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: 

Control soil erosion 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253972  Control soil erosion 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
8371  Control Soil Erosion  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The unit standard is aimed at individual involved in the identification of the causes of soil loss due to soil erosion and the implementation of actions and interventions to combat or control soil erosion in the operational environment. Learners found competent against the outcomes of this unit standard will have a broad grasp of the basic aspects of soil erosion which will enable him or her to minimise loss of topsoil and rehabilitate damaged areas. This competence enhances the sustainability of those land areas best suited to agriculture and reduces its impoverishment, and also facilitates the best operation of conservation areas.

The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Identify the causes of soil loss due to erosion.
  • Identify the types, extent and intensity of soil loss due to erosion.
  • Implement appropriate actions and construct suitable structures to minimise further soil erosion.
  • Monitor the impact and effect of the soil conservation management action. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the causes of soil loss due to erosion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The underlying causes of soil erosion is explanation through the use of practical field examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Deforestation, overgrazing, inappropriate track/path/road placement, poor farming methods, frequent fire regime.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods by which soil erosion may be successfully combated, minimised and controlled are described as it relates to the causes of soil erosion. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the types, extent and intensity of soil loss due to erosion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Erosion types and examples thereof are identified locally in the field, with comparative examples on a global scale and within the South African context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Denuded areas, sheet erosion, rill, gully, furrow and donga erosion, wind erosion, blow outs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The extent and intensity of soil erosion in an operational area are established thereby determining the scale of use of soil conservation methods. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Extent includes "limited" or "extensive"; intensity includes: "mild", "high" or "severe".
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Implement appropriate actions and construct suitable structures to minimise further soil erosion in the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communities and other stakeholders are consulted to compile, assist with and monitor a program of soil conservation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Crop rotation and contour ploughing are practised to trap run-off water, assist in stabilising soil, and thus prevent further erosion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Terracing in horizontal strips along contours, supported by walls, as well as strip cropping are practised as a measure to prevent further soil erosion by water. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Grazers are excluded from eroded areas in order to encourage the re-establishing of vegetation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Denuded mountainous regions are reforested with trees to control floods and reduce run-off water. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Gabions, dams and other strengthening obstructions are constructed to curtail further erosion in previously formed gulleys, furrows and dongas. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor the impact and effect of the soil conservation management action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A monitoring program is set up in the field to establish the progress achieved in soil stabilisation and erosion reduction in the operational environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The success and/or shortcomings of the soil conservation management action are assessed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Actions to remedy serious threats to the integrity of the soil in the protected area are identified. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing an individual against this unit standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA. In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements. Any institution offering learning towards this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Identification of accelerated erosion and monitoring of deteriorated conditions.
  • Types of erosion such as gully, sheet, rill.
  • Causes of erosion, including overgrazing, over-cultivation, destruction of vegetation, poor burning practices, poor drainage from roads.
  • Criteria used for assessing the intensity of erosion.
  • Principles involved in erosion.
  • Impact of man-made structures such as bridges, roads with poor drainage.
  • The Stereoscope work mapping and aerial photographs.
  • Remedial actions to combat soil erosion.
  • Soil science and soil reactions to disturbance.
  • Basic surveying techniques, e.g. to establish the health of vegetation cover.
  • Animal stocking rates related to vegetation cover and health.
  • Basic pasture management.
  • Catchment hydrology.
  • Policies (local and national).
  • Agricultural Management Act.
  • Soil conservation act, and its imperatives for combating soil erosion.
  • Provincial ordinances and their implications.
  • National Parks as precious assets.
  • Fencing/Vet. Act.
  • NEMA.
  • OHS Act as it applies to the dangerous consequences of soil erosion for structures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving:
  • Problem solving skills are applied to overcome obstacles normally associated with the construction of dams and gabion to minimise soil erosion especially in areas that are not readily accessible. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work as a team:
  • Each community member tasked with eliminating or reducing soil erosion in a particular area, works as a member of a team. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication:
  • Effective communication skills are required to elicit the financial support of appropriate sponsors for the soil conservation program and to ensure the full commitment of all stakeholders to the program. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Science and technology:
  • Science and technology is extensively used in the soil conservation program where soil is stabilised and erosion reduced. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Responsible citizenship:
  • Responsible citizenship is encouraged when soil erosion problems in impoverished rural areas are identified and effectively eliminated. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 8371, "Control Soil Erosion", Level 5, 5 credits.

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:
  • Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
  • Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
  • Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems, thereby yielding the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59949   National Certificate: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 
    Elective  63249   National Diploma: Agricultural Extension  Level 5  NQF Level 05  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. Hlaudi Assets Vanguard Consultancy 


    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.