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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for implementation of the plant nutrition program
   • Identify goals, target site, soils, plant species and varieties for implementing the program
   • Identify materials for soil and plant treatments and locate the storage site or supplier details
   • Locate services using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor
   • Identify work health and safety hazard, assess risks and implement control measures
   • Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
2. Monitor soil pH
   • Monitor soil pH in the implementation site in relation to plant nutrition
   • Identify, select, compare and source products useful in changing soil pH
   • Assess product application methods according to product type and type of growing media
3. Determine nutritional problems in plants
   • Identify common nutrient deficiency and toxicity problems in plants, using visual inspection
   • Consult supervisor or horticulturist, as required, to determine causes of nutritional or toxicity problems
   • Identify, compare, select and source soil ameliorants to improve soil fertility
4. Prepare to use fertilisers
   • Select a fertiliser that is compatible with plant species and type of growing media
   • Assess fertiliser application methods, taking into account the fertiliser type, soils and the environmental implications
   • Apply fertilisers appropriate to the plant growing cycle and the organisation’s fertiliser calendar
5. Prepare application equipment
   • Select tools, equipment and machinery
   • Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery
   • Calibrate tools, equipment and machinery
6. Apply specific products at appropriate rates
   • Select specific products based on their analysis to meet plant needs
   • Calculate product application rates to optimise plant benefit and minimise environmental impact
   • Apply specific products at the correct rate, timing and method according to the product type and analysis and with consideration of the environmental implications
   • Record product applications
   • Monitor, document and report target plant response to the plant nutrition program, as well as non-target effects responses including environmental impacts or pests

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. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

identify goals, target site, soils and plants for implementing the program

identify materials and their supply source

monitor soil pH in the implementation site

identify appropriate products and application methods appropriate to implementing nutrition program

estimate treatment and product requirements, material sizes and quantities

conduct a site hazard identification and risk control assessment

determine nutritional problems in plants

plant nutrition program specifications

apply specific products at appropriate rates and record their application

select, check and calibrate tools, equipment and machinery

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of plant nutrition

botany and plant physiology

methods of nutrient uptake by plants

nutrient cycling and its practical relevance to the specific plants and soils

nutrients required by plants grown within the enterprise

soil ameliorants commonly required to treat the soil problems experienced by the enterprise

the effects of nutrient deficiency and toxicity on plant species and varieties

the environmental implications of soil ameliorant and fertiliser use

the main simple and compound fertiliser products available to the enterprise including analysis, solubility, salt index, application rates and costs

the relationship between soil characteristics and the availability of nutrients

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