 |
Biodynamics is a philosophy and art form of agriculture. In 1924 Austrian scientist Rudolf Steiner first introduced biodynamic farming. Biodynamic agriculture is an advanced biological farming system that is gaining attention worldwide for its emphasis on food quality and soil health. Although it employs the best biological/organic practices, such as composting, cover cropping and crop rotation, Biodynamics also includes incorporation of the "whole farm organism", daily integration of planetary and cosmic rhythms, applications of homeopathic field sprays, and the use of herbal compost preparations. The farm steward carefully uses these practices to expose the plants to cosmic forces which make up "living food". Scientific studies have proven that biodynamic methods improve soil health and the flavor, nutritional value and shelf life of produce.
Dynamic Practices influence both biological and metaphysical aspects of the farm - by increasing the vital life force and adapting the farm to the natural rhythms of the cosmos.EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
Anthroposophy: The study of man and his spiritual relationship with the universe.
Ashing: Homeopathic technique used to combat weeds and pests. To learn more click on Farming Diaries.
Cosmic rhythms: The movement and presence of the sun, moon, planets and stars contributes to the life, growth and form of the plant. The movement or rhythm of each cosmic force can be incorporated in the timing of ground preparation, sowing, cultivation and harvest of a crop.
Herbal compost preparations: Are developed to help moderate and regulate biological processes as well as enhance and strengthen the life forces on the farm. Steiner came up with nine preparations for the purpose of enhancing soil quality and stimulating plant life. They consist of mineral, plant, or animal extracts, some are aged or fermented and applied in small proportions to compost piles, soil, or directly onto plants. An example of a homeopathic remedy for fungal diseases in plants is preparation 508, which is prepared from Silica-rich horsetail plant (Equisetum arvense). This is one of many examples of biodynamic herbal preparations which replace toxic synthetic/organic chemicals.
Homeopathic field sprays: A small amount of biodynamic preparations is diluted and used as soil or foliar sprays. An example of a field spray would be biodynamic preparations 500 or 501. Preparation 501 – horn silica is made from powdered quartz and cowhorn; it is diluted into water and applied as a foliar spray. Water is the carrier therefore the energy which comes from the preparation is released when it is stirred into a water solution. This preparation stimulates and regulates plant growth.
Planetary rhythms: Lunar and astrological cycles play a key role in timing biodynamic practices, such as the making of biodynamic preparations and planting and cultivation schedules. Recognition of celestial influences on plant growth are part of the biodynamic consciousness which recognizes that subtle energy forces affect biological systems. The most prominently known biodynamic agricultural calendar in the United States is Stella Natura – it contains daily and monthly astrological details, and lists suggested times for planting root, leaf, flowering, and fruiting crops.
Whole farm organism: An agricultural philosophy and practice which limits the amount of farm imports by creating all nutrient inputs for the farm on the farm. For example, growing medicinal herbs for homeopathic applications, and maintaining livestock on the farm in order to supply compost production with manure.
back to top
Biological Practices include very well known organic farming techniques that improve soil and plant health.
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
Composting: A valuable soil amendment. Composting is the art and science of combining organic materials under controlled conditions so that the original raw ingredients are transformed into humus (decomposed animal and plant residues). Within a compost pile billions of decaying organisms feed, grow, reproduce and die, thus recycling farm and manure wastes into an excellent organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. This is a similar environment to that of the forest floor. The difference is that the farmer helps speed the decomposition process by following a particular method. Applying compost builds soil structure and fertilizes plants. Compost piles may consist of manure, farm residues, hay leaves and other ingredients available on the farm.
Cover crops: Consist of planted grasses or legumes which cover the soil surface and are part of managing a healthy soil – they protect and enrich the soil, help fix nitrogen into the soil, and can even control weeds.
Crop rotation: The sequential planting of crops which most benefits the soil. It can include a plant association of two or more plant species in close proximity so some cultural benefits can be derived, such as pest control and higher yields.
Green Manures: A crop that is grown and then incorporated into the soil to increase soil fertility or organic matter content.
Liquid manures: Fermented mixture of herb plants in combination and can be combined with fish or seaweed extract. In this liquid form nutrients can be quickly distributed to plant roots. They serve as both biological and dynamic processes on a biodynamic farm. They are a source of soluble plant nutrients, aide in disease suppression, and are carriers of cosmic and earthly forces.
Herbal teas: Fermented plant extract which is known for its ability to suppress diseases as well as having the ability to serve as a growth-promoting microbial inoculants. Comfrey Tea is an example a nutrient rich tea.
A general summary of biological and dynamic farming practices used.
|
||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do biodynamic farming practices exceed the USDA's National Organic Standards?
A: Here are a few examples. Taken from Demeter guidelines. For more detailed information click here
- A farm is a self-contained organism.
- All composting must happen on the farm. All imported manures and clippings must be composted.
- No animal rendered product can be used in the field and/or for animal feed supplement, for example, bone, blood, hoof and horn meal are prohibited as fertilizers.
- Treated seeds are prohibited.
- Crops for human use cannot be grown under high voltage power lines.
- Chilean nitrate (aka sodium nitrate) is prohibited.
- No adulteration can be used to enhance yield and size of plants; for example no plant hormones, such as gibberillic acid are used.
Q: Do biodynamic farmers use pesticides?
A: Biodynamic farmers never use synthetic chemicals. On certified Demeter farms, only plant derived and other non-lasting pest controls are permitted, with restrictions. Biodynamic farmers seek nutrient self-sufficiency, soil husbandry; and use Biodynamic preparations to build soil health through enlivened compost. These preventive measures increase soil fertility and build up populations of beneficial insects (insects who feed on bad bugs), therefore eliminating the use of any type of chemicals for pest control.
Q: Why do biodynamic products cost more?
A: Biodynamic farmers face the additional costs of more labor-intensive weeding, and preparation practices, and more expensive natural fertilizers. The higher degree of crop loss that occurs when no herbicides or pesticides are used is also an added expense. Nonetheless, when assessing the cost of biodynamic products, more than just the sticker price of a single item should be considered. If the overall expenses of repairing the damage caused by conventional food production are considered – environmental pollution, health risks to farmers and their workers, soil erosion, to name a few - the actual costs of those foods is quite large.
Q: What does Demeter certified mean?
A: The Demeter Association of America is the certifying agency for biodynamic farming operations. Demeter USA has established a series of guidelines for biodynamic as well as organic-in-transition-to-biodynamic agricultural practices. Demeter is the name of the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. This name was chosen in the late 1920's by biodynamic farmers in Europe to represent their products in the marketplace. The name of the ancient goddess is derived from "Da Meter", meaning "Mothe" or "Gaia". Demeter mythology dates back as early as Isis mythology of Egypt. In more recent times, the Roman goddess, Ceres, was associated with many of the same attributes as Demeter. Aurora is a subsidiary of Demeter Association. It was originally created to certify whole farm systems in the United States and to help facilitate the transition of organic operations into biodynamic ones.Steller Certification is a third party certifying agency for the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) and the organic certification arm of Demeter. Demeter is not a approved certification agency within the NOP, therefore Marian Farms has chosen to be dual certified.
When buying biodynamic product, remember always to look for the Demeter logo. This is the only way to ensure that the product is made in accordance with biodynamic agricultural practices. To learn more, click on Demeter Certification or www.demeter-usa.org.
Q: How do biodynamic agricultural practices differ from organic farming practices?
A: Both practices strive to improve the soil health. Organic methods do not differentiate between compost of varying materials. The biodynamic farmer mixes carefully portioned amounts of raw materials to form compost according to specified formulae. The biodynamic practitioner's intent is to produce compost in such a way as to lose as few nutritional elements as possible, while incorporating various dynamic practices. Biodynamic farming looks upon the soil as a living organism and regards the maintenance and furtherance of soil life as fundamentally essential in order to preserve the soil's fertility for generations to come.
Q: Who is IMO and why is Marian Farms Certified by IMO
A: IMO is the institute for Market Ecology and located in Switzerland. IMO is the third party agency who certifies for Demeter International in countries that do not have their own Demeter certification organization. Marian Farms has selected IMO because its' relationship with Demeter International and it's meticulous inspection and reporting requirements. Moreover IMO certification ensures the Marian Farm products flow easily into European markets.
Biodynamic farming requires a different certification than does organic farming. Biodynamic products are certified under Demeter guidelines, and have stricter regulations than the National Organic Standards for organically certified products.
To learn more about how Marian Farms grows biodynamic produce click on Our Farming Diaries.
back to top
For more information about Biodynamics farming checkout these links!
http://www.appliedbiodynamics.org (The Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Inc.)
http://www.biodynamics.com (Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association)
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/biodynamic.html (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas)
http://www.pfeiffercenter.org (The Pfeiffer Center)
Our Farm | What is Biodynamics | Demeter | Products | Our CSA | Marian Trading | FAQ | Contact Us & Links | Home