Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Rudolf Steiner first described So how do the Biodynamic soil arthropods. In other words it is nearly
biodynamics in 1924, after requests Preparations work? dead! And this is the reason many have
This is a huge subject and could take us been turning to Biodynamics.
from farmers, who were experiencing
on a whole amazing trip of discovery, which How can I help my soil? It used to
an increasing degeneration in seed
is what actually happens once you get be alive and now it is dying.
strains, cultivated plants and animal involved. The questions keep arising and What practices can bring the soil
health. Steiner gave the farmers answers lead to the next question, and life back to life?
indications for nine special becomes most interesting. So lets just start In Biodynamics we work to keep life in
“preparations” (500-508), which with the soil and we can move on upwards. the soil, to attract specific bacteria and
form the foundation of Biodynamic Recognising Vital Forces In Nature fungi that help absorb trace elements and
In the past few years new discoveries nitrogen in the soil. Biodynamics brings
practice.
have been made in the areas of soil structure and tilth in the soil. Humus is
Horn Manure Preparation (500) is a
microbiology. David W.Wolfe, in his book made and the capacity for the soil to hold
specially prepared manure, Horn Silica
‘Tales From The Underground –a Natural water is improved. More oxygen becomes
Preparation (501), a silica-rich rock
History of Subterranean Life’i describes available and soil life multiplies incredibly.
powder; 502-508 are herbs and other
this time of discovery as “reminiscent of To achieve this the Biodynamic farmer
materials all with their own beneficial
where marine biology was 50 years ago, utilises a range of Biodynamic
qualities for soil and plant health. Each
when Jacques Cousteau was first Preparations.
preparation in conjunction with natural
perfecting his Aqua–lung for exploration Horn Manure Preparation (500)
forces stimulates and enhances biological
of another hidden realm – the oceans. You have probably heard of “Horn
activity in a specific way to achieve
Such explorations have verified the Manure Preparation (500)” the most
optimum results on the farm.
existence independent ecosystems at all famous of Biodynamic Preparations which
levels below the surface”. is made from cow manure placed in a cow
Biodynamic practice has at its horn, buried in fertile soil over winter,
very foundation an acknowledgment producing a sweet smelling humus-like
of working with many levels of colloidal substance, when retrieved in the
activity in both the earth and spring. It is applied at 75g per Ha, stirred
atmosphere to bring health to the in water for one hour and spread in
whole farm enterprise. You may droplet form to the soil after 3pm (when
remember from our previous article the earth is breathing in).
that the Biodynamic farmer Used to build soil structure and tilth, it
develops a greater awareness of works with calcium and helps make
nature and the utmost respect for
both the visible and invisible forces
that shape life. The recognition of
some of these vital forces in the soil
is now readily understood thanks to
Dr Elaine Ingham’s pioneering work
on the Soil Food Web.
Dr. Elaine Ingham, a Soil
Microbiologist from Ohio, USA has
found that she can tell how the soil
has been treated by the soil bio-life
found in a soil sample.
The healthiest soils are in the old
growth forests, where fungi
outnumber the bacteria and the
whole system works in a symbiotic
way to support each other.
Soils that have been compacted,
treated with water soluble fertilisers,
herbicides and pesticides have very
little bacteria, no fungi and poor
Horn Manure Preparation (500) pit oxygen levels and very low of any
56 Town and Country Farmer • Spring 2003
humus, attracts earthworms and the soil mist into the air at first
bacteria Azotobacter. The Azotobacter light. Used later in the
are 15 times more potent at making day around midday it can
Nitrogen out of the soil than any other burn – so it is important
bacteria. It also attracts rhizobia, which to only spray out at
helps nodulation on plant roots especially sunrise (when the earth is
supporting increased clover growth. Soil breathing out).
depth increases, roots go deeper and grow This amazing
more luxuriantly and most importantly preparation works with
water is held, like in a sponge in the humus photosynthesis. It helps
materials created, when regularly using the the plant keep up its
Horn Manure Preparation (500). sugar sap levels and the
Here is an effective solution for excess sugar saps are sent
Australia’s water and salinity problems! to the roots as root
exudates to feed the Stinging Nettle and Dandelion are just two of the plants used to make
Biodynamic farms use 25%-50% less the Biodynamic Preparations
bacteria and fungi that
water than their neighbours working
are forming a symbiotic
conventionally! We recently heard of the Organic wholesalers know that
relationship around them. In turn, the
water authorities ringing to see if the Biodynamic produce has the best flavours
increased activity and nitrogen formation
Biodynamic farmers were cheating, as they and their customers keep coming back for
helps the plant grow – so we have the
came in with much lower water use than more. Several Biodynamic Herb growers
complete circle.
their neighbours in a recent Irrigation By keeping the sugar sap levels high, are now topping the list for the highest
audit. (Refer “Kiltynane Estate” story) then plants are resistant to insect attack quality and smell of oils in distillation.
Horn Silica Preparation (501) and disease. If conditions are extremely Most exciting is the discovery by grape
The Horn Silica Preparation (501) wet and prone to fungal disease, then the and fruit growers that use of the Horn
works in the atmosphere and with the Horn silica can help restore the balance. Silica Preparation (501) can lift the Baume
silica and light forces as the opposite to the The Horn Silica preparation also helps or Brix sugar levels at least one full point
Horn manure Preparation (500). It is with the dry matter content of fruit, within a few hours – critical at harvest
made from ground quartz crystal and is increasing flavour, colour, weight and time.
buried in the horns in the soil for the keeping qualities. This is borne out in the Summer & Winter Horn Clay
summer months. Only the smallest number of Biodynamic growers who This is a fairly new addition to the
amount – 1-2g per Ha is used and it is consistently receive medals or prizes for Biodynamic repertoire. It is a clay mixed
stirred for one hour and sprayed as a fine their wines, fruits and grains. to a slurry and placed in a cow horn over
Chamomile Chamomile flowers placed in the small intestines of the cow. Helps retain nitrogen, calcium and
Chamomilla officinalis sulphur. Also stimulates manganese and boron, as well as azotobacter activity – the best bacteria for
PREPARATION 503 making nitrogen in the soil.
Stinging Nettle Nettle is buried without an animal sheath. Conveys intelligence to the soil helps proper
Urtica dioca decomposition, aids chlorophyll formation and stimulates iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium and
PREPARATION 504 sulphur bacteria activity in the soil.
Oak Bark Oak Bark placed in a cow skull and in water over winter. Helps restore balance when water activity
Quercus robur is working too strongly, such as after lots of rain or at full moon. It also helps protect against fungal
PREPARATION 505 diseases. Helps calcium and phosphorus work into the earth in a living form.
Dandelion Dandelion placed in a cow’s mesentery. Stimulates the potassium /silica bacteria and fungi in the soil
Taraxacum officinale to enable it to work more effectively. Silica makes the plants more inwardly sensitive. Can help
PREPARATION 506 increase flowering and filling of fruit out to tips. Also stimulates the magnesium, boron and selenium
soil activity.
Valerian A Tincture made of valerian flowers. Stimulates the phosphorus process and mobilises the
Valeriana officinalis phosphorus-activating bacteria in the soil, as well as selenium and magnesium. Prevents the
PREPARATION 507 flowering process becoming excessive. Forms a warmth blanket around compost heap. If sprayed
onto blossoms in spring can provide protection against late frost.
Equisetum/Casuarina As Equisetum is seen as a noxious weed in Australia, we have found Casuarina to be a good
Equisetum arvense substitute. Fresh Casuarina Preparation works with the water balance in the atmosphere as a fresh
PREPARATION 508 tea and is used to prevent and stop fungal growth, sooty mould and tightens plants against becoming
soft and open to mildew infection. Fermented Casuarina tea works in the soil to stimulate the
growth of beneficial fungi and large hyphae & is applied with the afternoon soil sprays. All Casuarina
seems to be effective, especially the Casuarina equisetifolia from eastern Australia.