Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage organic soil improvement.
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 managers on farms that are managed according to the principles of organic agriculture. Work is likely to be done independently and according to the requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.
All work is done in an environmentally appropriate manner and according to workplace information, principles of organic agriculture and/or agro-ecology, work health and safety requirements and enterprise guidelines.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others within know 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. Monitor indicators of soil fertility | 1.1 Undertake work in an environmentally appropriate manner and according to the principles of organic agriculture, work health and safety requirements and enterprise guidelines 1.2 Sample and test soil at reference sites according to organic industry standards to develop baseline data to monitor soil health and fertility 1.3 Assess and record soil pH, mineral balances, and organic matter levels 1.4 Assess and record soil texture, structure, salinity and sodicity 1.5 Assess and record soil biological activity 1.6 Assess soil condition for drainage, compaction, aeration and water infiltration in relation to requirements for desired plant growth for selected species 1.7 Analyse results to identify trends in soil health and fertility and areas for improvement |
2. Assess soil-related factors for selected plants | 2.1 Identify nutritional requirements of selected plant species 2.2 Select soil analyses to be conducted using a suitable lab facility 2.3 Conduct plant tissue sample collection according to requirements of testing facility if applicable 2.4 Combine results of soil or tissue testing with observations of plant vigour and productivity to determine management and input requirements of the farming system |
3. Select, design and implement allowable systems, techniques and inputs to optimise soil fertility | 3.1 Identify range of allowable inputs according to requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce 3.2 Identify and implement cultural practices to enhance soil fertility, function and health 3.3 Calculate appropriate inputs based on soil/plant analyses, crop removal and plant/animal observations 3.4 Select and manage cover crop and pasture systems where applicable 3.5 Develop, apply and monitor mulching and composting systems where required 3.6 Design and implement crop rotations and grazing management systems to optimise soil fertility where appropriate |
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:
implement principles of organic agriculture and agroecology
implement knowledge of interrelationships between soil fertility, animals, plants, pests and diseases
devise and implement a soil improvement plan to correct imbalances and maintain soil fertility
sample soils and analyse soil test results for a range of indicators of soil fertility
work with natural processes and allowable inputs to improve and maintain soil fertility
apply enterprise work health and safety policies and guidelines
implement enterprise environmental sustainability practices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
availability, use and definition of organic fertilisers
structural properties of soils
factors contributing to soil acidity, sodicity and salinity
factors promoting soil and plant water-holding capacity
importance of soil biological activity
major nutrient elements and their role in plant growth
methods and inputs that can be used to correct imbalances and maintain soil fertility
principles of organic agriculture
processes and practices that impact on soil structure, biological activity, water-holding capacity and weed patterns
processes of aggregate and colloid formation
range of soil analyses available and principles of each
relationship between soil structure, water holding capacity and nutrient availability
role of organic matter, humus and micro-organisms
role of livestock in enhancing soil fertility
role of macro and micro-elements in soil and plants
role of weeds
significance of levels and balance of soil fertility indicators
soil food chains and food webs
soil textural types and determinants
when and how to take soil samples to test for indicators of soil fertility
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)