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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Assess the physical properties of an irrigated soil
   • Describe the profile of an irrigated soil
   • Determine soil texture and structure within the soil layers
   • Interpret tests for organic matter level in a soil
   • Test for slaking and dispersion in an irrigated soil
   • Assess the infiltration rate for an irrigated soil
   • Measure soil moisture levels
   • Describe the impacts of cultivation and watering practices on the physical properties of a soil
2. Define soil moisture properties
   • Describe soil moisture tension and its role in determining water availability to plants
   • Assess the field capacity of an irrigated soil
   • Observe the wilting point for a plant species in an irrigated soil
   • Calculate the readily available water (RAW) in an irrigated soil
3. Monitor soil chemical properties
   • Interpret soil test results for salinity and sodicity levels in an irrigated soil
   • Interpret pH tests and the potential impact of pH on soil structure and nutrient availability
4. Assess soil health and plant growth under irrigation
   • Assess the risk of erosion in an irrigated soil
   • Assess soil biology in an irrigated soil
   • Establish the growing requirements for a plant species
5. Implement strategies to optimise the irrigation growing environment for plants
   • Carry out soil husbandry practices to reduce risks of compaction and erosion
   • Implement and monitor a watering schedule
   • Adjust the frequency of watering based on available moisture, soil properties and plant response
   • Report soil and plant moisture status and irrigation requirement

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

adjust watering practices to meet plant needs

apply the results of soil testing to assessing soil properties

assess the erosion potential of an irrigated soil

assess the health of an irrigated soil

calculate moisture holding capacity of plants, including RAW

conduct soil structure and texture assessment

use soil moisture monitoring equipment

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

adverse environmental impacts of irrigated plant production

calculations for readily available water

critical measures for moisture availability

effect of dispersible soils under irrigation

field capacity

interpreting salinity, sodicity and pH tests

signs moisture stress & nutrient deficiency in plants

soil biology

soil moisture definitions and calculations

soil moisture monitoring procedures

soil structure and texture

types of erosion

wilting point

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