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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Review the saline area to increase productivity
   • Map the property and determine the type and severity of the salinity and install fencing to subdivide classes of land and salt affected areas for appropriate management of each area
   • Assess area for water logging, determine the cause and recommend strategies to divert water or drain water from the area
   • Review and select suitable plant and pasture species and management options available to reclaim the saline area
   • Calculate the cost and the beneficial returns of reclaiming the area including financial, environmental and social benefits
   • Outline the management for the reclaimed area to protect it at vulnerable times of the year and certain times in the plant reproduction cycle
2. Develop a plan to manage water use and movement
   • Install fencing to protect the watercourses through the property
   • Test and modify salinity and pH of the water entering and leaving the property
   • Calculate the water used by the enterprise and establish targets to reduce the quantity by improving irrigation methods and general management practices
3. Develop a plan to protect and manage natural areas
   • Plan a strategy to protect the natural area from increased salinity and other stresses that will accelerate decline
   • Develop strategies to increase biodiversity
   • Plan to manage soil structure and fertility to improve soil biota
   • Identify review indicators and develop the long-term plan
4. Implement a strategy to reduce salinity in the area
   • Work with adjacent properties and relevant other authorities and community groups to reduce extent and cause of local saline areas by monitoring quality and quantity of water
   • Monitor improvements in productivity and review against current leading edge and research developments

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:

assess land forms and soil types

determine categories of saline land

take soil and water samples for testing

calculate optimum stocking rate

identify indicator plant species

assess the level of degradation and damage through salinity

research the latest innovations and management techniques

manage the crop and animal enterprise selected for the farm to utilize the saline area

calculate the costs of the project

calculate benefits of salinity reduction to the enterprise and the property

work with producers and community groups

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

salt tolerant plant and pasture species and the management of each

range of methods for reclaiming saline land

strategies to profit from the saline area

value of using natural species and natural systems to improve farm production

benefits of biodiversity on plant production and the animal enterprise

strategic and responsible use of susceptible land

consequences of poor management or removal of vegetation on the land

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