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: 

Demonstrate knowledge of silviculture in commercial forestry 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123240  Demonstrate knowledge of silviculture in commercial forestry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
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 
This unit standard is for people who control and supervise silviculture operations.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the purpose of silviculture practices in commercial forestry.
  • Explain the influence of geographical areas and climatic conditions in South Africa on commercial forestry.
  • Differentiate between the main tree genuses and species and explain their purpose in commercial forestry.
  • Explain the purpose and methods of site preparation in commercial forestry.
  • Explain planting methods and their applications.
  • Explain weeding methods and their applications.
  • Explain pruning methods and their applications.
  • Explain marking and thinning in commercial forestry.
  • Explain forest protection (Inorganic and organic).
  • Explain improved generic material and scientific advancement.
  • Explain fertilisers in commercial forestry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the purpose of silviculture practices in commercial forestry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of silviculture forestry is described in terms of establishment and maintenance of trees/crop to ensure good quality and quantity of timber for future use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Purpose of sound silviculture practices on limited land resources to ensure forest efficiency is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Silviculture practices are explained in relation sound environmental practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose of site-species matching to ensure forest efficiency is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the influence of geographical areas and climatic conditions in South Africa on commercial forestry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Geographical areas in South Africa are identified and there influence on tree growth explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different climatic conditions in South Africa are described and their influence on tree growth explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annual rainfall, average annual temperature, prevailing wind direction and speed, type of rain, snow and frost.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tree growth is described in terms of geographical and climatic influences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tree growth within the region familiar to the learner.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Differentiate between the main tree genuses and explain their purpose in commercial forestry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different genuses used in commercial forestry in South Africa are identified according to their most common usage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different species grown in a specified region are identified according to their most common usage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Within the region familiar to the learner.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Site-species matching for local planted species are explained according to silviculture requirements for those species. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Altitude, Soil type, Climate, Soil depth.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the purpose and methods of site preparation methods in commercial forestry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Purpose for site preparation in commercial forestry is explained in terms of impact on optimal tree growth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Preparation methods are described as per regional and company standards and prescriptions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Application of a specific preparation method is explained to ensure the best tree growth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Influence of poor site preparation methods and wrong application thereof is explained in terms of tree growth, the environment and financial implications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain planting methods and their specific applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Purpose of planting in commercial forestry is explained according to timber demands. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Planting methods are described as practiced in the region at hand according to company standards and prescriptions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Poor planting methods and wrong application thereof are explained in terms of their effect on tree growth, the environmental and financial considerations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Application of specific planting methods are explained to ensure the best tree growth. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain weeding methods and their applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Purpose of weeding in commercial forestry is explained according to silviculture practices and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Weeding methods are described as practised in the region at hand according to company standards and practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Application of a specific weeding method is explained according to company standards and prescriptions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Poor weeding practices are explained in terms of their effect on tree growth, environment and financial implications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Explain pruning methods and their applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Purpose of pruning is explained according to silviculture standards and practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pruning methods are described accordingly to company standards and practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Influence of poor pruning practices is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Timber quality, over- and under pruning, cost.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Explain marking of thinnings in commercial forestry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Purpose of thinning is explained according to good silviculture standards and practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Marking methods are explained according to company policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Selection criteria for marking are explained according to company standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Timing of pruning and thinning operations conforms to company prescription. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Influence of poor marking is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tree growth, timber quality, tree health and financial implications.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 9 
    Explain forest protection. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Inorganic and organic. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Inorganic damage and damage caused by humans are explained in terms of causes and effect. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fire, theft, wild animals, climatic extremes, machinery, management practices.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Organic damage is explained in terms of mechanisms and effect. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fungi, insects, micro-organisms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Preventative measures are explained in terms of company policy and legislation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 10 
    Explain improved generic material and scientific advancement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Areas of generic improvement are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Seed, clones, and cuttings.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Implications of using improved generic material and scientific advancement are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Shortened rotation, increased MAI, improved timber quality, cost saving.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Scientific advancement in silviculture is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fertiliser, grow medium, technology and methods
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Purpose of genetic improvement and scientific advancement are explained according to future demands. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 11 
    Explain fertilisers in commercial forestry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Purpose of fertilisers is explained according to good silviculture standards and practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of fertilising are explained according to company policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Applications of fertilising are explained according to company policy. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a candidate 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 and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation/community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Legislation:
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
  • National Water Act (36 of 1998). 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50266   National Certificate: Forestry: Silviculture  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  66349   Further Education and Training Certificate: General Forestry  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. Arden School of Management (Pty) Ltd 
    3. Blanket Security and SHEQ Solutions 
    4. Furniture World Training Centre 
    5. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    6. MALITINNE PTY LTD 
    7. Ntunzela Trading Enterprise 
    8. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Premier Agric (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Redefined Skills Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 
    11. South African Forestry Training College 
    12. TAMASA TRAINING PTY LTD 
    13. UMBUSO TRAINING SERVICES 
    14. VCK TRAINING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES PTY LTD 
    15. VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD 
    16. VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C 
    17. Yangantle Trading 


    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.