Biodynamic Agriculture

Sugar (1039)

Cattle sterility (1041)

Moory meadow improved (1047)

Neglected meadow (1047)

Antioxidant (1525)

Yeasts (1616)

Dry Matter (1641)

Grain yield (1755)

Reduced yield (1831)

Phosphorus uptake (1848)

I used biodynamic preparations in my garden for the first time [...] everything has grown stronger, greener and been more resilient even in the hottest weather. You could almost hear [my houseplants] saying Ooh yes! can we have some more? (1100)

The results showed that plant height (PH), stem length (SL), root length (RL), fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll a (Chla), chlorophyll b (Chlb), total chlorophyll (TChl), and essential oil yield (EOY) were significantly decreased by salinity stress (P < 0.01). According to the results, the interaction effect of the BD preparations with Azotobacter bacteria was the most effective treatment for significant enhancement of FW, DW, RWC, and EOY under salinity stress. Also, the interaction effect of BD preparations with Azospirillum was the best treatment to enhance the PH, SL, and RL under salinity stress. Based on the results, it is suggested that the interaction of the BD preparations and bio-fertilizers could be applied as a salt alleviator to enhance the EOY. (1600)

...higher quality protein, a higher starch content, and a greater ability to tolerate stressful conditions and long-term storage in comparison with the inorganic treatments ... (1640)

Yields in the BD PS amounted to 99, 113 and 124 percent of the average yields of all PS for wheat, cabbage and oil pumpkin seeds, respectively. (1643)

..a better development of the plants by the use of the biodynamic preparations ... (1648)

Whilst yields ... (average of all crops) during the 1st CPR [7 year crop rotation period] were only 12% lower than in the conventional production system, during the 2nd CPR yields were 25% lower in the bio-dynamic and 20% lower the organic system. Potato yield in the biologically cultivated plots was 40%, beetroots 25%, cereals 15% and grass-clover 10% lower than in the conventional plots. (1831)

The appearance of the plants changes. ... the plants adopt a more typical form, become more upright and have more glowing colours. They are less susceptible to disease. (1870)

When we first started the ground was very poor, very impoverished. Sugar content in the beets grown the first year only 8%. Through our BD methods this has risen to 16% on an average. Last year it was over 18%, 18.2% (1039)

Potato yield in lbs/acre 1917: 10423, 1918: 8907, 1919: 7337 [convrersion to BD started in 1922] 1931: 20370, 1932: 17637, 1933: 17637 . Customer praised especially`lly the keeping quality and flavour of th biodynamic potatoes (1041)

Although the purchase of forcing feed was completely given up, milk production with old home-grown feed was raised by about 2000lb per cow and the butterfat content by about 12%. ..We feed the very last leaf of the fodder turnips without any sign of diarrhoea ... the general health of the herd has also improved most satisfactorily (1041)

The contents of sugars, organic acids, total phenolic content, and the antioxidant activity were quantified in the flesh of red beet from conventional (CON), integrated (INT), organic (ORG), biodynamic (BD), and control farming systems using established methods. Significant differences were measured for malic acid, total phenolic content (TPC), and total antioxidant activity, where malic acid content ranged from 2.39 g/kg FW (control) to 1.63 g/kg FW (CON, ORG, and INT). The highest TPC was measured in BD and control samples (0.677 and 0.672 mg GAE /g, respectively), and the lowest in CON samples (0.511 mg GAE /g). Antioxidant activity was positively correlated with TPC (r2 = 0.6187) and ranged from 0.823 &#956;M TE /g FW to 1.270 &#956;M TE /g FW in CON and BD samples, respectively, whereas total sugar content ranged from 21.03 g/kg FW (CON) to 31.58 g/kg FW (BD). (1595)

Biodynamic farming has increased the mean yield of potato by 10.4% and 10.9% (1605)

Biodynamic farming has increased the mean yield of ... carrot 17.2% and 24% (1605)

Crop yields and root growth were studied in a 6-year trial comparing conventional, organic, and biodynamic methods of fertilization. Intense use of a set of biodynamic preparations, including a nettle containing compound preparation, was found to have a balancing effect on the yields of maize and winter wheat. This effect may have been caused by greater root growth and improved root health. (1627)

Compared with the conventional treatments, the crude protein content of potatoes and wheat was lower in the [BD] treatments, but protein quality was higher (i.e. relatively pure protein and essential amino acids, lower amount of free amino acids). Resistance to decomposition and store quality for potatoes were higher in the [BD] treatments, (1640)

the biodynamically-cropped tubers surpassed the organically and mineral fertilised tubers (1641)

Root development was greatest for 'biodynamic' (1755)

For Stegemann, over eight years, the annual yield for sugar beet show increases using Biodynamics of up to 26% (compared to the base year of 1923). (1834)

The root system develops (1870)

A 'moory meadow' - unprepped cow manure was spread in the centre, prepped manure plus 500 and 501 were applied around the edges. Here the growth was far better .. grass remarkably fresh and sweet smell, and easier to mow, hay is tender and kept its green colour longer. (Lake Constance 1929) (1047)

Grass and clover sown 1928 suffered from the drought. After prepared liquid and solid cow manure it recovered quickly. Remarkable result from 500 and 501 alone increasing the clover. (1047)

A very poor meadow gave very poor yields in 1928 was very much improved by 500 and 501 - distinguished by the amount of clover and the fresh green colour. Neighbours admitted the superiority over their own meadows. (1047)

Neglected meadow received prepared manure with 500 and 501 in a few weeks became superior to all the surrounding land that had the same quantity of unprepared manure. The manure was well rotten and only little straw remained in the meadow which then rotted over the summer (unusual!). Grass easily mown - succulent - and longer to become dry. Sorrel and sour grasses had decreased whilst sweet grasses and clover improved. Hay was dark green and good smell. Yield 25 - 35% greater. (1047)

Prepped manure with 500 and 501 made a meadow early, grow intensively and quickly especially the clover. Animals loved the grass. In spite of the late spring the second crop did remarkably well. (1047)

One third of a large pasture was given prepared manure in the early spring (and 500 and 501) - the rest had the same amount of unprepared manure. The 'BD' part had much more alive and green vegetation, noted by everyone throughout the season. Cows came to this part and came afterwards always back to it when when there was little grass left - the other part was almost untouched. Pigs afterwards preferred the same part - vey obviously. Flora was remarkably altered (430)

.... antiradical activity for the second sampling was higher in the case of the biodynamic system ... (1587)

Biodynamically managed vines showed lower stomatal conductance in all years and lower leaf water potential in 2012. Leaf photosynthetic activity was not influenced by cultivation method. Biodynamic management led to an increase in leaf enzymatic activities of endochitinase (EC 3.2.1.14), exochitinase (β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, EC 3.2.1.52 and chitin 1,4-β-chitobiosidase) and β-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39), which are typically correlated with plant biotic and abiotic stresses and associated with induced plant resistance. Year effects were observed with 1,3-β-glucanase, whose activity in 2012 was 4.1-fold higher than in 2013. This study provided a strong indication of a stimulation of natural defense compounds in grapes grown under biodynamic cultivation, (1594)

Biodynamic farming has increased the mean yield of .... cabbage 14.3% and 28.3% (1605)

The experiments established that the phytosanitary condition of wheat was better when it was biodynamically cultivated with applied standard biodynamic compost in the soil. No diseases and pests were reported for einkorn wheat in the three variants, whereas weeds had lower density and species composition in einkorn than in wheat and the variant with standard biodynamic compost was the most weakly infested. The highest yields of wheat and einkorn wheat were obtained at biodynamic cultivation with applied standard biodynamic compost, followed by the variant of biodynamic compost according to Maria Thun's compost preparations. (1607)

The leaves of plants that have received the preparations appear more airy and have a glow to them. (1870)

BD market gardener Herr Haberstock offered his roses to flower shops in Freiburg (Badenia). Immediately after sending a sample he got a large order. The shop manager wanted to know what chemicals he had been used because the roses kept their freshness longer, he could arrange them better as the leaves had a much more natural character. (1048)

Biodynamic production of cauliflower gave a yield of 42.58t/ha as compared with 23t/ha in control where as in cabbage yield was recorded as 55.16 t/ha under biodynamic production as compared to 22.83 t/ha in organic farming (1605)

The results show that the treatment sand + soil + vermicompost (1:1:2) + 5% biodynamic amendment has a significant influence on measured growth and flowering parameters compared with the control… (1636)

Biodynamically treated winegrapes had significantly higher (p < 0.05) Brix and notably higher (p < 0.1) total phenols and total anthocyanins in 2003. Biodynamic preperations. may affect winegrape canopy and chem. but were not shown to affect the soil parameters or tissue nutrients measured in this study. (1522)

The comparison in phenolic compounds content, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in biodynamic, organic and conventional systems is original and of great importance, showing that the ecological cropping systems are less harmful to the environment and promote improvements to the chemical composition of foods. (1525)

Nutrient analyses of leaf tissue, clusters per vine, yield per vine, cluster weight, and berry weight showed no differences.... biodynamic treatment had ideal vine balance for producing high-quality winegrapes but that the control vines were slightly overcropped. Biodynamically treated winegrapes had significantly higher (p < 0.05) Brix and notably higher (p < 0.1) total phenols and total anthocyanins in 2003. Biodynamic preparations may affect winegrape canopy and chem. but were not shown to affect the soil parameters or tissue nutrients measured in this study. (1577)

... the biodynamic samples exhibited the highest structure forming efficacy and resistance to aging. (1580)

...biodynamic mangoes had highest antioxidant activity in mature‐green and ripe fruits, while for those of organic origin the antioxidant activity was highest in unripe fruits. The organic mangoes also showed highest values of phenolic compounds at all maturation stages. The mangoes from conventional crops had lower values for all parameters evaluated in this study than the organically and biodynamically cultivated fruits. (1584)

PGJ [purple grape juice] from Brazil and Europe, as well as conventional and organic/biodynamic PGJ, were distinguished with high efficiency, but no statistical model was able to differentiate organic and biodynamic grape juices. These data support the hypothesis that no clear distinction between organic and biodynamic grape juices can be made with respect to volatile organic compounds. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry (1588)

Compared to conventional strawberries, biodynamic fruits had a significantly higher content of ascorbic acid (P < 0.01), pelargonidin-3-glucoside (P < 0.05), cyanidin-3-glucoside (P < 0.01), ellagic acid (P < 0.01), quercetin, and kaempferol (both P < 0.01). Antioxidant activity of biodynamic strawberry crude extract was significantly higher than that of the conventional one (P < 0.05); in addition, while the antioxidant activity of water-soluble fraction was very similar in both biodynamic and conventional strawberries, that of water-insoluble fraction of biodynamic fruits was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The same crude extract of biodynamic strawberry samples effectively corresponded to an increase of bioactivity, in terms of both cellular antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity, (1592)

Disease incidence and grape yields were not different between organic and biodynamic treatments. (1594)

The results revealed that the use of combinations of organic amendments and biodynamic preparations influenced the phenology, fruit drop, fruit set, yield and quality of the mandarin. Among different treatments, POM [poultry manure] + <a href="https://www.considera.org/materiamedicagricultura.php?remtype=3&rem=45">CPP</a> + <a href="https://www.considera.org/materiamedicagricultura.php?remtype=3&rem=1">BD 500</a> + <a href="https://www.considera.org/materiamedicagricultura.php?remtype=3&rem=2">BD 501</a> (T9) had the lowest number of days from flowering to fruit set and from fruit set to ripening. The same treatment also had the highest % fruit retention, lowest % fruit drop and highest number of marketable fruits. T9 also resulted in the highest weight, length, diameter and volume of the fruit, the highest pulp weight, pulp thickness and pulp:peel ratio, lowest peel weight, highest juice content and second highest concentrations of reducing and total sugars. Hence, T9 was considered an effective combination in terms of influencing the phenology, fruit drop, fruit set, yield and quality of Khasi mandarin. (1601)

The results showed that the yeast population was mostly related to the grape management, i.e. organic or biodynamic, while the wine composition was mainly affected by the winemaking process, and then by the grape management. (1616)

The biodynamic A growing system showed the highest protein and carbohydrates content compared to the other growing systems. Data on minerals and trace elements content showed significant differences (mainly in Ca, Na, Fe and Zn content) between conventional and biodynamic tomatoes, whereas no major impact of the fertilization among organic and the two biodynamic growing systems was observed. Appreciable differences in phenolic acids biosynthesis were observed, with the year of harvest showing a marked effect especially on chlorogenic, p-cumaric and ferulic acids content. Conversely, the cultivation system did not show major influence. Principal Components Analysis (PCA), performed on mineral and phenolic acids content, substantiated the large effect of the year of harvest, also suggesting an effect of the conventional cultivation system. (1617)

Although the analysis provides a comprehensive metabolic profile of berries, the resulting distinctive pattern consists of a few molecules. Lower content of sugars, coumaric and caffeic acids, as well as higher amount of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were observed in biodynamic grapes. (1618)

Viticultural management system had no significant effect on abundance of fungi or bacteria in both years and at all three sampling dates. Exceptions were A. alternata and Pseudomonas spp. which were more abundant in the carposphere of conventional compared to biodynamic berries, as well as Sphingomonas spp. which was significantly less abundant on conventional compared to organic berries at an early ripening stage in 2011. In general, there were no significant differences in fungal and bacterial diversity indices or richness evident between management systems. No distinct fungal or bacterial communities were associated with the different maturation stages or management systems, respectively. An exception was the last stage of berry maturation in 2011, where the Simpson diversity index was significantly higher for fungal communities on biodynamic compared to conventional grapes. (1619)

The growth and yield of the grapevines differed strongly among the different management systems, whereas fruit quality was not affected by the management system. The organic and the biodynamic treatments showed significantly lower growth and yield in comparison to the integrated treatment. The physiological performance was significantly lower in the organic and the biodynamic systems. The vine growth was little affected by the application of biodynamic preparations. (1624)

Organic and biodynamic production led to improved soil quality, with more soil organisms including much greater earthworm populations. Wine quality was also improved, but in the absence of price premiums, this was achieved at a financial penalty to the grower through reduced yields and increased production costs. (1625)

Pruning weight, yield and the sugar content from three different vineyard management systems (biodynamic, organic and integrated) have been compared in Geisenheim (Germany) over a period of seven years. No significant differences have been detected between the organic and biodynamic system. However, when comparing the two organic variations with the integrated system a significant higher yield and pruning weight as well as a significant lower sugar content was assessed (1626)

The effects of biodynamic production practices on composition and sensory attributes of Sangiovese wines were examined for 2 years (2009 and 2010) in a vineyard that was converted from organic (ORG) to biodynamic (BDN) viticulture. During the first year (2009), the BDN wines were characterised by low alcohol strength, colour intensity, total polyphenols, monomeric anthocyanins and catechin. Conversely, the second year BDN wines differed from the organic wines in terms of total polyphenols and phenolic compounds, including polymeric pigments, co-pigmentation, tannins and iron-reactive polyphenols. The effect of management practices, harvest and their interaction was analysed for each compound. Positive interaction was observed for total acidity, volatile acidity, cyanidin-3-glucoside, protocatechuic acid, (+)-catechin, quercetin and trans-resveratrol. ORG wine initially showed a more complex aroma profile; however, the differences were almost indistinguishable during the second year. Trained panellists highlighted differences in colour intensity between ORG and BDN wines although no preference was found by consumers. The concentrations of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines were far below the health-hazardous threshold. (1634)

.... when organic and biodynamic were grouped as "nonconventional" juices, SIMCA model was able to discriminate 12 out of 13 organic/biodynamic juices and 17 out of 18 conventional juices, presenting an efficiency of 93.5%, while 11 out of 13 non-conventional and 100% conventional grape juices were correctly classified ... (1635)

Analyses of the winegrapes showed the biodynamic treatment to have significantly higher tannins in 2002 and Brix in 2003. In addition, biodynamic winegrapes contained notably higher tannins, total phenols and total anthocyanins in 2003. (1645)

We have found in our own comparative trials that quality of the product improves, especially its flavour. It contains more polyphenols and its physical resilience is also better. There is for example less need for sulphur on the vines. (1870)

We have frequently observed that the biodynamic seeds used in experiments have been shown to be more resistant to plant diseases (1041)

An important phenomenon, noticed everywhere, is that biodynamic grain shows less tendency to lodge under most conditions. (1041)

It appears that seed metabolism and supply of developing ears differ in organic and conventional agriculture. However, the differences in 62 metabolite concentrations become marginal or disappear in the matured grains, indicating an adjustment of nutrients in the matured grain from organic agriculture. This result suggests a high degree of homeostasis in the final seed set independent of the growing regime. (1571)

Biodynamic farming has increased the mean yield of ... French bean 24.5 and 22.5% (1605)

The results showed that the combined application of all bio-organic preparations i.e. BD-500, BD-501 and panchgavya along with vermicompost recorded superior values of yield attributes tillers/m2 (320.94), grains/ear head (27.65), test weight (36.90 g) and ear length (7.77 cm) along with noteworthy hike (22.28, 18.25 and 6.39 percent) in seed yield of wheat over alone application of BD-500, BD-501 and panchgavya with Vermicompost respectively. (1606)

The mean grain yields across both fertiliser levels of the organic cropping systems (BIODYN and BIOORG) were 64% of CONFYM [farm yard manure plus mineral fertiliser], whereas crude protein contents were 79% of CONFYM at fertilisation level 2 and achieved 90% at level 1. The main driving factor of lower yields was a reduction of the numbers of ears per m2 and the thousand kernel weight. [level 1: 50% of standard fertilisation, level 2: standard fertilisation] (1623)

Grain yield ... for 'biodynamic' ... was 13% higher than control (1755)

The annual yield for “cereals” show increases using Biodynamics of up to 42% (compared to the base year of 1923). (1834)

Based on the results, the treatment that combined compost?+?BD with Azotobacter was found to be the most effective in enhancing the EO [essential oil] characteristics under both mild and severe salinity stress conditions. (1849)

Before the conversion [of the farm to BD] 100 parts of starch units were transformed into 169 parts of milk. After the conversion 100 parts of starch units were transformed into 215 parts of milk. (Increase of 27%) (1041)

Up to conversion to biodynamics the herd had been up to 70% sterile. 1932 - 22 calves from 23 cows (96%), 1933 - 17 calves from 18 cows (94%), 1934 - 16 calves from 17 cows (94%), 1935 - 22 calves from 23 cows (96%), 1936 - 23 calves from 23 cows (100%). One of the cows had 12 calves in 15 years. IN her 15th year her milk production is still more than 9920 pounds - all on sandy soil. (1041)

The biodynamic farms in the study had better soil quality than the neighboring conventional farms and were just as financially viable on a per hectare basis. (1536)

The yield increase was 40% ... (1573)

Three-year results show a markedly reduced ecological footprint of the ORG and BD systems in production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Antonius’) and spelt (Triticum spelta L. ‘Ebners rotkorn’), mainly due to the absence of external production factors. When yields were also considered, the ORG and BD systems again had a reduced overall footprint per product unit and increased ecological efficiency of production. (1596)

The results of these preliminary investigations showed statistically significant influences of the horn manure preparation. These influences were stable during months and the sensitivity of the biotest was therefore proved. But the repeatability of these influences was not guaranteed in other time periods. The objectives of the project are the further development of the biotest particularly regarding its reproducibility, to validate it as a lab test for the horn manure preparation through the directives USP 1033 and, at last, to evaluate for a practice-oriented question. (1638)

The WAVE simulation model was used to predict water-limited potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yields with climatic data of 30 yr. Basic static soil parameters were not significantly different but simulated yields were significantly different and were 10 200 and 10 300 vs. 9400 and 9700 kg dry matter tuber yield /h/yr for the biodynamic and the conventional fields, respectively. Simulation modeling of crop yields thus provides a relevant expression for the production potential of the two different farming systems. (1642)

Also AE [Agricultural efficiency] of N, Nmin, P and K of the BD system for the production of all crops studied in rotation 1 was in the upper half of all PS [production systems] under investigation. (1643)

Ground observations showed that there were differences in the condition of plants in different cultivation systems during the selected observation phases. The obtained results reveal that the differences in dynamics and development during the growth and development stages of the wheat in the organic, biodynamic and conventional fields can be traced by spectral characteristics from satellite images and they can be used to distinguish them. (1802)

Since orthodox agriculture had shown greatly increased interest in the Bio-Dynamic agricultural methods and since a heated discussion had flared up between the opponents and the defenders of the old school, the Chamber of Agriculture demanded clarification and proof of the efficacy of our auxiliary means of manuring. i.e. the preparations. It was decided to set up two experiments on a parallel basis and this was done in 1930. The experiment went on for six years with the incontestable result that the effect of the preparation was to improve the quality of the produce and also to protect the crops. (1841)

The ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and ACC deaminase was higher in the biodynamic vineyard, in comparison with antioxidant activity, which was found in a higher proportion in isolates from the conventional vineyard. (1846)

Biodynamic dairy milk lines contained higher levels of most isoflavones compared with milk from conventional systems....In relation to season, the concentration of the mammalian derived isoflavone, equol, was highest during the indoor period in biodynamic milk. Compared with the iso- flavones, concentrations of lignans were less affected by farm management system. (1850)

Phosphorus levels (1523)

Fungal communities (1524)

Phosphorus levels (1537)

Phosphorus (1755)

Here, we analysed the impact of the main farming systems on soil biodiversity and functioning, reported in about 100 scientific publications. We found that conventional, organic, and biodynamic systems are the most widely studied, whereas soil conservation farming is poorly documented. Soil biological indicators are improved by ca. 70% in organic farming and biodynamic farming relative to conventional farming. 43% of soil bioindicators are improved in biodynamic farming relatively to organic farming. Soil conservation farming scores better than conventional farming for 57% of the indicators. Therefore, biodynamic farming displays the highest soil ecological quality, followed by organic farming, soil conservation farming and, last, conventional farming. Organic fertilisation and longer crop rotations are the most favourable practices, whereas pesticides and soil tillage are the most deleterious ones. (1593)

Bo Petterson was able to show, after 20 years, that not only the humus content increased in the biodynamic section of the trial, but the fertile layer of the soil profile has deepened considerably. (1871)

We measured no effects resulting from the biodynamic preparations, neither on crop yield nor on soil fertility indicators (1877)

.. W. Goldstein's (1986) three years of experimental work on dry land wheat production in Washington State [showed that] when compared to soils in untreated [with preparations] organic plots, the soils which received biodynamic treatment contained 18% higher root density in the 150 mm top layer. In the biodynamic plots, release of CO2 was 7-10% higher, the microbial biomass was 7% greater, and organic matter was 2-4% greater. (29)

1922 (start of conversion to biodynamics) - the soil is at least at this time sufficiently supplied with potassium and with phosphoric acid. 1934 - the soil is abundantly supplied with potassium and with phosphoric acid. (1041)

After 6 years [at a large-scale (16-ha), long-term trial at Roseworthy campus], significant differences between systems are apparent in economic returns and soil available phosphorus (P) levels. The biodynamic treatment has the highest gross margins, followed by conventional, organic, and integrated. Conversely, available P levels on the biodynamic and organic treatments have declined 12 and 9%, respectively, since the start of the trial, while both the integrated and conventional treatments have increased soil P levels. In summary, it is too early in the trial to state categorically that any one system is more sustainable than another, although trends are now emerging. Weed management remains the main impediment to high production levels on the organic and biodynamic treatments, while input costs, variable yields, and low returns for grazed pastures are major constraints to high economic returns on the integrated and conventional systems. (1523)

Species diversity was assessed using an amplicon sequencing approach in a long-term field experiment in the Rheingau wine region of Germany where integrated, organic and biodynamic management practices had been in place for 10 years. Fungal community composition under integrated management differed significantly from organic and biodynamic management, whereas fungal species richness remained unaffected. Soil under integrated management had a significantly reduced bacterial species richness compared to organic, but community composition was similar to organically and biodynamically managed soils. (1524)

.... recycling manure at a level of 1.4 livestock units per hectare permits maintenance of soil organic carbon (SOC) levels and that composting manure, as performed in BIODYN 1.4, helps to further increase SOC levels and improve biological soil quality. (1539)

When applied in apple orchards, biodynamic preparations (extracts) had the non-significant effect of reducing bacterial and fungal abundance in apple rhizosphere (4 months post-application), while increasing fungal and lowering bacterial Shannon diversity. One to four months after inoculation, individual taxa indicated differential abundance. (1555)

The findings show that some AMF (Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) species present in natural ecosystems are maintained under organic farming but severely depressed under conventional farming, indicating a potentially severe loss of ecosystem function under conventional farming. (1568)

... the percentage of root length colonized by AM [Arbuscular mycorrhizal] fungi to be 30-60% higher (P &GreaterEqual; 0.05) in the plants grown in soils from the low-input farming systems [BD and organic] than in those grown in conventionally farmed soils. (1569)

The DOK trial... compares bioorganic (BIOORG), biodynamic (BIODYN), and conventional (CONFYM) farming systems at two farmyard manure intensities corresponding to 0.7 and 1.4 livestock units per hectare with a purely mineral fertilized system (CONMIN) and an unfertilized control (NOFERT)... After 42 years, we found SOC contents to be increased in BIODYN 1.4 and to a lesser extent also in BIOORG 1.4. CONFYM 1.4 showed stable SOC contents, while systems fertilized with manure of 0.7 livestock units and CONMIN lost SOC [Soil organic carbon]. SOC loss was highest in NOFERT. Enhanced biological soil quality under organic and particularly biodynamic management highlights the close link between soil biology and SOC changes. The impact of farming systems on SOC was detectable after 2 decades of continuous management. We conclude that recycling manure at a level of 1.4 livestock units per hectare permits maintenance of SOC levels and that composting manure, as performed in BIODYN 1.4, helps to further increase SOC levels and improve biological soil quality. (1575)

.... available P levels on the biodynamic and organic treatments have declined 12 and 9%, respectively, since the start of the trial, (1576)

No differences were found in soil quality in the first 6 years. (1577)

The physical, biological, and chemical soil properties and economic profitability of adjacent, commercial biodynamic and conventional farms (16 total) in New Zealand were compared. The biodynamic farms in the study had better soil quality than the neighbouring conventional farms and were just as financially viable on a per hectare basis. (1578)

.. significant improvements were observed in drop test subsoil (p = 0.009), topsoil colour (p < 0.000), root penetration (p = 0. 017), structure of surface (stable aggregates, little encrustation, p = 0.006), structure of topsoil (p = 0.030), structure of subsoil (p < 0.000) and the colour change from topsoil to subsoil was at a greater depth (p = 0.049). Based on previously reported results showing significant changes in the microbial activity in soil from the BD+ treatment, using the same soil samples, it was thought possible that the observed differences in soil structure between BD+ and BD- were linked to the differences in the microbial activity. (1579)

Biodynamic plots had a lower bulk density and higher SOC concentration than the integrated ones, which is probably due to the species-rich cover crop mixture used in the inter-row. However, organic and biodynamic farming showed an accumulation of copper in the under-vine area and in the tractor track, which is problematic for soil fertility in the long-term. Therefore, alternatives for copper in plant protection are necessary to ensure sustainable soil quality through organic and biodynamic viticulture. (1581)

Fungal community composition under integrated management differed significantly from organic and biodynamic management, whereas fungal species richness remained unaffected. (1583)

soil from the biodynamical farmed parcels showed increased total amounts of the heavy metals iron (about 23.8 g/kg vs. ~22.5 g/kg), manganese (about 700 mg/kg vs. ~628 mg/kg) and zinc (about 105 mg/kg vs. ~95 mg/kg) compared to the integrated and organic farming. (1585)

..the total S content increased significantly in the order MIN [mineral fertiliser] < CM [Cow Manure] < CMBD [Cow manure with BD preparations] .... Neither the microbial biomass C to soil organic C ratio, the metabolic quotient qCO2, nor the respiratory quotient (mol CO2/mol O2) revealed any clear differences between the MIN and organic fertilizer treatments.... (1586)

Biodynamic preparations increased solely the Cmic-to-Nmic (soil microbial biomass C to soil microbial biomass N) ratio by 7% in the 0–10 cm soil depth. (1590)

In the third crop rotation period at normal fertiliser intensity soil organic carbon (Corg, w/w) in the plough layer (0–20 cm) of the BIODYN system remained constant and decreased by 7% in CONFYM and 9% in BIOORG as compared to the starting values. With no manure application Corg-loss was severest in NOFERT (22%), followed by CONMIN together with the systems at reduced fertiliser intensity (14–16%). Soil pH tended to increase in the organic systems, whereas the integrated systems had the lowest pH values. At the end of the third crop rotation period in 1998 biological soil quality indicators were determined. Compared to soil microbial biomass in the BIODYN systems the CONFYM soils showed 25% lower values and the systems without manure application were lower by 34%. Relative to the BIODYN soils at the same fertilization intensity dehydrogenase activity was 39–42% lower in CONFYM soils and even 62% lower in soils of CONMIN. Soil basal respiration did not differ between farming systems at the same intensity, but when related to microbial biomass (qCO2) it was 20% higher in CONFYM soils and 52% higher in CONMIN as compared to BIODYN, suggesting a higher maintenance requirement of microbial biomass in soils of the integrated systems. (1591)

Soil biological indicators are improved by ca. 70% in organic farming and biodynamic farming relative to conventional farming. 43% of soil bioindicators are improved in biodynamic farming relatively to organic farming. Soil conservation farming scores better than conventional farming for 57% of the indicators. Therefore, biodynamic farming displays the highest soil ecological quality, followed by organic farming, soil conservation farming and, last, conventional farming. Organic fertilisation and longer crop rotations are the most favourable practices, whereas pesticides and soil tillage are the most deleterious ones. (1593)

Low-intervention practices (organic and biodynamic managements) promoted densely clustered networks, describing an equilibrium state based on mixed collaborative communities. In contrast, conventionally managed vineyards had highly modular sparser communities, supported by a higher coexclusion proportion. (1602)

Our results showed that plots which received either prepared or non-prepared FYM (30 Mg ha−1 year−1) had significantly increased soil pH, P and K concentrations, microbial biomass, dehydrogenase activity, decomposition (cotton strips), earthworm cast production and altered earthworm community composition than plots without FYM application. (1604)

The results showed that significantly higher amounts of P (respectively 106 and 79 mg kg-1 CAL), K (149 and 106 mg kg-1 CAL), nitrogen (5.41 and 3.21 mg kg-1), ammonia- cal nitrogen (9.38 and 3.45 mg kg-1) and mineral nitrogen (7.97 and 5.67 mg kg-1) were measured in the plots where the horn-manure preparation was used. A higher activity of the soil enzymes (urease activity was 1.93 times higher and the saccharase activity was 1.05 times higher) were identified with horn-manure. The average soil CO2 flux (Fc) value, when using horn-manure preparation (from 56 till 70 day), was significantly higher by 5.32% in the middle of the growing season. The yield of pumpkin was signif- icantly increased by 18% with horn manure treatments. Significant positive correlations were identified between pumpkin yield and urease activity, and saccharase activ- ity, as well as soil P and K. (1608)

Relative to the organic treatments, root dry matter increases associated with the use of preparations varied from 12% to 39% and root length differences varied from 10% to 37% depending on the experiment, crop, year, and preparation application. The biodynamic + NCP treatment also induced substantial, positive yield compensatory effects for maize and wheat under stress condition years. The response slopes were practically identical for wheat and maize, indicating that the effect is of the same magnitude for both crops. Results were higher average grain yields and gross financial returns than for organic grain. The greater root production and root health stimulated by preparations is probably linked to greater vegetative growth, enhanced yield under stress conditions, and increased soil quality and carbon in soils. (1609)

Long-term application effects of cattle farmyard manure (CM) without and with biodynamic preparations (CMBD) on basal respiration, 0.5 M K2SO4 extractable C and the relationships of microbial biomass C (MBC) estimates by chloroform fumigation extraction (CFE) and substrate-induced respiration (SIR) were evaluated down to 1 m depth. The contents of total N, K2SO4 extractable C and MBC-CFE declined with depth from 0–25 to 90–100 cm by −82, −47 and 86%, respectively. The contents of these three soil properties were always 17% lower in the mineral fertilization (MIN) treatment than in the CM and CMBD treatments. However, these differences were not always significant. The MBC-SIR/CFE ratio varied around 1 and did not show a significant depth gradient, due to the strong layer-to-layer variation within each treatment, although this ratio was generally 25% lower in the subsoil than in the topsoil. The metabolic quotient qCO2, i.e. the ratio of basal respiration to MBC, was positively affected by the MBC-SIR/CFE ratio, soil pH and K2SO4 extractable C and negatively by total N. Long-term application of farmyard manure, especially in the CMBD treatment, resulted in a subsoil microbial community with a more efficient use of SOC and glucose. (1611)

We find that the method of management significantly affects communities in soil, on plant structures, and on the developing crop in subtle but importantly different ways in terms of number, type, and abundance of species. However, management approach has no effect on communities in the final harvested juice, nor on product traits aligned with quality. This shows that while management approach impacts different habitats in the environment in different ways, this does not automatically flow onto the harvested crop. (1615)

Distinctions with respect to management were associated with differences in pH and soil resource pools: total carbon and total nitrogen of the <53 and 53–250 μm particulate organic matter fractions, and potentially mineralizable nitrogen. Findings in this study suggest management practices in vineyard production systems directly influence soil microbial community structure, as mediated by shifts in soil resource pools. However, hierarchical effects occur, in which β-diversity is more strongly affected by specific management practices only within certain soil types, tillage or no-till soils or winegrowing region. (1620)

Results obtained suggest that these preparations have a positive influence on soil conditions depending on environmental conditions, being higher in more extreme environments, supporting thus, previous research done until now only on tilled soils. (1629)

Biological health of soil was assessed to understand the effect of varingly managed organic cropping systems under field conditions. Twelve treatment combinations comprised two cropping systems (CS1-Basmati rice-Chickpea-Sesbania green manure;CS2 -Basmati rice-Vegetable pea-Maize (green cob & Fodder) + Green gram (residues incorporation) and six organic nutrient manangement practices- T1: Farmyard manure + Vermicompost + Enriched Compost + Neem Cake, T2: Biodynamic Preparations, T3: Farmyard manure + Vermicompost + Enriched Compost + Neem Cake + Panchgavya, T4: Farmyard manure + Vermicompost + Enriched Compost + Neem Cake + Biodynamic Preparations, T5: Farmyard manure + Vermicompost + Enriched Compost + Neem Cake + Biodynamic Preparations + Panchgavya, T6: Control. The highest activity of different soil enzymes viz., dehydrogenase, acid, alkaline and total phosphatase; and aryl sulfatase was assessed to the tune of 1311.02 μg Tri Phenyl Formazan 24h−1g−1 soil at flowering in ‘spring’, 26.99 μg p-nitrophenol h−1g−1 soil, 35.19 μg p-nitrophenol h−1g−1 soil, 62.18 μg p-nitrophenol h−1g−1 soil and 77.75 μg p-nitrophenol h−1 g−1 soil at harvest of ‘rabi’ crop, respectively receiving the organic nutrient package through T5. Significantly enhanced microbial population and their biomass facilitating the enhanced mineralization of nitrogen to the tune of 150.10 μg NH4+-N g−1 soil with nutrient management practices employed through T5 was observed. (1637)

The organic treatments resulted in a higher soil fertility capacity... (1640)

Moreover, earthworm populations and biomass were highest and on a similar level in the BD and ORG systems in all three crops investigated, (1643)

The biodynamic field sprays (500, 501 and barrel compost) were not shown to have any effect on soil quality. (1645)

When earthworms were presented with biodynamically sprayed or unsprayed soil, significantly more worms migrated to the biodynamically sprayed soil. (1645)

Soil phosphorus increased after cropping but only with 'biodynamic' (20%) (1755)

Physical soil conditions were not affected by the farming systems. Soluble phosphorus and potassium availability in the biologically treated soils were 40% lower than in the conventional treatment reflecting the differences in potassium and phosphorus input. However, differences in fixed element fractions were much smaller .... Soil microbial biomass, activity and diversity of earthworms, carabids, spiders and staphylinids in the biological treatments was higher than in the conventional treatment. (1831)

The humus content was not only concentrated at the surface, as in the minerally-fertilised plots, but reached much further down in the profile. (1871)

Pettersson and Wistinghausen (1979) surveyed soils after 19 years of Bd compost and field sprays. The subsoil which had received the field sprays and the BD compost had 31% more organic matter than the subsoil which has the BD compost alone. (29)

After 6 years, significant differences between systems are apparent in economic returns and soil available phosphorus (P) levels. The biodynamic treatment has the highest gross margins, followed by conventional, organic, and integrated. Conversely, available P levels on the biodynamic and organic treatments have declined 12 and 9%, respectively, since the start of the trial, while both the integrated and conventional treatments have increased soil P levels. (1537)

Soils from the low-input farming systems had a greatly enhanced capacity to initiate AM [Arbuscular mycorrhizal] symbiosis. The relative differences in this capacity remained similar when propagules of the AM fungus Glomus mosseae were experimentally added to the soils, although overall root colonization by AM fungi was 2.8 times higher. (1569)

Higher concentrations of PLFA [phospholipid fatty acids] and PLEL [phospholipid ether lipids] in BIODYN and BIOORG indicated a significant influence of organic agriculture on microbial biomass. (1570)

The biodynamic treatment has the highest gross margins, followed by conventional, organic, and integrated ... (1576)

This paper summarizes data from previous studies, both published and unpublished (theses), that have compared biodynamic and conventional farming systems with respect to soil quality or profitability. These studies have shown that the biodynamic farming systems generally have better soil quality, lower crop yields, and equal or higher net returns per hectare than their conventional counterparts. Two studies that included organic management treatments with and without the preparations showed that the preparations improved biological soil properties and increased crop root growth. (1630)

Three-year results show a markedly lower ecological footprint of the ORG and BD systems in production of both crops, mainly due to non-use of external production factors. When yields are added to the equation, the ORG and BD systems also have a lower overall footprint per product unit and ecological efficiency of production. (1643)

The bacterial diversity was significantly higher in biodynamic manures compared to compost without discernible differences in abundance. Fungal diversity was not significantly different while abundance was increased in biodynamic manures. The microbial communities of biodynamic manures and plant preparations were specific for each production site, but all contain potentially plant-beneficial bacterial genera. (1555)

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_diversity" target="_blank">Alpha diversity</a> was found to be maximum in BD506 with 868 OTU (operational taxanomic units) and minimum in BD507 with 254 OTU. At phylum level, the most abundant phylum was Ascomycota as recorded in 7 BD preparations with exception in the BD 500 (Unassigned). At genus level highest percentage of OTU abundance was observed for unassigned genus in all BD preparations, except Mortierella in BD 500 and BD 502; Microascus in BD 501 and BD504; Gymnoascus in BD503, Scedosporium in BD 505, Mucor in BD 506 and Hyphopichia in BD 507. On the basis of species diversity, BD502, 503 and 506 showed high percentage of OTU abundance for Mucor racemosus, while Mortierella oligospora was abundant in BD500, Dipodascus geotrichum in BD 501, Kernia pachypleura in BD504, Petriella setifera in BD505 and Hyphopichia burtonii in BD 507. (1599)

Results demonstrate that biodynamic production implies the lowest environmental burdens, and the highest environmental impacts were linked to conventional agricultural practices. The main reasons for this strong decrease in environmental impacts for the biodynamic site is related to an 80% decrease in diesel inputs, due to a lower application of plant protection products and fertilisers, and the introduction of manual work rather than mechanised activities in the vineyards. (1632)

The energy balances of the cropping systems were compared in order to describe their efficiency in the use of energy. In order to produce one crop unit, the energy use in the biological systems was 15-30% lower, except for potatoes. This difference was mainly caused by a lower input of indirect energy for fertilizer and pesticide production. (1831)