Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:00 AM AWST

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Manage soils to enhance sustainability

Manage soils to enhance sustainability

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSOL502
State Code
BAO66
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
21/12/2017
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency standard covers the process of assessing soil characteristics, developing and implementing a plan to improve the health of soils, and monitoring and reviewing the results.Soil chemistry, physical chemistry and biology are used in understanding the analysis of soil tests, and the importance of the role of soil biota in soil structure and plant nutrition. Strategies to combine improved production with improved soil biota are considered, and the opportunity to increase biodiversity by strategic use of unproductive land is covered.Healthy soils are the basis of all sustainable land-based production systems. The principles of developing healthy soils involve improving soil structure, increasing soil macronutrients and micronutrients to optimum levels, balancing exchangeable cations, achieving optimum pH, eliminating toxic nutrient levels, and enhancing activity of soil biota.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.This unit is applicable to persons who have a role in managing a land based production business. This unit is likely to require consultation with external experts, such as pasture consultants, fertiliser representatives, contractors, extension officers from State Agricultural Departments, agronomists and producer groups.No occupational licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify characteristics of Australian soils to assess their current health
  • 1.1 Identify the common characteristics of Australian soils and their limitations
  • 1.2 Refer to a paddock assessment to establish soil characteristics
  • 1.3 Research soil biota and its relationship to soil fertility
  • 1.4 Evaluate current production practices in terms of their possible contribution to land degradation and soil problems
  • 1.5 Identify and select appropriate land preparation methods matched to machinery and equipment to maintain and improve soil productivity and structure
2. Develop a plan to improve and maintain the health of soils
  • 2.1 Identify the impact of weather and climate on operational activities on soil structure and fertility and develop contingency plans to account for climatic or other events
  • 2.2 Interpret soil test analysis and compare with historical data in the development of a plan
  • 2.3 Select required nutrient balance levels to improve soil fertility for effective use and uptake of plants
  • 2.4 Evaluate alternative strategies or products to improve soil fertility
  • 2.5 Develop a soil amendment strategy including soil ameliorating activities and soil ameliorant products to enhance sustainability of soil health
  • 2.6 Select appropriate production crops suitable for soil type and climate for a land use rotation plan to improve or maintain soil productivity
  • 2.7 Determine soil conservation strategies to minimise soil erosion and increase soil capacity productivity and sustainability
  • 2.8 Assess the environmental implications of chemical use, consider and document alternative methods and organic preventive methods
  • 2.9 Develop a plan to improve and maintain the health of soils
  • 2.10 Develop a plan to monitor soil health and productivity
  • 2.11 Communicate the plan and the system to monitor and record soil health to stakeholders
3. Implement plan for improvement and maintenance of a healthy soil
  • 3.1 Implement a schedule for soil improvement taking into account seasonal, geographical and resource factors and stock/crop rotation
  • 3.2 Implement strategies to integrate the most suitable methods of soil improvement operations with the proposed land use rotation plan
  • 3.3 Determine key staff responsibilities for specific implementation processes and allocate duties
  • 3.4 Modify plan to meet all contingencies and communicate with appropriate staff
  • 3.5 Record soil management activities and file in the appropriate manner
4. Review plan, implementation strategy and the outcomes and determine necessary modifications
  • 4.1 Analyse effectiveness of the soil improvement management plan, through evaluation at key points, making adjustments as necessary
  • 4.2 Prepare recommendations for future strategies, based on the analysis of paddock observations and production data to further enhance soil ecosystem and production
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OCT05 AHCSOL508 Manage soils to enhance sustainability Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BDD8 AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture Qualification