Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
Comments |
Release 1 |
This version released with AHC Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management Training Package Version 4.0. |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess physical and moisture properties of soil, monitor soil chemical properties, assess soil health and plant growth under irrigation, and implement strategies to optimise irrigation on the soil plant growing environment.
The unit applies to individuals who monitor soils under irrigation under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Unit Sector
Irrigation (IRG)
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements |
Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess the physical properties of irrigated soil |
1.1 Identify the profile of irrigated soil 1.2 Determine soil texture and structure within the soil layers 1.3 Interpret tests for organic matter level in soil 1.4 Test for slaking and dispersion in irrigated soil 1.5 Assess the infiltration rate for irrigated soil 1.6 Measure soil moisture levels 1.7 Assess the environmental impacts of cultivation and watering practices on the physical properties of soil |
2. Monitor soil moisture properties |
2.1 Identify soil moisture tension and its role in determining water availability to plants 2.2 Assess the field capacity of irrigated soil 2.3 Observe the wilting point for a plant species in irrigated soil 2.4 Calculate the readily available water (RAW) in irrigated soil |
3. Monitor soil chemical properties |
3.1 Interpret soil test results for salinity and sodicity levels in irrigated soil 3.2 Interpret pH tests and the potential impact of pH on soil structure and nutrient availability |
4. Implement strategies to optimise the irrigation growing environment for plants |
4.1 Assess the risk of erosion in irrigated soil 4.2 Implement and monitor a watering schedule 4.3 Adjust the frequency of watering based on available moisture, soil properties and plant response 4.4 Record and report soil and plant moisture status and irrigation requirements |
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.
Skill |
Description |
Reading |
|
Writing |
|
Oral communication |
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Navigate the world of work |
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Unit Mapping Information
Code and title current version |
Code and title previous version |
Comments |
Equivalence status |
AHCIRG339 Monitor soils under irrigation |
AHCIRG308 Monitor soils under irrigation |
Performance criteria clarified Foundation skills added Assessment requirements updated |
Equivalent unit |
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72