Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to research permaculture principles and practices, develop research techniques to gather general information on permaculture and non-permaculture systems and appropriately communicate information within culturally diverse groups.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their 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.
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. Research general information on permaculture | 1.1 Identify sources of information about permaculture 1.2 Interpret written sources of information and extract the required information 1.3 Access and investigate information from sources other than written 1.4 Interpret information from non-written sources and extract the required information |
2. Document application of permaculture principles to a site | 2.1 Identify an appropriate site to study 2.2 Research site, using primary data sources and secondary data sources 2.3 Document examples of how permaculture principles have been practically applied on the site |
3. Compare permaculture design approach and practices with those of other food production systems | 3.1 Identify a range of food production systems 3.2 Identify key characteristics of each system in relation to management of soil, energy, water, nutrient flow, crop rotation and harvesting 3.3 Compare permaculture practices with those of other systems |
4. Communicate general information with others on permaculture | 4.1 Discuss and share knowledge with colleagues to increase awareness of permaculture principles and practices 4.2 Prepare and deliver permaculture information to small groups 4.3 Respond to questions about permaculture within a small group 4.4 Communicate responses in a culturally appropriate manner |
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:
research general information on permaculture
identify differences between permaculture and other land management or land use practices
share general information with others on permaculture
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices
similarities and differences between other land use and management practices and permaculture, such as:
conventional broad-acre farming
battery chicken farms
intensive meat production facilities (e.g. feedlots, piggeries)
fish farming
biodynamic agriculture
organic mixed farms
culturally appropriate speech and behaviour
basic research techniques
using primary data sources:
original data gathered by the researcher
measurements
photographs
maps or sketches
soil tests
observations of light, shade, sun angle
flora and fauna present at the site
slope and contour information
observation of site and adjoining landscape features (e.g. sector analysis)
weather observations
using secondary data sources:
data provided by government departments and agencies, local groups (such as Landcare) or individuals (such as neighbours)
survey documents, maps and plans
official weather data
photographs, such as Google Earth
communication techniques
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III (or higher) in Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)