Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What soils may be relevant to this standard?
Soils may include field soil sites and specialist growing media.

What enterprise work procedures may apply to this standard?
Work procedures may include supervisors oral or written instructions, plant nutrition program, enterprise standard operating procedures (SOP), specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes; product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); manufacturers service specifications and operators manuals; waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines; and OHS procedures.

What materials may be accessed for soil and plant treatments?
Materials may include those to modify soil pH, soil ameliorants to improve soil fertility, and fertilisers to meet the nutritional requirements of plants.

What services may need to be located?
Services may include water supply, gas, power (electricity), telecommunications, irrigation, stormwater and drainage.

What OHS hazards may be associated with implementing a plant nutrition program?
Hazards may include disturbance or interruption of services, solar radiation, dust, noise, soil-, air- and water-borne micro-organisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, moving vehicles, machinery and machinery parts, flying objects and uneven surfaces.

What PPE may be required to implement a plant nutrition program?
PPE may include hat, boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, respirator or face mask, face guard, spray clothing, hearing protection, sunscreen lotion and hard hat.

What products may be useful in changing soil pH?
Products may include lime such as ground limestone, dolomite, and a range of fertilisers.

What application methods may be used to change soil pH?
Application methods may include banding, broadcasting, ripping, spraying and fertigation.

What environmental implications may be associated with the implementation of a plant nutrition program?
Over-spraying or run-off into the external environment may result in nutrient overload or excess water to native plants, natural waterways, watertables and ecosystems, water erosion, water logging and salinisation.
Responsible fertilisation and watering practices may, however, help to reverse previous environmental degradation by allowing natural recovery and regeneration of native ecosystems.

What soil ameliorants may be used to improve soil fertility?
Soil ameliorants may include cover crops, animal manures, gypsum and lime.

What fertilisers may be used in the plant nutrition program?
Fertilisers may include solids, liquids or gases, which are artificial, organic, applied directly to the soil or to the plant via foliar sprays.

What fertiliser application methods may be used?
Fertiliser application methods may include banding, broadcasting, ripping, spraying and fertigation.

What tools, equipment and machinery may be used to implement a plant nutrition program?
Monitoring equipment may include a pH test kit, electronic pH testing device, hand held salinity or EC meter, tape measure, sample bags, plastic overlays, aerial photographs, charts and tables of soil characteristics and plant soil parameters, as well as charts and illustrations of the symptoms of plant nutrient deficiencies and toxicities.
Application equipment and machinery may include backpack spray equipment, tractors and trailed or 3 point linkage spreaders, seeders, rippers and spray equipment, pumps and pump fittings, and irrigation systems set up for fertigation.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in implementing a plant nutrition program requires evidence that a person can assess the nutritional health of plants grown by the enterprise, and access and apply appropriate products to plants and soils to meet the goals and objectives of the plant nutrition program.The skills and knowledge required to implement a plant nutrition program must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different plant species, nutrition programs and enterprise situations.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

the relationship between soil characteristics and the availability of nutrients, including macro and micro elements, to plants
nutrient cycling and its practical relevance to the specific plants and soils used in the enterprise.
methods of nutrient uptake by plants
nutrients required by plants grown within the enterprise and the affects of nutrient deficiency and toxicity on individual plant species and varieties, including visual symptoms
soil ameliorants commonly required to treat the soil problems experienced by the enterprise
the main simple and compound fertiliser products available to the enterprise including analysis, solubility, salt index, application rates and costs
the environmental implications for the external environment of soil ameliorant and fertiliser use, which may include over-spraying, run-off, nutrient overload, erosion, toxicity, noise and dust.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate with work team members, supervisors, contractors and suppliers, interpret manufacturers and plant nutrition program specifications, utilise proforma reporting, analysis and work procedure documents, and understand labels and symbols
estimate treatment and product requirements, material sizes and quantities, interpret specifications, and calculate areas, ratios, proportions and application rates
co-ordinate own activities with the requirements and schedules of the work group and contractors to sequentially and effectively implement the plant nutrition program in a timely and cost effective manner

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Written, oral and telecommunication of ideas and information relating to the plant nutrition program, and problems encountered will be required with the work group, supervisor, contractors and suppliers. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Enterprise work procedures, plant nutrition program specifications and site plans should be consulted, interpreted and applied to co-ordinate plant nutrition activities, with further clarification sought from the supervisor when necessary. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Work activities for the work group, contractors and self will be planned prior to and adjusted during the plant nutrition program. (2)

Working with others and in teams
The plant nutrition program may involve facilitating and leading members of a team to complete the program on time and budget. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical application will be required to calculate and apply the spatial and logistical requirements of the plant nutrition program. (2)

Solving problems
Nutritional deficiencies and toxicities, the selection and sourcing of treatment products, co-ordination with the work group and work activities, may require negotiation and the ability to devise alternative courses of action. (2)

Using technology
Technological understanding will be required to access and apply program specifications, undertake plant nutrition activities, communicate, report and keep records. (2)