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 and plant tests may be conducted as part of a plant nutrition program?
These may include on-site and off-site testing of growth media to determine physical characteristics such as colour, texture, structure, depth of rootzone and depth of watertable, and chemical characteristics such as pH, salinity, nutrient and carbonate content, and testing the nutrient status of plants through plant tissue testing.

What growth media may be appropriate to this standard?
Growth media may include soil sites of existing planted areas, new areas to be planted, water (hydroponics), and other soil-less growing mixes.

What plant species may be included in a plant nutrition program?
Plant species may include tree, shrub and ornamental plant species, fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, foliage, bulbs, tubers, nuts, mushrooms, wild harvest and oil crops, containerised, field planted and stock specimens, indigenous and exotic species and varieties, pasture plants and turf species.

What range of conditions may affect crop nutrition?
Conditions may include weather, seasonal influences, growth media characteristics, crop load, cropping and fertiliser history, irrigation methods and scheduling, spraying program, and soil management practices.

What resources may be required for soil and plant treatments?
Physical resources may include materials to modify soil pH, soil ameliorants to improve soil fertility, and fertilisers to meet the nutritional requirements of plants.
Human resources may include paid labour, contractors, suppliers and consultants.

What tools, equipment and machinery may be required for the implementation of the plant nutrition program?
Tools, equipment and machinery may include a hand or powered auger, backhoe, pH test kit or 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 methods of applying nutrients may be used?
Nutrient application methods may include banding, broadcasting, ripping, spraying and fertigation.

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

What controls may be introduced to minimise the risk of OHS hazards?
Controls should be introduced according to enterprise OHS policies and procedures and may include identifying hazards; assessing and reporting risks; cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery; appropriate use of personal protective equipment including sun protection; safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery; safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances; correct manual handling; appropriate use of safety equipment such as signage and protective barriers; basic first aid available on site; personal hygiene, and reporting problems to supervisors.

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.
Beneficial impacts may include the minimisation of nutrient run-off and toxic side effects in soil and surrounding environment, from improved assessment and targeting of nutrient requirements, application techniques and rates, and the reduction of toxic side effects of applied nutrients in the crop plants.
Responsible fertilisation and watering practices may help to reverse previous environmental degradation by allowing natural recovery and regeneration of native ecosystems.

What remedial action may be undertaken to improve plant nutrition?
Remedial action may include adjustments to irrigation scheduling and nutrient application rates and methods, the use of foliar sprays, and changes to soil management practices.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in developing a plant nutrition program requires evidence that a person can analyse site factors, select suitable nutritional materials, determine techniques, resources and equipment for the application of nutritional materials, and prepare implementation plans, specifications and associated documents.The skills and knowledge required to develop a plant nutrition program must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different workplace procedures, plant types and nutritional requirements.
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 growth media characteristics and the availability of nutrients, including macro and micro elements, to plants
methods of nutrient uptake by plants and favourable conditions for the effective nutrient uptake by plants
nutrient cycling and its practical relevance to the specific plants and soils used in the enterprise
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
the characteristics of soil and other growth media types, uses and additives to enhance the available nutrition for specific crops
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
site evaluation techniques including methods of analysing soils and other growth media.
practical understanding of the environmental issues associated with selecting nutritional materials, implementing a plant nutrition program, and the need to comply with legislation and ensure that the impact on the environment is minimal
OHS hazards associated with implementing a plant nutrition program and the controls necessary to remove or minimise associated risks
processes and techniques for preparing, costing and documenting a plant nutrition program.

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 and negotiate orally and in writing with the staff, managers, contractors and consultants
conduct literature and consultative research, and collate and analyse findings on plant nutritional requirements, the nutrients available from soils and other growth media, and the environmental implications of the program
record all relevant information according to enterprise and industry standards
comply with legislative requirements
document plans, specifications and work procedures, and write reports for the understanding of staff, managers and contractors
calculate the cost and spatial and logistical requirements of components of the plant nutrition program.

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
Results of the analysis of plants and growth media, nutritional requirements, and selection of resources and equipment should be communicated with the manager orally and in writing. There is likely to be negotiation between the developer of the nutrition program and the manager to achieve the program objectives. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information will need to be obtained from test results, research, and/or suppliers of nutritional materials and plants. Information obtained about the specific nutritional requirements of plants should be analysed and outcomes discussed with the manager and other members of the work team. Information about the nutrition program should be organised and presented as a site plan, documented plans, written work procedures, a timeline chart, and schedules for implementation activities. (3)

Planning and organising activities
The planning process should proceed in an orderly and efficient manner. Timely and appropriate information needs to be available for decision-making. The plant nutrition program should reflect the activities required to implement the program. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Developing a plant nutrition program will involve working with other members of a team to achieve the program objectives. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical concepts will be required to measure quantities, distances, depth and calculate areas, resources, costs, ratios, scales and application rates. (3)

Solving problems
Problems relating to testing, the nutritional requirements of plants, nature of the site, availability of resources, tools, equipment and machinery, costs, environmental issues and monitoring of the program may arise during development of the plant nutrition program and require remedial action. (3)

Using technology
Technology will be required to record, store and communicate ideas and information. It will also be used to research relevant information, obtain and analyse data from site evaluation tests, and to produce the plant nutrition program. (3)