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This qualification provides learners with a comprehensive base of portable skills that will enable them to progress within all spheres of the horticultural industry. This qualification forms an integral step in the career paths of the various disciplines in ornamental horticulture and follows on from the NQF Level 1 Certificate. For those already employed in the industry, this qualification will offer learners the opportunity to hone their skills and receive recognition for their competencies.

A Learner achieving this qualification will be able to work effectively and productively within the field of horticulture knowing how to:

• Identify the major soil types and their uses in plant propagation and landscaping.
• Utilise manual irrigation systems to provide the correct application of water to plants.
• Produce ornamental plants from stem cuttings.
• Apply pest control practices in plant production and landscaping.
• Utilise the principles and practices of providing plant care and nutrition for ornamental plants and landscapes.
• Recognition of common ornamental plants and their uses.

  For those wishing to enter the industry, whether unemployed or as an Entrepreneur, this qualification offers a solid foundation in all aspects of the horticultural industry. This qualification represents a vital step in the development of a career and learning pathway of individuals, both from a vocational point of view, as well as from a learning point of view.

  Rationale of the Qualification:

  South Africa is renowned as an ideal tourist destination. The beauty of the gardens and landscapes in leisure facilities, parks and gardens, is an important factor in assuring that South Africa is considered a prime tourist attraction. To advance and improve our position in this important economic area the “Green Industry” must up-skill its workforce, for the creation of excellent landscapes.

  The provision and maintenance of sports fields to world class standards is a perquisite for the 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament. This qualification addresses the industry’s need to provide the basic skills to establish and maintain sports turf facilities.

  The skills gained through this qualification will ensure that quality ornamental plants will be produced and marketed to the consumers.

  The qualification will facilitate job creation and self employment opportunities, while furthering the aims of economic empowerment in South Africa.

  The qualification includes the skills necessary to safely use various chemicals, including fuels, fertilisers, pest control agents, accordingly, the principles of health and safety are embedded in all the learning aspects of the qualification.

  As the core is generic to all sectors of the horticultural industry, the qualification embodies the principle of portability and is integral to further learning. Through the wide scope of electives, the specialisations of the various sectors are catered for.

  The sectors of the horticultural industry that will benefit from this qualification include:

• Landscape construction and maintenance.
• Amenity horticulture.
• Sports turf.
• Arboriculture.
• Plant propagation.
• Interior plantscaping.
• Retail nurseries.
• Floristry.

  This qualification addresses both the current and future needs of horticulture in South Africa.

Learners who would like to access this qualification should have demonstrated competency in:

• Literacy and Numeracy at NQF Level 1.
• ID 119687: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the horticultural industry, NQF Level 1.

  Recognition of Prior Learning:

  The qualification may be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning and the qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses providing they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the individual Unit Standards as required by the Fundamental, core and Elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and by the Exit Level Outcomes.

  An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with Unit Standards in which they have developed the necessary competency as a result of workplace and experiential learning.

The qualification consists of a minimum of 120 credits, composed of:

• Fundamental; 36 credits (compulsory).
• Core; 71 credits (compulsory).
• Electives; Learners must choose suitable Unit Standards from the listed elective to obtain a total of not less than 13 credits.

2. Identify the different soil types and describe their uses in plant propagation and landscaping.

3. Operate a manual irrigation system and schedule the applications to suit the plants water requirements.

4. Utilise stem cuttings for the propagation of plants.

5. Implement the appropriate care for ornamental plants.

6. Identify ornamental plants commonly used in the workplace.

1.1 The various organisms of the plant kingdom are described in terms of their unique characteristics.
1.2 The role that organisms play in an ecosystem is explained within the context of the specific functions that they each perform.
1.2 An organism’s environmental requirements are described in accordance with the particular conditions that are best suited to their growth and developmental needs.
1.4 The reproduction of organisms is explained within the context of the methods that are utilised to achieve their procreation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

2.1 The main soil types are classified and described in accordance with their structure and composition.
2.2 Topsoil is defined in terms of its colouration, organic content and benefit to the growing environment for plants.
2.3 The determination of the infiltration rate of a soil is explained within the context of the factors that effect the speed of movement of water in the soil.
2.4 Capillary action is explained in terms of the role that it performs in the storage and transference of water in various soil types.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

3.3 Watering frequencies for various plants are determined in relation to prevailing climatic conditions.
3.4 Operating periods for the various zones of an irrigation system are selected to ensure that applications suit the plant’s requirements and the soil’s infiltration rate.
3.3 Basic maintenance procedures and techniques are utilised to effect minor repairs to irrigation equipment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

4.1 The various stem types are identified in relation to their suitability for use as propagation material.
4.2 The selection criteria for stem cutting material is explained in terms of the specific requirements of each stem type.
4.3 The various stem cuts are made in accordance with the particular techniques that are required for the different stems types.
4.4 Cuttings are placed in a rooting media to optimise the growth and developmental potential of the plants.
4.5 The provision of primary care and “hardening off” procedures are performed within the specific requirements of each stem type.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

5.1 The necessity of providing the optimum environmental conditions for ornamental plants is explained within the context of the positive effects that these have on their growth and development.
5.2 Plants that require support are identified and the techniques used for staking and tying these are performed in accordance with the objectives of optimising their structure.
5.3 The need to deadhead specific plants is explained in terms of the necessity of conducting the practice.
5.4 The techniques for the formative pruning of certain plants are performed in accordance with the objectives.
5.5 The function and role of the feeding, weeding and pest control programs are explained and implemented to ensure that optimal plant growth is achieved.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

6.1 Trees, shrubs, climbing plants, ground covers, annuals and herbaceous plants that are commonly used in the workplace are described in terms of their particular characteristics.
6.2 The environmental conditions that the commonly used plants require are described in accordance with the particular conditions that are best suited to their growth and developmental needs.
6.3 The specific needs of the commonly used plants are identified and described in terms of the enhancement and maintenance of their growth.

Integrated Assessment:

The integrated assessment allows the Learners the opportunity to show that they are able to utilize concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards. This will allow Learners to achieve competency that is in keeping with the purpose of the qualification.

An integrated assessment will indicate how theoretical learning is demonstrated in a practical environment in such a way that the application of the work learnt becomes second nature.

In conducting an assessment, the quality of the performance must also be evaluated i.e. both the performance and the thinking behind the action must be qualitative.

The assessment should include both formative and summative options and should use various assessment tools i.e. not by observation only. It is suggested that a Portfolio of Assessment form part of the summative assessment, with practical outcomes being demonstrated in a simulated or real work place situation.

A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge being maintained.

Unit Standards in the qualification must be used to assess the specific and Critical Cross Field Outcomes. It is recommended that the assessment tools give Learners the opportunity to account for their decision-making and problem solving in line with the Specific Outcomes and related Assessment Criteria.

As a result of this qualification being generic in forming the foundation for a career in horticulture, Learners should be assessed in occupational contexts and activities. The assessment should ensure that the foundational skills are portable and prepare them for further learning, whatever career path they may choose.

South Africa’s representative has served on the executive committee for the past decade and has conducted specific comparative research for this qualification and for the Landscape qualifications for Levels 3 and 4.

Worldwide, the horticultural industry is composed of distinct disciplines, each catering to a particular sector of the market. In the past, training concentrated on the production of generalist horticulturalists. As in other industries, technological advancements have engendered a move to specialisation.

Internationally, some countries commence their specialisations at level 1. Examples include the USA and Australia. In contrast, other countries have elected to begin their specialisations at levels 2 or 3.

Various factors influence this, the most notable include:

• Climatic conditions which restrict normal horticultural activities.
• Economic constraints, typically the poorly developed economies where horticulture has a low priority.
• Relatively small markets, where economies of scale preclude specialisation. With the exception of the Western Cape and Gauteng, South African horticulture tends to fall into this category.

  Consequently, the level 1 and 2 qualifications which comprise the foundational learning in horticultural practices are generic. They are specifically constructed to have general applicability to all sectors of the industry. Specialisations are catered for in the elective unit standards of these qualifications. This ensures portability and yet allows learners to progress in their particular field of specialisation.

  The SADC countries fall into categories 2 and 3 as mentioned above and as a consequence no specific horticultural training is conducted in these areas. Their horticulturists are either sourced from South Africa or they obtain their qualifications from our tertiary institutions.

  Various international qualifications with similar content to this qualification were sourced. In examining these, the following have been used for benchmarking and comparison, although they do not necessarily address the subjects from the same perspective, they do contain aspects relevant to those used in South Africa.

  The following qualifications and the particular unit standards that were selected for comparison with various components of this qualification are listed here under:

  Australia:

  In terms of climate, Australia has similar climatic zones and conditions to South Africa. Their horticultural industry is well advanced and as mentioned above, specialisation is conducted from level 1. A number of the unit standards are common to the majority of their level 2 qualifications and particular focus has been paid to these generic unit standards.

  The following qualifications were examined, and the notable similarities are:

  Certificate II in Horticulture (Landscape)-Reference No RTF20403:

  Of all the worldwide searches that were conducted, this level 2 qualification has the greatest similarity to its South African counterpart. The relevant unit standards are as follows:

• Reference No RTC2701A-Follow OHS procedures:
  > This level 2 unit standard addresses the practices and procedures necessary to adhere to the Australian Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  > The “Utilize health and safety principles in horticulture” unit standard has a similar intent to the above, in that it also refers to the local Occupational Health and Safety Act, but has in addition the particular safety practices that are peculiar to the horticultural industry.
• Reference No RTC2504A-Determine basic properties of soil/growing media:
  > This level 2 unit standard is concerned with the identification of the various soil types and their uses in the horticultural environment.
  > The “Recognize the various soil types and their uses in plant propagation and landscaping” utilises a similar approach to the classification and use of soil for propagation and landscaping.
• Reference No RTC2016A-Recognise plants:
  > This level 2 unit standard serves to familiarise learners with plants that are in general use in various landscapes and gardens.
  > The “Identify common ornamental plants” has the same objective as the above the only difference lies in the format in which the plants are categorised and the number of plants that must be identified.
• Reference No RTE 2603A-Lay irrigation and/or drainage pipes:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the techniques and procedures used in the installation of piping in a horticultural environment.
  > The “Install irrigation piping in landscaped areas” unit standard follows similar principles and practices with the above with the exception of drainage piping, which is usually regarded as being part of the site preparation that occurs prior to an irrigation installation.
• Reference No RTE2602A-Assist with the operation of pressurised irrigation:
  > This level 2 unit standard is concerned with the operation of sprinkler and emitter irrigation that is commonly used in the plant propagation and landscaping environments.
  > The “Utilize irrigation equipment and operate manual sprinkler systems” unit standard incorporates a similar approach to the above with an emphasis on water conservation and preventative maintenance procedures.
• Reference No RTF2017A-Prune shrubs and small trees:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the practices and procedures used in maintaining the form and shape of various shrubs and trees in the landscape environment.
  > The “Prune and shape shrubs” unit standard is intended for shrubs not trees, which are covered in the level 3 Landscaping qualification. In essence, the same procedures and methodology are followed in both unit standards.

  Certificate II in Horticulture (Wholesale Nursery) Reference No RTF20603:

• Reference No RTF2008A-Maintain indoor plants:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the practices and procedures used in providing care for previously propagated plants that are intended for indoor use.
  > Two unit standards in the South African qualification have similar procedures The “Provide care for ornamental plants” incorporates the maintenance and care for indoor plants and the second unit standard “Prepare plants for interior environments” is primarily focused on the interior plantscaping and display functions. Both include similar cultural practices to keep ornamental plants in their optimal condition.
• Reference No RTF2026A-Undertake propagation activities:
  > This level 2 unit standard incorporates a variety of propagation methods, including propagation from cuttings.
  > The propagation function is pivotal to the success of a nursery and to that end, each propagation method is treated separately and covered to a greater depth than the above generalist unit standard. Accordingly, the “Propagate plants from stem cuttings’ unit standard covers the entire spectrum of these activities including the provision of initial care.
• Reference No RTF2024A-Tend nursery plants:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the practices and procedures used in promoting growth and maintaining the condition of plants in a nursery.
  > The “Provide care for ornamental plants” addresses the principles and disciplines in the above unit standard. In addition provision has been made for this unit standard to encompass the initial care for establishing newly planted ornamentals in landscapes.

  Certificate II in Horticulture (Turf) Reference No RTF20803:

• Reference No RTF2023A-Support turf establishment:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the practices and procedures used in the planting and initial care of sportsturf, incorporating the practices for sods and seed.
  > The “Establish an area of turf with grass sods” unit standard concentrates on the sodding aspect of grass establishment, as lawn seeding is normally reserved for overseeding of existing turf which entails specific pre-seeding preparations. This is covered in the Sportsturf level 3 qualification.
• Reference No RTC2307A-Operate machinery and equipment:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the universal principles and practices for the operation of basic machinery used in sportsturf maintenance.
  > The “Operate specialised walk behind mowers” provides the learner with in depth knowledge and competencies for the operation of mowers for all sportsturf disciplines including soccer, golf, cricket and bowls.
• Reference No RTF2015A-Prepare turf surfaces for play:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the principles and practices for the preparation of sportsturf for the major sports that are played in Australia.
  > The “Maintain turf cricket pitches and outfields” unit standard is specifically intended for the lawn cricket environment and as such, the specific cultural practices that are necessary for cricket are covered.

  Certificate II in Horticulture (Arboriculture) Reference No RTF20203:

• Reference No RTC2304A-Operate and maintain chainsaws:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the use and care of chainsaws, specifically in the context of arboriculture.
  > The “Operate chainsaws for limbing and logging at ground level” unit standard has similar safety and operational practices as the above, including the techniques for ground based trimming of felled trees.
• Reference No RTF2027A-Undertake standard climbing techniques:
  > This level 2 unit standard has as its main focus the safe application of various tree climbing techniques.
  > The “Apply basic tree climbing practices” utilises similar practices and methodologies as the above including the essential safety procedures for the ascent and descent from trees.
• Reference No RTC2005A-Fell small trees:
  > This level 2 unit standard provides learners with the skills and competencies to remove small trees in a horticultural environment.
  > The “Conduct controlled tree felling in various locations” unit standard has similar safety and operational practices as the above, with particular emphasis on the procedures to protect the surrounding infrastructure when felling.

  United Kingdom:

  The United Kingdom has a long history of horticultural practice and is considered to be the origin of the modern horticultural foundational practice. South Africa has long been seen as an ideal horticultural environment, considering that it has the richest floral kingdom in the world. As a result many South African plants have been cultivated and hybridised in the United Kingdom with the loss of research and income to the country. It is imperative that, against this background, studies in horticultural practices in South Africa follow a professional path and are comparable, at least, to the best studies in the United Kingdom, but also within the broader international horticultural community.

  The qualifications from the United Kingdom at level 2 that may be favourably compared to the South African Horticulture Level 2 qualification are the:

• Level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Horticulture.
• Level 2 BTEC First Certificate in Horticulture.
• NPTC Level 2 NVQ in Production Horticulture.
• RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture.
• NPTC Level 2 NVQ in Amenity Horticulture.
• NPTC Level 2 National Certificate in Horticulture.

  The relevant unit standards are:

• Registration No M/500/1020-Introduction to Animal and Plant Biology:
  > This level 2 unit standard provides a basic introduction to the natural science of plants.
  > The “Recognize different organisms in the plant kingdom” unit standard has a similar intent to the above, in that it also refers to the structural and functional aspects of plants.
• Registration No T/500/4047-Sustainable horticultural and ecological principles:
  > This level 2 unit standard serves to familiarise the learner with the horticultural and ecological principles for sustainability.
  > The “Create an awareness of environmental protection” and “Maintain and conserve the flora in nature areas” unit standards provide the learner with a background to the importance of horticultural practices relevant to the conservation of nature areas. It is of particular importance to the South African context as it relates to the tourism sector where sustainability of the flora in natural areas such as game parks and conservation areas is vital.
• Registration No M/500/2958-Turf establishment and maintenance:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the practices and procedures necessary to establish and maintain turf sites.
  > The “Maintain turf cricket pitches and outfields” and “Establish an area of turf with grass sods” (SAQA ID 119690) unit standards has a similar intent to the above, while the aforementioned unit standard focuses on the specific practices to establish and maintain a cricket pitch and its outfield.
• Registration No K/500/2957-Horticultural Plants Nursery Stock Production:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers various methods of plant production for a nursery.
  > The “Propagate plants from stem cuttings” unit standard covers one specific method of propagation and is supported at various levels with other propagation methods commensurate to the level of the activity and the competency required of the learner.
• Registration No D/102/5823-Horticulture II Ornamentals, principles and maintenance:
  > This level 2 unit standard focuses on the maintenance aspects for ornamentals and the principles that govern such maintenance.
  > The “Provide care for ornamental plants” unit standard highlights the importance of on-going care for ornamental plants once they have been planted, potted up for growing on or have been re-sited. The specific aim of the unit standard is to impress on the learner the specific care that a newly planted ornamental requires.
• Registration No J/101/4623-Monitor and Maintain Health and Safety:
  > This level 2 unit standard is concerned with the monitoring and maintenance of health and safety aspects.
  > The “Utilize health and safety principles in horticulture” unit standard has a similar intent to the above, although its focus is more on the application of the health and safety principles specific to the horticultural industry in order to meet the relevant statutory requirements.
• Registration No F/101/0120-Identification and Use of Plants:
  > This level 2 unit standard highlights the characteristics by which plants may be identified and informs the learner of the ways in which the plants may be used.
  > The “Identify common ornamental plants” unit standard has a similar purpose in that the learner will learn how to identify specific categories of plants and understand where they may be used to optimum effect.
• Registration No H/101/5262-Identify the Presence of Pests, Diseases and Disorders, and Assist with their Control:
  > This level 2 unit standard incorporates the various factors that may adversely affect the development of plants.
  > The “Apply pest control practices in ornamental plant production and landscaping” unit standard aims to provide the learner with the necessary information in order to understand various practices used to control pests specific in the horticultural environment and how to apply the relevant practice to control pests in a specific situation.
• Registration No L/101/4896-Propagate Plants by Vegetative Methods:
  > This level 2 unit standard serves to familiarize learners with the manner in which plants are propagated by vegetative means.
  > Various methods of propagation may be applied in the horticultural environment and each requires specific skills and competencies. The “Propagate plants from stem cuttings” unit standard addresses one form of propagation determined to be relevant to the skills and competencies required of a learner at NQF Level 2 within the South African horticultural context. The propagation of plants by seed has been covered in the level 1 Qualification.
• Registration No J/101/4900-Maintain Plants Outdoors:
  > This level 2 unit standard addresses the general maintenance practices as they are applied to outdoor plants.
  > The “Schedule the application of water to plants and landscapes” and “Provide nutrition to plants and landscapes” unit standards are comparable to the above in their purpose, but, within the South African horticultural context, the maintenance of horticultural material has been divided into the various maintenance aspects, as well as focussing on the specific maintenance required in each environment or sector such as sports fields, artificial plants, indoor plants and floristry. This is advantageous to the learner as opportunities for specialization, employment or entrepreneurial options are enhanced.
• Registration No D/101/4868-Present, Maintain and Repair Sports Turf Surfaces for Play:
  > This level 2 unit standard covers the entire spectrum of activities related to ensuring general sports turf surfaces are ready for play, can be maintained and be repaired when necessary.
  > The “Maintain turf cricket pitches and outfields” and “Establish an area of turf with grass sods” (SAQA ID 119690) unit standards may be compared to the above in terms of the general practices applicable, but the sporting requirements, soil and weather factors in South Africa necessitate the separation of practices to ensure the sports fields are correctly established, maintained and repaired for local conditions and requirements. This further benefits the learner through enabling specialization and thereby greater opportunity for employment or provision of services through entrepreneurial opportunities.

Horizontal Articulation:

• ID 48975: National Certificate in Plant production; NQF Level 2.
• ID 59389: National Certificate in Resource Guardianship; NQF Level 2.
• ID 49410: National Certificate in Construction; NQF Level 2.

  Vertical Articulation:

• ID 49052: National Certificate in Plant production; NQF Level 3.

  As the basics of Agriculture and horticulture are parallel, horizontal articulation in the fields of Agronomy, Fruit and Vegetable Production, Nature Conservation and Forestry are possible.

• Anyone assessing a learner against these unit standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA and have experience or in depth knowledge of the horticultural industry.
• Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of these unit standards or will assess these unit standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the qualification and the agreed ETQA procedure.
• Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against these unit standards may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution which is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

• Be accredited as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.
• Have experience or in depth knowledge of the horticultural industry, specifically as it relates to ornamental aspects.
• Meet any other requirements that may be stipulated by the relevant ETQA.
• Hold a qualification in Horticulture or Agriculture at NQF Level 5 or higher.