Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor the impact of irrigation on the soil plant growing environment.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess the physical properties of an irrigated soil | 1.1 Describe the profile of an irrigated soil 1.2 Determine soil texture and structure within the soil layers 1.3 Interpret tests for organic matter level in a soil 1.4 Test for slaking and dispersion in an irrigated soil 1.5 Assess the infiltration rate for an irrigated soil 1.6 Measure soil moisture levels 1.7 Describe the impacts of cultivation and watering practices on the physical properties of a soil |
2. Define soil moisture properties | 2.1 Describe soil moisture tension and its role in determining water availability to plants 2.2 Assess the field capacity of an irrigated soil 2.3 Observe the wilting point for a plant species in an irrigated soil 2.4 Calculate the readily available water (RAW) in an irrigated soil |
3. Monitor soil chemical properties | 3.1 Interpret soil test results for salinity and sodicity levels in an irrigated soil 3.2 Interpret pH tests and the potential impact of pH on soil structure and nutrient availability |
4. Assess soil health and plant growth under irrigation | 4.1 Assess the risk of erosion in an irrigated soil 4.2 Assess soil biology in an irrigated soil 4.3 Establish the growing requirements for a plant species |
5. Implement strategies to optimise the irrigation growing environment for plants | 5.1 Carry out soil husbandry practices to reduce risks of compaction and erosion 5.2 Implement and monitor a watering schedule 5.3 Adjust the frequency of watering based on available moisture, soil properties and plant response 5.4 Report soil and plant moisture status and irrigation requirement |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
adjust watering practices to meet plant needs
apply the results of soil testing to assessing soil properties
assess the erosion potential of an irrigated soil
assess the health of an irrigated soil
calculate moisture holding capacity of plants, including RAW
conduct soil structure and texture assessment
use soil moisture monitoring equipment
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
adverse environmental impacts of irrigated plant production
calculations for readily available water
critical measures for moisture availability
effect of dispersible soils under irrigation
field capacity
interpreting salinity, sodicity and pH tests
signs moisture stress & nutrient deficiency in plants
soil biology
soil moisture definitions and calculations
soil moisture monitoring procedures
soil structure and texture
types of erosion
wilting point
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Irrigation (IRG)