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A
healthy, well-structured soil, rich in
humus and high in biological activity
is a prerequisite for any sustainable
agricultural system.
Decades
of experience with the Biodynamic (BD)
method on Australian farms have shown
that these soil qualities can be
promoted and degradation reversed by
the correct application of BD
techniques.
Garlic
Mixed
farms practising the Biodynamic method
have been in existence for over 65
years with none showing any evidence of
loss of fertility or
productivity.
Biodynamic
practitioners seek to understand and
work with the life processes as well as
enhance their understanding of the
mineral processes used in conventional
agriculture. Healthy soil is a prime
basis for healthy plants, animals and
people.
BD
farming practices are of an organic
nature, not relying on bringing
artificial fertilisers on to the farm,
although some organic or natural
mineral fertiliser may be necessary
during the establishment
phase.
On
Biodynamic farms we seek instead to
enhance the soils structure and
nutrient cycles as well as plant growth
and development with the use of
specific Preparations which are made
from farm-sourced materials.
These
are the Biodynamic Preparations
numbered 500 to 507 used in conjunction
with established agricultural practices
such as composting and manuring, crop
and pasture rotations, tree planting,
the integrated use of livestock, etc.
As the name suggests, these
Preparations are designed to work
directly with the dynamic biological
processes and cycles which are the
basis of soil fertility.
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Pest
and disease control is generally
managed by developing the farm as a
total organism. However, BD
practitioners may make use of specific
products for weed and pest control,
which they make from the weeds and
pests themselves.
Weeds
and pests are very useful indicators of
imbalances in soil, plants and animals;
and the aim in the Biodynamic method is
to use such indicators in a positive
way.
The
Biodynamic Preparations were developed
out of indications by Dr Rudolf Steiner
in 1924. They are not fertilisers
themselves but greatly assist the
fertilising process. As such they only
need to be used in very small
amounts.
Horn
Manure Preparation (500) is used to
enliven the soil, increasing the
microflora and availability of
nutrients and trace elements. Through
it the root growth, in particular, is
strengthened in a balanced way,
especially the fine root hairs.
Develops humus formation, soil
structure and water holding
capacity.
Filling
cow horns for Biodynamic Prep
500
Horn
Silica Preparation (501) enhances the
light and warmth assimilation of the
plant, leading to better fruit and seed
development with improved flavour,
aroma, colour and nutritional
quality.
Compost
Preparations (502 to 507), known
collectively as the compost
preparations, help the dynamic cycles
of the macro- and micro-nutrients, via
biological processes in the soil and in
material breakdown.
For
more information on organic farming
click
here
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