Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:25 PM AWST

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Manage biodynamic production

Manage biodynamic production

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCORG401A
State Code
D7097
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/06/2014
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
25/06/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit covers the process of managing a farming system according to the principles and using the practices of biodynamic agriculture, and defines the standard required to: understand and apply biodynamic principles; make and apply biodynamic preparations and compost; enhance soil and plant health; integrate and manage animals in a biodynamic enterprise; plan for biodynamic production.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare a plan for a biodynamic farming enterprise
  • 1.1. Work is undertaken in an environmentally appropriate manner and according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and enterprise guidelines.
  • 1.2. Requirements for biodynamic certification are identified.
  • 1.3. Personal, ecological and financial goals for a biodynamic enterprise are incorporated into an enterprise plan.
  • 1.4. Marketing plan for biodynamic produce is developed which maintains product quality and integrity.
  • 1.5. Research findings for biodynamic agriculture are trialled within enterprise and incorporated into plans where appropriate.
2. Make and apply biodynamic field spray preparations
  • 2.1. Horn Manure (500), Horn Silica (501) and Horn Clay preparations are made and stored correctly.
  • 2.2. Preparations are stirred by creating vortex and chaos.
  • 2.3. Equipment for application of biodynamic preparations is selected.
  • 2.4. Equipment is calibrated and adjusted for suitable application rate.
  • 2.5. Preparations are applied according to biodynamic principles.
3. Use biodynamic compost preparations, composts and liquid brews
  • 3.1. Biodynamic compost preparations are used and stored according to biodynamic principles.
  • 3.2. Materials and mineral inputs for compost are identified from farm production plan.
  • 3.3. Compost heap is built.
  • 3.4. Biodynamic preparations are applied to compost according to biodynamic principles.
  • 3.5. Aeration, moisture and temperature of compost heap are monitored.
  • 3.6. Compost is applied to enhance natural cycles.
4. Apply biodynamic principles and techniques to enhance soil and plant health
  • 4.1. Planting, harvest and pruning times are planned with regard to moon rhythms and planetary patterns.
  • 4.2. Soil and plant health is optimised using biodynamic preparations, cover crops, crop rotation, mulching and composting and through application of farm-based fertility products.
  • 4.3. Weeds and insect pests in enterprise are identified.
  • 4.4. Options for managing weeds and insects are evaluated that consider natural predators, life cycles, cultural practices, soil health and the plant community.
  • 4.5. Plan for managing pests and weeds is developed and implemented.
5. Manage animals within a biodynamic production system
  • 5.1. Soil and plant health are optimised to provide a nutrient-dense and balanced diet.
  • 5.2. Grazing and feeding strategies are developed and incorporated into the biodynamic system.
  • 5.3. Homeopathic remedies and allowable treatments are incorporated into animal health strategies.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Organic may include:
the application of practices that emphasise the use of renewable resources
conservation of energy, soil and water
recognition of livestock welfare needs
environmental maintenance and enhancement, while producing optimum quantities of produce without the use of artificial fertiliser or synthetic chemicals.
Biodynamic may include:
agricultural systems that introduce specific additional requirements to an organic system based on the application of preparations indicated by Rudolf Steiner and subsequent developments for management derived from practical application, experience and research based on these preparations.
Production may include:
any primary production involved in producing an agricultural or aquaculture product.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
understand and apply biodynamic principles
make and apply biodynamic preparations and compost
enhance soil and plant health
integrate and manage animals in a biodynamic enterprise
plan for biodynamic production.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAT91 AHCORG401 Manage biodynamic production Unit of competency