Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan organic garden and orchard systems. It requires the application of horticultural and permaculture knowledge including permaculture principles, plant types, conditions and requirements to establish orchards for optimum production.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
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 site for organic garden and orchard system | 1.1 Inspect the site for environmental and physical attributes 1.2 Research site characteristics, using a range of information sources 1.3 Test soil and analyse the results 1.4 Identify site constraints and opportunities 1.5 Define location of existing structures and services 1.6 Prepare site plan and zone and sector plan of site, based on information collected |
2. Select plants for organic garden and orchard system | 2.1 Select suitable plant varieties and types 2.2 Determine preferred type of plant materials for planting 2.3 Determine number and size of plants and plant materials |
3. Develop planting plan for organic garden and orchard system | 3.1 Identify zone and sector details from the site plan 3.2 Identify and place plants to be installed 3.3 Record required actions, timelines and specific information on the plan 3.4 Investigate availability of plants, materials and services for the system |
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:
assess site for planting
test soil and analyse the results
select plants
identify zones and sectors of site to ascertain best planting locations
identify structures and services and how these may impact on the plan
develop planting plan to include at least 5 fruit trees or shrubs
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and ethics
permaculture site planning
boundaries of sites drawn at an appropriate scale
direction of North (or sunward)
location of plants
other information relevant to a permaculture garden and orchard system drawn in clear and accurate graphic style
planting schedules and timelines, including Gantt charts
zone and sector planning, such as:
zones for garden and orchard systems (Zones 1 and 2)
sector information such as prevailing winds, fire aspect, winter and summer sun angles, best locations for sun-loving and shade-tolerant species
microclimate information
zone and sector plans drawn as overlays to a site plan
garden and orchard systems, such as:
an orchard with 5 to 10 or more assorted fruit trees or shrubs
integrated plant and animal systems
consideration of and design for plant ecosystem relationships
soil structure, types and function, including soil tests for agricultural purposes
soil maintenance and improvement techniques
aims and purposes of building organic garden and orchard systems
design principles for organic garden and orchard systems
features and characteristics of plants used in organic garden and orchard systems
growing requirements of plants used in organic garden and orchard systems
biosecurity policies and principles
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III (or higher) in Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)