Assessor Resource

AHCSOL201A
Determine basic properties of soil and/or growing media

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to determining basic properties of soil/growing media and is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures.

This unit covers the process of determining the basic properties of soil or soil-less growing media and defines the standard required to: undertake basic soil/media analysis descriptive tests for soil texture, salinity and pH; use basic proprietary soil testing equipment for testing pH and salinity; determine basic soil structure with a view to using soil structure ameliorants.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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.

Overview of assessment

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:

undertake basic soil/media analysis descriptive tests for soil texture, salinity and pH

use basic proprietary soil testing equipment for testing pH and salinity

determine basic soil structure with a view to using soil structure ameliorants.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

collect soil/media samples

perform basic soil/media tests

interpret results from own or laboratory results

record and store information

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

soil sampling techniques

soil/media physical properties

soil/media chemical properties

soil/media plant relationships

basic soil/media field tests

interpreting laboratory results

techniques to ameliorate soil properties.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Soils may include:

all types of soils and growing media used for commercial production.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Tools and materials for collecting soil/media samples are prepared. 
Area from which soil/media samples are to be collected is identified from workplace records or supervisors instructions. 
Services are located using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor. 
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented and reported to the supervisor. 
Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, used and maintained. 
Samples are taken randomly from the designated area according to recognised sampling techniques and are prepared for on site or off site analysis 
Samples are labelled and recorded according to organisational procedures. 
Soil profile is determined, where appropriate. 
Soils/media are tested or inspected for physical properties. 
Soils/media is tested for chemical properties. 
Results are recorded according to organisational procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSOL201A - Determine basic properties of soil and/or growing media
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSOL201A - Determine basic properties of soil and/or growing media

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: