What is Biodynamic Farming?
Posted: 28 Dec 2012, 19:38
http://www.erdagardens.org/about/what-i ... c-farming/
You could say Biodynamics is New Age (though Rudolf Steiner came to prevalence in the 1920s, long before the age of hippies). You could also say Biodynamics is Stone Age, as it incorporates pre-”civilized” wisdom. Biodynamic farmers use astronomical planting calendars, homeopathic preparations as well as special composts to optimize soil and plant health. This approach recognizes the spiritual effect of agriculture in our environment and utilizes the interconnections among soil, plant and animal life.
How it All Started
A group of landowners in post World War I Europe were looking for solutions. Though farmers were using organic practices (pesticides as we know them had not yet been invented), yield and land fertility were low. They approached Rudolf Steiner, a philosopher and rising social reformer, wanting to know how to approach the farm as an organism. Steiner, who is also credited with the Waldorf model of education and the spiritual science of Anthroposophy, gave a series of lectures that would become the basis of Biodynamic Agriculture.
The lectures include the following principles:
The farm is an organism and must be viewed holistically. This includes not only atmospheric conditions like land, light and water, but also human conditions, and the health and happiness of those who work on the farm. The farm’s health is measured by its overall health as an organism. Through this lens we begin to treat not just one symptom or sign of weakness, but the farm’s overall strength and vitality.
The farm is affected by the cosmic rhythms of sun, moon, planets and constellations. Using special calendars that help non-astronomers track the heavenly bodies, Biodynamics seeks to increase yield and vitality by planting, tending and harvesting crops according to their classification as root, leaf, flower and fruit. For example, the best day to plant or harvest garlic would be on a “root” day.
Using homeopathic preparations of different “earth medicines” we can begin to increase vitality and restore the earth. Silica, yarrow, nettles and chamomile are just a few of the substances that can aid in plants health and development. (It is no coincidence that many of these herbs also aid in human health!) Special care is given to create these preparations, as well as deliberate planning as to the time of year they are sprayed. Biodynamics also uses a special stirring technique that energizes and potentizes the water. More information on how you can order or learn how to make preps is available at the Josephine Porter Institute.
How does Erda use Biodynamics?
We strive to farm Biodynamically whenever possible, with a mind that it is a guide, and subordinate to getting the work done. We keep compost brewing at each of our locations and make our own 500 prep by burying cow horns in the fall, dug up the following spring. We invite those interested in Biodynamics to join us—come with your questions! We will try to answer them through discussion and practice.
As Biodynamic farmers our goal is to address the farm holistically, in order to restore the earth’s vitality. We see the farm as an integrated ecosystem that needs balance to function. Ladybugs, red-tailed hawks and mycelium are just some of the organisms that help us in, and benefit from, our work. (Watch a mind-blowing TED Talk about the latter here.) We also incorporate the ideas and practices of Permaculture. We see these systems as complimentary.
The concepts at the heart of Biodynamics are reflected in many ancient cultures. The four elements (earth, air, water, fire); the presence of spirit in plants, animals and the earth; and working with our ancestors and personal growth in order to serve the greater good, among others, are just a few of the values found at the center of Christianity, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Mayan and other indigenous traditions. Many of our farmers and volunteers have also been trained in the healing arts and carry on rich practices of their own, independent of the farm organism. We invite those of all walks and spiritual traditions to bring their minds, hearts and hands to the garden to give what they can and receive the earth’s energy in return.
You could say Biodynamics is New Age (though Rudolf Steiner came to prevalence in the 1920s, long before the age of hippies). You could also say Biodynamics is Stone Age, as it incorporates pre-”civilized” wisdom. Biodynamic farmers use astronomical planting calendars, homeopathic preparations as well as special composts to optimize soil and plant health. This approach recognizes the spiritual effect of agriculture in our environment and utilizes the interconnections among soil, plant and animal life.
How it All Started
A group of landowners in post World War I Europe were looking for solutions. Though farmers were using organic practices (pesticides as we know them had not yet been invented), yield and land fertility were low. They approached Rudolf Steiner, a philosopher and rising social reformer, wanting to know how to approach the farm as an organism. Steiner, who is also credited with the Waldorf model of education and the spiritual science of Anthroposophy, gave a series of lectures that would become the basis of Biodynamic Agriculture.
The lectures include the following principles:
The farm is an organism and must be viewed holistically. This includes not only atmospheric conditions like land, light and water, but also human conditions, and the health and happiness of those who work on the farm. The farm’s health is measured by its overall health as an organism. Through this lens we begin to treat not just one symptom or sign of weakness, but the farm’s overall strength and vitality.
The farm is affected by the cosmic rhythms of sun, moon, planets and constellations. Using special calendars that help non-astronomers track the heavenly bodies, Biodynamics seeks to increase yield and vitality by planting, tending and harvesting crops according to their classification as root, leaf, flower and fruit. For example, the best day to plant or harvest garlic would be on a “root” day.
Using homeopathic preparations of different “earth medicines” we can begin to increase vitality and restore the earth. Silica, yarrow, nettles and chamomile are just a few of the substances that can aid in plants health and development. (It is no coincidence that many of these herbs also aid in human health!) Special care is given to create these preparations, as well as deliberate planning as to the time of year they are sprayed. Biodynamics also uses a special stirring technique that energizes and potentizes the water. More information on how you can order or learn how to make preps is available at the Josephine Porter Institute.
How does Erda use Biodynamics?
We strive to farm Biodynamically whenever possible, with a mind that it is a guide, and subordinate to getting the work done. We keep compost brewing at each of our locations and make our own 500 prep by burying cow horns in the fall, dug up the following spring. We invite those interested in Biodynamics to join us—come with your questions! We will try to answer them through discussion and practice.
As Biodynamic farmers our goal is to address the farm holistically, in order to restore the earth’s vitality. We see the farm as an integrated ecosystem that needs balance to function. Ladybugs, red-tailed hawks and mycelium are just some of the organisms that help us in, and benefit from, our work. (Watch a mind-blowing TED Talk about the latter here.) We also incorporate the ideas and practices of Permaculture. We see these systems as complimentary.
The concepts at the heart of Biodynamics are reflected in many ancient cultures. The four elements (earth, air, water, fire); the presence of spirit in plants, animals and the earth; and working with our ancestors and personal growth in order to serve the greater good, among others, are just a few of the values found at the center of Christianity, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Mayan and other indigenous traditions. Many of our farmers and volunteers have also been trained in the healing arts and carry on rich practices of their own, independent of the farm organism. We invite those of all walks and spiritual traditions to bring their minds, hearts and hands to the garden to give what they can and receive the earth’s energy in return.