Modification History
June 2012: Updated Unit mapping information.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit covers developing a soil health and plant nutrition program and defines the standard required to: access and analyse information on regional and site factors; assess the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soils; assess the physical, chemical and biological requirements of plants; select suitable management practices, soil amendments, additives and fertilisers; document implementation plans including monitoring of soil and plant growth. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit applies to those whose job role includes the application of knowledge including soil health and fertility, plant biology and plant nutrition requirements. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not Applicable
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Determine relevant regional data and site characteristics |
1.1. Goals and target site for assessment and development of program are defined. 1.2. Relevant climate data, environmental context information and site data are accessed and reviewed. 1.3. Appropriate soil, plant and water tests are determined according to plant species, climatic conditions, prevailing growth media, industry best practice and enterprise guidelines. 1.4. Soil, plant and water testing program is developed that defines sampling, field testing, off-site analysis activities, task responsibilities, involvement of contractors, scheduling and desired information outcomes. 1.5. Testing tasks are implemented and monitored, liaison procedures with outside testing agencies are supervised, and remedial action is undertaken where necessary. 1.6. Data and readings are compiled and presented in a form that can be easily understood. 1.7. Seasonal variations and requirements are determined from published data on species, historical records, own experience, industry best practice and enterprise guidelines. 1.8. Characteristics, condition and nutritional status of soils and plant species are determined by analysing collected data and comparing to accepted standards. |
2. Define the requirements for plant nutrition |
2.1. Different nutritional requirements of the plant during growing cycle and a range of conditions are identified according to published data on species, historical records, own experience and enterprise guidelines. 2.2. Program is developed to achieve appropriate soil conditions and nutrient availability for plant growth. 2.3. Soil amendments, management practices and fertiliser requirements are determined. 2.4. Resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for program are identified and costed, and availability is confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel. 2.5. Cost-effective approach to soil management, soil amendment, and provision of plant nutrients is determined. 2.6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with program are identified, risks are assessed and controls are developed and documented. 2.7. Environmental implications of program are identified and documented in plant nutrition program. |
3. Document the soil health and plant nutrition program and specifications |
3.1. Detailed plan, objectives, specifications and associated costs are established based on program requirements. 3.2. Detailed on-site procedures and schedules required for program are developed and documented. |
4. Monitor plant growth and evaluate the program |
4.1. Program implementation and results are monitored by testing soil, plants and/or produce. 4.2. Program is reviewed and refined to ensure it is responsive to changing conditions. 4.3. Non-compliance with documented objectives and specifications is identified and remedial actions are implemented to alleviate or overcome identified shortcomings in program. 4.4. Remedial action to improve plant nutrition is taken and documented. 4.5. Agreed changes are incorporated into a detailed plan. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. |
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Soils may include: |
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Nutrients may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Plants |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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Competency field
Competency field |