AHCIRG506 — Design irrigation systems

1 Determine design requirements

• 1.1Analyse water quantity and quality needs for a particular crop or situation so that an estimation can be made for sufficiency and timeliness
• 1.2Evaluate water transfer, recharge, reuse and harvesting systems
• 1.3Determine water collecting and storing processes that do not degrade the water quality
• 1.4Determine construction specifications that satisfy organisational and regulatory requirements
• 1.5Investigate regional geology and geography to predict irrigation system parameters
• 1.6Conduct a site investigation to assess type of soil, depth of soil, depth of ground water, soil and water salinity, and structural or chemical impediments
• 1.7Determine the most cost effective irrigation system
• 1.8Document design calculations and decisions
• 1.9Identify and protect environmentally sensitive areas according to local, state and federal legislation and regulations

2 Define pumping and power systems

• 2.1Identify pumps that can deliver water efficiently when needed, from the water storage at the flow and at the pressure required to operate the distribution system to the design specifications
• 2.2Select pump motor combinations that are efficient, reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible for the intended application
• 2.3Determine energy requirements and layout of electricity lines and check with local authorities
• 2.4Optimise the relationship between capital and operational costs including a comparison of energy sources
• 2.5Document performance indicators, design calculations and decisions
• 2.6Design construction specifications that define work required to make suitable pumping and power systems available

3 Design an irrigation distribution system

• 3.1Investigate regional geology and geography so that a prediction can be made on the sustainability of irrigation
• 3.2Evaluate distribution systems and design with respect to a range of key variables
• 3.3Size pipes, valves and fittings according to design system specifications so that capital cost is balanced against operation costs over the anticipated system life
• 3.4Calculate and document flows, water levels and pressures so that they are within the acceptable tolerances for optimum performance
• 3.5Include mechanisms for controlling and adjusting pressure and confirm isolation valves to direct water to areas with different irrigation schedules
• 3.6Design distribution and monitoring systems to meet industry recommendations and calculate distribution system flow and velocity
• 3.7Design construction plans and specifications that define the work required to achieve the required standards of uniformity and efficiency of water application
• 3.8Document irrigation distribution system design

4 Determine capital expense budget

• 4.1Document design calculations and decisions and communicate relevant information through plans, specifications and manuals
• 4.2Determine and document materials requirements from plans and specifications
• 4.3Estimate labour requirements based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules
• 4.4Base costing attributed to each component on quoted information from suppliers, or sound analysis of individual elements
• 4.5Document capital expense budget
• 4.6Confirm capital expense budget output with an appropriately experienced and qualified person

5 Determine operating expense budget

• 5.1Calculate an operating expense budget that includes all expenses applicable to the completed irrigation system
• 5.2Document operating expense budget

What does an assessment tool for AHCIRG506 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for AHCIRG506 needs to address all 49 unit components: 5 elements with 31 performance criteria, 7 performance evidence requirements, 7 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for AHCIRG506?

Auditori pulls the current release of AHCIRG506 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for AHCIRG506 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing AHCIRG506 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of AHCIRG506, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.