A biodynamic farm is a method of ecological agriculture rooted in the work of philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who delivered a series of lectures on the subject in 1924. It is defined as a holistic, ethical, and ecological approach to farming that views the farm as a single, self-sustaining entity. Biodynamics strictly prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, aligning it with organic standards. The method goes further than typical organic farming by incorporating specific herbal and mineral preparations and aligning farm activities with celestial rhythms.
Core Philosophy: The Farm as a Self-Contained Organism
Biodynamic farming views the entire agricultural operation, including soil, plants, animals, and humans, as a single, living, integrated organism. This concept, known as the “farm individuality,” means that the health of one part directly influences the well-being of the whole system. The primary goal is to establish a closed-loop system where the farm generates its own fertility and needs from within its own boundaries.
This closed-loop approach minimizes the reliance on external inputs, distinguishing it from some standard organic practices that may import off-farm materials. Livestock are integral, providing manure that is composted and returned to the fields, thereby cycling nutrients and building soil health.
Farmers actively work to balance the various elements of the farm, striving for an equilibrium between the cultivated areas, the wild spaces, and the animals. This holistic management creates a vibrant, diversified ecosystem that is intended to be resilient and regenerative.
The Role of Biodynamic Preparations
A unique feature of biodynamic agriculture is the use of nine specific preparations (500 through 508), made from mineral, plant, and animal substances. These preparations are applied in minute quantities to the soil, plants, and compost to stimulate biological activity and enhance fertility. They are divided into two main categories: field sprays and compost preparations.
The field sprays, Horn Manure (500) and Horn Silica (501), are applied directly to the land. Preparation 500 consists of cow manure fermented inside a cow horn buried over winter, stimulating root growth and soil life. Horn Silica (501) is finely ground quartz crystal, buried in a horn over summer, and sprayed onto plants to enhance photosynthesis and improve crop quality.
The other six preparations (502–507) are made from specific medicinal herbs, processed using animal sheaths or organs and added to the compost pile. These herbal preparations regulate decomposition and stabilize nutrients like nitrogen and carbon within the compost. An additional preparation, Horsetail (508), made from the herb Equisetum arvense, is often used as a field spray to help control fungal diseases.
The herbs used for preparations 502–507 are:
- Yarrow
- Chamomile
- Stinging nettle
- Oak bark
- Dandelion
- Valerian
Integrating Cosmic Rhythms and Timing
Biodynamic practitioners utilize a specialized calendar to align farming activities with the rhythms of the earth and the wider cosmos. This calendar tracks the positions of the moon, planets, and constellations, which are believed to exert subtle influences on plant growth. Performing tasks like planting, cultivating, and harvesting at specific times can enhance crop vitality and quality.
The calendar divides the month into four types of days, corresponding to the element associated with the zodiac constellation the moon is passing through. By following these celestial influences, farmers aim to work in harmony with nature’s cycles, strengthening the plants’ ability to thrive.
The four types of days are:
- Root days: Occur when the moon is in an Earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and are optimal for working with root crops like carrots and potatoes.
- Fruit days: Occur when the moon is in a Fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) and are reserved for harvesting fruits and grains.
- Leaf days: Linked to Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and are favored for leafy vegetables.
- Flower days: Associated with Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and are best for tending to flowering plants.
Ensuring Authenticity: Demeter Standards
The integrity of biodynamic farming is maintained through certification by Demeter International, the oldest ecological certification body globally. The Demeter standard ensures that farms adhere to all the principles of biodynamic agriculture. Achieving Demeter certification requires compliance with all national organic standards, mandating the use of the biodynamic preparations and the implementation of the farm organism concept.
Demeter’s requirements are stricter than those of national organic certifications, such as the USDA Organic or EU Organic labels. For instance, Demeter requires the entire farm to be converted to biodynamic land, prohibiting the partial conversion sometimes permitted under other organic programs. The standards also set rigorous requirements for animal welfare, including feeding animals a high percentage of biodynamically grown feed.
The Demeter label signifies that a product meets strict organic criteria and comes from a farm that actively practices the holistic, closed-loop management and cosmological timing unique to the biodynamic method.