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: 

Excavate irrigation trenches in established landscapes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119699  Excavate irrigation trenches in established 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 2  NQF Level 02  5 
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:
  • Remove and care for lawn and plants
  • Excavate Irrigation trenches and prepare for the installation of pipes and equipment 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Demonstrate knowledge of Numeracy and Communication at NQF level 1. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the manual sodding of established lawns, in preparation for the excavation of trenches. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: turf types, Kikuyu, Cynoden, Swazi / LM, All seasons, shade grasses, stolons, tufted, root depth, root density, sod cutter, flat faced spade. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The turf types most commonly used in landscapes and sports fields are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The growth habits and root structure of the common turf types are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for pre watering the areas to be sodded are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct use of a sod cutter/spade is demonstrate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The appropriate thickness of sod undercutting is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The criteria for the selection of the length at which sods must be cut, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The cutting of sods into the selected lengths, is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate a knowledge of the storage and care of sods during the irrigation installation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: turf types, water requirements, shade tolerance, root depth, heat tolerance, soil loss, underlay sheeting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The positioning and storage of sods, relative to the trenches, is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The benefits of using underlay sheeting for the storage and 'clean-up' are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity for the regular watering of sods is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods of watering the stored sods are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effects of prolonged storage on the condition of sods, are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Remove plants in preparation for the excavation of irrigation trenches. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: protection of stems/branches, root depth, 'root ball', soil retention, digging tools, fork, pick, spade. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The selection of the appropriate tools for the removal of the plants is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of cutting a high percentage of roots while digging, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for the protection of a plants stems are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The removal of a shrub from the trench area is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The removal of ground covers from the trench area is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the storage and care of plants during the irrigation installation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: plant water requirements, root ball, root cover, heat tolerance, soil loss, underlay sheeting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The storage of removed plants between the established neighboring plants is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The benefits of using underlay sheeting for the storage of plants and 'clean-up' are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of maintaining soil cover over exposed roots is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The need for the regular watering of stored plants is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of watering the stored plants are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The effects of prolonged storage on the condition of plants are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Excavate trenches to the required depth and demonstrate the preparation of a suitable bedding for the irrigation piping. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: diameter of piping, minimum cover over piping, soil placement, stone and sharp object removal, bedding for piping, topsoil, subsoil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors that affect the depth of excavation for trenches are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The factors that affect the width of trenches are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of separating the excavated topsoil from subsoil is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The soil placement, when trenching in densely planted areas is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The soil placement, when trenching through ground covers is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons for ensuring a stone free bedding for the piping are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The leveling of the base of the trench and the preparation of the bedding is 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. Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork: Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community. Specific Outcomes 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. Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation: Collect, analyze, organise and critically evaluate information. 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. 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. 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. Specific Outcome 1, 2, 3 and 4.

    1. Demonstrate the manual sodding of established lawns, in preparation for the excavation of trenches.
    2. Demonstrate the storage and care of sods during the irrigation installation.
    3. Remove plants in preparation for the excavation of irrigation trenches.
    4. Describe the storage and care of plants during the irrigation installation. 

    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  66429   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49668   General Education and Training Certificate: Horticulture  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    3. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    4. Green Futures 
    5. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    6. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    7. Kimbali Holdings 
    8. Knowledge For Ever 
    9. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    10. Maishamalema Development Training 
    11. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    12. Medu Skills Consultants 
    13. Nkangala Public FET College - Central Office 
    14. Nophelo Training Centre 
    15. Progressive Environmental Projects 
    16. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    17. Seza Bantu Rural Agricultural Projects 
    18. Voyano Project Management 
    19. 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.