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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Research information about soil
  2. Apply information from soil testing to production and/or management plan
  3. Develop soil amendment strategies
  4. Monitor soil amendment strategies

Evidence Required

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 implemented and monitored in an enterprise 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 types

soil physical properties

soil chemical properties

plant nutrition through soil management

soil conservation strategies and sustainable production techniques

basic soil field tests

soil sampling techniques

interpreting laboratory results

techniques to ameliorate soil properties

record keeping

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

research information

prepare productionmanagement plans for cropsplants

collect soilmedia samples

perform basic soilmedia tests

interpret results from own or laboratory tests

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 researching information and communicating this to staff and others

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 others to achieve an outcome

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Through the use of accepted soilmedia tests calculations and costings for soil amelioration processes

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Through interpreting own or laboratory results and devising soil amelioration strategies

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


Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What tools and equipment may be relevant to this standard?

Tools and equipment include spades, augers, soil/media sample storing and recording materials, field test kits, and interpreting charts.

What tests may be performed?

Soils/media may be tested for depth, colour, texture, structure, compaction, air-filled porosity, readily available water, pH, major nutrient availability, and salinity.

What may be considered a soil ameliorant?

Soil ameliorants may include pH modifying agents such as lime, structure modifying agents such as gypsum and artificial structure additives, flocculating agents, texture modifications, and wetting and water retention agents.

What may be considered a soil ameliorating practice?

Soil ameliorating practices may include compaction alleviation and modifications to soil drainage or moisture holding capacity.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.