Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:56 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:56 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Determine basic properties of soil and/or growing media
Determine basic properties of soil and/or growing media
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSOL201A
AHCSOL201A
State Code
D7242
D7242
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/10/2014
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
09/10/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the process of determining the basic properties of soil or soil-less growing media and defines the standard required to: undertake basic soil/media analysis descriptive tests for soil texture, salinity and pH; use basic proprietary soil testing equipment for testing pH and salinity; determine basic soil structure with a view to using soil structure ameliorants.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Collect soil/media samples for testing
- 1.1. Tools and materials for collecting soil/media samples are prepared.
- 1.2. Area from which soil/media samples are to be collected is identified from workplace records or supervisors instructions.
- 1.3. Services are located using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor.
- 1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented and reported to the supervisor.
- 1.5. Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, used and maintained.
- 1.6. Samples are taken randomly from the designated area according to recognised sampling techniques and are prepared for on site or off site analysis
- 1.7. Samples are labelled and recorded according to organisational procedures.
2. Perform basic soil/media test
- 2.1. Soil profile is determined, where appropriate.
- 2.2. Soils/media are tested or inspected for physical properties.
- 2.3. Soils/media is tested for chemical properties.
- 2.4. Results are recorded according to organisational procedures.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Soils may include:
all types of soils and growing media used for commercial production.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Soils may include:
all types of soils and growing media used for commercial production.
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:
undertake basic soil/media analysis descriptive tests for soil texture, salinity and pH
use basic proprietary soil testing equipment for testing pH and salinity
determine basic soil structure with a view to using soil structure ameliorants.
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.
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:
undertake basic soil/media analysis descriptive tests for soil texture, salinity and pH
use basic proprietary soil testing equipment for testing pH and salinity
determine basic soil structure with a view to using soil structure ameliorants.
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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3306 | RTF2504A | Determine basic properties of soil/growing media | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAS70 | AHCSOL202 | Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing | Unit of competency |