Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCPER318 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Plan propagation activities for a permaculture system

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCPER318 - Plan propagation activities for a permaculture system
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan propagation activities for a permaculture system. It requires the application of permaculture principles, seasonal propagation opportunities, organic principles and plant growth science.All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III (or higher) in Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is not sufficient at this level.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Research propagation requirements for the permaculture system
  • Assess propagation needs according to garden needs or permaculture design
  • Consider opportunities for propagation from local area, such as seed banks, tree or shrub prunings, unusual varieties to be traded or varieties purchased for propagation
  • Determine numbers of new plants to be produced for the needs of the system and/or for swapping, selling or community needs
       
Element: Develop the propagation plan
  • Prepare a propagation plan according to research undertaken
  • Ascertain best methods for species to be propagated and include them in the propagation plan
  • Construct a seasonal or monthly timeline or calendar to keep track of propagation requirements
  • Maintain the propagation plan as an active document through the seasons
       
Element: Implementing the propagation plan
  • Consult the propagation plan when planning monthly activities
  • Clear space in the propagating area for the activity to be undertaken
  • Set up materials and equipment for propagation work
  • Organise propagules and apply pre-treatments if required
  • Create new plants in prepared containers or the garden area according to the propagation plan
  • Water, fertilise, label, mulch, stake and tie new plants as required
       
Element: Maintaining propagated plants to end use
  • Maintain new plants by watering, sheltering and checking for pest or disease attack
  • Remove any new plants that have failed to thrive to avoid cross-contamination
  • Apply allowable organic treatments to new plants if required
  • Harden off new plants in a protected place before planting, selling or swapping
       
Element: Maintain a healthy and orderly propagation area
  • Maintain tidiness and orderliness of propagating area
  • Store propagating materials, potting media and containers for future use
  • Remove any weed or moss growth regularly to ensure basic hygiene of the propagating and hardening off spaces
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research propagation requirements for the permaculture system

1.1 Assess propagation needs according to garden needs or permaculture design

1.2 Consider opportunities for propagation from local area, such as seed banks, tree or shrub prunings, unusual varieties to be traded or varieties purchased for propagation

1.3 Determine numbers of new plants to be produced for the needs of the system and/or for swapping, selling or community needs

2. Develop the propagation plan

2.1 Prepare a propagation plan according to research undertaken

2.2 Ascertain best methods for species to be propagated and include them in the propagation plan

2.3 Construct a seasonal or monthly timeline or calendar to keep track of propagation requirements

2.4 Maintain the propagation plan as an active document through the seasons

3. Implementing the propagation plan

3.1 Consult the propagation plan when planning monthly activities

3.2 Clear space in the propagating area for the activity to be undertaken

3.3 Set up materials and equipment for propagation work

3.4 Organise propagules and apply pre-treatments if required

3.5 Create new plants in prepared containers or the garden area according to the propagation plan

3.6 Water, fertilise, label, mulch, stake and tie new plants as required

4. Maintaining propagated plants to end use

4.1 Maintain new plants by watering, sheltering and checking for pest or disease attack

4.2 Remove any new plants that have failed to thrive to avoid cross-contamination

4.3 Apply allowable organic treatments to new plants if required

4.4 Harden off new plants in a protected place before planting, selling or swapping

5. Maintain a healthy and orderly propagation area

5.1 Maintain tidiness and orderliness of propagating area

5.2 Store propagating materials, potting media and containers for future use

5.3 Remove any weed or moss growth regularly to ensure basic hygiene of the propagating and hardening off spaces

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 propagation requirements for the permaculture system

develop a propagation plan

implement a propagation plan

maintain propagated plants to maturity or end use

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles and practices related to propagation

using reclaimed or reused containers (suitably cleaned to avoid cross-contamination)

labelling systems using reclaimed materials

maintaining rare and unusual varieties

using edges and valuing the marginal – unusual plants in micro-climates

sharing and swapping to increase biodiversity and mutual wellbeing

preserving provenance of locally indigenous species

testing and trialling for new plants or resistant varieties

global food plant preservation, including seed saving

propagation plan including such considerations as:

seasonal activities

seed saving

needs of the system for plants

mother plant location and frequency of use

schedules and timelines

principles of sustainable horticultural practices

propagation techniques, such as:

cuttings – softwood, hardwood, semi-hardwood, root and tip

layering – stool, aerial and runner

division

grafting – whip and tongue, saddle, wedge, approach and bench

budding – shield and patch

seed sowing

potting media suitable for propagation in a garden setting, such as

compost and worm casting mixes

sieved and graded sands

blends used for different purposes or different times of the year

sphagnum moss

water (hydroponics or aquaponics)

plant growth, development and nutrition

botany and physiology

maintaining moisture levels in simple systems without causing disease

systems for protecting new plants and seedlings, such as:

polyhouse or shade-house systems, including hoop systems on garden beds

systems using reclaimed materials, such as bag-and-frame cloches, bottle protectors for seedlings, tyre stacks, birdcages and wire baskets

glass houses

shade houses

naturally occurring or planned microclimates

minimal environmental impact waste disposal and composting systems which destroy pathogens

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research propagation requirements for the permaculture system

1.1 Assess propagation needs according to garden needs or permaculture design

1.2 Consider opportunities for propagation from local area, such as seed banks, tree or shrub prunings, unusual varieties to be traded or varieties purchased for propagation

1.3 Determine numbers of new plants to be produced for the needs of the system and/or for swapping, selling or community needs

2. Develop the propagation plan

2.1 Prepare a propagation plan according to research undertaken

2.2 Ascertain best methods for species to be propagated and include them in the propagation plan

2.3 Construct a seasonal or monthly timeline or calendar to keep track of propagation requirements

2.4 Maintain the propagation plan as an active document through the seasons

3. Implementing the propagation plan

3.1 Consult the propagation plan when planning monthly activities

3.2 Clear space in the propagating area for the activity to be undertaken

3.3 Set up materials and equipment for propagation work

3.4 Organise propagules and apply pre-treatments if required

3.5 Create new plants in prepared containers or the garden area according to the propagation plan

3.6 Water, fertilise, label, mulch, stake and tie new plants as required

4. Maintaining propagated plants to end use

4.1 Maintain new plants by watering, sheltering and checking for pest or disease attack

4.2 Remove any new plants that have failed to thrive to avoid cross-contamination

4.3 Apply allowable organic treatments to new plants if required

4.4 Harden off new plants in a protected place before planting, selling or swapping

5. Maintain a healthy and orderly propagation area

5.1 Maintain tidiness and orderliness of propagating area

5.2 Store propagating materials, potting media and containers for future use

5.3 Remove any weed or moss growth regularly to ensure basic hygiene of the propagating and hardening off spaces

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Assess propagation needs according to garden needs or permaculture design 
Consider opportunities for propagation from local area, such as seed banks, tree or shrub prunings, unusual varieties to be traded or varieties purchased for propagation 
Determine numbers of new plants to be produced for the needs of the system and/or for swapping, selling or community needs 
Prepare a propagation plan according to research undertaken 
Ascertain best methods for species to be propagated and include them in the propagation plan 
Construct a seasonal or monthly timeline or calendar to keep track of propagation requirements 
Maintain the propagation plan as an active document through the seasons 
Consult the propagation plan when planning monthly activities 
Clear space in the propagating area for the activity to be undertaken 
Set up materials and equipment for propagation work 
Organise propagules and apply pre-treatments if required 
Create new plants in prepared containers or the garden area according to the propagation plan 
Water, fertilise, label, mulch, stake and tie new plants as required 
Maintain new plants by watering, sheltering and checking for pest or disease attack 
Remove any new plants that have failed to thrive to avoid cross-contamination 
Apply allowable organic treatments to new plants if required 
Harden off new plants in a protected place before planting, selling or swapping 
Maintain tidiness and orderliness of propagating area 
Store propagating materials, potting media and containers for future use 
Remove any weed or moss growth regularly to ensure basic hygiene of the propagating and hardening off spaces 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPER318 - Plan propagation activities for a permaculture system
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCPER318 - Plan propagation activities for a permaculture system

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: