Introduction

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.

Anthropos=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 effects of using biodynamic agriculture

• 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

History

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 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.

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DEMETER=Greek goddess of the Earth

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. 

Principle and Advantages

In order to establish a system that brings into balance all factors which maintain life, the following areas are considered:

Substance 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 matter

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 forces

Recognizing and working with the influences of heavenly bodies on plant growth by using the preparations and following the sowing calendar.

Biodynamic preparations

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 rotation

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.

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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.

The farm 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.

Weeds, Pests and Diseases

Weeds growing in specific places show a deficiency in the soil, as pests and diseases show a shortcoming in agricultural practices. They are signs for us to understand where the problem is, and actually help us to rectify imbalances. They are friends, not foes! It is well known and proven that insect pests and diseases will only attack weak plants, There by balancing the situation and stimulating us to be better farmers and gardeners.

Practical application

• Walk around your land each day, become familiar with all its aspects: minerals, rocks present, type of soil, wild plants growing, types of weeds, insect life, animals present day or night, electric wires crossing over the land, underground streams, presence of water, weather patterns, people living on or using the land.
• Establish environmental control: plant hedges and trees for wind protection, ensure good drainage, be aware of the water quality, use and collection.
• Introduce soil-protecting crop rotations and cover crops.
• Improve soil cultivation practices.
• Introduce green manuring, carefully plowed or dug under.
• Use mulching wherever possible; the Earth likes to be covered and will do it by itself with weeds!
• Build compost heaps and treat them with the preparations: do not waste any organic leftovers- collect everything. First compost manure and all other organic material, and apply only when completely broken down! It can be sieved to re-compost any under-com posted bits. Compost branches larger than your wrist separately as this will take much longer to break down.
• Use the BD preparations 500 and 501 as necessary, at the appropriate times, on the land and growing plants.
• Use other preparations such as the Cowpat Pit Preparation, Panchagavya, or natural liquid fertilizers (equisetum tea, fermented nettle manure) as needed.

Advantages

• Production of top quality fruits and vegetables, with strong flavours and high levels of nutrients (protein and vitamin content)
• Yields always above the average level, higher on average than those produced by organic farming, and consistently high throughout the years as opposed to the falling yields obtained by chemical farming as the soil is mineralised and pest populations become unbalanced and become a problem
• Little trouble with livestock and plant diseases
• No spreading of insect pests, and no great economic damage due to their presence: the question of insect pests is one of balance and control which can be restored by proper management such as planting shrubs and trees which will house natural predators

Converting a farm to biodynamics

The important criterion is to sustain the fertility of a farm that lasts for future. The guidelines to be followed are

• All short term manuring use of water soluble fertilizers for quick growth is discontinued. This not only damages soil structure but also produces plants that are nutritionally unbalanced.
• Stop all chemical weed control methods that will leave undesirable residues which inhibit the development of active soil life.
• The type of stock carried in the farm is important as it has unique effect on soil fertility
• Encourage legume growth, earthworm activity and other soil micro-organisms. This is enhanced by the biodynamic preparations. This brings about microbiological life to the soil and exerts a balancing effect on availability of minerals. They also influence the permanent build up of humus.
• Need of adequate trees to provide shelter and shade as conservation of moisture, protection from wind and also act as predators.

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Source

• Selvaraj, N., B.Anita, B.Anusha and M.Guru Saraswathi. 2006. Organic Horticulture creating a more sustainable farming. Horticultural Research Station, Udhagamandalam.
• Bio-Dynamic Association of India (BDI)

Updated on : Oct 2014