Application
This unit of competency covers the development and management of a plan to reclaim salt affected land for profitable, sustainable agricultural production. The plan will include the assessment of the area to determine the source of the salt, the level of salinity and the extent of the infestation as well as plan to reduce flooding and the effect of water logging on the soil. The plan will recommend strategies to be used to reclaim the land. The cost of the plan will be calculated. Plant and pasture establishment and management methods will be recommended for saline sites. Management of the reclaimed area is intended to increase production and profitability. The plan will include strategies for prevention of further salinity problems and for community involvement to reduce salinity in the area.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.
This unit is applicable to a person who has a role in managing the farm. This unit is likely to require consultation with a range of external institutions, groups, government departments and individuals.
No occupational licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this competency 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. Review the saline area to increase productivity | 1.1 Map the property and determine the type and severity of the salinity and install fencing to subdivide classes of land and salt affected areas for appropriate management of each area 1.2 Assess area for water logging, determine the cause and recommend strategies to divert water or drain water from the area 1.3 Review and select suitable plant and pasture species and management options available to reclaim the saline area 1.4 Calculate the cost and the beneficial returns of reclaiming the area including financial, environmental and social benefits 1.5 Outline the management for the reclaimed area to protect it at vulnerable times of the year and certain times in the plant reproduction cycle |
2. Develop a plan to manage water use and movement | 2.1 Install fencing to protect the watercourses through the property 2.2 Test and modify salinity and pH of the water entering and leaving the property 2.3 Calculate the water used by the enterprise and establish targets to reduce the quantity by improving irrigation methods and general management practices |
3. Develop a plan to protect and manage natural areas | 3.1 Plan a strategy to protect the natural area from increased salinity and other stresses that will accelerate decline 3.2 Develop strategies to increase biodiversity 3.3 Plan to manage soil structure and fertility to improve soil biota 3.4 Identify review indicators and develop the long-term plan |
4. Implement a strategy to reduce salinity in the area | 4.1 Work with adjacent properties and relevant other authorities and community groups to reduce extent and cause of local saline areas by monitoring quality and quantity of water 4.2 Monitor improvements in productivity and review against current leading edge and research developments |
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 land forms and soil types
determine categories of saline land
take soil and water samples for testing
calculate optimum stocking rate
identify indicator plant species
assess the level of degradation and damage through salinity
research the latest innovations and management techniques
manage the crop and animal enterprise selected for the farm to utilize the saline area
calculate the costs of the project
calculate benefits of salinity reduction to the enterprise and the property
work with producers and community groups
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
salt tolerant plant and pasture species and the management of each
range of methods for reclaiming saline land
strategies to profit from the saline area
value of using natural species and natural systems to improve farm production
benefits of biodiversity on plant production and the animal enterprise
strategic and responsible use of susceptible land
consequences of poor management or removal of vegetation on the land
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
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
Soils (SOL)