Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:17 PM AWST

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Sample soils and interpret results

Sample soils and interpret results

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSOL401A
State Code
D7245
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
09/10/2014
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
09/10/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers sampling of soils and interpreting of soil test results and defines the standard required to: collect soil/media samples using appropriate sampling methodology; prepare soil/media samples for dispatch to soil analysis laboratory; receive and interpret analytic results; file and record analytic results for future use; implement a nutrient/nutrition program.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for soil sampling
  • 1.1. The soils to be surveyed, surveying activity and contractors are identified according to site plans and enterprise work procedures.
  • 1.2. Tools, equipment and machinery are selected according to site conditions, testing agency requirements and enterprise work procedures.
  • 1.3. If required, pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise work procedures.
  • 1.4. Areas of homogeneous soil types are identified for sampling.
  • 1.5. Services are located using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor.
  • 1.6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, controls implemented and reported to the supervisor.
  • 1.7. Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, used and maintained.
  • 1.8. A clean and safe work area is maintained throughout and on completion of work.
2. Determine soil characteristics by performing soil sampling
  • 2.1. The density and depth for a representative sampling of the area are determined according to enterprise work procedures.
  • 2.2. Holes are excavated at identified sampling sites according to enterprise work procedures, OHS requirements and with due consideration of the environmental implications.
  • 2.3. Samples for off-site testing are collected and prepared, packaged, accurately labelled and dispatched according to testing agency requirements and enterprise work procedures.
  • 2.4. The physical and chemical characteristics of the soil are determined according to investigative requirements and best practice guidelines.
  • 2.5. Sampling and testing tools and equipment are cleaned of all residues and returned to storage according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise work procedures.
  • 2.6. Results are recorded in an established format according to enterprise work procedures.
3. Interpret results of soil analysis
  • 3.1. The soil types of the sample area are classified according to standards for soil classification.
  • 3.2. The acceptable soil physical and chemical parameters for a specified plant are determined from published data and historical records.
  • 3.3. Collected analytical results are compared with acceptable physical and chemical parameters for a specified plant.
  • 3.4. Soil characteristics are evaluated to determine whether they can be altered to meet plant needs.
  • 3.5. The Readily Available Water (RAW) values for irrigation sites are determined according to industry standards and enterprise work procedures.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Soils may include:
all soil types used for horticultural and agricultural production.
Soil tests may include:
a range of chemical analyses
structure and texture analysis
soil biology analysis.
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:
collect soil/media samples using appropriate sampling methodology
prepare soil/media samples for dispatch to soil analysis laboratory
receive and interpret analytic results
file and record analytic results for future use
implement a nutrient/nutrition program.
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
S3367 RTF3503A Sample soils and analyse results Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAR13 AHCSOL401 Sample soils and interpret results Unit of competency