Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCSUS502 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop and manage a plan to improve biodiversity on a farm

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCSUS502 - Develop and manage a plan to improve biodiversity on a farm
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the development and management of a plan to improve the biodiversity on the property with the view to improving profitability and sustainability of the production system, as well as the long-term viability of the farming enterprise. The focus is to protect, enhance and manage natural areas in balance with the production enterprise. Improved biodiversity is considered a core part of the vision for the property, providing improved profitability, personal fulfilment, community benefits, and the long-term sustainability of soil, water, and local flora and fauna.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 a person who has a role in managing a farm. This unit is likely to require consultation with family members and a range of external institutions, groups, government departments and individuals.No occupational licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Undertake an audit to determine the health and range of biodiversity on the property
  • Map the existing features and soil types on the property for protection
  • Obtain a list of local native flora and fauna species specific to habitat types and assess the health and diversity of native vegetation areas and isolated trees in comparison to the local or regional list
  • Analyse soil samples for chemical and biological content and assess the health and diversity of the grasslands and pasture
  • Analyse water samples and assess the health and diversity of the riparian zone
       
Element: Develop and implement a management plan to improve water quality and biodiversity on the farm
  • Plan and implement grazing management strategies to achieve the target ground cover for soil protection for natural areas and pasture
  • Protect retained vegetation and provide access for pest plant and animal control and continue to monitor biodiversity of these areas
  • Develop a plan to restore and revegetate areas to improve number and range of species of flora and fauna
  • Monitor water quality and quantity and develop and implement strategies to prevent contamination and reduce run off
  • Review all chemicals and fertilisers used on the farm to identify their potential impact with the view to minimising the effects on the biodiversity through reduced use where possible
  • Monitor soil fertility and soil biology in pasture by soil testing and develop strategies to improve soil biota
  • Develop and implement a plan to control weeds and pests by using methods that reduce the impact on biodiversity
  • Apply for funding to assist with biodiversity project work on the farm and in the local community
       
Element: Evaluate benefits of improved biodiversity othe farm
  • Estimate the benefits that will include increased financial value from the farm enterprise and the improved sale, resale or capital value of the farm as a result of the improvement in biodiversity
  • Identify personal benefits that biodiversity may contribute to the individual, the farm and the wider community
  • Identity the benefits to the environment of improved biodiversity
  • Survey the number and diversity of flora and fauna species annually on the farm
  • Monitor water quality and quantity leaving the property in comparison to initial values and local benchmarks
  • Work with Landcare groups and other community groups to develop plans to extend corridors and improve water quality beyond the farm
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Undertake an audit to determine the health and range of biodiversity on the property

1.1 Map the existing features and soil types on the property for protection

1.2 Obtain a list of local native flora and fauna species specific to habitat types and assess the health and diversity of native vegetation areas and isolated trees in comparison to the local or regional list

1.3 Analyse soil samples for chemical and biological content and assess the health and diversity of the grasslands and pasture

1.4 Analyse water samples and assess the health and diversity of the riparian zone

2. Develop and implement a management plan to improve water quality and biodiversity on the farm

2.1 Plan and implement grazing management strategies to achieve the target ground cover for soil protection for natural areas and pasture

2.2 Protect retained vegetation and provide access for pest plant and animal control and continue to monitor biodiversity of these areas

2.3 Develop a plan to restore and revegetate areas to improve number and range of species of flora and fauna

2.4 Monitor water quality and quantity and develop and implement strategies to prevent contamination and reduce run off

2.5 Review all chemicals and fertilisers used on the farm to identify their potential impact with the view to minimising the effects on the biodiversity through reduced use where possible

2.6 Monitor soil fertility and soil biology in pasture by soil testing and develop strategies to improve soil biota

2.7 Develop and implement a plan to control weeds and pests by using methods that reduce the impact on biodiversity

2.8 Apply for funding to assist with biodiversity project work on the farm and in the local community

3. Evaluate benefits of improved biodiversity othe farm

3.1 Estimate the benefits that will include increased financial value from the farm enterprise and the improved sale, resale or capital value of the farm as a result of the improvement in biodiversity

3.2 Identify personal benefits that biodiversity may contribute to the individual, the farm and the wider community

3.3 Identity the benefits to the environment of improved biodiversity

3.4 Survey the number and diversity of flora and fauna species annually on the farm

3.5 Monitor water quality and quantity leaving the property in comparison to initial values and local benchmarks

3.6 Work with Landcare groups and other community groups to develop plans to extend corridors and improve water quality beyond the farm

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

assess natural areas, vegetation type, species, health and value

assess vegetation ground cover and the risk of erosion

identify plants using a field guide and recognise endangered species

identify weed species using a field guide

take soil tests and water sample tests and interpret test results

map natural areas and plan improvements on a whole farm plan

calculate financial value of planned improvements

calculate costs and prepare implementation plan for improvements

record personal and family values and goals

recognise saline areas

identify bird, frog and macro-invertebrates and estimate populations by a field survey

communicate and work co-operatively with Landcare and community groups

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

complex interdependence of plants and animals

greater the biodiversity the greater the resilience to change

need for maintaining biodiversity within a particular species, maintaining the number of different species, and maintaining the range of ecosystem types

indigenous plants in revegetation projects

how to manage pests, diseases and weeds in natural areas

water cycle

value of biodiversity on the pasture production and the animal enterprise

consequences of contamination and pollution of water, air and soil

methods of restoration and regeneration of vegetation

benefit of natural areas for personal health, family activities and pleasure

philosophy of working with nature to improve the environment for future generations

value of natural areas in improving the aesthetic value of the farm

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Undertake an audit to determine the health and range of biodiversity on the property

1.1 Map the existing features and soil types on the property for protection

1.2 Obtain a list of local native flora and fauna species specific to habitat types and assess the health and diversity of native vegetation areas and isolated trees in comparison to the local or regional list

1.3 Analyse soil samples for chemical and biological content and assess the health and diversity of the grasslands and pasture

1.4 Analyse water samples and assess the health and diversity of the riparian zone

2. Develop and implement a management plan to improve water quality and biodiversity on the farm

2.1 Plan and implement grazing management strategies to achieve the target ground cover for soil protection for natural areas and pasture

2.2 Protect retained vegetation and provide access for pest plant and animal control and continue to monitor biodiversity of these areas

2.3 Develop a plan to restore and revegetate areas to improve number and range of species of flora and fauna

2.4 Monitor water quality and quantity and develop and implement strategies to prevent contamination and reduce run off

2.5 Review all chemicals and fertilisers used on the farm to identify their potential impact with the view to minimising the effects on the biodiversity through reduced use where possible

2.6 Monitor soil fertility and soil biology in pasture by soil testing and develop strategies to improve soil biota

2.7 Develop and implement a plan to control weeds and pests by using methods that reduce the impact on biodiversity

2.8 Apply for funding to assist with biodiversity project work on the farm and in the local community

3. Evaluate benefits of improved biodiversity othe farm

3.1 Estimate the benefits that will include increased financial value from the farm enterprise and the improved sale, resale or capital value of the farm as a result of the improvement in biodiversity

3.2 Identify personal benefits that biodiversity may contribute to the individual, the farm and the wider community

3.3 Identity the benefits to the environment of improved biodiversity

3.4 Survey the number and diversity of flora and fauna species annually on the farm

3.5 Monitor water quality and quantity leaving the property in comparison to initial values and local benchmarks

3.6 Work with Landcare groups and other community groups to develop plans to extend corridors and improve water quality beyond the farm

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Map the existing features and soil types on the property for protection 
Obtain a list of local native flora and fauna species specific to habitat types and assess the health and diversity of native vegetation areas and isolated trees in comparison to the local or regional list 
Analyse soil samples for chemical and biological content and assess the health and diversity of the grasslands and pasture 
Analyse water samples and assess the health and diversity of the riparian zone 
Plan and implement grazing management strategies to achieve the target ground cover for soil protection for natural areas and pasture 
Protect retained vegetation and provide access for pest plant and animal control and continue to monitor biodiversity of these areas 
Develop a plan to restore and revegetate areas to improve number and range of species of flora and fauna 
Monitor water quality and quantity and develop and implement strategies to prevent contamination and reduce run off 
Review all chemicals and fertilisers used on the farm to identify their potential impact with the view to minimising the effects on the biodiversity through reduced use where possible 
Monitor soil fertility and soil biology in pasture by soil testing and develop strategies to improve soil biota 
Develop and implement a plan to control weeds and pests by using methods that reduce the impact on biodiversity 
Apply for funding to assist with biodiversity project work on the farm and in the local community 
Estimate the benefits that will include increased financial value from the farm enterprise and the improved sale, resale or capital value of the farm as a result of the improvement in biodiversity 
Identify personal benefits that biodiversity may contribute to the individual, the farm and the wider community 
Identity the benefits to the environment of improved biodiversity 
Survey the number and diversity of flora and fauna species annually on the farm 
Monitor water quality and quantity leaving the property in comparison to initial values and local benchmarks 
Work with Landcare groups and other community groups to develop plans to extend corridors and improve water quality beyond the farm 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSUS502 - Develop and manage a plan to improve biodiversity on a farm
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSUS502 - Develop and manage a plan to improve biodiversity on a farm

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: