Biological Dynamic Farming -- An Occult Form of Alternative Agriculture?
HOLGER KIRCHMANN
Abstract An analysis of the theory of biodynamic farming is
presented. The founder of biological dynamic agriculture, the
Austrian Rudolf Steiner, Ph.D., (1861-1925), introduced methods of
preparation and use of eight compounds forming the nucleus of his
agricultural theory. His instructions were based on insights and
inner visions from spiritualistic exercises and not on agricultural
experiments. His purpose was to show mankind a form of agriculture
that enables not only the production of healthy foods but also the
achievement of harmonious interactions in agriculture and a spiritual
development of mankind through "cosmic forces" captured in the
foods. However, many of his statements are not provable simply
because scientifically clear hypotheses cannot be made as his descriptions
were unclear and not stringent. Those predictions that can be
tested scientifically have been found to be incorrect. It was concluded
that Steiner's instructions are occult and dogmatic and cannot
contribute to the development of alternative or sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: biodynamic compounds, alternative agriculture, food
test, spiritualistic purpose