plant Production  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  63249   National Diploma: Agricultural Extension  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. College of Sustainable Agriculture 
    2. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.