Develop and manage a plan to improve biodiversity on a farm

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 AHCSUS502, 'Develop and manage a plan to improve biodiversity on a farm'.
Google Links
links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
Books
Reference books for 'Develop and manage a plan to improve biodiversity on a farm' 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. Undertake an audit to determine the health and range of biodiversity on the property

1.1 Map the existing features and soil types on the property for protection

1.2 Obtain a list of local native flora and fauna species specific to habitat types and assess the health and diversity of native vegetation areas and isolated trees in comparison to the local or regional list

1.3 Analyse soil samples for chemical and biological content and assess the health and diversity of the grasslands and pasture

1.4 Analyse water samples and assess the health and diversity of the riparian zone

2. Develop and implement a management plan to improve water quality and biodiversity on the farm

2.1 Plan and implement grazing management strategies to achieve the target ground cover for soil protection for natural areas and pasture

2.2 Protect retained vegetation and provide access for pest plant and animal control and continue to monitor biodiversity of these areas

2.3 Develop a plan to restore and revegetate areas to improve number and range of species of flora and fauna

2.4 Monitor water quality and quantity and develop and implement strategies to prevent contamination and reduce run off

2.5 Review all chemicals and fertilisers used on the farm to identify their potential impact with the view to minimising the effects on the biodiversity through reduced use where possible

2.6 Monitor soil fertility and soil biology in pasture by soil testing and develop strategies to improve soil biota

2.7 Develop and implement a plan to control weeds and pests by using methods that reduce the impact on biodiversity

2.8 Apply for funding to assist with biodiversity project work on the farm and in the local community

3. Evaluate benefits of improved biodiversity othe farm

3.1 Estimate the benefits that will include increased financial value from the farm enterprise and the improved sale, resale or capital value of the farm as a result of the improvement in biodiversity

3.2 Identify personal benefits that biodiversity may contribute to the individual, the farm and the wider community

3.3 Identity the benefits to the environment of improved biodiversity

3.4 Survey the number and diversity of flora and fauna species annually on the farm

3.5 Monitor water quality and quantity leaving the property in comparison to initial values and local benchmarks

3.6 Work with Landcare groups and other community groups to develop plans to extend corridors and improve water quality beyond the farm


Qualifications and Skillsets

AHCSUS502 appears in the following qualifications: