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

AHCSOL502 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Manage soils to enhance sustainability

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCSOL502 - Manage soils to enhance sustainability
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency standard covers the process of assessing soil characteristics, developing and implementing a plan to improve the health of soils, and monitoring and reviewing the results.Soil chemistry, physical chemistry and biology are used in understanding the analysis of soil tests, and the importance of the role of soil biota in soil structure and plant nutrition. Strategies to combine improved production with improved soil biota are considered, and the opportunity to increase biodiversity by strategic use of unproductive land is covered.Healthy soils are the basis of all sustainable land-based production systems. The principles of developing healthy soils involve improving soil structure, increasing soil macronutrients and micronutrients to optimum levels, balancing exchangeable cations, achieving optimum pH, eliminating toxic nutrient levels, and enhancing activity of soil biota.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.This unit is applicable to persons who have a role in managing a land based production business. This unit is likely to require consultation with external experts, such as pasture consultants, fertiliser representatives, contractors, extension officers from State Agricultural Departments, agronomists and producer groups.No occupational licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements 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.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
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: 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
       
Element: 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
       
Element: 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
       
Element: 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
       


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. Identify characteristicsof Australian soils to assess their currenthealth

1.1 Identify the common characteristics of Australian soils and their limitations

1.2 Refer to a paddock assessment to establish soil characteristics

1.3 Research soil biota and its relationship to soil fertility

1.4 Evaluate current production practices in terms of their possible contribution to land degradation and soil problems

1.5 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

2.1 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

2.2 Interpret soil test analysis and compare with historical data in the development of a plan

2.3 Select required nutrient balance levels to improve soil fertility for effective use and uptake of plants

2.4 Evaluate alternative strategies or products to improve soil fertility

2.5 Develop a soil amendment strategy including soil ameliorating activities and soil ameliorant products to enhance sustainability of soil health

2.6 Select appropriate production crops suitable for soil type and climate for a land use rotation plan to improve or maintain soil productivity

2.7 Determine soil conservation strategies to minimise soil erosion and increase soil capacity productivity and sustainability

2.8 Assess the environmental implications of chemical use, consider and document alternative methods and organic preventive methods

2.9 Develop a plan to improve and maintain the health of soils

2.10 Develop a plan to monitor soil health and productivity

2.11 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

3.1 Implement a schedule for soil improvement taking into account seasonal, geographical and resource factors and stock/crop rotation

3.2 Implement strategies to integrate the most suitable methods of soil improvement operations with the proposed land use rotation plan

3.3 Determine key staff responsibilities for specific implementation processes and allocate duties

3.4 Modify plan to meet all contingencies and communicate with appropriate staff

3.5 Record soil management activities and file in the appropriate manner

4. Review plan, implementation strategy and the outcomes and determine necessary modifications

4.1 Analyse effectiveness of the soil improvement management plan, through evaluation at key points, making adjustments as necessary

4.2 Prepare recommendations for future strategies, based on the analysis of paddock observations and production data to further enhance soil ecosystem and production

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

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

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. Identify characteristicsof Australian soils to assess their currenthealth

1.1 Identify the common characteristics of Australian soils and their limitations

1.2 Refer to a paddock assessment to establish soil characteristics

1.3 Research soil biota and its relationship to soil fertility

1.4 Evaluate current production practices in terms of their possible contribution to land degradation and soil problems

1.5 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

2.1 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

2.2 Interpret soil test analysis and compare with historical data in the development of a plan

2.3 Select required nutrient balance levels to improve soil fertility for effective use and uptake of plants

2.4 Evaluate alternative strategies or products to improve soil fertility

2.5 Develop a soil amendment strategy including soil ameliorating activities and soil ameliorant products to enhance sustainability of soil health

2.6 Select appropriate production crops suitable for soil type and climate for a land use rotation plan to improve or maintain soil productivity

2.7 Determine soil conservation strategies to minimise soil erosion and increase soil capacity productivity and sustainability

2.8 Assess the environmental implications of chemical use, consider and document alternative methods and organic preventive methods

2.9 Develop a plan to improve and maintain the health of soils

2.10 Develop a plan to monitor soil health and productivity

2.11 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

3.1 Implement a schedule for soil improvement taking into account seasonal, geographical and resource factors and stock/crop rotation

3.2 Implement strategies to integrate the most suitable methods of soil improvement operations with the proposed land use rotation plan

3.3 Determine key staff responsibilities for specific implementation processes and allocate duties

3.4 Modify plan to meet all contingencies and communicate with appropriate staff

3.5 Record soil management activities and file in the appropriate manner

4. Review plan, implementation strategy and the outcomes and determine necessary modifications

4.1 Analyse effectiveness of the soil improvement management plan, through evaluation at key points, making adjustments as necessary

4.2 Prepare recommendations for future strategies, based on the analysis of paddock observations and production data to further enhance soil ecosystem and production

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
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 
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 
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 
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 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSOL502 - Manage soils to enhance sustainability
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSOL502 - Manage soils to enhance sustainability

Student name:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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