Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:05 AM AWST

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Manage organic soil improvement

Manage organic soil improvement

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCORG403A
State Code
D7099
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/06/2014
Field of Education
059999 - Agriculture, Environmental And Related Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
25/06/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit covers the management of organic soil improvement and defines the standard required to: understand and apply principles of organic agriculture; understand and apply knowledge of interrelationships between soil fertility, animals, plants, pests and diseases; devise and implement a soil improvement plan to correct imbalances and maintain soil fertility; apply the results of soil tests for a range of indicators of soil fertility; and work with natural processes and allowable inputs to improve and maintain soil fertility.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Monitor indicators of soil fertility
  • 1.1. Work is undertaken in an environmentally appropriate manner and according to workplace information, principles of organic agriculture, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and enterprise guidelines.
  • 1.2. Soil testing is conducted at reference sites according to enterprise procedures and organic industry standards.
  • 1.3. Soil acidity or alkalinity (pH), mineral balances and organic matter levels are assessed and recorded.
  • 1.4. Soil texture, structure, salinity and sodicity are assessed and recorded.
  • 1.5. Soil biological activity is assessed and recorded
  • 1.6. Soil condition is assessed for drainage, compaction, aeration and water infiltration in relation to requirements for desired plant growth for selected species.
  • 1.7. Results are analysed to identify trends in soil health and fertility and areas for improvement.
2. Assess soil-related factors for selected plants
  • 2.1. Nutritional requirements of selected plant species are identified.
  • 2.2. Soil analyses to be conducted and suitable testing facilities are selected.
  • 2.3. Plant tissue sample collection is conducted according to enterprise procedures and requirements of testing facility.
  • 2.4. Results of tissue testing are combined with observations of plant vigour and productivity to determine management and input requirements of the farming system.
3. Select and implement allowable techniques and inputs to optimise soil fertility
  • 3.1. Range of allowable inputs is identified according to requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.
  • 3.2. Cultural practices to enhance nutrient cycling are identified and implemented.
  • 3.3. Appropriate inputs are calculated, based on soil/plant analyses, crop removal and plant/animal observations.
  • 3.4. Cover crop and pasture systems are selected and managed.
  • 3.5. Mulching and composting systems are developed, applied and monitored.
  • 3.6. Rotations to optimise soil fertility are designed and implemented.
  • 3.7. Cultural practices to enhance soil fertility are selected and implemented.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Organic may include:
the application of practices that emphasise the use of renewable resources
conservation of energy, soil and water
recognition of livestock welfare needs
environmental maintenance and enhancement, while producing optimum quantities of produce without the use of artificial fertiliser or synthetic chemicals.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
understand and apply principles of organic agriculture
understand and apply knowledge of interrelationships between soil fertility, animals, plants, pests and diseases
devise and implement a soil improvement plan to correct imbalances and maintain soil fertility
analyse soil test results for a range of indicators of soil fertility
work with natural processes and allowable inputs to improve and maintain soil fertility.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAP36 AHCORG403 Manage organic soil improvement Unit of competency