This unit applies to farmers who manage according to the principles of biodynamic agriculture. Work is likely to be done independently and according to the requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare a plan for a biodynamic farming enterprise

1.1. Work is undertaken in an environmentally appropriate manner and according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and enterprise guidelines.

1.2. Requirements for biodynamic certification are identified.

1.3. Personal, ecological and financial goals for a biodynamic enterprise are incorporated into an enterprise plan.

1.4. Marketing plan for biodynamic produce is developed which maintains product quality and integrity.

1.5. Research findings for biodynamic agriculture are trialled within enterprise and incorporated into plans where appropriate.

2. Make and apply biodynamic field spray preparations

2.1. Horn Manure (500), Horn Silica (501) and Horn Clay preparations are made and stored correctly.

2.2. Preparations are stirred by creating vortex and chaos.

2.3. Equipment for application of biodynamic preparations is selected.

2.4. Equipment is calibrated and adjusted for suitable application rate.

2.5. Preparations are applied according to biodynamic principles.

3. Use biodynamic compost preparations, composts and liquid brews

3.1. Biodynamic compost preparations are used and stored according to biodynamic principles.

3.2. Materials and mineral inputs for compost are identified from farm production plan.

3.3. Compost heap is built.

3.4. Biodynamic preparations are applied to compost according to biodynamic principles.

3.5. Aeration, moisture and temperature of compost heap are monitored.

3.6. Compost is applied to enhance natural cycles.

4. Apply biodynamic principles and techniques to enhance soil and plant health

4.1. Planting, harvest and pruning times are planned with regard to moon rhythms and planetary patterns.

4.2. Soil and plant health is optimised using biodynamic preparations, cover crops, crop rotation, mulching and composting and through application of farm-based fertility products.

4.3. Weeds and insect pests in enterprise are identified.

4.4. Options for managing weeds and insects are evaluated that consider natural predators, life cycles, cultural practices, soil health and the plant community.

4.5. Plan for managing pests and weeds is developed and implemented.

5. Manage animals within a biodynamic production system

5.1. Soil and plant health are optimised to provide a nutrient-dense and balanced diet.

5.2. Grazing and feeding strategies are developed and incorporated into the biodynamic system.

5.3. Homeopathic remedies and allowable treatments are incorporated into animal health strategies.

Required skills

analysing soil test results and applying them to a biodynamic farm

calibrating sprays and calculating application rates

developing a biodynamic management plan (from start-up to full implementation)

developing biodynamic spray programs for various types of agriculture and horticulture systems

making and using biodynamic compost, manure concentrate, seaweed tea, various liquid brews and foliar sprays

making and using biodynamic preparations

stirring and spraying systems

stirring water and other liquids by creating vortexes and chaos

using planetary rhythms for seed sowing and cultivation

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

animal health

biodynamic preparations and their role in soil food web and atmosphere

biodiversity, shelter belts, birds and native bush on biodynamic farm

calcium-clay-silica polarities

crop and animal rotation systems

cultivation methods

etheric and astral forces and how they relate to biodynamics

experiments and testing methods such as chromatography and sensitive crystallisation

green manuring

management of insects and birds

paradigms of various farming systems: biodynamics, organics and permaculture, and holistic management

peppering for animals and insects

planting calendar

purpose of various herbs and organs used for making biodynamic preparations

relationship between soil, plant, animal and human health

research in biodynamics

rhythms and cycles of planets and moon

role of the biodynamic preparations 500-508

role of bacteria and fungi

role of humus

soil: food web information, how it is made, its structure and feeding cycle

water retention

weed management

principles, practices and inputs allowable under the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.

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:

understand and apply biodynamic principles

make and apply biodynamic preparations and compost

enhance soil and plant health

integrate and manage animals in a biodynamic enterprise

plan for biodynamic production.

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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Organic may include:

the application of practices that emphasise the use of renewable resources

conservation of energy, soil and water

recognition of livestock welfare needs

environmental maintenance and enhancement, while producing optimum quantities of produce without the use of artificial fertiliser or synthetic chemicals.

Biodynamic may include:

agricultural systems that introduce specific additional requirements to an organic system based on the application of preparations indicated by Rudolf Steiner and subsequent developments for management derived from practical application, experience and research based on these preparations.

Production may include:

any primary production involved in producing an agricultural or aquaculture product.

Unit sector

Organic production

This unit contains employability skills.