Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with garden soil health and plant nutrition using simple methods and without costly equipment. It requires knowledge of simple soil testing techniques and how to improve soil health and plant nutrition organically.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
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. Undertake simple soil assessment tests | 1.1 Prepare soil samples for testing 1.2 Use simple techniques to check the texture, pH, organic matter and soil life in the soil samples 1.3 Use simple techniques to read the probable soil condition using plant growth and insect or animal activity |
2. Add organic or allowable nutrients to improve soil | 2.1 Determine needs of soil for improvement 2.2 Add allowable additives such as compost, rock dust, manure and compost tea to improve soil 2.3 Use planting techniques such as green manures, companions, guilds and nurse plants to improve soils and plant nutrition 2.4 Protect the soil with mulch to maintain moisture and discourage unwanted growth |
3. Monitor soil health | 3.1 Monitor the health of the soil through the seasons 3.2 Ensure soils are not over dry or over wet 3.3 Avoid salting or greywater sodicity if watering with reused water 3.4 Regularly check for health of soil organisms, nutrient deficiency in leaves, and signs of pathogen fungal, bacterial or viral action on plants 3.5 Monitor soil improvement and plant nutrition over time |
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:
undertake simple soil assessment tests
add organic or allowable nutrients to improve soil
Protect soil to maintain moisture and overall soil health
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices related to soil health and plant nutrition, such as:
working with natural soils rather than importing soil
soil as an ecosystem
soil as biomass and carbon capture and storage
principles of sustainable horticultural practices
soil testing techniques, such as:
jar test for texture
ribbon test and ball test
pH testing
surface evaporation test
worm count
basic plant nutrition
allowable additives to improve soils, such as:
compost and worm castings
compost teas
rock dust
gypsum
green manures
manures/animal bedding materials
leaf mould
plantings – green manures, nurse plants
companion planting
dynamic accumulators
chop and drop
nutrient trapping systems
greywater use
organically certified products
methods of waste disposal causing minimal impact on the environment
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III qualification (or higher) in Permaculture and/or have completed a Permaculture Design Course (PDC).
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)