Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with basic earth shaping for nutrient capture and storage in a permaculture system. It requires knowledge of permaculture earthworks used for nutrient capture and storage, behaviour of water in the natural environment, reading the landscape, working with slopes and contours and digging techniques, both manual and mechanical.
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. Assess and measure slope using simple tools | 1.1 Identify issues with slope such as erosion gullies, plant growth, water pooling 1.2 Use a plumb bob and 3-4-5 triangle or similar to calculate fall 1.3 Record slope profile and fall in several places across a wide slope |
2. Peg out contours | 2.1 Step an A frame across the slope to find and peg the contour 2.2 Use an A-frame and water level to check contour pegging 2.3 Label or flag contour pegs to avoid confusion |
3. Prepare to shape earth | 3.1 Select tools and equipment for earth shaping work 3.2 Hire small machinery if necessary or if the job is a big one 3.3 Hire a contractor if the job demands and follow any legislative requirements 3.4 Check weather forecasts and condition of soil before digging |
4. Shape earth for nutrient capture and storage | 4.1 Use manual or mechanical digging system to shape the earth 4.2 Avoid damage to underground structures, services, roots of trees and building foundations 4.3 Follow the design requirements and clarify any anomalies |
5. Test earth shaping work | 5.1 Confirm that earth shaping holds water (or drains, as required) 5.2 Confirm that earth shaping of berms, swales or terraces will not erode or pool water 5.3 Rake, sweep or compact to even any discrepancies 5.4 Test earth shaped structure by watering or opening valves and adjust as required |
6. Complete earth shaping work | 6.1 Line earth shaped swales or ponds according to design 6.2 Plant contour banks or terraces according to design 6.3 Mulch any exposed soil or surfaces or fill, depending on climate and permaculture design requirements 6.4 Clean up any surplus or waste materials from the earth shaping work in an environmentally safe manner 6.5 Return tools, equipment and storable materials to storage |
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:
identify issues with slope
measure slope using simple tools
peg out contours
shape earth for nutrient capture and storage
test earth shaping work
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices in relation to nutrient capture and storage in earthworks
behaviour of water in the natural environment
natural water flows
earth shaping components common in permaculture systems, such as:
swales
berms
dams
terraces
grey water reed bed systems
ponds
manual digging techniques
operation of small earth-moving equipment
soil testing for earthworks
working with slopes and contours
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)