SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Monitor the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116266  Monitor the operation and maintenance of 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 3  NQF Level 03  3 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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, under superficial supervision, be able to irrigate a variety of crops and efficiently operate and maintain a variety of different irrigation systems.

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:
  • NQF 2: Operate And Maintain Specific Irrigation Systems.
  • NQF 3: Apply routine maintenance and servicing plans and procedures. 
    		•

    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 
    Obtain, implement and, if necessary, modify irrigation schedules for various crops. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to the implementation of prescribed programmes, adaptation of programmes as a result of soil structure/depth, age of crop, growth of crop, prevailing climatic conditions, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The strategy to ensure that staff understands the requirements of the scheduling programme is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Start/stop time, flow rate, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The scheduling of all programmes are implemented as prescribed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All adaptations/changes to prescribed schedules, and the reasons for it, must be noted and reported to the Irrigation Manager.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    If required, irrigation schedules are adapted according to ambient weather conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Occurrence of rain, "berg wind" conditions, danger of frost, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Based on observation (visual/measured) improvements/weaknesses to irrigation schedules are be suggested. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Ensure the efficient operation of irrigation systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to checking the functioning of pumps and motors, valves, timers, filters, sprinklers, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All prescribed pre-season irrigation system checks/inspections has been undertaken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All prescribed start up/shut down procedures have been completed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All post-season shut down procedures have been carried out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All irrigation systems are operating as prescribed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pressure/flow rate, amps, volts, water distribution, times shifting of pipes, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Collect and record data pertaining to irrigation of crops. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to soil moisture recorders (tensiometers, evaporation pans, neutron probes, manual determination of soil moisture, etc.), climatic data (manual/automatic weather stations), water application, fertigation, stage of crop growth, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Event recorders installed as prescribed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Soil moisture recorders, rain gauges, evaporation pans, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant data collated and recorded as prescribed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Event recorders maintained and serviced as prescribed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Recorder problems noted and reported to Irrigation Manager. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Prepare maintenance programmes for irrigation systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to daily, weekly, seasonal maintenance, preventative maintenance, unforeseen maintenance, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Long-term maintenance plans based on life expectancy of equipment prepared. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pumps, motors, sprinklers, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Contingency plans for emergency situations prepared. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Floods (removal of pumps and motors from rivers), sub-station safety, chemical spills, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The preparation of budgets for new equipment/spares is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Procurement of new equipment/spares is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Supervise irrigation activities. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to implementing Irrigation Manager's instructions, supervising junior workers (staff), adapting/modifying in-field operations as, and when required, preparing daily work programmes for his staff, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Prescribed irrigation scheduling programmes implemented. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to identify, solve and/or adapt scheduling programmes to suit prevailing conditions is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Adapting pipe spacing, water pressure, etc. to prevailing wind conditions, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to ensure that all irrigation systems are operating as prescribed is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Correct amps, volts, flow rates, pressures, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Staff safety regulations are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety clothing, handling of chemicals, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Problems/situations that require the input/support of the Irrigation Manager are identified and described. 


    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 all 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:
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Regulations pertaining to water/irrigation utilization.
  • Names and functions of All tools and equipment used during irrigation.
  • Names and functions of Irrigation systems and components used in a particular crop. 
    		•

    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  49052   National Certificate: Plant Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  66429   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    2. Barulaganyi Trading and Projects Pty Ltd 
    3. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    4. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    5. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    6. Heedmorine Training 
    7. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    8. KayDee Project Management Cc 
    9. Khulisa Training Providers 
    10. KMK Training Services (PTY) Ltd 
    11. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    12. Maishamalema Development Training 
    13. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    14. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    15. Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training NPC 
    16. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    17. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    18. Mvas-4 Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Mvelo Consultant 
    20. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    21. Peritum Agri Institute 
    22. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    23. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    24. Setlakala Business Development 
    25. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    26. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    27. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College 
    28. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    29. Tripple R Training Provider 
    30. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    31. Westco Agri Training 


    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.