SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply fertilizers to ornamental plants and landscapes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119695  Apply fertilizers to ornamental plants and landscapes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Understand the role that fertilizers play in providing health and growth in plants.
  • Distribute fertilizers to trees and shrubs and trees manually.
  • Operate a fertilizer distributor to apply fertilizer to lawn areas.
  • Utilize fertilizing practices for the maintenance of planted containers and landscapes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Demonstrate knowledge of Communication and Numeracy at Abet Level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The even application of fertilizer using the following methods:
  • Hand broadcasting.
  • Fertilizer distributor. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Recognise the various types of fertilizers that are utilized in plant production and landscapes and the benefits to the plants. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: fertilizers provide essential plant nutrients, resistance to diseases, facilitate photosynthesis.
  • Inorganic - i.e. synthetic - granular, liquid, high concentrate, can burn plants if not well watered.
  • Organic - i.e. sieved compost, liquid seaweed extract, liquid compost extract, balanced feeds. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The benefits that fertilizers provide for plant growth are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The two fertilizer mediums and the various forms in which they are available are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The advantages and disadvantages of each fertilizer medium are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the 3 macro elements in synthetic general fertilizers. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Nitrogen - photosynthesis, green, speed of growth.
  • Phosphorus - roots, resistance to disease.
  • Potassium - cellular growth and structure.
  • Percentage - ratios of NPK on packaging. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role that nitrogen plays in plant growth is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role that phosphorous plays in plant growth is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role that potassium plays in plant growth is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The percentage content of macro elements, as listed on fertilizer packaging, is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe how the life span of macro elements are affected when introduced to the soil. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: season, rain, sun, soil dampness, soil temperature, deficiencies, base dressing, top dressing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of renewing nutrients in the soil is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ideal conditions for the application of fertilizers are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of fertilizers for base dressing and top dressing is described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply fertilizer to various horticultural and landscape situations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Hand scattering - flower beds, trees and shrubs.
  • Walk behind distributor - turf grass areas.
  • Measures - plant bags and containers.
  • Liquid - plant propagation, foliar feeding, spray tank, watering can, no leaf burn. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The precise application of small quantities of fertilizer to plant bags and containers is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The broadcasting of fertilizer to small grassed areas by hand is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The application of fertilizer to grassed areas using a fertilizer distributor is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The application of fertilizer to trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants by hand, is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The two methods by which liquid fertilizer can be applied to plants and the advantages of these methods is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Clean and care of fertilizer applicators and storage of unused fertilizers. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: fertilizer store, keep dry and secure, retain original packaging Store on pallets, keep different types apart, do not mix different types together.

    Corrosive properties of fertilizers - wash and dry, distributors, spray equipment, watering cans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for cleaning fertilizer application equipment are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures for the cleaning, drying and storage of fertilizer application equipment are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The essential elements of maintaining a fertilizer store are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons why different types of fertilizer should not be mixed or stored together, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons for storing fertilizers in their original packaging are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for the packing of fertilizers are demonstrated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established principles. Practical assessment activities will be used, which are appropriate to the contents in which qualifying learners are working. These activities will include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge be assessed. The specific outcomes must be assessed in its own right, through oral and practical evidence. It cannot be assessed by observation only.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge, but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a learner is able to perform specific outcomes, but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found, both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome and must be assessed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving:
  • Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Note:
  • Refer to all specific outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork:
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community.

    Note:
  • Specific outcome is embedded in the learning for this level of learner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organization and management:
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • Refer to specific outcomes:
    > "Apply fertilizer to various horticultural and landscape situations."
    > "Cleaning and care of fertilizer applicators and storage of unused fertilizers." 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation:
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • Refer to all specific outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication:
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.

    Note:
  • Specific outcome is embedded in the learning for this level of learner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Science and Technology:
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note:
  • Refer to all specific outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Note:
  • Refer to specific outcomes:
    > "Recognise the various types of fertilizers that are utilized in plant production and landscapes and the benefits to the plants."
    > "Understand the role of the 3 macro elements in synthetic general fertilizers."
    > "Describe how the life span of macro elements are affected when introduced to the soil."
    > "Apply fertilizer to various horticultural and landscape situations." 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors must:
  • Be accredited as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.
  • Hold an assessor certificate according to the current requirements.
  • Have experience or in depth knowledge of the horticultural industry, specifically as it relates to ornamental aspects. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49668   General Education and Training Certificate: Horticulture  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Amaloba Horticultural Services 
    2. Asolwandle Services Pty Ltd 
    3. Asqhakaze (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    5. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    6. Ecowise Landscape 
    7. Green Futures 
    8. Gugu Emihle 
    9. House of Elegance Trading 
    10. HYGRO TRAINING COLLEGE (Pty) LTD 
    11. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    12. Kara Heritage Institute 
    13. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    14. Kimbali Holdings 
    15. Kings Way Garden Services Pty Ltd 
    16. LAS 74 Trading 
    17. Lina and Arenes Catering 
    18. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    19. Maishamalema Development Training 
    20. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    21. Medu Skills Consultants 
    22. Mloslo Farming and Landscaping pty ltd 
    23. Ngwato Wa Mphela Agriculture Training Services 
    24. Nkangala Public FET College - Central Office 
    25. Nophelo Training Centre 
    26. Ntandoyenkosi Consulting and trading 
    27. Progressive Environmental Projects 
    28. Protea Agricultural Training Centre 
    29. Qhakazani Skills Development and Projects 
    30. Radiragatsa Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    32. Selula Ulwazi Pty Ltd 
    33. Seza Bantu Rural Agricultural Projects 
    34. Sivukangomusa Landscaping and Agriculture Primary Co-Operative Limited 
    35. Sobethu Skills and Development 
    36. Valambya Training and Business College (Pty) Ltd 
    37. Voyano Project Management 
    38. Waterberg FET College - Central Office 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.