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ORGANIC FARMING :: Biodynamic Farming
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Biodynamic Farming
**1. Int roduct ion
- Principle and Advant ages
- Preparat ions
- Int roduct ion**
Biodynamic agriculture was born when Dr Rudolf Steiner gave eight lectures about a new method of agriculture to a large group of farmers in Germany, in 1924. Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher and scientist who's thought was very much influenced by oriental philosophy, especially Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Vedic scriptures. Out of this influence and his own studies was born Anthroposophy, or the wisdom (knowledge) of the human being:
Ant hropos=human being Sophia=wisdom
At the heart of Anthroposophy is the recognition that the human being (Manushya) is a spiritual being (Purusha). Biodynamic agriculture was Steiner's answer to the farmers' call for help during the beginning of chemical farming in Europe when they noticed the rapid degeneration of the soil, of the quality of the produce, and of seed viability. They had been noticing a general decrease in vitality. Steiner then presented a different way of looking at cultivation and the Earth in general, showing the inter-relationship and connections between all living things.
Bios=life dynamic=energy
He explained how modern science and therefore chemical agriculture was based on the study of dead things in laboratories, rather than on the observation of living nature and the complex relationships constantly changing therein. Among this web of life he also included the cosmos with its moving planets and stars, and he spoke of how in the past, farmers instinctively knew about the effects of this movement on the life of plants and also animals and human beings. As modern human beings, we must find this connection once more to understand how to work best with nature, but this time in a very conscious, measurable way.
Today there are many people around the globe who concentrate on understanding and recording the effects of the cosmos on our planet Earth, including Maria Thun in Germany who publishes a planting calendar for gardeners and farmers to use. Rudolf Steiner introduced a few preparations based on homeopathic medicine to enhance the beneficial cosmic influences on plants and the soil, and encouraged people to experiment and find new ones as well.
Life is a study of energy from the coarse to the fine, and Biodynamics is primarily concerned with the higher forces, the finer energies and how they influence plants, animals, and human beings. This knowledge and work with the life forces brings balance and healing to the soil, and therefore to anything that grows in that soil and every being that eats those plants.
Main ef fect s of using biodynamic agricult ure
to increase the vitality of food to regenerate natural resources such as the soil (by restoring the organic matter present in the soil), the seeds, and the water to create a personal relationship with the world in which we live, with Nature of which we are apart of, and to learn to work together most of all, to be of service to the Earth and its beings by aiding nature where it is weak due to constant use
Hist or y
Agriculture is the base of human life. We need to grow food simply to eat each day, and to sustain our bodies, our minds, our souls and our spirit! Throughout human history, one can see that our music, our art, our songs, our crafts and tools have all been born out of our work with the land. But in the last hundred years and always faster in the last few decades, we are losing our connection to our source of life. Chemical farming is a product of the World Wars, when the leftover chemicals used for weapons and warfare were then discovered to be useful for pest control and as fertilizers. The source of agricultural chemicals is fossil fuel from the Earth, which isn't sustainable and very soon won't be available anymore.
The Green Revolution in the 1960's and 1970's also introduced hybrid seeds which are unable to produce their own seeds once grown, thereby creating a dependency of the farmer on hybrid seed companies. These hybrid seeds also produce much weaker plants which need higher doses of pesticides and fertilizers. The recent introduction of genetically modified (GM) seeds (which go hand in hand with specific herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers) is the latest threat to the balance and well being not only of the Earth, but also of us human beings. There are great economic interests tied to GM seeds, and unfortunately this creates irresistible pressure on developing countries to accept and legalize the use of these seeds.
Today we are painfully aware of the effects of chemical farming on our health, on farmers' economic life, on the vitality of the soil, and on the well being of all plants and animals. In many places, the soil is getting hard and unable to renew itself so that more and more chemical fertilizers are needed to grow crops, creating huge debts for the farmers. New pests and diseases, resistant to chemical pesticides, are appearing, as are unknown diseases and
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disorders affecting animals and human beings. We are facing a global disaster, of which many people are becoming aware. The Biodynamic method of agriculture started very slowly but is becoming increasingly popular in the last few decades, all over the world. There are Biodynamic associations of farmers and gardeners and certifying bodies that guarantee the produce being sold by issuing a Demeter certificate.
DEMET ER=Greek goddess of t he Ear t h
Biodynamic methods produce a living soil with revitalized natural forces, in alignment with planetary cosmic rhythms. At the heart of this activity is the intelligence and consciousness of the human being who is caring for this piece of the Earth, and who is the 'ordering principle'. This deep awareness is based on observation and relationship with the land and with Nature; it's based on love.
Top
2.Principle and Advant ages
In order to establish a system that brings into balance all factors which maintain life, the following areas are considered:
Subst ance and energy
Life is more than just chemicals; it depends on the interaction of matter and energies. For example, plants need light and warmth as well as earth and water to grow. The interaction of substance and energy forms a balanced system. We live not only fromsubstance, but also from energy, and so we need to eat foodwhich will provide the energy. Only plants which have grown in a balanced soil can give us energy (through trace minerals, enzymes, growth hormones) as well as substance.
Soil
To produce healthy, vital plants, one must concentrate mainly on the structure and the life of the soil: the nutrients, the trace elements, the microorganisms, the worms and other animals present in the soil. But primarily, the soil is a living system of connections and relationships. If the soil is balanced in its life forces, the plants growing in it will be stronger, healthier, and higher in quality. No chemicals necessary. In terms of structure, the soil should be crumbly, friable, well aerated and deep in order to be fertile.
Organic mat t er
In order to create this balanced, living soil, what is required is skilful use of organic matter. This is done by building compost heaps and using the Biodynamic compost preparations.
Humus
This mysterious, magical substance supports life and is the carrier of all that the plants need to grow. It holds the fertility of the soil in a stable way, and retains water. Humus is completely digested crude organic matter: rich, dark, and moist with a fresh odour. This is the base for building up the soil and fostering its formation should be the first priority when converting to Biodynamic farming.
Cow manure
This is a very special substance given to us by the holy animal Cow which is essential for healthy soil life. Cow dung is special because of the lengthy digestion process of the cow which adds much beneficial bacteria to the substance. It is used in building the compost heaps as a starter and for its nitrogen content and in preparing the Biodynamic preparations.
Cosmic f orces
Recognizing and working with the influences of heavenly bodies on plant growth by using the preparations and following the sowing calendar.
Biodynamic preparat ions
These simple, natural, homeopathic preparations are used to enhance the effects of the planets and of silica and lime on the soil and the plants, and also to enhance the breaking-down process and potential life forces in the compost heaps. Dr Steiner gave two preparations to be sprayed directly on the soil or the plants (numbered 500 and 501), and six preparations to be used when making compost (numbered 502 to 507).
Crop rot at ion
Crop rotation, proper soil cultivation and other organic farming methods: intelligent planning to let the soil rest after heavy-feeding crops (such as potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage), by sowing green manures (legumes, clover) and covering the soil (grass, clover) so that it may build up its humus content and nitrogen levels; also mulching to improve soil structure, water and temperature balance in the soil, and to control weeds; companion planting to enhance growth and to control pests; using herbal tea sprays, special tree paste for fruit trees, creating raised beds, disturbing the soil as little as possible by shallow digging/ploughing and avoiding stepping on it or working it when wet, especially clay soils.
Peppering
To deal with an unbalanced insect problem, animal pests or weed problem, one may collect the insects, weed seeds, or dead animal skins, burn them at the appropriate time according to planetary positions, potentize the ash in water as a homeopathic medicine, and spray it on the land. This is an effective biodynamic alternative to using chemical sprays.
T he f arm organism
The more self-sufficient a farm can be, the healthier it will be. The aim is to have a wide variety of plants and animals, and to bring something from outside (such as manure, bio-pesticides) only if there is an imbalance that must be rectified, as medicine. At the centre of the farm organism is the fanner, the human being who observes and has a close relationship to everything on the farm and who makes the decisions. Important aspects of the farm include the water source and balance, prevention of soil erosion by planting trees and hedges which also help in wind protection and providing animal habitat, being aware of insect life and balance which could include looking after honey bees. The farmer therefore is responsible for many beings and for fostering correct relationships, and is the temporary steward of the land, not the owner.
Prepare burial pit: 18 inches deep. Pit area should not be subject to flooding, vigorous root systems or earthworms. BD 500 takes the character of the soil it is buried in, so good quality earth in the burial pit is essential. Collect cow horns – remove any paint. Collect fresh dung – reasonably firm. Fill cow horns with cow dung in October/November (rather than September due to India's warmer climate). Place horns in burial pit, 1 inch apart with base downwards, surround with 50% compost and soil. Cover with soil and bury for 4 to 6 months. If the soil is not rich enough, add compost to an extent of 50% to enhance soil quality. Keep burial pit soil moist and shaded, at temp of approx. 20oC and free from weeds and earthworms. After 4 months check for dung fermentation. Dig up one horn. If the green cow dung has turned into a dark, smooth earthy smelling humus (BD 500) they are ready to be lifted. Remove the BD 500, use and store. If not, leave them longer.
Applicat ion process
Apply when the dew is falling (the earth breathes in) i.e. late afternoon or evening – descending Moon.
25 grams BD 500/acre in 15 litres rain/pure warm water (approx. 15-20 °C) Check water for high calcium, iron or other minerals Stir for 1 hour alternately clockwise and anti-clockwise forming a vortex Spray in the late afternoon or evening (just before sunset), when Moon is descending Spray 4 times a year – during the beginning and after rains, i.e. Feb-May-Nov-Dec.
St orage
Place in glazed earthenware pots with loose fitting lids. Bury in a box surrounded with coir pith, which is kept moist and can be closed. Keep in dark and at temp of not more than 25 °C. Use within 1 year.
Ef fect /result
Promotes root activity Stimulates/increases soil micro-life Regulates lime and nitrogen Helps to release trace elements Increases germination
BD 501 Cow horn silica
This is finely ground quartz crystals specially prepared. The crystal should be of good quality, shape and clear. It is buried in a similar manner to preparation 500 but this time it is buried during the summer time (buried in April/May and lifted in September). This is the period when the earth is breathing out and the cosmic light energy is most active (summer).
Mat erials
Cow horn Silica quartz crystal – should be clear and well formed. Average 200-300 gms powdered quartz crystal/horn
Preparat ion process
Crush silica quartz using a pounding rod, a mortar and pestle, or hammer Grind to a fine powder between 2 plate glasses
First glass - 12" square and 9 mm thick with a wooden frame. Second glass - 4" square glass plate mounted in a wooden block (handle).
Ensure that the quartz dust is not inhaled as it could lead to silicosis. It is advisable that masks are provided while making the preparation. Moisten with water to make a stiff paste Fill horns with the silica paste Bury horns in soil pit, 1 inch apart with base downwards, surround with 50% compost and soil from March/April (spring equinox) to September (autumn equinox)
Applicat ion process
Apply 501 only after one or two applications of BD 500. Apply when the dew is rising (the earth breathes out) i.e. early morning 6-8 a.m. at sunrise during ascending Moon or Moon opposition Saturn.
1 gm silica (enough to cover the small finger nail) in 15 litres of warm quality water Dissolve silica in water, stirring for 1 hour before sunrise, alternatively clockwise and anti-clockwise forming a vortex Spray the plants using a low-pressure sprayer (Knapsack 80-100 psi). Spray into the air to fall as a gentle mist over the plants As a general rule, spray twice during the planting cycle; at the beginning and again just before harvest
St orage
Store in a glass jar with a loose fitting lid, placed in an open area exposed to sunlight up to 3 years.
Ef fect /result
Enhances light metabolism, photosynthesis and chlorophyll Helps to improve color, aroma, flavor and keeping quality of plants
Compost preparat ions 502 – 507
These are a series of preparations made from various medicinal herbs, in such a way as to enhance their inherent qualities. Experience in India and in many overseas countries of using these preparations in composts and liquid manures, has shown that they accelerate the processes of humus formation and as such avoid losses of valuable plant nutrients.
BD 502 Yarrow ( Achillea millifolium )
This is made from yarrow flowers combined with the bladder of a stag.
Met hod of preparat ion
Urinary bladder of the stag is used. The stag with its antlers magnifies the effect of the cosmos. Smell of the stag bladder and that of the yarrow are similar. Cosmos activity of the flower is enhanced by the cosmic activity of the bladder. The energies received by a stag from the cosmos through the antlers center around the bladder. Start the preparation making under the planetary influence of Venus. Blow up the bladder with air when the bladder is fresh. Air dry and then collapse. At the time of use moisten to make it flexible. Cut the bladder, insert a funnel and introduce the flowers till the bladder is packed. Moisten the flowers with plant extract, stitch up the slit with cotton thread. Store in a closed basket to keep away rodents/pests.
T ime of burial t o lif t ing
Hang up in march to get cosmic influences Bury from September to March in a mud pot with earth inside
BD 503 Chamomile ( Matricuria chamomilla )
This is composed of the flowers of the Chamomile plant combined with cow intestine.
Met hod of preparat ion Har vest ing
Pick flowers when petals are horizontal (mid morning-10 am) Ideal flower will have two rows of petals around the cone Harvest into a tray as the flowers if left together produce heat Use drying trays
St orage
In air tight containers.
Preparat ion
The intestine of a cow or bull can be used Do not wash intestine Cut into 15 cm bits Run finger along intestine, like milking a cow, to squeeze out undigested matter Tie cut bits at one end with a cotton string Fix funnel to open end and fill with dry flowers Pack not too hard or loose Stack the filled sausages into a bundle, which could be placed in a mud pot surrounded with fertile soil
T ime of burial t o lif t ing
Bury in October and let it remain in the soil till Feb/March.
BD 504 Himalayan st inging net t le ( Urtica parviflora ) Met hod of preparat ion
Fill the dried leaves into terracotta pipes or mud pots Press well into the containers Ensure that the lid is on Place the pot under the influence of Mars
(Moisten dry leaves with juice of leaves before filling if found dry)
T ime of burial t o lif t ing
Harvest leaves in May and September Lift the preparation in September after a year
BD 505 Himalayan oak bark ( Quercus glauca )
This is prepared by combining bark of the oak tree with the skull of an animal.
Met hod of preparat ion
Crush the oak bark The skull of any domestic animal may be used The link between the skull and bark is their calcium properties Further, it is the Ca formation and the skull formation that takes place first in the case of the development of the embryo Place the crushed oak bark in the brain cavity of the skull. Block the opening with a well shaped bone piece. Place the skull in a watery environment with weeds and plant muck which would have been damaged by the local diseases that effect the crop. This helps buildup the resistance of the plants and follows the principles of Homeopathy. It should be placed in a location where there is exchange of water such as rain drain/swamp. It should be noted that a foul smell is emitted on lifting the preparation and removing it from the skull This gradually reduces with drying after removal in a dark dry place Fungus may form Turn over frequently to correct the same
T ime of burial t o lif t ing
The preparation is placed in September and lifted in March.
Mat erials
1 kg Equisetum arvense (Horsetail herb) or Casuarina 10 litres water
Preparat ion process
Make a strong tea/tincture by boiling the Equisetum arvense or Casuarinain hot water for 2 hrs. Let it sit for 2 days.
Applicat ion process
Dilute the tincture: 50 grams tincture to 10 litres of water Spray onto the soil or over the plants in the early growing stages For mild fungus problems BD 508 is often sufficient, but for more severe problems BD 501 is more effective.
Source
Selvaraj, N., B.Anita, B.Anusha and M.Guru Saraswathi. 2006. Organic Horticulture creating a more sustainable farming. Horticultural Research Station, Udhagamandalam.
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