Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select plant and animal species for permaculture systems, including conducting a permaculture needs analysis and bioregional analysis to determine plant and animal species and their interrelationships.

The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work, including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources, and complete routine activities.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Permaculture (PER)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has selected plants and animals for integration into a permaculture system, including:

• assessed permaculture system needs
• investigated plant and animal suitability for new permaculture system design
• selected and acquired plant and animal species for a permaculture system and availability of their ancillary needs, including:

• housing
• prepared ground
• shelter
• food source

• monitored plant and animal systems during the establishment phase.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• permaculture principles and practices related to species selection
• permaculture needs analysis, including bioregional analysis
• plant and animal species and their interactions and interrelationships, including:

• permaculture combinations – guilds, companions, nurse plants and animal companions
• EVCs (Ecological Vegetation Classes)
• indigenous animals and plants
• what grows or thrives locally – plants, animals, birds, insects, fish, frogs, reptiles
• food, fodder and medicinal plant species suitable for chosen animals
• integrated plant and animal systems such as chicken tractors, cell grazing, aquaculture systems

• basic investigative and research techniques
• primary data sources, including:

• original data gathered by the researcher
• local wisdom
• weather observations
• flora and fauna observations

• using secondary data sources, including:

• data provided by government departments and agencies
• publications
• reference books, websites and journals
• official weather data.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• skills must be demonstrated in a permaculture system or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

• resources, equipment and materials:

• plants and animals for establishing system
• ancillary resources for animals
• basic research tools and materials

• specifications:

• bioregion data and permaculture system design.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72