Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:20 AM AWST

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Implement a plant nutrition program

Implement a plant nutrition program

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPCM301A
State Code
D7146
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
24/06/2014
Field of Education
010709 - Soil Science
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of implementing a plant nutrition program in the horticultural or agricultural industry and defines the standard required to: recognise a range of common causes of nutrient deficiency; prepare fertilizers and other products for application to plants; apply fertilizers and other products; clean up and maintain tools and equipment; record work activities according to enterprise guidelines.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for implementation of the plant nutrition program
  • 1.1. Goals, target site, soils and plant species and varieties are identified.
  • 1.2. Materials for soil and plant treatments are identified and the storage site or supplier details located.
  • 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, controls implemented.
  • 1.5. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.
2. Monitor soil pH
  • 2.1. Soil pH in the implementation site is monitored in relation to plant nutrition.
  • 2.2. Products useful in changing soil pH are identified, compared, selected and sourced.
  • 2.3. Product application methods are assessed according to product type and type of growing media.
3. Determine nutritional problems in plants
  • 3.1. Common nutrient deficiency and toxicity problems in plants are identified using visual inspection.
  • 3.2. The supervisor and/or horticulturist are consulted, as required, to determine causes of nutritional or toxicity problems.
  • 3.3. Soil ameliorants to improve soil fertility are identified, compared, selected and sourced.
4. Prepare to use fertilisers
  • 4.1. The fertiliser to be used is selected according to plant species and type of growing media.
  • 4.2. Fertiliser application methods are assessed according to fertiliser type, soils, enterprise work procedures, and in due consideration of the environmental implications.
  • 4.3. Fertilisers are applied according to the plant growing cycle and the enterprise fertiliser calendar.
5. Prepare application equipment
  • 5.1. Tools, equipment and machinery are selected according to enterprise work procedures.
  • 5.2. Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturers specifications and documented work procedures.
  • 5.3. Tools, equipment and machinery are calibrated and adjusted according to manufacturer's guidelines.
6. Apply specific products at appropriate rates
  • 6.1. Specific products are selected based on their analysis to meet plant needs according to enterprise work procedures.
  • 6.2. Product application rates are calculated to optimise plant benefit and minimise environmental impact according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise work procedures.
  • 6.3. Specific products are applied at the correct rate, timing and method according to the product type and analysis, manufacturers specifications, enterprise work procedures, and in due consideration of the environmental implications.
  • 6.4. Product applications are recorded according to enterprise work procedures.
  • 6.5. Target plant response to the plant nutrition program, as well as any non-target effects such as environmental impact or pest responses are monitored, documented and reported to the supervisor.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Plants may include:
all plant species and cultivars.
Fertilisers may include:
products and materials to meet the nutritional requirements of plants, to modify soil pH and soil ameliorants to improve soil fertility.
Fertiliser application methods may include:
banding
broadcasting
ripping
spraying and fertigation applied directly to the soil or to the plant via foliar sprays.
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:
conduct a site hazard identification and risk control assessment
recognise a range of common causes of nutrient deficiency
prepare fertilizers and other products for application to plants
apply fertilizers and other products
clean up and maintain tools and equipment
record work activities according to enterprise guidelines.
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
S3320 RTF3012A Implement a plant nutrition program Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAO01 AHCPCM301 Implement a plant nutrition program Unit of competency