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Copyright © 1997 by Sherry Wildfeur
All rights reserved. Inquiries should be addressed to
Twelve Star Publishing, P.O. Box 123, Jefferson, MD 21755
Can the Earth heal itself, or has the waning of the Earth's
vitality gone too far for this? No matter where our land is located,
if we are observant we will see sure signs of illness in trees,
in our cultivated plants, in the water, even in the weather. Organic
agriculture rightly wants to halt the devastation caused by humans;
however organic agriculture has no cure for the ailing Earth.
From this the following question arises: What was the original
source of vitality, and is it available now? Biodynamic agriculture
gives us the answer.
Biodynamics is a science of life-forces, a recognition
of the basic principles at work in nature, and an approach to
agriculture that takes these principles into account to bring
about a balance and healing. Biodynamics is part of the work of
Rudolf Steiner, known as anthroposophy -- a new approach to science
which integrates precise observation of natural phenomena, clear
thinking, and knowledge of the spirit. Some of the basic principles
of Biodynamics are:
Everything in nature reveals something of its essential
character in its form and gesture. Careful observations of nature
-- in shade and full sun, in wet and dry areas, on different soils,
will yield a more fluid grasp of the elements. So eventually one
learns to "read" the language of nature. And then one
can be creative, bringing new emphasis and balance through specific
actions.
The light of the sun, moon, planets, and stars reaches
the plants in regular rhythms. Each contributes to the life, growth,
and form of the plant. By understanding the gesture and effect
of each rhythm, we can time our ground preparation, sowing, cultivating,
and harvesting to the advantage of the crops we are raising.
Biodynamics recognizes that soil itself can be alive,
and this vitality supports and affects the quality and health
of the plants that grow in it. Therefore, one of the fundamental
efforts is to build up stable humus in our soil through composting.Vegetable
waste, manure, leaves, food scraps, all contain precious vitality
which can be held and put to use for building up the soil if they
are handled wisely.
We gain our physical strength from the process of breaking
down the food we eat. The more vital our food, the more it stimulates
our own activity. Thus, Biodynamic farmers and gardeners aim for
quality, and not only quantity.
Chemical agriculture has developed short-cuts to quantity
by adding soluble minerals to the soil. The plants take these
up via water, thus by-passing their natural ability to seek from
the soil what is needed for health, vitality and growth. The result
is a deadened soil and artificially stimulated growth.
Biodynamics grows food with a strong connection to a healthy,
living soil.
Rudolf Steiner pointed out that a new science of cosmic
influences would have to replace old, instinctive wisdom and superstition.
Out of his own insight, he introduced what are known as Biodynamic
Preparations.
Naturally occurring plant and animal materials are combined
in specific recipes in certain seasons of the year and then placed
in compost piles. These preparations bear concentrated forces
within them and are used to "organize" the chaotic elements
within the compost piles. When the process is complete, the resulting
Preparations are "medicines" for the Earth which draw
new life forces from the cosmos.
Two of the preparations are used directly in the field,
one on the earth before planting, to stimulate soil life, and
one on the leaves of growing plants to enhance their capacity
to receive the light. Effects of the Preparations have been verified
scientifically.
Steiner emphasized the absurdity of agricultural economics
determined by people who have never actually raised crops or managed
a farm.
A new approach to this situation has been developed which
brings about the association of producers and consumers for their
mutual benefit. The Community Supported Agriculture movement was
born in the Biodynamic movement and is spreading rapidly. Gardens
or farms gather around them a circle of supporters who agree in
advance to meet the financial needs of the enterprise and its
workers, and these supporters each receive a share of the produce
as the season progresses. Thus consumers become connected with
the real needs of the Earth, the farm and the Community; they
rejoice in rich harvests, and remain faithful under adverse circumstances.
Sherry Wildfeur is the author of Stella·Natura,
which includes articles, charts, and practical advice about how
to utilize cosmic rhythms when working with various types of crops.
This article was excerpted from that work and has been reprinted
with permission. For more information, contact:
In 1993 the results of a four year comparative study were
published in the journal Science. Following a survey of
more than 60 farms in New Zealand, 16 farms were selected for
side-by-side comparison of biodynamic and conventional farming
practices with regard to soil quality and financial viability.
The following conclusion was reached:
"The biodynamic farms proved in most enterprises to have soils of higher biological and physical quality: significantly greater organic matter content and microbial activity, more earthworms, better soil structure, lower bulk density, easier penetrability, and thicker topsoil. The results of the soil chemical analyses were variable. On a per hectare basis, the biodynamic farms were just as often financially viable as their neighboring conventional farms and representative conventional farms."
- From Science, 4/16/93, pp.344-6