What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in determining basic properties of soilsmedia requires evidence that sampling testing interpreting and recording techniques have been successfully and appropriately carried out The skills and knowledge required to determine the basic properties of soilsmedia must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts For example this could include different soilmedia types tested for different properties for a range of crops or plants

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below soil sampling techniques soilmedia physical properties soilmedia chemical properties soilmedia plant relationships basic soilmedia field tests interpreting laboratory results techniques to ameliorate soil properties

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:
1. soil sampling techniques
2. soil/media physical properties
3. soil/media chemical properties
4. soil/media plant relationships
5. basic soil/media field tests
6. interpreting laboratory results
7. techniques to ameliorate soil properties.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria some complementary skills are required These skills include the ability to collect soilmedia samples perform basic soilmedia tests interpret results from own or laboratory results record and store information

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:
8. collect soil/media samples
9. perform basic soil/media tests
10. interpret results from own or laboratory results
11. record and store information.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Through reporting results of soilmedia tests to supervisor or others orally or in writing

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Through recording interpreting and filing soilmedia results

How are activities planned and organised

According to workplace procedures

How can team work be applied

Through working with other to achieve an outcome

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Through the use of accepted soilmedia tests and by carrying out the required number of samples from a designated area and in a manner that is random across the designated area

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Through identifying and resolving problems with the sampling process

How can the use of technology be applied

Through the use of standard soilmedia testing equipment

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

What tools and equipment may be relevant to this standard?

What services may need to be located?

What OHS hazards may be associated with performing a soil survey?

What PPE may be required to perform a soil survey?

What activities may be included in sampling?

What tests may be performed?