Biodynamic Agriculture

Biodynamic farming means biological dynamics. It is a method of organic agriculture, which considers farm as a living system and where one activity affects the other Biodynamic farming evolved in Europe in the 1920s following lectures on agriculture by the Austrian anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner. Biodynamic farming parallels organic farming in many ways but places greater emphasis on the integration of animals to create a closed nutrient cycle, effect of crop planting dates in relation to the calendar, and awareness of spiritual forces in nature. A unique feature of this system is the use of eight specific preparation derived from cow manure, silica, and herbal extracts to treat compost piles, soils, and crops.

Demeter (tm) is a certification program for and feed produced by strictly biodynamic farming methods. The Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) marketing programs, gathering popularity as an innovative method of subscription farming, were largely introduced into the U.S. by the biodynamic movement. An article on soil quality and financial performance of biodynamic and conventional farms in New Zealand in the April 16, 1993 issue of Science. In a comparison of 16 adjacent farms, the biodynamic farms exhibited superior soil physical, biological and chemical properties and were just as financially viable as their counterparts.

Organic Farming vs. Biodynamic Farming

The biodynamic farming is more than just another organic method. It stands for a truly scientific way of producing humus. It does not involve in the application of organic matter in a more or less decomposed form but the use of completely digested Irom of crude organic matter known as stabilized and stable humus. In this aim, the method differs from organic farming. IN the case of biodynamic fanning the organic material to be used as basis for compost is transformed either by means of the biodynamic compost preparations or by means of the biodynamic compost starter.

Principles of Biodynamic Farming

1. Biodynamic farming aims to restore humus status of the soil ecosystem to hold its fertility and productivity.
2. Also it helps to restore the soil for a balanced functioning of flora and fauna. Because soil is a living system wherein the microbes can be fully established and maintained.
3. The biodynamic farming does not deny the role and importance of mineral nutrients of the soil like nitrogen, phosphate, potasii, calcium, magnesium etc., and it considers the skilful use of organic matter as the factor for soil life.
4. It involves skilful application of all the factors contributing to soil life and health. Because a plant grows under the influence of abiotic factors like temperature, oxygen, CO2 light, water etc. And these energies are transformed in the plant system into chemically active energies by way of photosynthesis.
5. Biodynamic farming considers a plant as living entity which consists not only of mineral elements (like N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cl, Fe, etc.,) but also of organic matter such as protein, carbohydrates, cellulose, starch.
6. Biodynamic farming gives importance to enzymes and growth substances.
7. To restore the soil fertility, biodynamic farming gives priority to proper crop rotation Soil exhausting crops should be cultivated alternatively with fertility restoring crops. It also provides recognition to green manuring and cover cropping.
8. To restore the soil environmental conditions, forests, wind protection and water regulation are important.
9. Biodynamic farming also gives importance to maintain the soil structure (physical characters like bulk density, pore space, water holding capacity and texture).

Rules for using Biodynamic Agriculture

1. Use of biodynamic sprays to stimulate and retain soil fertility
2. Following crop rotation to combat pests and disease and to increase the beneficial micro flora
3. Recycling on farm wastes
4. Following prevention strategies against pest and disease by strengthening plant and animals in the farm.

The produce of this farming is guaranteed by presence of international certification trademark Demeter™ this assures for a buyer that produce is bio-dynamically grown. The Demeter™ appeared first in Germany around 1928. It is certification irademark of biodynamic farming.