Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify characteristicsof Australian soils to assess their currenthealth
   • Identify the common characteristics of Australian soils and their limitations
   • Refer to a paddock assessment to establish soil characteristics
   • Research soil biota and its relationship to soil fertility
   • Evaluate current production practices in terms of their possible contribution to land degradation and soil problems
   • Identify and select appropriate land preparation methods matched to machinery and equipment to maintain and improve soil productivity and structure
2. Develop a plan to improve and maintain the health of soils
   • Identify the impact of weather and climate on operational activities on soil structure and fertility and develop contingency plans to account for climatic or other events
   • Interpret soil test analysis and compare with historical data in the development of a plan
   • Select required nutrient balance levels to improve soil fertility for effective use and uptake of plants
   • Evaluate alternative strategies or products to improve soil fertility
   • Develop a soil amendment strategy including soil ameliorating activities and soil ameliorant products to enhance sustainability of soil health
   • Select appropriate production crops suitable for soil type and climate for a land use rotation plan to improve or maintain soil productivity
   • Determine soil conservation strategies to minimise soil erosion and increase soil capacity productivity and sustainability
   • Assess the environmental implications of chemical use, consider and document alternative methods and organic preventive methods
   • Develop a plan to improve and maintain the health of soils
   • Develop a plan to monitor soil health and productivity
   • Communicate the plan and the system to monitor and record soil health to stakeholders
3. Implement plan for improvement and maintenance of a healthy soil
   • Implement a schedule for soil improvement taking into account seasonal, geographical and resource factors and stock/crop rotation
   • Implement strategies to integrate the most suitable methods of soil improvement operations with the proposed land use rotation plan
   • Determine key staff responsibilities for specific implementation processes and allocate duties
   • Modify plan to meet all contingencies and communicate with appropriate staff
   • Record soil management activities and file in the appropriate manner
4. Review plan, implementation strategy and the outcomes and determine necessary modifications
   • Analyse effectiveness of the soil improvement management plan, through evaluation at key points, making adjustments as necessary
   • Prepare recommendations for future strategies, based on the analysis of paddock observations and production data to further enhance soil ecosystem and production

Range Statement

---

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:

research information on soils

assess soil type, texture and structure in the paddock

diagnose areas with soil problems or potential soil problems

diagnose and interpret soil sample test results and determine priorities for improving soil health

consider and select alternatives including organic products and methods for improving soil health

calculate amounts of nutrients required and prepare a fertiliser program which reflects needs and priorities

record and store information

develop, implement and evaluate a plan to achieve healthy soils through application of soil science

monitor soil health from the application of soil science

---

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

physical, chemical and biological properties of soils

soil biota – types, role in cycling nutrients and improving soil structure

basic chemistry concepts related to interpreting soil test analysis: symbols, elements and compounds; valency, anions, cations; reactions; EC (electrical conductivity), CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity); organic matter; pH and its importance in the availability of nutrients; role of macronutrients and micronutrients in plant nutrition. Concept of limiting factors for production

basic biology: the chemical basis of plants and animals; basic plant structure and function; plant nutrition; water, proteins, sugar, nitrate, lignin content; extent and nature of soil micro organisms

natural cycling of nutrients: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and the role of soil biota in the cycles.

factors affecting soil biota: moisture, temperature, aeration, nutrient supply, pH, and organic matter

possibility of problems with the use of conventional chemical fertilisers including acidification contamination of soil and associated water contamination and harm to soil biota

alternative methods to improve soil fertility, including products and use of machinery for aeration and mulching

appropriate timing for fertiliser applications

strategies to reduce herbicide use and to reduce and recycle waste

soil conservation strategies and sustainable production techniques

underground water movement

---