Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:23 PM AWST

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Manage organic soil improvement

Manage organic soil improvement

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCORG403
State Code
BAP36
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
059999 - Agriculture, Environmental And Related Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage organic soil improvement.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes, and sustainability practices. This unit applies to managers on farms that are managed according to the principles of organic agriculture. Work is likely to be done independently and according to the requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce. All work is done in an environmentally appropriate manner and according to workplace information, principles of organic agriculture and/or agro-ecology, work health and safety requirements and enterprise guidelines.This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others within know parameters and use discretion and judgment 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D7099 AHCORG403A Manage organic soil improvement Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OFC14 AHCORG411 Manage organic soil improvement Unit of competency