Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage a farming system according to the principles of, and using the practices of, biodynamic agriculture.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to farmers who manage according to the principles of biodynamic agriculture. Work is likely to be done independently and according to the requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others within known parameters and use discretion and judgment in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
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. Prepare a plan for a biodynamic farming enterprise | 1.1 Work in an environmentally appropriate manner and according to work health and safety requirements and enterprise guidelines 1.2 Identify requirements for biodynamic certification 1.3 Incorporate personal, ecological and financial goals for a biodynamic enterprise into an enterprise plan 1.4 Develop marketing plan for biodynamic produce which maintains product quality and integrity 1.5 Trial research findings for biodynamic agriculture and incorporate into plans 1.6 Develop and implement biodynamic production plan based on biodynamic principles and farm strategies |
2. Make and apply biodynamic field spray preparations | 2.1 Make and store horn manure (500), horn silica (501) and horn clay preparations 2.2 Stir preparations by creating vortex and chaos 2.3 Select equipment for application of biodynamic preparations 2.4 Calibrate and adjust equipment for suitable application rate 2.5 Apply preparations according to biodynamic principles |
3. Use biodynamic compost preparations, composts and liquid brews | 3.1 Use and store biodynamic compost preparations according to biodynamic principles 3.2 Identify materials and mineral inputs for compost from farm production plan and soil analysis 3.3 uild compost heap 3.4 Apply biodynamic preparations to compost according to biodynamic principles 3.5 Monitor aeration, moisture and temperature of compost heap 3.6 Apply compost to enhance natural cycles |
4. Apply biodynamic principles and techniques to enhance soil and plant health | 4.1 Plan planting, harvest and pruning times according to moon rhythms and planetary patterns 4.2 Optimise soil and plant health using biodynamic preparations, cover crops, crop rotation, mulching and composting and through application of farm-based fertility products 4.3 Identify weeds and insect pests in enterprise 4.4 Evaluate options for managing weeds and insects that consider natural predators, life cycles, cultural practices, soil health and the plant community 4.5 Develop and implement plan for managing pests and weeds |
5. Manage animals within a biodynamic production system | 5.1 Optimise soil and plant health to provide a nutrient-dense and balanced diet 5.2 Develop and incorporate grazing and feeding strategies into the biodynamic system 5.3 Incorporate homeopathic remedies and allowable treatments into animal health strategies 5.4 Implement enterprise animal welfare policies |
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:
apply biodynamic principles
develop and implement biodynamic production plan
make and apply biodynamic preparations and compost
enhance soil and plant health
integrate and manage animals in a biodynamic enterprise
apply enterprise work health and safety policies and guidelines
implement enterprise animal welfare policies
implement enterprise environmental sustainability practices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
animal health
biodynamic preparations and their role in soil food web and atmosphere
biodiversity, shelter belts, birds and native bush on biodynamic farm
calcium-clay-silica polarities
crop and animal rotation systems
cultivation methods
etheric and astral forces and how they relate to biodynamics
experiments and testing methods such as chromatography and sensitive crystallisation
green manuring
management of insects and birds
paradigms of various farming systems: biodynamics, organics and permaculture, and holistic management
peppering for animals and insects
planting calendar
purpose of various herbs and organs used for making biodynamic preparations
relationship between soil, plant, animal and human health
research in biodynamics principles and practices
rhythms and cycles of planets and moon
role of the biodynamic preparations 500-508
role of bacteria and fungi
role of humus
soil: food web information, how it is made, its structure and feeding cycle
water retention
weed management
principles, practices and inputs allowable under the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace and/or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
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
Organic Production (ORG)