The Myth of Biodynamic Agriculture “Biodynamics is a scientifically sound approach to sustainable management of plant systems”
The Myth
Biological dynamic agriculture, a.k.a. biodynamics, is a system of agricultural management based on a series of lectures given by Rudolf Steiner in 1924. Over his lifetime, Dr. Steiner became concerned with the degradation of food produced through farming practices that increasingly relied on additions of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Reputed to be the first alternative approach to agriculture, biodynamics has evolved over the last century to include many organic farming practices that have demonstrable benefits on land use and crop production. In fact, biodynamic is often used synonymously with organic in both scientific and popular literature. Biodynamic agriculture has more recognition in Europe, but North American proponents of this system are increasing. Is the biodynamic approach one that should be encouraged?
The Bottom Line
• Biodynamic agriculture originally consisted of a mystical, and therefore unscientific, alternative approach to agriculture
• Recent addition of organic methodology to biodynamics has resulted in a confused mingling of objective practices with subjective beliefs
• Scientific testing of biodynamic preparations is limited and no evidence exists that addition of these preparations improves plant or soil quality in organically managed landscapes
• Many organic practices are scientifically testable and can result in improved soil and plant health parameters
• The academic world needs to address the explosion of pseudoscientific beliefs and help non- academicians become more discerning learners