Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plant and maintain plants in a permaculture cropping system under routine supervision and involves a range of planting tasks, including site preparation, the handling and planting of a range of planting materials, and the maintenance of crops in the field.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to plant permaculture crops | 1.1 Confirm instructions about planting with supervisor 1.2 Select and prepare tools and equipment 1.3 Identify plant materials to be planted 1.4 Select, use and maintain personal protective equipment |
2. Prepare the site for planting | 2.1 Remove or slash old plants, weeds and other residual materials if required 2.2 Apply soil treatments or amendments according to supervisor’s instructions 2.3 Implement plant protection 2.4 Follow the permaculture planting plan and mark out the planting pattern |
3. Carry out planting operations | 3.1 Select appropriate planting material 3.2 Maintain planting material under conditions that ensure maximum viability 3.3 Handle and transport planting material to the site 3.4 Carry out planting according to permaculture planting plan |
4. Maintain plants | 4.1 Apply treatments to plantings according to the permaculture plan 4.2 Water plantings according to the irrigation schedule 4.3 Train and protect plants according to the permaculture plan |
Evidence of Performance
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:
select plant material, tools and equipment for planting
prepare site for planting
plant according to permaculture planting plan or pattern
support, train, guard or protect plants
follow plans and schedules
water plantings
apply treatments to soil
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices related to planting operations, such as:
planting in natural groupings or guilds
utilising plant partnerships such as vines on corn crops
planting mixed species and interplanting with companion species
avoiding soil compaction or disturbance
utilising chickens to plough and prepare ground for planting
avoiding water, seed or weed leakages from the system
principles of sustainable horticultural practices
planting techniques
basic plant nutrition
soil improvement and nutrient maintenance, such as:
minerals, including rock dusts
organic matter
manures, appropriate fertilisers and composts
foliar feeds or fertigation
vermicompost and worm castings
planting of a temporary green manure or cover crop
legume plantings or interplantings
sheet mulches
companion planting
plant growth and development
methods of waste disposal causing minimal impact on the environment
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III qualification (or higher) in Permaculture and/or have completed a Permaculture Design Course (PDC).
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)