Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement sustainable land use strategies.
This unit applies to managers of agricultural and production horticulture enterprises whose job role includes developing land use strategies that lead to improved ecological sustainability of land under production. These individuals take responsibility for their own work and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.
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 requirements for improved land use | 1.1 Audit the natural resource base and identify threats to sustainability 1.2 Review the production and management plans to incorporate sustainable land use principles 1.3 Assess water resources, quality and impacts of run off for risk of erosion 1.4 Assess soil health and fertility against the requirements of the production plan 1.5 Assess vegetation types and coverage and identify required changes 1.6 Plan and prioritise land and water protection measures and structures |
2. Carry out structural improvements to address threats to sustainability | 2.1 Follow work health and safety policies and procedures in field work 2.2 Inspect sites, note key features and place pegs for improvements 2.3 Determine materials for the construction from the plans 2.4 Obtain and organise materials, personnel and equipment 2.5 Check equipment to be used 2.6 Construct structural works and revegetate the area and secure from livestock |
3. Treat areas of land degradation | 3.1 Realign fences to land classes and soil conservation works 3.2 Protect contour banks and repair as necessary 3.3 Construct water carrying structures or repair as necessary 3.4 Establish shelter belts for crop and stock protection 3.5 Review and amend soil cultivation and planting practices to prevent erosion and minimise soil run-off 3.6 Plan grazing strategies to maximise ground cover and avoid damage through foot tracks or damage to banks 3.7 Ensure all works and plans comply with environmental protection legislation, regulations and codes of practice |
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. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
develop and implement sustainable land use strategies
identify the threats to sustainability for an area or region
manage water resources and riparian zones
manage vegetation and plant succession for an area
manage the health and sustainability of soils
incorporate sustainability principles into land use practices
apply work health and safety practices in the context of own work
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
the role of biodiversity in farming systems
sustainable land and water use principles and practices applicable to the region
sustainable soil management
soil appraisal and remediation strategies
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the improvement works
relevant legislation and regulations relating to soil and water degradation issues, chemical use and structural works
relevant work health and safety and environmental protection legislation, regulations and codes of practice
causes of land degradation
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
Natural Area Restoration (NAR)