Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Contents
Introduction to Organic Soil Management _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 2 Sample Topic Sheet with explanations ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 3 Learn about soils _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 4 Topic 1:
Compost ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 4 -
Topic 2:
Soils in the landscape __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 5 -
Topic 3:
Soil formation ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 6 -
Topic 4:
Mineral characteristics of soils __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 7 -
Topic 5:
Physical characteristics of soils __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 8 -
Topic 6:
Soil Biology __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 9 -
The farm as an ecosystem. Soils supplying ecosystem requirements________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 10 Topic 7:
Greebly requirements ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 10 -
Topic 8:
Farm rules _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 11 -
Topic 9:
Soils supporting native ecosystems ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 12 -
Topic 10:
Growing food for humans _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 13 -
Organic soil improvement _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 14 Topic 11:
Physical soil improvement _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 14 -
Topic 12:
Soil tests and fertilisers _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 15 -
Topic 13:
Biological Soil Improvement ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 16 -
Topic 14:
Monitoring soil improvement __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 17 -
RTE4027A Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 18 RTE4511A Develop a soil use map for a property ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 21 RTE4517A Manage organic soil improvement_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 22 RTF5521A Monitor and manage soils _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 24 What you can already do. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ - 25 -
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Introduction to Organic Soil Management
Welcome to the organic soil management module guide. You have elected to study organic farming
through this flexible style designed specifically for remote students. It is a style based on our face to face
teaching. We have tried to emulate our classroom discussions over considerable distance. This means that
we expect questions and discussions from you just as if you were in the classroom. If you are unsure of
something, just put up your hand and ask.
We have listed minimal references to encourage you to source information that suits your operation. There
is an electronic copy of this module guide on the CD. It provides an easy way to locate the references, as
they are hyperlinked to the web or to their file on the CD. When resourcing material from the internet, be
sure you are clear on whether the information is from a southern hemisphere source or northern (the
seasons will be reversed). Climatic conditions vary across the world and this impact on management
decisions and research results. What works in the Italian alps may not be useful in central Australia.
As a prospective owner/manager of an organic production enterprise you need to know the many features
involved in the complex system to gain and maintain your organic certification. Your animals will be
eating the plants you produce. The plants you grow will be grown in your soil. The soil on your farm is
comprised of many elements. Without a through knowledge of your soils your whole system can fall over
resulting in severe complications to your business.
There is a vast array of reference material available when you start looking. This information is of varied
quality. Be sure to question the validity of the information and as well as its source. Much of the
information you find will be quite correct, but, it may not comply with organic standards. When you are in
doubt contact your teacher/mentor for verification. This “feel” for organic inputs and procedures is
something you will develop as you delve deeper into organic farming.
You are in the business of converting soil to food. It is this reason we start the organic farming course with
the soils group. As the first guide to be undertaken, we have included the introduction of many organic
concepts. These will be periodically expanded and discussed more completely and as you progress through
the different module guides you will gain a through understanding of how these concepts affect the holistic
nature of organic farming. Examples of these varied concepts include food miles, with its ramifications on
the sustainability of your business, and, human health, with its intrinsic link to organic production.
The organic soil management learning guide has been divided into three sections:
1. Learn about soils
2. The farm as an ecosystem. Soils supplying ecosystem requirements, and
3. Organic soil improvement.
The module guides are not complete learning packages. They are simply guides to lead you through your
learning.
Make sure you submit your work to allow your teacher to assess it and provide you with the marks you
deserve. Due to the distances involved for students, we recommend that you keep a copy of all your
assessments. This is a good risk management strategy for lost or stolen work. Your worksheets will be
based on your farm so, the results will be simply “achieved competent” or “not yet competent.”
The time it takes to complete this guide will, undoubtedly, depend of the effort you exert. There is some
waiting for various aspects in some topics. As you wait, we recommend that you turn the page and continue
on with the next topic.
These sections have been further divided into topics.
There is a topic sheet following to further explain how this style of learning works.
“Learn about soils” leads you through the aspects of what makes soil, soil; from the bugs and how soil was
made to what is in your soil.
The back of this guide outlines the national competency details. These competencies have been broken
down and re-amalgamated to form the basis of the module guide. These pages give many clues and hints as
to where your learning is heading and highlights the knowledge and the skills you need to demonstrate to
your teacher. Asking and answering questions with your teacher and presenting complete works from your
module guide will demonstrate these competencies.
“The farm as an ecosystem. Soils supplying ecosystem requirements” section looks at how your soil
provides support for a whole range of things from bugs to people. We introduce the concept of farm rules
to make your farm more sustainable. These rules have been developed for our certified organic farm at the
National Environment Centre.
The last section, “Organic soil improvement”, explores how you can employ various methods of improving
your soil characteristics and how to monitor your soil. When you have finished this guide you should have
a complete soil management plan that can be included in your organic management plan (OMP) for your
certification process.
To pass this group of subjects you have to work through the guide. Talk to your teacher about what is
required for assessment and the most appropriate way for you to undertake the various tasks listed in the
“What you have to do” column. It is important that the work you do is appropriate, relevant and suitable for
your farm. If you feel that you are already doing some of this work, discuss with your teacher the
likelihood of getting some credits. This is further explained in the section titled “What you can already do.”
Version date 6/02/2016
The first tasks you have are to download copies of the organic standards and an Organic Management Plan.
These two documents will be used throughout the learning guide and you can commence filling in your
organic management plan for later certification.
Enjoy your study and engage yourself in discussions with your teachers, mentors and any other remote
students you may meet on your journey through organic farming.
Further items of interest may be found on the NEC organic farm wiki site: http://tiny.cc/efarm/
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Sample Topic Sheet with explanations
Module group
One of several main groups that the course has
been divided into.
Topic number:
Section
Each module group has been further divided into different appropriate
sections from introductory areas through to your management plan area.
The sections have been split into topics that will be covered separately.
Here we give a general picture what this topic is about and how this topic helps you develop your management plans. We try to indicate how and what you are going to learn and how it fits into the overall
section. You will need to read the section in the standards relating to
Here is a brief time line on how long you could expect it to take to complete this topic.
What you need to find out
References/Resources
This includes some key words
and questions on what you need
to learn. This indicates where
you are going in this topic.
Here are some references for you to start
with. This is by no means complete and
you are encouraged to source further,
appropriate reference material for your
particular farm operation. Many of these
references will be included as web links
in the reference file on the
accompanying CD.
Background knowledge
This is some
introductory learning on
the topic.
Learning to source this information is
part of your learning progress and will
assist you develop more complete
management plans for your farm.
You should check the resources listed to
make sure you have received them in
your learning package, eg worksheets,
CD, etc; and that you have access to
some others from your own home eg
shovels, buckets etc.
What you have to do
These are the activities that you need to
undertake to learn what has been indicated in
the “What you need to find out” column. You
need to forward these to your teacher for
assessment to pass the topic.
It will not be possible to pass the course
without undertaking these activities and
forwarding the appropriate material to your
teacher.
It is critical to consult your teacher to discuss
your thoughts and ensure you have the correct
idea on what is expected for assessment
before you start.
The course has been developed to encourage
you to communicate with your teacher to
enhance your learning opportunities.
and
done
Tick off “things to do” as you finish them.
Sub-topic
reflection
Where to from here?
This section is neither
compulsory nor assessed. It
has been included to help you,
independently, assess how
your learning is progressing,
how it is impacting on your
farm and how you manage
your enterprises.
For those who want more, we
have included some further
areas of interest. Try to expand
your thoughts beyond the basic
course requirements. Again,
this section is not assessed.
At Home
This relates to how this
affects your home.
Your mentor will be an invaluable
resource to apply this learning to your
farm
Later on
After you appreciate
how this affects your
own farm, where do you
go?
You now need to ring your teacher and discuss your reading so far, to ensure you have a through understanding of how your learning will take place with this module guide.
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 1:
Organic soil management
Section
Learn about soils
This section explores the basic characteristics of soils, their history and the life within them.
Compost
This topic explains how to make compost and includes the processes of composting and outlines the important factors in creating successful compost. Organic farming is about farming using the life in the soil.
One way to understand what the basic requirements are is to understand the composting process. That is why we are starting our soils module group with composting.
After some initial research, this activity will need to be spread over a few weeks of monitoring your compost and learning how to fine tune your process to achieve optimum results.
We recommend that you start on the next topic as this process takes place.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
Background knowledge
Learn about compost
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
How to make a good compost
 Nutrient cycling
 Carbon/Nitrogen ratio
 Greeblies and the compost
process
Topic 1a Worksheet - compost guide
carbon-nitrogen ratio in soil
Compost guide
Elaine Ingham's compost reference
Soil Foodweb Institute Australia - Understanding
compost biology
Food recycling and composting
EAP Publication 36 – Composting
EAP Publication 57 – Composting for farm and
garden
Complete Composting Worksheet
Is all compost actually
compost?
Western Composting
What materials can you gather that
are suitable?
Shovel/fork
Source of Carbon & Nitrogen (eg. Straw and
manure)
Thermometer
Make a compost using the “all in
together method”
Does this relate to large
commercial compost
producers?
Compare your method and
results to a commercial
compost producer locally.
How is this relevant to
your farm?
What is the difference
between a compost heap and
living soil?
At Home
Building and monitoring
compost
How to analyse material and
prepare your material
Complete compost monitoring diary and
forward a copy to your teacher
Fixing composting problems
Discuss with your teacher the
similarities between a compost pile and
living soil.
Compost monitoring diary
Discussion Paper 1
Later on
Types of compost
The differences between:
 Mulch
 Hot compost
 Inoculation compost
 Compost teas
 Vermicompost
 Biodigesters
 Recycling waste as
livestock bedding and
poultry litter
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Soil Foodweb Institute Australia - Understanding
compost tea
Compost tea frequently asked questions
Composting resources
Notes on compost tea
Compost tea
Earthworms
Vermicrobe International web site
List different composts for different
needs.
Outline a specific need and design a
suitable compost.
2011 German ecoli issue
ylad living soils
Topic 1b Worksheet - different composts
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group Organic soil management
Topic 2:
Section Learn about soils
Soils in the landscape
Here you will learn how you can interpret the landscape to identify differences in soils.
This topic should take a little while to observe your landscape in the field and to produce some maps. These maps will form the foundation of much of your work and planning for your farm. If you have any
difficulty with these, contact your teacher.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
Aspects of landscape
What are the features of the
landscape?
How soil type is linked to
landscape.
Fertspread advisory fact sheets 4
Sabine Grunwald University of Florida Soil and Water Science
Drive around your locality and identify
different plant community types, eg
grassland, woodland etc.
How do you think the
landscape has changed in
the last 100 years?
Describe your local landscape to your
teacher in terms of plant communities,
soil types, geology etc, in your own
words.
Soil Stories – The Whole Story
What plant communities are found
in your locality?
At Home
Your farm landscape and
climate.
How the landscape on your farm
influences your soils.
Are there areas of cultural
significance found locally or on
your farm?
What is your farm’s modern
history, eg old roads, gravel pits,
stock yards, etc?
Your own farm map
You can search for your property through
the Google Maps link.
Google Earth gives a 3D style view of your
property. It requires a larger download than
Google maps.
Source (or sketch) a topographical map
of your farm.
On your farm map identify the :
 landscape types
 Soil types
 Habitat/plant communities
 Cultural sites
Can you see any relationship between
these features? Why? Discuss this with
your teacher.
Later on
Your farm layout.
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How does your existing farm
layout reflect your landscape?
CSIRO - salinity
Bettersoils - soil acidity
Compaction
DPI Vic - Land degradation
Overlay your existing farm layout on
your landscape map.
Discussion Paper 2
Identify areas of land degradation and
locate on your map.
Where would you change
your farm layout?
Start mapping a refreshed
farm layout.
How do these maps match?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 3:
Organic soil management
Section
Learn about soils
Soil formation
Here you will learn about the historic formation of soils in your general area and on your farm.
This topic should only take an hour or so, once you have sourced your geological survey map
Sub-topic
Background
knowledge
Basic soil formation
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
Soil formation in your general area.
Factors Affecting Soil Development
What soils are in your area?
Where did they come from?
How were they formed?
What climatic characteristics have
influenced the soils?
The Evolution of Australian Soils (scanned copy
on CD)
Australian Soils and Landscapes - An Illustrated
Compendium
Understanding soil
Soil Health - Practices
Does your soil originate from the parent
material or has it been moved onto your
farm through wind or water power?
Geo survey map
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Go to your local library and
take out the book “Australian
Soils and Landscapes” Look
up your local soils.
Briefly indicate the geological
history of your area.
View the sample link in the
“Australian Soils and Landscapes An Illustrated Compendium”
At Home
Parent material
Sketch an overlay on your farm
map of your farm’s different
parent material.
Soil Survey in NSW
Transported material
Can you see the
relationship between your
parent material and your
soils on your farm and on
your neighbours’ farms?
What is the geology on your
farm?
Look at the soil profile on
a local roadside cutting.
Are there layers? What are
the differences?
Which layers have life in
them?
Digital Atlas of Australian Soils
Locate your farm on a geosurvey map within it’s
predominate geological area.
Local Councils, Department of Agriculture,
Later on
Soil profiles
Soil profile
What are soil layers?
Soil horizons presentation
You will need to read these
references for use in later topics.
Discussion paper 3
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group Organic soil management
Topic 4:
Section Learn about soils
Mineral characteristics of soils
This topic explores what mineral characteristics can be identified that will help you describe your soil and determine its potential uses. It involves taking soil samples for laboratory analysis and understanding the results.
Initially, you will learn the levels of minerals in your soil. In later topics you will learn what to do about it.
There is some reference reading required here and then you will need some time out in the field taking samples. Your mentor will be able to assist you with identifying local plant characteristics. Some time (2-3 weeks) will
be spent waiting for your soil analysis to be returned from the lab. You should continue on with some other work while you wait.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
Background
knowledge
Why do you need soil tests?
Soil sampling techniques.
Soil tests and
meanings
Organic requirements
for fertilisers
Remineralisation
Information on soil balance
 Nutrient requirements
 Cation Exchange
Capacity (CEC)
 Minerals
How this fits in with the organic
standards and the requirement
for soil improvement.
References/Resources
What you have to do
NEC soil tests
Explanation of NEC soil tests
Ausmin Mineral Fertilisers
Carey Reams Testing
“See what you are looking at”
Nutrient testing by Dr DS Loch
Arden Anderson interview with "Acres USA" 1999
CEC - MicroSoil
CEC Washington State Uni
Summit Fertilizer - cation exchange
CEC by Camberato
Albrecht notes
Rebuilding Soil Fertility
Topic 4a worksheet- background knowledge
Open the link to the NEC soil tests and then open
the link to the talk.
Soil Testing by Kinsey_May02
NSW DPI - "Soil Testing Service"
On your farm map, select and identify your soil
sample areas. Explain why.
Take a soil sample.
Send it away for analysis.
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Food for humans vs soil
tests for plant nutrients
Investigate the
requirements for plants vs
those for ecosystems
Where will you test next
year?
What do you think of
conventional wisdom of
soil mineral inputs, eg
apply 2t CaCO3/ha to fix a
pH problem without
knowing your soil balance?
Find the organic standards on the internet.
Read the reference material and complete Topic 4a
worksheet.
At Home
Take some samples
Appropriate soil test.
Your soil mineral balance.
Swep Analytical Laboratories
Interpreting soil test results
How to interpret your soil tests
Australian Perry Agricultural Laboratory
Discuss the results with your teacher. What is this
all saying?
What are the limitations
of just testing for
nutrients?
Write a brief report on the relevance of your
findings.
Later on
What’s good and what’s bad.
Topic 4b Soil Mineral characteristics Worksheet
What non-soil test indicators can
you identify for mineral
imbalance?
 Plant nutrients
 Why weeds?
Discussion paper 4
Tests results
Weeds as indicators
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Complete soil test report worksheet after discussion
with your teacher.
Should we be testing the
tissue or the higher order
animal eating it?
Have some tissue samples
analysed.
Write, or video, a brief report based on your
discussion with your teacher, on your soil balance
succession. Refer to your plant/habitat communities
outlined in topic 2.
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group Organic soil management
Topic 5:
Section Learn about soils
Physical characteristics of soils
This topic explores “what makes soil, soil” and what physical characteristics can be identified that will help you describe your soil and determine its potential uses.
There is some reference reading required here and then you will need some time out in the field doing some tests. When you have done that there is a bit more research to describe your soils. Here is a good
opportunity to consult your mentor regarding technical issues with your locality. It should not take long to complete. The practical component is quite straight forward.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
Plants as indicators
Native ecosystem
remnants indicators
The guidelines for physical soil tests.
Understand:
 Soil texture
 Colour
 Stability
 pH
 soil profiles
Explain the physical tests to be undertaken on
your farm soils.
EAP publication 67 – Weeds as
indicators of soil condition
List tools required to perform these tests.
Soil structure succession at the NEC
on CD
Write or video a brief report on your soil
structure succession. Refer to your
plant/habitat communities outlined in topic 2.
At Home
Locate any services on site plans
Establish basic soil types
related to your landscape
map
From your landscape map identify sites for
soil sampling and explain why.
Soil test tools
What your soil’s physical properties
are.
Outline the OH&S hazards involved in this
exercise and list your strategies to minimise
these.
Physical soil test worksheet
What safety issues are involved in
field work?
How does this reflect your
previous maps of landscape
and plant communities?
pH test kit
Wire coat hanger or a length of high
tensile wire.
Research and find a suitable method of
determining soil texture, slaking and
dispersion tests.
Undertake soil sampling by testing for all
physical properties discussed and complete
the worksheet.
Later on
Soil classification
If your soil classification from your
soil map matches with your field tests.
The Australian Soil Classification (On
line)
Compare your worksheet results with your
official soil classification.
Discuss your findings with your teacher.
Look at other soil
classification outside
your area.
Investigate the “old” soil
classification system
Discussion paper 5
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Does your learning to date
in the soil group make
sense of this?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group Organic soil management
Topic 6:
Section Learn about soils
Soil Biology
Here we introduce the world of “greeblies”. The millions of life forms in your soils that drive your farm ecosystem.
After a bit of reading you will spend some time out looking at your soils again. This time for signs of life. The calico test will take a long time to complete. You will also need some time to sit under a tree and
contemplate the importance of this topic. As an organic farmer, you have to farm the life in your soil before you farm the life out of your soil.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
How does good soil structure
provide suitable homes for
greeblies?
Aren’t they just like you?
Why do we have difficulty
transferring the concept of
what we need to sustain
our lives to what we need
to sustain the life in our
soil?
How do conventional
farming systems deal with
this?
Inspect a conventional
farm for these biological
indicators.
Background knowledge
“Greebly farming”
What is soil structure?
Introduction to greebly farming. What do
“greeblies” need?
 Air
 Water
 Food
 Shelter
 Friends
Magnifying glass
Read the references.
Soil health/soil biology
Describe good soil structure.
Ausmin - Cropping a biological approach
Soil Biology Basics (a list of reference files) What farm practices could
damage your soil?
Soil structure, Fungi, Fauna & Phosphorus
in Sustainable cropping systems
Cultivating biological connections
Soil biology in Australia - Workshop
Proceedings, Tamworth, August 2004
Soil Structure Worksheet 6a
At Home
Your farm as a
“greebly farm”.
How can you evaluate your “greebly”
areas?
 % organic matter
 Worms
 Calico test
 Surface population counts
Cotton strips
Map the likely good greebly
areas of your farm.
Northern rivers Soil Health Card: A
monitoring tool for farmers, developed by
farmers.
Use the Northern rivers soil
health card to survey soil sample
sites from Topic 4.
Continue the calico test
throughout several changes
in season. How would you
expect the results to
change?
Cotton strip trial worksheet
Soil Foodweb Institute Australia
Set up some calico test spots
near your northern rivers soil
health sites.
How earthworms can help your soil
Change the soil conditions
by adding lime or compost
and retrial the cotton test.
Monitor your sites and report
your results.
Later on
Sources of soil life – where do you get
greeblies from?
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Soil Biology Worksheet 6b
Soils are Alive
Ausmin - Biological Inoculants
Soil Foodweb
Complete introduction of soil
life worksheet and discuss it
with your teacher.
National Environment Centre
From the position of soil
biology, what are the new
“weeds”?
What is the relevance of
this to biodynamics?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 7:
Organic soil management
Section
The farm as an ecosystem. Soils
supplying ecosystem requirements
The farm is a complex ecosystem with the soil being the foundation supplying many requirements.
This section looks at the requirements for life in the soil and explores rules we can follow to
maintain that life and extend into quality food.
Greebly requirements
In this topic you are going to learn basic ecological principles, firstly at macro level (because we can see them) then at micro level in the soil.
This section includes some exciting ecological reading. You may need to print off some of the references and sit under a tree with a cuppa and soak in the new way of looking at your soil. Don’t try to rush this
learning, as organic farming pivots on your understanding of how the ecology of your farm is influenced by your management actions.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
Basic ecology
Greebly farming
Soil requirements
Community
Habitat
Niche
Biodiversity
Foodwebs
Primary production
Energy cycle
Nutrient cycle
 Carbon
 Nitrogen
 Phosphorus
Predator/ prey eg parasites
Other relationships eg symbiosis
Agro ecology
CHPT 3 from Recher (Ed), "A Natural
Legacy - Ecology in Australia 2nd Ed"
Hurditch, W. J., "The Soil Ecosystem"
CHPT 4 from Recher (Ed), "A Natural
Legacy - Ecology in Australia 2nd Ed"
Worksheet 7a - Ecological principles on
your farm
Discussion paper 7a
Use your own words to discuss and define
these ecological principles, on the
worksheet, with your teacher over the
phone.
Complete worksheet and describe by
sketching examples of how these principles
work in your farm soil eg earthworms,
rhizobia
Reflect back on your work with the soil
health card
At Home
The same processes
happening at micro level
in the soil.
How these principles apply to your
own farm soil.
Using this ecological language you have
learnt from your background sub-section,
assess your soil ecosystem eg. What habitat
is supplied by your soil? What Foodwebs
can you identify in your soils?
How to look at your soil from an
ecological perspective.
My Greeblies
Supplying requirements
Later on
Increasing soil
ecosystem activity
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Ways of increasing biodiversity
Increase niche opportunities
Adding complexity to food webs.
Increasing primary production.
Adding to the energy cycle.
Adding or speeding up the nutrient
cycle.
Increasing the number of
predator/prey relationships.
Increasing opportunities for
symbiosis.
Worksheet 7b - Increasing soil
biodiversity
Complete the worksheet by listing 3
examples of each way to increase your soil
biodiversity at home, and then discuss your
thoughts with your teacher.
National Environment Centre
What do you think of your
compost now?
Another ecological process
is succession. Soil
ecosystems face constant
disturbances such as
drought. What effect do
drought, flood and fire have
on your soil ecosystem?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 8:
Organic soil management
Section
The farm as an ecosystem. Soils
supplying ecosystem requirements
Farm rules
Here you are introduced to the concept of farm rules. At the NEC we operate our organic farm whilst under the influence of our rules, drawn up from extensive reading of several ecologists and our own
observations of organics, agriculture and society.
This topic could be done fairly quickly, however, the more time you spend thinking about what we are doing here, the greater understanding you will have of truly sustainable, ecological farming. Take time to
compare the NEC farm rules to how you intend to operate your farm. The NEC farm rules will be referred to in most learning guides in the course.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
How do you think these rules
could impact on ecosystems
in the soil and over the
farming landscape?
Are these rules relevant on a
global scale?
Background knowledge
Intro to standards
Organic farming rules
Other legislation
Your own farm rules
NEC farm rules on the CD.
Access the Organic Standards. What parts
of the standards cover soil management?
Organic standards
General soil
requirements
List other legislation and how it effects your
soil management.
Intro to farm rules
Read the NEC farm rules document.
At Home
The rules that govern your farm.
Worksheet - Farm Rules.
Impact at home
Outline your rules. These will be different
to the NEC rules.
How do your rules impact on your soil
management?
Will your rules change over
time?
Investigate the relevant
legislation impacting on
how you run your farm.
Later on
Rodale Research Paper-07_30_08
Investigate future
challenges from “ideal”
What is changing in the field of
organic soil management?
Are your rules driven by your
customers?
Version date 6/02/2016
QuantumShift tv - Soil The Secret
Solution to Global Warming - USA
video
Collect 4 articles on changes in organic soil
management, consumer surveys and
changing customer requirements and report
to your teacher.
National Environment Centre
How will your customers
see your rules in 10 years?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 9:
Organic soil management
Section
The farm as an ecosystem. Soils
supplying ecosystem requirements
Soils supporting native ecosystems
In this topic you will learn the importance of indigenous ecosystems and compare soils for native ecosystems with those for production ecosystems. You will look at managing inputs, edges and greebly
communities in these systems.
The topics in this section require some deeper thinking to appreciate the relevance to farm soils. Take the time to understand the message.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
How soil has been changed since
agriculture.
Native ecosystems
“Natural Soils”
Hurditch, W. J., "The Soil Ecosystem"
CHPT 4 from Recher (Ed), "A Natural
Legacy - Ecology in Australia 2nd Ed"
Soil continuum worksheet for this
complete Topic.
Weeds
List inputs for both practices – production
and native systems.
What information dose Hurditch have for
soils supporting native ecosystems?
Complete the worksheet by comparing
“weeds” in each system and the
requirements for the soil.
At Home
ID soils for production
How has your farm soil changed?
Farm map
Revisit your farm map and identify your
production soils and your non-production
soils. Explain why these areas exist.
Environmental weeds
How have these areas developed?
How can you manage the buffer zone
between these soils?
How can you alter the early ag soils to
buffer zone soils?
Later on
Protecting nonproduction soils
Which is which?
Identify aims and suggest appropriate
management practices for each ecosystem.
Are the Greeblies the same
in each system?
What marketing benefits can be
attributed to non-production soils?
Describe how these non-production soils
add value to your farm business?
Draw a Foodweb for each
system.
Are there requirements for non-productive
areas in organic certification?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 10:
Organic soil management
Section
The farm as an ecosystem. Soils
supplying ecosystem requirements
Growing food for humans
You are actually in the business of converting soil into food for humans. Here you will explore the link between healthy soil ecosystems and quality food grown from it and the quality of human health and the
quality of society. The concept of food miles and the distance your inputs and products travel impact on the environment.
This topic is at the top of one of our learning spirals. It involves investigating the psychological concepts of food production and is designed to encourage thinking. As such the time taken will depend on what
level you investigate and the discussions you have with your teacher.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
Human requirements
compared to plant
requirements.
Allergies
Arden Anderson
Explore the link between soil
ecosystem health and human
health.
Organic world
Read the Arden Anderson articles.
Outline the ways that the organic standards
support the production of high quality food.
Acres interview with Arden Anderson
What do we need that plants do not need?
Paradigm continuum. Worksheet
Place your farm and your type of thinking
on the continuum by completing the
worksheet on scoring:
Soil health
Natural ecosystems
Environmental imperative
Human health
Community health
Animal requirements
At Home
My soil for growing
food for humans
How does your soil impact on your
health?
Human health starts in the soil
Benefits of Organic Food
Stuart Hill
Organic News no 3
Compare where you are and where you
want to be. List your goals.
TM Organics case studies
Sustainable Agriculture Strategy Case
Studies
Read the case studies and place them on the
worksheet and discuss your work with your
teacher.
Reports on taste and quality of organic
food.
Pasture and meat quality from the
Rodale Institute
Talk to your teacher. How do organic
farmers get paid for the quality of their
food?
Later on
Human health – organic
food – The Big Picture.
Value for quality
Organic foods taste better, claims new
poll
How do consumers get
confidence in this?
What other issues, such as
embodied energy, impact on
food quality?
Report on some research linking organic
food to human health.
.
Old food
Brix Looking after your soil
Version date 6/02/2016
National Environment Centre
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 11:
Organic soil management
Section
Organic soil improvement
This section melds your previous learning and exercises into a soil management plan.
Physical soil improvement
This topic looks at the physical characteristics of your soil and how you can change them.
Here you will need to rely on your previous background reading and then research how to apply this to your farm. This will take some time to match up your research with what will be suitable for your
property and then to start applying out you findings.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
Strategies
Your level of understanding of
physical soil improvement.
Self assessment exercise
Soil Health - Practices
What strategies are available to
improve the physical characteristics
of soil?
Complete worksheet on your level of
understanding of soil improvement. Use this
worksheet for a discussion with your
teacher.
At Home
Strategies for home
What characteristics need improving
at home?
SWOT analysis for Soil physical
improvement
How can you do this?
Soil improvement pro-forma.
What time frame should you use?
Complete the SWOT analysis and the soil
proforma.
Review your soil test results and identify
any changes you could/should make.
Identify the differences between the "could"
and the "should" strategies.
List certified additives suitable to change
your soil’ physical characteristics.
List appropriate techniques for structural
improvement.
Later on
The plan
Apply tests
Version date 6/02/2016
Develop a plan for altering the physical
characteristics of your soil at home.
National Environment Centre
What about the logistics of
implementing your plan? Do
you have the equipment,
time, money and skills
required?
What is this going to cost
and over what time frame
are you looking?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 12:
Organic soil management
Section
Organic soil improvement
Soil tests and fertilisers
This topic looks at the chemical characteristics of your soil and how you can change them.
Here you will need to rely on your previous background reading and then research how to apply this to your farm. This will take some time to match up your research with what will be suitable for your
property and then to start applying out you findings.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
How to interpret soil tests
NEC soil test, results and
explanation
Soil balance succession at the NEC on
CD
Listen to Rob Fenton’s talk on soil balance
again and use the NEC data to interpret your
soil test from the Learn About Soils module
group.
NEC soil test
At Home
Strategies for home
Your goals for home
Complete the SWOT analysis and the soil
proforma.
SWOT analysis for soil chemical
improvement
Refer back to Topic 4 – Mineral
characteristics of soils.
Options
Soil tests and fertilisers proforma
Excessive Lime by Kinsey_June01
Review your soil test results and identify
any changes you could/should make.
Identify the differences between the "could"
and the "should" strategies.
List certified additives suitable to change
your soil’ chemical characteristics.
Later on
Apply tests
Version date 6/02/2016
Input replacement
Develop a plan for altering the chemical
characteristics of your soil at home.
National Environment Centre
What about the logistics of
implementing your plan? Do
you have the equipment,
time, money and skills
required?
What is this going to cost
and over what time frame
are you looking?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 13:
Organic soil management
Section
Organic soil improvement
Biological Soil Improvement
This topic looks at the biological characteristics of your soil and how you can improve them.
Here you will need to rely on your previous background reading and then research how to apply this to your farm. This will take some time to match up your research with what will be suitable for your
property and then to start applying out you findings.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
Soil improvement
around the world
Soil health/management
At Home
Strategies
SWOT analysis for soil biological
improvement
Biological soil characteristics
proforma
Complete the SWOT analysis and the soil
proforma.
Refer back to Topics 6 & 7 –Review your
worksheets and identify any changes you
could/should make.
Identify the differences between the "could"
and the "should" strategies.
List certified additives suitable to change
your soil’ chemical characteristics.
Later on
Apply tests
Version date 6/02/2016
Develop a plan for altering the biological
characteristics of your soil at home.
National Environment Centre
What about the logistics of
implementing your plan? Do
you have the equipment,
time, money and skills
required?
What is this going to cost
and over what time frame
are you looking?
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Module group
Topic 14:
Organic soil management
Section
Organic soil improvement
Monitoring soil improvement
Your soil is a living thing. It requires monitoring to maintain its health and suitability for your management aims. This topic looks at what can be monitored and lays out a plan for monitoring.
This topic should be fairly straight forward by collating the work you already have done. It involves understanding the principles of soil management and improvement.
Sub-topic
What you need to find out
References/Resources
What you have to do
and
done
reflection
Where to from here?
Background knowledge
General monitoring
requirements
 Organic standard
 Soil
improvement
What is required for certification?
What part of your soil plan could be
monitored?
Organic standards
Complete column 1 of worksheet
Worksheet - monitoring soil
improvement
At Home
Your monitoring system
What are you changing?
Collate your last three proforma plans into
your own soil monitoring plan.
What tools do you need for effective
monitoring?
Columns 2-6 of worksheet
What time frame should you aim for?
What seasonal differences
could you expect to find in
your monitoring results?
How does climatic extremes
eg. Floods, droughts and
bushfires, impact on your
monitoring plan?
Later on
What seasonal differences in
monitoring results, would you expect
for different enterprises?
Version date 6/02/2016
NEC 7 season talk by Rob Fenton.
Discuss the difference between timing by
the calendar and timing by the seasons.
National Environment Centre
How well does the European
concept of summer, autumn,
winter and spring fit in
Australia?
Outline your own seasons.
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Information regarding the National Competencies
concerning this learning guide
It is current practice for industries to outline their training in training packages. It is there you find the
various courses and their components.
Courses are comprised of competencies. These are written to outline what is expected from a student and
how a student is assessed. They are in place to provide uniformity and consistency in courses.
There are four competencies in this learning guide. The following table includes extracts from these
competencies. This summarises the competency and indicates the range that is covered within the unit. Of
particular importance is the list of knowledge and skills required. It is these that your teacher is looking from
you for your assessment. The course has been designed so that as you undertake the various tasks through
the learning guide you will automatically satisfy the unit requirements. Many tasks satisfy more than one
unit and many tasks satisfy parts of units. In the end you will complete the entire list.
RTE4027A Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program
Unit descriptor
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to assess soil and develop a soil health and plant
nutrition program in the agricultural industry. Planning requires consideration of site factors, plant species
requirements, soil and plant tissue analysis, soil ameliorants and nutrient application procedures, and
monitoring occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards and environmental impacts.
The unit involves the application of a broad knowledge base to identify and apply solutions to a range of
problems. It involves the application of knowledge including plant biology; plant nutrition requirements;
and soil, water and other growing media properties.
Employability Skills
The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability
Skills.
Application of the unit
This unit of competency applies to work in a range of horticultural, agricultural or support enterprises,
such as rural merchants. Work is likely to be undertaken without supervision, with only general guidance
on progress by managers. Responsibility for and limited organisation of the work of others involved in the
program may be required.
Where work requires the use of load-shifting equipment, appropriate training/certification must be
provided according to state and territory safety and licensing requirements.
Requires skills and knowledge
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.
Required skills include:
documenting plans, specifications and work procedures
calculating cost and spatial and logistical requirements of components of plant nutrition program
communicating and negotiating orally and in writing with staff, managers, contractors, consultants and
customers
complying with legislative requirements and codes of practice
conducting literature and consultative research, and collating and analyzing findings on plant nutritional
requirements, nutrients available from soils and other growth media, and environmental implications
of program
recording all relevant information according to enterprise and industry standards
• writing reports for staff, managers, contractors and customers.
Required knowledge includes:
characteristics of soil and other growth media types, uses and additives to enhance available nutrition for
specific crops
main simple and compound fertilizer products available to enterprise, including analysis, solubility, salt
index, application rates and costs
methods of nutrient uptake by plants and favorable conditions for effective uptake to occur
nutrients and water required by plants grown within enterprise and affects of nutrient deficiency and
toxicity on individual plant species and varieties, including visual symptoms
OHS hazards associated with implementing a plant nutrition program and controls necessary to remove or
minimize associated risks
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
organic matter, pest and disease, and nutrient interactions in soil and nutrient cycling
practical relevance of the concepts to specific plants and soils used in the enterprise
practical understanding of environmental issues associated with selecting nutritional materials, implementing
a plant nutrition program, needing to comply with legislation and ensuring minimal impact on
environment
processes and techniques for preparing, costing and documenting a plant nutrition program
relationship between soil and growth media characteristics and availability of nutrients, including macro and
micro elements, to plants
site evaluation techniques, including methods of sampling and analyzing soils and other growth media
• soil amendments commonly required to treat soil problems experienced by enterprise.
•
Range statement
•
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work
environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance
criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and
assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local
industry and regional contexts.
Soil, plant and water tests
conducted as part of a plant
nutrition program may
include:
analysis of chemical characteristics such as:
•
acidity or alkalinity (pH)
•
cation exchange capacity
•
nutrient and carbonate content
•
salinity
on-site testing and off-site analysis of growth media to determine physical
characteristics such as:
•
colour
•
depth of root zone
•
depth of watertable
•
plant available water
•
soil organic matter
•
structure
•
texture
testing nutrient status of plants through:
•
establishing likely effects on soil chemical and physical
characteristics
•
plant tissue testing
•
testing water for suitability for plant growth.
Plant species may include
bulbs
containerised, field planted and stock specimens
flowers and foliage
fruit and vegetables
herbs
indigenous and exotic species and varieties
mushrooms
nuts
oil crops
pasture, broad acre cropping plants and turf species
tree, shrub and ornamental plant species
tubers
vines and canes
wild harvest.
Range of conditions that
affect crop nutrition may
include:
crop load
crop quality requirements
cropping and fertiliser history
grazing intensity
growth media characteristics
irrigation methods and scheduling
seasonal influences
soil management practices
spraying program
• weather.
Soil amendments or
ameliorants may include:
animal manures
composts
cover crops
gypsum
lime
materials to modify soil pH
mulches
• soil amendments to improve chemical, physical and/or biological
properties of soil to meet requirements of plant production.
Growth media may include: new areas to be planted
soil sites of existing planted areas
• other growing media.
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Resources, tools,
equipment and machinery
may include:
aerial photographs, charts and tables of soil characteristics and plant soil
parameters
application equipment and machinery such as:
•
air blowers
•
backpack spray equipment
•
irrigation systems set up for fertigation
•
pumps and pump fittings
•
rippers and spray equipment
•
seeders
•
tractors and trailed or three-point linkage spreaders
backhoe
charts and illustrations of symptoms of plant nutrient deficiencies and
toxicities
hand-held salinity or electrical conductivity meter
hand or powered auger
nutrient application methods, including placement methods such as:
•
banding
•
broadcasting
•
ripping
•
spraying and fertigation on or below soil surface
Controls introduced to
minimize the risk of OHS
hazards should include
enterprise OHS policies
and procedures for:
appropriate use of personal protective equipment, including sun
protection
appropriate use of safety equipment, including signage and protective
barriers
assessing and reporting risks
basic first aid available on site
cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery
correct manual handling
identifying hazards
maintaining personal hygiene
reporting problems to supervisors
safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances
• safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery.
Environmental
implications may include:
beneficial impacts, including minimization of nutrient run-off and toxic
side effects in soil and surrounding environment achieved by:
•
improved application techniques and rates
•
improved assessment and targeting of nutrient requirements
•
reduction of toxic side effects of applied nutrients in crop
plants
negative impacts, including over-spraying or run-off into external
environment resulting in nutrient overload or excess water affecting
things such as:
•
loading atmosphere with greenhouse gas
•
mining native soil fertility
•
native plants
•
natural waterways
•
salinisation
•
water erosion
•
water logging
•
watertables and ecosystems
pH test kit or electronic pH testing device
plastic overlays
sample bags
• tape measure.
OHS hazards may include:
Version date 6/02/2016
air
chemicals and hazardous substances
disturbance or interruption of services
dust
incorrect manual handling
machinery and machinery parts
moving vehicles
noise
sharp hand tools and equipment
slippery and uneven surfaces
soil and water-borne micro-organisms
• solar radiation.
methods which may aid in reversal of environmental degradation include:
•
allowing natural recovery and regeneration of native
ecosystems
•
responsible fertilization and watering practices.
National Environment Centre
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
RTE4511A Develop a soil use map for a property
Remedial action undertaken adjustments to soil amendments
This
competency
covers
the
process of determining soil characteristics and developing soil maps to
to improve plant nutrition
changes to fertiliser application and soil management practices
illustrate the characteristics of a property in order to identify any areas of concern, and to assist in making
may include:
irrigation scheduling
decisions about plants/crops, irrigation and drainage. It requires knowledge of soil testing, the
environmental impact of irrigating and the ability to use soil and water testing techniques. The outcomes
nutrient application rates and methods
of this process will inform decisions relating to whole farm planning.
• use of foliar sprays.
Range Statement
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 training and assessment requirements
may depend on the work situations available.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm one’s ability to:
• access and analyse information on regional and site factors
•
select suitable management practices, soil amendments and fertilisers
•
determine analytical and appropriate application techniques
•
prepare resources and equipment for application of nutritional materials
•
prepare implementation plans, specifications and associated documents.
What soil may be relevant to this standard?
Soils may include field sites and specialist growing media.
What equipment might be used for a soil sampling?
Equipment may include hand auger, back hoe, equipment for pH testing such as soil test kits or electronic
pH testing device, hand held salinity/EC meter, tape measure, sample bags, plastic overlays, aerial
photographs, and charts and tables of soil characteristics.
Context and specific resources for assessment
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will most appropriately be
assessed in the workplace or in normal work conditions.
For valid assessment, one must have opportunities to participate in exercises, case studies and other real and
simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to
develop a soil health and plant nutrition program.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one’s performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion
over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where
possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to develop a soil health and plant nutrition program must be transferable
to a range of work environments and contexts, including the ability to deal with unplanned events. For
example, this could include work with new crop or pasture species not usually produced in the local area,
crops for which there are little or no local interpretative criteria, or new fertiliser products.
What soil testing agencies might be used?
Soil testing agencies may be government, commercial or private consultants.
What physical characteristics of the soil might be identified?
Physical characteristics may include colour, texture, structure, depth of root zone, and depth of water
table.
What chemical characteristics of the soil might be identified?
Chemical characteristics may include pH, salinity and carbonate content and nutrient (both macro and
micro) availability.
What biological characteristics of a soil might be identified?
Characteristics such as decaying plant material, humus content, microbiotic content (fungi, bacteria and
protozoa), and macrobiotic content (worms, insects and nematodes).
What particular type of soil classification system will be used?
Soils may be classified according to Unified Soil Classification System.
What soil survey data might be plotted on the property map?
These may include topsoil types, soil profiles and Readily Available Water (RAW).
What maps may be developed?
These may include contour maps and aerial photomaps, and may include the use of overlays to indicate
various categories of data.
What areas of concern might be plotted on the map?
These may include saline patches, leaking channels, acid soils, weed infestation, lack of shelter from
prevailing winds, awkward paddock size or design, high water table, access problems, herbicide
resistance, animal/plant disease problems, and water and wind erosion.
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
RTE4517A Manage organic soil improvement
Evidence Guide
What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in developing soil survey maps requires evidence that a person can perform a soil survey,
analyse survey results, determine soil characteristics, and plot topography and soil survey data on a property
map.
The skills and knowledge required to develop soil survey maps must be transferable to a different work
environment. For example, this could include different soil types, environments, and enterprise procedures.
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:
• methods and techniques of soil sampling
• relevant enterprise OHS and environmental requirements including the use of personal protective
equipment
• environmental impacts of irrigation, using water from any ground or underground source
• soil types and profiles
• physical and chemical properties of soils
• nutrient availability in soils
• soil analyses results
• biodiversity habitats
• cultural sites
• soil quality factors
• soil water retention testing techniques
• water table and salinity
• Readily Available Water (RAW).
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:
• collect and analyse data
• read and apply testing agency procedures
• label information for off-site testing
• interpret soil analyses results
• identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation activities and appropriate remedial action
• interpret published data and historical records to identify acceptable soil parameters
• plot information on a map
• use soil and water testing techniques
• follow relevant enterprise OHS and environmental procedures.
Version date 6/02/2016
Unit descriptor
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to improve and manage soils for organic
production. The unit involves taking samples of soil and plant tissue and analyzing results. It also requires
improving soil fertility in response to sample testing by modifying cultivation practices. Competency in
this unit requires knowledge of the processes of soil formation and interactions between the soil, plants
and animals.
Employability Skills
The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability.
Application of the unit
This unit of competency applies to people working on a farm that is managed according to the principles
of organic agriculture. Work is likely to be done without formal supervision and according to the
requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Required skills include:
 applying organic soil improvements, such as compost
 assessing biodiversity and plant health through observation of plant community
 observing animal health and relating it to plant and soil nutrient status
 operating equipment safely
 recording and interpreting results of soil tests
sampling soil and plant tissues.
Required knowledge includes:
 availability, use and definition of commercial organic fertilisers
 different structural properties of soils
 factors contributing to soil acidity, sodicity and salinity
 factors promoting soil and plant water-holding capacity
 importance of soil biological activity
 major nutrient elements and their role in plant growth
 methods and inputs that can be used to correct imbalances and maintain soil fertility
 principles of organic agriculture
 processes and practices that impact on soil structure, biological activity, water-holding
capacity and weed patterns
 processes of aggregate and colloid formation
 range of soil analyses available and benefits and drawbacks of each
 relationship between soil structure and fertility
 role of organic matter, humus and micro-organisms
 role of livestock in enhancing soil fertility
 role of macro and micro-elements in soil and plants
 role of weeds
 significance of levels and balance of soil fertility indicators
 soil food chains and food webs
 soil textural types and determinants
 when and how to take soil samples to test for indicators of soil fertility.
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
Rotations include:
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments
and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed
below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending
on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional
contexts.
Principles of organic agriculture
include:
•
demonstrating integrity in organics
•
integrating the farm
•
learning from nature and human culture
•
managing soil to increase health of whole system
•
reading the landscape
•
understanding farm ecology.
Mineral balance criteria should be
applied according to:
ratios identified by the Albrecht testing method.
Allowable inputs listed in the
National Standard for Organic and
Biodynamic Produce apply to:
farm diary or logbook records
plant and animal pest and disease control
soil conditioning
• soil fertilising.
Suitable nutrient cycling
techniques include:
biodynamic preparations
compost teas
composting
inoculants
livestock grazing
mulching
• slashing.
Reasons for mulching using a
range of allowable inputs to cover
soil include:
cooling soil or preventing frost damage
moisture retention
treating sunburn or transplant shock
• weed suppression.
use of different plants or animals cropped or grazed in a
cyclical sequence.
physical practices such as:
•
cultivation and harrowing
•
deep ripping
•
grazing
•
hand pulling
•
pruning
•
slashing
•
other non-chemical techniques.
Evidence Guide
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The critical requirements for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.
Assessment must confirm one’s ability to:
understand and apply principles of organic agriculture
understand and apply knowledge of interrelationships between soil fertility, animals, plants, pests and
diseases
devise and implement a soil improvement plan to correct imbalances and maintain soil fertility
analyse soil test results for a range of indicators of soil fertility
• work with natural processes and allowable inputs to improve and maintain soil fertility.
Context and specific resources for assessment
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will most appropriately be
assessed in an organic production workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
For valid assessment, one must have opportunities to participate in a range of exercises, case studies and
other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge
required to manage organic soil improvement.
The candidate must also have access to the following resources:
sampling equipment
diagnostic services or reports for interpretation
• farm with equipment such as manure/compost spreader and cultivation implements.
Requirements for aerobic and
heat
anaerobic composting systems may
inputs
include:
maturity
time
• processing techniques and parameters approved by the National
Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.
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Cultural practices include:
•
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one’s performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one
occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and
where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to manage organic soil improvement must be transferable to a range of
work environments and contexts, including the ability to deal with unplanned events. For example, this
could include work with soils in different areas or on properties producing different crops or raising
livestock.
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
RTF5521A Monitor and manage soils
· soil types
This competency standard covers the process of monitoring and managing soils. It requires the ability to
· soil physical properties
research information, prepare plans for crops/plants, collect soil and/or media samples, perform basic soil
· soil chemical properties
tests, interpret results from own or laboratory tests, and record and store information. It requires knowledge
· plant nutrition through soil management
of soil types, soil physical properties, soil chemical properties, plant nutrition through soil management, soil · soil conservation strategies and sustainable production techniques
conservation strategies and sustainable production techniques, basic soil field tests, soil sampling techniques, · basic soil field tests
interpreting laboratory results, techniques to ameliorate soil properties, and record keeping.
· soil sampling techniques
· interpreting laboratory results
· techniques to ameliorate soil properties
Range Statement
· record keeping.
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 training and assessment requirements may
What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?
depend on the work situations available.
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the
ability to:
What tools and equipment may be relevant to this standard?
· Tools and equipment include spades, augers; soil/media sample storing and recording materials, field test
kits, and interpreting charts.
What tests may be performed?
· Soils/media may be tested for depth, colour, texture, structure, compaction, air-filled porosity, readily
available water, pH, major nutrient availability, and salinity.
What may be considered a soil ameliorant?
·
·
·
·
·
·
research information
prepare production/management plans for crops/plants
collect soil/media samples
perform basic soil/media tests
interpret results from own or laboratory tests
record and store information.
· Soil ameliorants may include pH modifying agents such as lime, structure modifying agents such as
gypsum and artificial structure additives, flocculating agents, texture modifications, and wetting and water
retention agents.
What may be considered a soil ameliorating practice ?
· Soil ameliorating practices may include compaction alleviation and modifications to soil drainage or
moisture holding capacity.
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector
Booklet
Evidence Guide
What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in determining basic properties of soils/media requires evidence that sampling, testing,
interpreting and recording techniques have been successfully and appropriately implemented and monitored
in an enterprise.
The skills and knowledge required to determine the basic properties of soils/media must be transferable to a
range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different soil/media types tested
for different properties for a range of crops or plants.
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 unit are listed below:
Version date 6/02/2016
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Diploma of Organic Farming (RTE 50103) – Organic Soil Management
What you can already do.
You may feel that you have enough experience in various aspects of this guide. If you do, work through this table, and, discuss it with your teacher, to reduce your workload for a pass in this group of competencies.
This is not intended as a quick fix. The module guide is designed to help you learn about soils and how to manage them organically. This page is about acknowledging the vast experience that you may have, to allow
you to spend more time learning other, newer facets of organic soil management, rather than redoing what you are already quite proficient at.
You need to present the required documents to your teacher to gain any credits for work. Discuss this with your teacher before you spend too much time collecting the relevant evidence.
Available
or X
Evidence required
Date
presented
Date
approved
History of compost making
Understanding of the types of compost
Farm map showing:
 Contours
 Landscape types
 Soils
 Habitat and plant communities
 Parent material
Recent soil test with an understanding of the results
A list of your local plants (“good” and “bad”) with the corresponding
characteristics that they may indicate.
Physical soil test report
OH&S risk assessment for soil practical field exercise
Northern rivers soil health card
Basic ecological principles
Ecological principles on your farm
Your farm rules
How does your soil impact on your health?
Physical improvement plan
Biological improvement plan
Organic soil management plan
Monitoring program
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