Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:26 PM AWST

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Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program

Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPCM402A
State Code
D7150
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/06/2014
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit covers developing a soil health and plant nutrition program and defines the standard required to: access and analyse information on regional and site factors; assess the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soils; assess the physical, chemical and biological requirements of plants; select suitable management practices, soil amendments, additives and fertilisers; document implementation plans including monitoring of soil and plant growth.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine relevant regional data and site characteristics
  • 1.1. Goals and target site for assessment and development of program are defined.
  • 1.2. Relevant climate data, environmental context information and site data are accessed and reviewed.
  • 1.3. Appropriate soil, plant and water tests are determined according to plant species, climatic conditions, prevailing growth media, industry best practice and enterprise guidelines.
  • 1.4. Soil, plant and water testing program is developed that defines sampling, field testing, off-site analysis activities, task responsibilities, involvement of contractors, scheduling and desired information outcomes.
  • 1.5. Testing tasks are implemented and monitored, liaison procedures with outside testing agencies are supervised, and remedial action is undertaken where necessary.
  • 1.6. Data and readings are compiled and presented in a form that can be easily understood.
  • 1.7. Seasonal variations and requirements are determined from published data on species, historical records, own experience, industry best practice and enterprise guidelines.
  • 1.8. Characteristics, condition and nutritional status of soils and plant species are determined by analysing collected data and comparing to accepted standards.
2. Define the requirements for plant nutrition
  • 2.1. Different nutritional requirements of the plant during growing cycle and a range of conditions are identified according to published data on species, historical records, own experience and enterprise guidelines.
  • 2.2. Program is developed to achieve appropriate soil conditions and nutrient availability for plant growth.
  • 2.3. Soil amendments, management practices and fertiliser requirements are determined.
  • 2.4. Resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for program are identified and costed, and availability is confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel.
  • 2.5. Cost-effective approach to soil management, soil amendment, and provision of plant nutrients is determined.
  • 2.6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with program are identified, risks are assessed and controls are developed and documented.
  • 2.7. Environmental implications of program are identified and documented in plant nutrition program.
3. Document the soil health and plant nutrition program and specifications
  • 3.1. Detailed plan, objectives, specifications and associated costs are established based on program requirements.
  • 3.2. Detailed on-site procedures and schedules required for program are developed and documented.
4. Monitor plant growth and evaluate the program
  • 4.1. Program implementation and results are monitored by testing soil, plants and/or produce.
  • 4.2. Program is reviewed and refined to ensure it is responsive to changing conditions.
  • 4.3. Non-compliance with documented objectives and specifications is identified and remedial actions are implemented to alleviate or overcome identified shortcomings in program.
  • 4.4. Remedial action to improve plant nutrition is taken and documented.
  • 4.5. Agreed changes are incorporated into a detailed plan.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Soils may include:
all types of soils and growing media.
Nutrients may include:
all products and materials to meet the nutritional requirements of plants
to modify soil pH
soil ameliorants to improve soil fertility.
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:
access and analyse information on regional and site factors
assess the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soils
assess the physical, chemical and biological requirements of plants
select suitable management practices, soil amendments, additives and fertilisers
document implementation plans including monitoring of soil and plant growth.
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3309 RTF4004A Develop a plant nutrition program Unit of competency
S6257 RTE4027A Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAN11 AHCPCM402 Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program Unit of competency