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Abstract: Biodynamic agriculture was the first ecological farming system to arise in response to commercial
fertilizers and specialized agriculture after the turn of the century, yet it remains largely unknown to the
modern farmer and land-grant university system. The contribution of biodynamics to organic agriculture is
significant, however, and warrants more attention. The following provides an overview of biodynamic
farming and includes additional details and resources on the specialized practice of biodynamic composting.
By Steve Diver — NCAT Agriculture Specialist
February 1999
Introduction
Contents
Biodynamic Preparations....................................... 3
Biodynamic Compost............................................. 3
The Agriculture Course lectures were taught by
Liquid Manures & Herbal Teas .............................. 8
Steiner in response to observations from farmers
Planetary Influences .............................................. 9
that soils were becoming depleted following the
Community Supported Agriculture......................... 9
introduction of chemical fertilizers at the turn of
Food Quality .......................................................... 9
Research into Biodynamics ................................... 10 the century. In addition to degraded soil
Journals & Newsletters .......................................... 10 conditions, farmers noticed a deterioration in
References ............................................................ 11 the health and quality of crops and livestock.
Contacts................................................................. 12 Thus, biodynamic agriculture was the first
Suggested Reading on Biodynamic Farming ........ 13 ecological farming system to develop as a
Suggested Reading on Biodynamic Compost ....... 14 grassroots alternative to chemical agriculture.
Email Discussion Groups ...................................... 14
World Wide Web Links .......................................... 15 A basic ecological principle of biodynamics is to
Publishers/Distributors of Biodynamic Literature... 15 conceive of the farm as an organism, a self-
contained entity. A farm is said to have its own
1. Beliefs about the nature of reality with The BD compost preparations are listed below:
regard to agriculture (ontological beliefs)
2. Beliefs about the nature of the relationship • No. 502 Yarrow blossoms (Achillea millefolium)
between the practitioner and agriculture • No. 503 Chamomile blossoms (Chamomilla
(epistemological beliefs); and, officinalis)
3. Beliefs about how the practitioner should • No. 504 Stinging nettle (whole plant in full
go about working with agriculture bloom) (Urtica dioca)
(methodological beliefs). • No. 505 Oak bark (Quercus robur)
• No. 506 Dandelion flowers (Taraxacum officinale)
• No. 507 Valerian flowers (Valeriana officinalis)
Lorand's dissertation contrasts the ontological,
epistemological, and methodoligical beliefs of
Biodynamic preparations are intended to help
four agricultural paradigms: Traditional
moderate and regulate biological processes as
Agriculture, Industrial Agriculture, Organic
well as enhance and strengthen the life (etheric)
Agriculture, and Biodynamic Agriculture. A
forces on the farm. The preparations are used in
summary of these four paradigms can be found
homeopathic quantities, meaning they produce
in Tables 1−4, Appendix III.
an effect in extremely diluted amounts. As an
example, just 1/16th ounce a level teaspoon
of each compost preparation is added to
The Biodynamic Preparations seven- to ten-ton piles of compost.
On larger farms that handle massive volumes of It should be noted these highly mechanized
compost feedstock, the piles are often managed systems seem to fit operations that generate
with a compost turner, so the time to maturity is large volumes of animal manures or other
much shorter, for example 2−3 months. A new compost feedstocks, such as a dairy farm or food
development is the aerated static pile (ASP), processing plant. On-farm production of
wherein ventilation pipes are inserted into a compost is often matched with sale of bagged or
static pile to increase oxygen supply and reduce bulk compost to local horticultural operations as
the length of time to compost biomaturity. a supplemental income.
Contrasting viewpoints exist in the compost Ultimately, the choice of composting method
industry as well as amongst on-farm compost will depend to a large extent on the scale of
makers as to which method is best. When push farming operation, equipment and financial
comes to shove, most people agree that the best resources on hand, and intended goals for
compost method is one that fits the individual compost end-use.
farmer’s situation.
Research at Washington State University (WSU)
Recent biodynamic research supports the static by Dr. Lynn Carpenter-Boggs and Dr. John
pile approach as a viable compost option. In the Reganold found that biodynamic compost
July−August 1997 issue of Biodynamics , Dr. preparations have a significant effect on compost
William Brinton (6) of Woods End Agricultural and the composting process (7). Biodynamically
Research Institute published “Sustainability of treated composts had higher temperatures,
Modern Composting: Intensification Versus matured faster, and had higher nitrates than
Costs and Quality. ” Brinton argues that low- control compost piles inoculated with field soil
tech composting methods are just as effective in instead of the preparations. The WSU research is
stabilizing nutrients and managing humus as unique for two reasons: it was the first
the management and capital intensive compost biodynamic compost research undertaken at a
systems that employ compost turners and daily land-grant university, and it demonstrated that
monitoring. These findings are particularly biodynamic preparations are not only effective,
encouraging to farmers choosing the low-input but effective in homeopathic quantities.
approach to this age-old practice of
transforming organic matter into valuable A summary of this research can be found on the
humus. The full report can be viewed on USDA-Agriculture Research Service's Tektran
Woods End Institute’s website at: Website at:
<www.woodsend.org/sustain.pdf>.
Effects of Biodynamic Preparations on Compost
At the other end of the compost spectrum are Development
the high intensity windrow systems for www.nal.usda.gov/ttic/tektran/data/
example the Controlled Microbial Composting 000009/06/0000090623.html
system promoted by the Siegfried Luebke
soils (i.e., treated with biodynamic compost and • compost and should be added at 10%-20% of
biodynamic field sprays) had greater capacity to the windrow volume.
support heterotrophic microflora activity,
higher soil microorganism activity, and different Mineralized Compost: The addition of rock
types of soil microrganisms than conventionally powders (greensand, granite dust) to compost
managed soils (i.e., treated with mineral piles is a long-time biodynamic practice known
fertilizers and pesticides). as mineralized compost. The dusts add mineral
components to the compost and the organic
A summary of this latter research can be found acids released during the decomposition process
on the USDA-Agriculture Research Service's help solubilize minerals in the rock powders to
Tektran Website at: make nutrients more available to plants.
by volume, favors the development and follow the guidelines established by Dr.
survival of these latter organisms. The Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, spray the green residue with
development of humus is evident in color a microbial inoculant (BD Field Spray®) prior to
changes in the compost, and through plowdown. The inoculant contains a mixed
qualitative tests such as the circular culture of microorganisms that help speed
chromatography method. decomposition, thereby reducing the time until
planting. In addition, the inoculant enhances
• Compost & Soil Evaluation: Biodynamic formation of the clay-humus crumb which
research into compost preparation and soil provides numerous exchange sites for nutrients
humus conditions has led to the and improves soil structure.
development or specialized use of several
unique qualitative tests. A notable Further information on this topic can be found
contribution of biodynamics is the image- in the ATTRA publication Overview of Cover
forming qualitative methods of analysis; Crops and Green Manures
e.g., circular chromatography, sensitive <www.attra.org/attra-pub/covercrop.html>.
crystallization, capillary dynamolysis, and
the drop-picture method. Other methods Crop Rotations & Companion Planting
focus on the biological-chemical condition;
e.g., The Solvita® Compost Test Kit and The Crop rotation the sequential planting of crops
Solvita® Soil Test Kit (8), colorimetric is honed to a fine level in biodynamic
humus value, and potential pH. farming. A fundamental concept of crop
rotation is the effect of different crops on the
Cover Crops and Green Manures land. Koepf, Pettersson, and Schaumann speak
about “humus-depleting” and “humus-
Cover crops play a central role in managing restoring” crops; “soil-exhausting” and “soil-
cropland soils in biological farming systems. restoring” crops; and “organic matter
Biodynamic farmers make use of cover crops for exhausting” and “organic matter restoring”
dynamic accumulation of soil nutrients, crops in different sections of Bio-Dynamic
nematode control, soil loosening, and soil Agriculture: An Introduction (9).
building in addition to the commonly
recognized benefits of cover crops like soil Seemingly lost to modern agriculture with its
protection and nitrogen fixation. Biodynamic monocrops and short duration corn-soybean
farmers also make special use of plants like rotations, soil building crop rotations were under-
phacelia, rapeseed, mustard, and oilseed radish stood more clearly earlier in this century when the
in addition to common cover crops like rye and USDA published leaflets like Soil-Depleting, Soil-
vetch. Cover crop strategies include Conserving, and Soil-Building Crops (10) in 1938.
undersowing and catch cropping as well as
winter cover crops and summer green manures. Companion planting, a specialized form of
crop rotation commonly used in biodynamic
Green manuring is a biological farming practice gardening, entails the planned association of
that receives special attention on the two or more plant species in close proximity
biodynamic farm. Green manuring involves the so that some cultural benefit (pest control,
soil incorporation of any field or forage crop higher yield) is derived. In addition to
while green, or soon after flowering, for the beneficial associations, companion planting
purpose of soil improvement. The increases biodiversity on the farm which leads
decomposition of green manures in soils to a more stable agroecosystem. See the
parallels the composting process in that distinct ATTRA publication Companion Planting: Basic
phases of organic matter breakdown and humus
That mainstream agriculture does not accept the 5) Josephine Porter Institute
P.O. Box 133
subtle energy tenets of biodynamic agriculture
Woolwine, VA 24185
is a natural result of conflicting paradigms. In 276-930-2463
mainstream agriculture the focus is on physical- info@jpibiodynamics.org
chemical-biological reality. Biodynamic www.jpibiodynamics.org
agriculture, on the other hand, recognizes the
existence of subtle energy forces in nature and 6) Brinton, William F. 1997. Sustainability of
promotes their expression through specialized modern composting: intensification versus
“dynamic” practices. costs & quality. Biodynamics. July-August. p.
13-18.
A third view, expressed by a local farmer,
7) Carpenter-Boggs, Lynne A. 1997. Effects of
accepts the premise that subtle energy forces
Biodynamic Preparations on Compost, Crop,
exist and may affect biological systems, but
and Soil Quality. Washington State
holds there is not enough information to University, Crop and Soil Sciences. PhD
evaluate these influences nor make practical Dissertation. 164 p.
agronomic use of them.
13) Schulz, D.G., K. Koch, K.H. Kromer, and Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association
U. Kopke. 1997. Quality comparison of 25844 Butler Road
mineral, organic and biodynamic Junction City, OR 97448
cultivation of potatoes: contents, 888-516-7797
strength criteria, sensory investigations, info@biodynamics.com
and picture-creating methods. p. 115- www.biodynamics.com
120. In: William Lockeretz (ed.) Publisher of Biodynamics bi-monthly journal,
Agricultural Kimberton agricultural calendar, and extensive
selection of books.
14) Production and Nutrition. Tufts
University School of Nutrition Science Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Inc.
and Policy, Held March 19−21, Boston, Rt. 1, Box 620
MA. Woolwine, VA 24185
540-930-2463
15) Schulz, D.G., and U. Kopke. 1997. The quality http://igg.com/bdnow/jpi/
index: A holistic approach to describe the JPI makes and distributes the full range of BD
quality of food. p. 47-52. In: William Lockeretz Preparations, as well as the BD Compost Starter®
and the BD Field Starter®. Publisher of Applied
(ed.) Agricultural Production and Nutrition.
Biodynamics, a quarterly newsletter.
Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and
Policy, Held March 19−21, Boston, MA
Press, Peredur, East Grinstead, Sussex, England. 72 p. Podolinsky, Alex. 1985. Bio-Dynamic Agriculture
Introductory Lectures, Volume I. Gavemer
Groh, Trauger, and Steven McFadden. 1997. Farms Publishing, Sydney, Australia. 190 p.
of Tomorrow Revisited: Community Supported
Farms, Farm Supported Communities. Biodynamic Podolinsky, Alex. 1989. Bio-Dynamic Agriculture
Farming and Gardening Association, Introductory Lectures, Volume II. Gavemer
Kimberton, PA. 294 p. Publishing, Sydney, Australia. 173 p.
Lovel, Hugh. 1994. A Biodynamic Farm for Growing Proctor, Peter. 1997. Grasp the Nettle: Making
Wholesome Food. Acres, USA, Kansas City, MO. 215 p. Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Work. Random
House, Auckland, N.Z. 176 p.
Koepf, Herbert H. 1989. The Biodynamic Farm:
Agriculture in the Service of the Earth and Humanity. Remer, Nicolaus. 1995. Laws of Life in Agriculture.
Anthroposophic Press, Hudson, New York. 248 p. Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association,
Kimberton, PA. 158 p.
Remer, Nikolaus. 1996. Organic Manure: Its Koepf, H.H. 1980. Compost − What It Is, How It Is
Treatment According to Indications by Rudolf Made, What It Does. Biodynamic Farming and
Steiner. Mercury Press, Chestnut Ridge, NY. 122 p. Gardening Association, Inc., Kimberton, PA. 18 p.
Sattler, Fritz and Eckard von Wistinghausen. 1989. Pfeiffer, Ehrenfried. 1983. Soil Fertility, Renewal &
Biodynamic Farming Practice [English translation, Preservation (3rd Edition). The Lanthorn Press, East
1992]. Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association, Grinstead, England. 199 p.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England. 336 p.
Pfeiffer, Ehrenfried. 1984. Bio-dynamic
Schilthuis. Willy. 1994. Biodynamic Agriculture: Gardening and Farming. [collected articles, ca.
Rudulf Steiner’s Ideas in Practice. Anthroposophic 1940 - 1961] Volume 3. Mercury Press, Spring
Press, Hudson, NY. 11 p. Valley, New York. 132 p.
Schwenk, Theodore. 1988. The Basis of Potentization Pfeiffer, Ehrenfried. 1984. Using the Bio-Dynamic
Research. Mercury Press, Spring Valley, NY. 93 p. Compost Preparations & Sprays in Garden, Orchard,
& Farm. Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening
Steiner, Rudolf. 1993. Spiritual Foundations for the Association, Inc., Kimberton, PA. 64 p.
Renewal of Agriculture: A Course of Lectures. Bio-
Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association, Remer, Nikolaus. 1996. Organic Manure: Its
Kimberton, PA. 310 p. Treatment According to Indications by Rudolf
Steiner. Mercury Press, Chestnut Ridge, NY. 122 p.
Storl, Wolf D. 1979. Culture and Horticulture: A
Philosophy of Gardening. Bio-Dynamic Literature, Sattler, Friedrich, and Eckard v. Wistinghausen.
Wyoming, RI. 435 p. 1992. Bio-Dynamic Farming Practice. Bio-
Dynamic Agricultural Association, Stourbridge,
Thompkins, Peter, and Christopher Bird. 1989. England. 333 p.
The Secrets of the Soil. Harper & Row, New
York, NY. 444 p.
E-mail Discussion Groups:
BDNOW! E-mail discussion group
Suggested Reading on Biodynamic Compost: www.igg.com/bdnow
Send mail to listproc@envirolink.org, and
Blaser, Peter, and Ehrenfried Pfeiffer. 1984. “Bio-
type SUBSCRIBE BDNOW YOUR NAME in
Dynamic Composting on the Farm” and “How Much
the body of the message.
Compost Should We Use?” Bio-Dynamic Farming and
Gardening Association, Inc., Kimberton, PA. 23 p.
BDNOW! E-mail archives
http://csf.colorado.edu/biodynamics/
Corrin, George. 1960. Handbook on Composting
and the Bio-Dynamic Preparations. Bio-Dynamic
BDA Discussion Forum
Agricultural Association, London. 32 p.
www.biodynamics.com/discussion
Courtney, Hugh. 1994. Compost or biodynamic
compost. Applied Biodynamics. Fall. p. 11−13. World Wide Web Links:
By Steve Diver
NCAT Agriculture Specialist
February 1999
The ATTRA Project is operated by the National Center for Appropriate Technology under a grant from
the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. These organizations do not
recommend or endorse products, companies, or individuals. ATTRA is located in the Ozark Mountains
at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville at P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702. ATTRA staff
members prefer to receive requests for information about sustainable agriculture via the toll-free
number 800-346-9140.
A. Organization
B. Production
Production is integrated into environment, building Emancipation of enterprises from their environment
healthy landscapes; attention is given to rhythm by chemical and technical manipulation
Stimulating and regulating complex life processes No equivalent biodynamic preparations; use of
by biodynamic preparations for soils, plants, and hormones, antibiotics, etc.
manures
Balanced conditions for plants and animals, few Excessive fertilizing and feeding, correcting
deficiencies need to be corrected deficiencies
National economy; optimum input : output ratio National economy; poor input : output ratio
regarding materials and energy regarding materials and input
Private economic : stable monetary results Private economic : high risks, gains at times
No pollution Worldwide considerable pollution
Maximum conservation of soils, water quality, wild Using up soil fertility, often erosion, losses in water
life quality and wild life
Regionalized mixed production, more transparent Local and regional specialization, more anonymous
consumer-producer relationship; nutritional quality consumer-producer relation; interested in grading
standards
Holistic approach, unity between world conception Reductionist picture of nature, emancipated, mainly
and motivation economic motivation
* Koepf, H.H. 1981. The principles and practice of biodynamic agriculture. p. 237−250. In: B.
Stonehouse (ed.) Biological Husbandry: A Scientific Approach to Organic Farming. Butterworths,
London.
Yield and Quality Under the Influence of Polar Opposite Growth Factors*
* Koepf, Herbert H., B.D. Pettersson, and Wolfgang Schaumann. 1976. Bio-Dynamic Agriculture:
An Introduction. The Anthroposophic Press, Spring Valley, NY. p. 209.
** Where Lorand uses the terminology of Steiner (individuality), other authors instead use the
term organism