Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to control and make use of weedy plants in a permaculture system. It also includes permaculture practices, such as use of succession in a permaculture system and the use of harvest as a means of control.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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. Assess the implications of weedy plants in the system | 1.1 Assess the scope and size of the weedy plant population 1.2 Investigate the soil properties, water availability and terrain of the affected areas 1.3 Investigate the history of the previous land use and management strategies of the site 1.4 Identify weedy plants and associated organisms and record in field notes 1.5 Identify weedy plant populations tolerated by the client, market or environment according to the permaculture management plan 1.6 Identify weedy plant population levels above which plant health or growth objectives are compromised 1.7 Obtain professional advice as required according to permaculture management plan |
2. Plan the implementation of permaculture weedy plant management plan | 2.1 Identify uses for weedy plants, waste materials and debris for fodder, mulching or composting 2.2 Select tools, equipment, machinery, and other control measures for each part of the weedy plant management work, according to the permaculture management plan 2.3 Select, use and maintain suitable safety equipment and personal protective equipment PPE) |
3. Implement the permaculture weedy plant management plan | 3.1 Coordinate the enterprise work team, contractors and/or control animals in a sequential manner according to the permaculture weedy plant management plan 3.2 Implement the permaculture weedy plant management plan 3.3 Maintain records appropriately |
4. Monitor the permaculture weedy plant management plan | 4.1 Monitor progress of the permaculture weedy plant management plan to identify side effects to other plants, animals or the environment 4.2 Assess effectiveness of the permaculture weedy plant management plan 4.3 Adjust the permaculture weedy plant management plan where necessary to meet expectations |
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:
recognise a range of weedy plants and associated organisms within a particular permaculture enterprise
identify uses of weedy plants in a permaculture system
identify control methods used in permaculture weedy plant management plan
implement a permaculture weedy plant management plan
assess progress and effectiveness of the permaculture weedy plant management plan
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices in relation to the management of weedy plants
weedy plant recognition
strategies used in weedy plant management plans, such as:
organic chemical, biological and cultural control methods and treatments available to the enterprise within the parameters of a permaculture weedy plant management plan
range and use of tools, equipment and machinery available to the enterprise for implementing a permaculture weedy plant management plan
animal systems to use the weedy plant as a food source
plants and planting strategies to out-compete weedy plants or to be used as a follow up to successful treatment
site monitoring and analysis techniques that may be used to implement a permaculture weedy plant management plan
roles that weeds play within an ecological system, such as:
soil stabilisers
fodder for wild and domestic animals
nutrient traps
nutrient mining from subsoil
identification of a range of edible weedy plants
uses for weedy plants including commercial uses, such as:
animal fodder
basket making
compost teas
food and medicinal products, such as nettles as cheese wraps or herbal teas
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 Certificate 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)