Manage organic soil improvement

Formats and tools

Unit Description
Reconstruct the unit from the xml and display it as an HTML page.
Assessment Tool
an assessor resource that builds a framework for writing an assessment tool
Assessment Template
generate a spreadsheet for marking this unit in a classroom environment. Put student names in the top row and check them off as they demonstrate competenece for each of the unit's elements and performance criteria.
Assessment Matrix
a slightly different format than the assessment template. A spreadsheet with unit names, elements and performance criteria in separate columns. Put assessment names in column headings to track which performance criteria each one covers. Good for ensuring that you've covered every one of the performance criteria with your assessment instrument (all assessement tools together).
Wiki Markup
mark up the unit in a wiki markup codes, ready to copy and paste into a wiki page. The output will work in most wikis but is designed to work particularly well as a Wikiversity learning project.
Evidence Guide
create an evidence guide for workplace assessment and RPL applicants
Competency Mapping Template
Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners. A template for developing assessments for a unit, which will help you to create valid, fair and reliable assessments for the unit, ready to give to trainers and students
Observation Checklist
create an observation checklist for workplace assessment and RPL applicants. This is similar to the evidence guide above, but a little shorter and friendlier on your printer. You will also need to create a seperate Assessor Marking Guide for guidelines on gathering evidence and a list of key points for each activity observed using the unit's range statement, required skills and evidence required (see the unit's html page for details)

Self Assessment Survey
A form for students to assess thier current skill levels against each of the unit's performance criteria. Cut and paste into a web document or print and distribute in hard copy.
Moodle Outcomes
Create a csv file of the unit's performance criteria to import into a moodle course as outcomes, ready to associate with each of your assignments. Here's a quick 'how to' for importing these into moodle 2.x
Registered Training Organisations
Trying to find someone to train or assess you? This link lists all the RTOs that are currently registered to deliver AHCORG403, 'Manage organic soil improvement'.
Google Links
links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
Books
Reference books for 'Manage organic soil improvement' on fishpond.com.au. This online store has a huge range of books, pretty reasonable prices, free delivery in Australia *and* they give a small commission to ntisthis.com for every purchase, so go nuts :)


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


Qualifications and Skillsets

AHCORG403 appears in the following qualifications:

  • AHC40110 - Certificate IV in Agriculture
  • AHC40310 - Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
  • AHC50110 - Diploma of Agriculture
  • AHC41612 - Certificate IV in Organic Farming
  • AHC40410 - Certificate IV in Horticulture
  • AHC51812 - Diploma of Organic Farming
  • AHC42116 - Certificate IV in Permaculture
  • AHC51816 - Diploma of Organic Farming
  • AHC41616 - Certificate IV in Organic Farming
  • AHC40316 - Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
  • AHC40416 - Certificate IV in Horticulture
  • AHC52116 - Diploma of Permaculture
  • AHC40116 - Certificate IV in Agriculture
  • AHC50116 - Diploma of Agriculture

And the skillsets: