What is Biodynamic Farming ?
Biodynamics ("biological-dynamics") is a method of organic agriculture which can be applied to any farm or horticultural enterprise, by following a series of practical steps.
The steps emphases building soil fertility, and are carefully tailored to the particular property. They include:
- Use of biodynamic sprays to stimulate biological activity in the soil, and improve retention of nutrients, such as animal wastes
- Planting trees for multiple purposes
- Crop rotation designs to enhance soil fertility and control weeds and plant pests which include the use of green manures
- Recycling of organic wastes, where possible, by large scale composting
- Changing from chemical pest control to prevention strategies based on good plant and animal nutrition and careful cultivar selection.
Biodynamics is a systems approach where the farm is viewed as a living whole, in which each farm activity affects the others. Management is based on the farmer's own careful observations, plus the results of tests and analyses. This leads to a modern approach in which traditional knowledge finds a renewal.
What are the advantages ?
Because biodynamics uses very limited external inputs, and reuses most on farm waste, it has a low impact on the environment. It provides an economical way of farming in which most of the costs are met at the time they are incurred. It thus offers a solution to conflicts between economics and the environment.
A further benefit is the quality of the produce. Flavour and keeping quality of the foods, lustre and comfort of fibres provoke favourable comment from consumers and buyers.
Biodynamically grown produce is certified by the international trademark Demeter that assures buyers that produce is grown according to biodynamic principles.
Where did biodynamics come from?
In the 1920s' a number of European farmers were deeply concerned with signs of agriculture in decline:
- Soil infertility
- Unthrifty animals
- Loss of food quality.
Philosopher and scientist Dr Rudolf Steiner responded with lectures introducing biodynamic concepts. Since then the biodynamic movement has been developing farming methods which take into account the more subtle phenomena in nature to produce food that is full of life. Out of this work new techniques have arrisen to assess the vitality of water, soil and farm produce. Now, when the mantle of life which covers our earth is ever more weakened as a consequence of short-sighted human actions, biodynamics is offering a more sustainable solution.
Sowing and Planting Calendar
The Biodynamic Farming Association publishes a sowing and planting calendar to help farmers sow, transplant, harvest and other farming activities at the approriate time to achieve best results. Rudolf Steiner, pointed to the influences of the planets, moons and stars on plant growth, introducing the significance of timing our agricultural work, particularly in sowing seeds and transplanting according to their rhythms
Since the Genista Research Foundation is a member of the Biodynamic Farming Association we can receive orders from those interested in working with this yearly calendar. The calendar offers an introduction to biodynamic agriculture and basic astronomy, with monthly charts showing the movement of the moon and planets through the Zodiac and indications for timing your gardening and farming practices according to their rhythms. In this calendar one will also find a variety of articles on the theme Agriculture for Nutrition and Health.
Anyone interested may contact the Genista Research Foundation at idealfarm@genistafoundation.org