Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:25 AM AWST

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Monitor and manage soils for production

Monitor and manage soils for production

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSOL501A
State Code
D7249
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
24
Description
This unit covers the process of monitoring and managing soils in an agricultural or horticultural production environment and defines the standard required to: interpret soil analytical data for the purposes of developing management or production plans; develop and conduct soil improvement programs; review and analyse ongoing soil monitoring programs; document the soil management plan or production plan.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research information about soil
  • 1.1. Soil type, characteristics and properties are researched and analysed for relevance to enterprise requirements.
  • 1.2. Particular soil properties, identified as relevant to the enterprise, are researched for further enquiry.
  • 1.3. Acceptable soil physical and chemical parameters for a specified crop are determined from published data and historical records.
  • 1.4. Relevant properties of soils and areas of homogenous soils are identified for testing.
  • 1.5. Soil sampling is conducted across a representative sampling area of the whole production area.
  • 1.6. Soil samples are collected, packaged, accurately labelled and dispatched according to testing agency requirements.
2. Apply information from soil testing to production and/or management plan
  • 2.1. Soil types of the sample area are classified according to standards for soil classification.
  • 2.2. Results from soil testing are compared with the identified soil physical and chemical parameters for the specified crop.
  • 2.3. Results from soil testing are compared with soil records and production history.
  • 2.4. The comparative results are reviewed and differences recorded and charted.
  • 2.5. Production or management plan is developed and testing results and comparative results are recorded.
3. Develop soil amendment practices
  • 3.1. Soil properties capable of being ameliorated are identified for action.
  • 3.2. Relevant soil ameliorants or cultural practices are identified and included in production/management plan.
  • 3.3. Soil ameliorants are quantified and purchased.
  • 3.4. Soil ameliorating activities are costed and included in production/management plan.
4. Monitor soil amendment practices
  • 4.1. Areas of ameliorant activities are sampled for testing across a representative sampling area.
  • 4.2. Results are analysed to measure the performance of soil amelioration activities.
  • 4.3. Monitoring program is recorded and included in the production/management plan.
5. Review and document the soil management plan
  • 5.1. Analysis of the sampling methods is recorded and methods amended as required.
  • 5.2. Monitoring program is reviewed, amended for effectiveness and recorded.
  • 5.3. Production/management plan is documented incorporating reviews and reports.
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.
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:
interpret soil analytical data for the purposes of developing management or production plans
develop and conduct soil improvement programs
review and analyse ongoing soil monitoring programs
document the soil management plan or production plan.
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
S3339 RTF5521A Monitor and manage soils Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAL45 AHCSOL501 Monitor and manage soils for production projects Unit of competency