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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Identify the various soil types and their uses in plant propagation and landscaping 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264179  Identify the various soil types and their uses in plant propagation and landscaping 
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  4 
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:
  • Identify the major soil types.
  • Define the specific characteristics of each soil type.
  • Evaluate the suitability of various soils for use in planting.
  • Apply knowledge of soils in plant propagation and landscaping. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the characteristics of topsoil and its importance for plant establishment and growth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The visible differences between topsoil and subsoil are described in terms of the darker colour of the organic residue in topsoil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The physical differences between topsoil and subsoil are identified in accordance with the smoother texture of topsoil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The formation of humus is explained in terms of the role that micro-organisms play in the decomposition of organic material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The value of organic material in topsoil is explained in respect of the positive contribution that this has on the soil's water retention. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The value that topsoil has for the establishment and growth of plants is explained in respect of the nutrient content of the organics. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the main soil types and describe their major characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The characteristics of sandy soils are described in respect of their physical and other distinguishing features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The characteristics of loam soils are described in respect of their physical and other distinguishing features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The characteristics of clay soils are described in respect of their physical and other distinguishing features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The main soil types are identified and the significant differences are indicated according to theory. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Recognise the role that water plays in cultivated soils and the factors that influence the infiltration rate in the different soil types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity for a presence of water in the soil is described in terms of the role that water plays in the maintenance of soil fertility and plant growth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The determination of the ratio of macro and micro pores is explained in respect of the texture and soil types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The variance in the infiltration rates of different soils is explained in respect of the influences of their pore spaces and structure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The influence that organic matter plays in a soil is explained in respect of the enhanced water retention and infiltration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effects that poor infiltration rates are explained in terms of the drainage, aeration and suitability for planting. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the role that capillary action plays in the transference and storage of water in the soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Capillary action is defined in terms of the forces that cause water movement in the soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effects of capillary action are described in respect of the ability of water to be transferred both horizontally and vertically in the soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of capillary action are described in respect of the ability of water to be transferred both horizontally and vertically in the soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The influence that the ratio of micro to macro pores in a soil has on capillary action is explained in terms of the potential that the various pores have for water transference. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The benefits that capillary action provides for plants are described in respect of the improvements in water and nutrient retention. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain the role that aeration plays in the maintenance of soil fertility and the factors that cause poor aeration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The process of aeration is defined in terms of the gaseous exchange that occurs in the soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The aeration potential of the different soil types is characterised in terms of their pore spaces and compaction levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The primary functions of soil aeration are explained with respect to the maintenance of soil fertility and beneficial micro-organisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The detrimental results of poor aeration are described in terms of the low nutrient intake and presence of organic toxins in the soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Factors that contribute to the reduction of the soil's aeration are explained in terms of over watering and compaction. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the Assessment Criteria for each Specific Outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying knowledge of a soil's infiltration rate when conducting watering. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Identifying the soil types that have the highest potential for aeration. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Compiling a report of the drainage ability of a soil and the suitability for planting. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the role that capillary action plays in the storage and transference of water in soil. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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. Joypat farming and Projects 


    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.