Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide information about and determine its suitability for garden beds or turf areas and determine ameliorants or additives to improve it.
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. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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 and collect soil samples for testing | 1.1 Determine reasons for testing of soil 1.2 Prepare tools and materials for collecting samples 1.3 Take samples according to recognised sampling techniques 1.4 Label and record samples |
2. Determine physical characteristics of sample | 2.1 Conduct tests for texture and structure on the samples 2.2 Determine soil colour and the presence of organic matter 2.3 Determine characteristics of soil profile where required 2.4 Determine depth of topsoil and determine if sufficient for the requirements of the plants to be installed 2.5 Determine the ability of soil to drain or retain water 2.6 Assess the physical characteristics of soil and determine improvements needed |
3. Determine chemical characteristics of sample | 3.1 Conduct tests for pH and salinity 3.2 Determine the suitability of soil for particular plants 3.3 Determine the soil’s fertility and the need for additional fertiliser or other amendments 3.4 Determine the chemical characteristics of soil and improvements needed |
4. Prepare soils for planting or replanting | 4.1 Improve physical characteristics of garden or lawn areas as required 4.2 Adjust pH and salinity of soil in garden or lawn areas as required 4.3 Incorporate additional soil as needed to establish final levels 4.4 Finish soil level and consolidate ready for planting according to planting plans and enterprise procedures |
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:
conduct tests to determine soil physical properties of texture and structure
conduct tests to determine soil chemical properties of pH and salinity
make observations about fertility, mineral and organic matter content based on sample colour
make observations about soil drainage and water holding capacity
make recommendations to improve soils based on results of simple soil tests
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for providing information on soils or growing media
physical properties of soils and media
chemical properties of soils and media
products and processes for improving soils and media
sample collection, testing and methods used to perform tests
water holding capacity and readily available water
organic matter in soil and media
soil ameliorants and improvement techniques
nutrient availability in soils
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Soil (SOL)