Good day fellow growers and plant lovers ;)
I have been asked by many nice people here to write up a biodynamic thread and try to get it a bit more understandable, so here we go..
Words that you will read here are written by people with many years of practical experience in biodynamic methods, some of them have conducted experiments lasting decades to test the accuracy of the planting by the moon and the stars..
First lets try to understand what are Biodynamic methods, their difference from organic agriculture and why we should practice Biodynamic ways..
The introduction..
The name "Biodynamic" refers to a 'working with the energies which create and maintain life.' This is what was meant in the name given to it by the first group of farmers inspired by Rudolf Steiner to put the new method to field use as well as practical tests. They decided to call it "Biodynamic.".....The use of the word 'method' indicates that one is not dealing merely with the production of another fertilizer, organic though it is, but rather that certain principles are involved, which in their practical application secure a healthy soil and healthy plants - which in turn produce healthful food for man and healthy feed for animals.
The why..
Biodynamic agriculture is a system of organic agriculture that has proved to be very effective throughout the world. Biodynamic techniques enhance, rejuvenate, add to and maintain soil quality. Cow horns and cow dung, after being buried together in the earth, make the most wonderful humus to spread on the land. This improves the structure of the soil dramatically and quickly. Good soil structure means better water-holding capacity, which means better control, with consequently less loss of topsoil, which means better and deeper rots and less need for irrigation, which means deeper soil and more natural fertility. Bio-dynamic technology, with its informed use of the various preparations, will maintain soil fertility for years to come in a wholly natural way. It will support the growing of a plentiful supply of nourishing plants.
The difference..
The organic method is ecologically oriented. It tries to understand how Nature does things and formulates methods that are most natural. Insects and diseases are combated by the use of nature's own remedies, with parasites, and herbal sprays. Its main aim is to create healthy soil for healthy plants and maintain productivity.
Biodynamic farming is also ecologically oriented, but has a wider scope that includes cosmic influences, planetary positions against the fixed stars - the Zodiac, personal aspects of the farmer and his mental factor. It is more concerned with consciousness expansion in regard to plants, animals and soil. The subtler aspects of the elements that influence the farm and the spirit of nature is taken into consideration. This deeper awareness is based on observation of nature.
Biodynamic methods support nature to intensify certain natural processes, creating optimal animal populations, making special compost preparations, and planting selected companion plants at certain cosmic constellations. Rather than allowing nature to run its course BD aids nature where it is weak due to constant use. Biodynamics is man's service to the earth and its creatures, not just a method for increasing production or for providing healthy food..
To be continued..
Dex
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