Biodynamic farming

Biodynamic Farming

1. Devvrat Bagari (M.Sc . Ag.) College of Agriculture - Tikamgarh Biodynamic Farming

2. Biodynamic agriculture born in 1924 . Father of Biodynamic farming is Rudolf Steiner. Steiner is Austrian philosopher and scientist. Biodynamics first modern organic agriculture. Introduction Bio-Dynamic Method are based on Anthroposophy. His born Anthroposophy, or the wisdom (knowledge) of the human being Biodynamic techniques were used on 161,074 ha in 60 countries. Leading Germany for 45% accounts of the global total.

3. History Biodynamics derived from two Greek words, bios-life and dynamos-energy The oldest biodynamic farms are the Wurzerhof in Austria and Marienhöhe in Germany . Biodynamics history is divided in two point Origin of a theory Geographic development

4. Rudolf Steiner, founder of " anthroposophic agriculture ", later known as " biodynamic ". Steiner established a research group, the " Agricultural Experimental Circle of Anthroposophical Farmers and Gardeners of the General Anthroposophical Society ". The Research Association was renamed “ The Imperial Association for Biodynamic Agriculture ” in 1933 . Origin of a theory

5. Today biodynamics is practiced in more than 60 countries worldwide . Demeter International  is the primary certification agency for farms and gardens using the methods In Australia, the first biodynamic farmer was Ernesto Genoni . In 1928 the  Anthroposophical Agricultural Foundation was founded in England , this is now called the Biodynamic Agriculture Association . In USA the  Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association  was founded in 1938 as a New York state corporation . In France the  International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements  (IFOAM) was formed in 1972. Geographic Development

6. Biodynamic & Anthroposophy What is

7. Anthroposophy Steiner defined Anthroposophy as  “ A path of knowledge whose objective is to guide the spiritual in man to the spiritual in the universe”. The word " Anthroposophy " comes from the Greek language , and means " wisdom of the human being ". This wisdom ultimately leads to the connection of the spiritual in the human being to the Spiritual, which pervades the universe

8. Biodynamics , derived from two Greek words,  bios  (life) and dynamos  (energy), “Biodynamics refers to a 'working with the energies which create and maintain life” It is a method of farming that aims to treat the farm as a living system which interacts with the environment, to build healthy living soil, and to produce food that nourishes, vitalises and helps to develop humanity. The bio-dynamic idea of the farm as an 'organism' or living entity Biodynamics

9. Principle of Biodynamic Farming

10. Effeteness and Features of Biodynamic farming Effect To increase the vitality of food. R egenerate natural resources such as the soil, seeds and water. Better efficiency of production relative to the amount of energy used . To create a personal relationship with the world in which we live . Greater earthworm populations and biomass than conventional farms. Most of all, to be of service to the Earth and its beings by aiding nature where it is weak due to constant use

11. Features It is holistic understanding of agricultural farming that treats soil fertility, plant growth and livestock care as ecologically interrelated tasks. It emphasizes the use of composts and inputs made from various herbal, mineral and manural raw materials excluding the use of artificial chemicals on soils and plants. Emphasizes on integrating farm animals, the use of astronomical sowing and planting calendar . It is one of the first sustainable Agricultural movement ; produces a living soil and healthy plants as a result of coordinated work of earthly and cosmic energies.

12. Advantage of Biodynamic Farming Production of top quality fruits and vegetables, with strong flavours and high levels of nutrients. Yields always above the average level. No chemical reduce for grain, fruit and vegetables. Little trouble with livestock and plant diseases. No spreading of insect pests, and no great economic damage due to their presence. The important criterion is to sustain the fertility of a farm that lasts for future.

13. Walk around your land each day, with all its aspects. Establish environmental control. Introduce soil-protecting crop rotations and cover crops. Improve soil cultivation practices. Introduce green manuring, carefully plowed or dug under. Use mulching wherever possible. Practical application of Biodynamic Coun ……..

14. Made compost and treat with BD preparations, do not waste any organic materials collect everything. Use the BD preparations 500 and 501 as necessary, at the appropriate times, on the land and growing plants. Use other preparations such as the Cowpat Pit, Panchagavya , or natural liquid fertilizers (equisetum tea, fermented nettle manure) as needed.

15. All short term manuring use of water soluble fertilizers for quick growth is discontinued. Stop all chemical weed control methods that will leave undesirable residues which inhibit the development of active soil life. The type of stock carried in the farm is important as it has unique effect on soil fertility Encourage legume growth, earthworm activity and other soil micro-organisms. This is enhanced by the biodynamic preparations. Need of adequate trees to provide shelter and shade as conservation of moisture, protection from wind and also act as predators. Converting a farm to biodynamic

16. Concept of Biodynamic Farming Two field sprays -- These are called BD 500 which is made from horn manure and BD 501 made from horn silica Five compost preparations – These preparations are a mix of herbs that are added to compost Protection sprays preparations – BD 505, BD 508 Other compost preparations – CPP, Vermi -compost , Vermi -wash and Nadep A moon and astrological planting calendar -- It's a correlation between different parts of rhythems , the cycles of the moon, and an astrological chart.* BD 500 -- works in the roots of plants and the second spray, BD 501, works its magic by influencing light and growth of plants when sprayed onto leaves.

17. Method of Biodynamic Farming

18. Biodynamic preparation

19. Group BD Number Ingredient Group A Polarity BD 500 Cow Horn + Fresh cow dung BD 501 Cow Horn + Silica quartz crystal Group B Biocatalyst BD 502 Yarrow + Urinary bladder of the stag BD 503 Chamomile + Cow intestine. BD 504 Stinging Nettle BD 505 Himalayan Oak Bark + Skull of an domestic animal BD 506 Dandelion + Bovine mesentery BD 507 Valerian BD 508 Casuarina Tea

20. It is fermented cow dung. It is the basis for soil fertility and renewal of degraded soils. It is buried in Sept./Nov and lifted in Feb/March. Cow horns Fresh cow dung from a lactating cow. Average 50-150g dung/horn (depends on horn size) Materials BD 500 Cow horn manure

21. Feed cattle with high quality food for two days prior to collecting dung for BD 500. Prepare burial pit: 18 inches deep. Collect cow horns – remove any paint. Fill cow horns with cow dung in October/November (rather than September due to India's warmer climate). Place horns in burial pit, 1 inch apart with base downwards, surround with 50% compost and soil. Cover with soil and bury for 4 to 6 months. Keep burial pit soil moist and shaded, at temp of approx. 20oC and free from weeds and earthworms. After 4 months check for dung fermentation. Dig up one horn. If the green cow dung has turned into a dark. They are ready to be r emove the BD 500, use and store. If not, leave them longer. Preparation process

22. 25 grams BD 500/acre in 15 litres rain/pure warm water (approx. 15-20 °C) Check water for high calcium, iron or other minerals Stir for 1 hour alternately clockwise and anti-clockwise forming a vortex Spray in the late afternoon or evening (just before sunset), when Moon is descending Spray 4 times a year – during the beginning and after rains, i.e. Feb-May-Nov-Dec. Application process

23. Result Promotes root activity Stimulates/increases soil micro-life Regulates lime and nitrogen Helps to release trace elements Increases germination Place in glazed earthenware pots with loose fitting lids. Bury in a box surrounded with coir pith, which is kept moist and can be closed. Keep in dark and at temp of not more than 25 °C. Use within 1 year . Storage

24. Cow horn Silica quartz crystal – should be clear and well formed. Average 200-300g pre horn Materials BD 501 Cow horn silica This is finely ground quartz crystals specially prepared. It is buried in a similar to BD 500 but this is buried summer time (buried in April/May and lifted in September). This is period when the earth is breathing out and the cosmic light energy is most active (summer).

25. Crush silica quartz and grind to a fine powder. Moisten with water to make a stiff paste Fill horns with the silica paste Bury horns in soil pit, 1 inch apart with base downwards, surround with 50% compost and soil from March/April (spring equinox) They are ready to be remove the BD 501. Store in a glass jar with a loose fitting lid, placed in an open area exposed to sunlight up to 3 years. Preparation process

26. 1 gm silica in 15 litres of warm quality water Apply early morning 6-8 AM at sunrise during ascending Moon or Moon opposition Saturn. Dissolve silica in water, stirring for 1 hour before sunrise, alternatively clockwise and anti-clockwise forming a vortex Spray the plants using a low-pressure sprayer. Spray into the air to fall as a gentle mist over the plants. Application process Enhances light metabolism, photosynthesis and chlorophyll Helps to improve color, aroma, flavor and keeping quality of plants Result

27. BD 502 Yarrow ( Achillea millifolium ) This is made from yarrow flowers combined with the bladder of a stag. Smell of the stag bladder and that of the yarrow are similar. The planetary influence of Venus Cosmos activity of the flower is enhanced by the cosmic activity of the bladder. The energies received by a stag from the cosmos through the antlers center around the bladder .

28. Blow up the bladder with air when the bladder is fresh. Air dry and then collapse. At the time of use moisten to make it flexible. Cut the bladder, insert a funnel and introduce the flowers till the bladder is packed. Moisten the flowers with plant extract, stitch up the slit with cotton thread. Store in a closed basket to keep away rodents/pests Time of burial to lifting Hang up in march to get cosmic influences Bury from September to March in a mud pot with earth inside Result Permits plants to attract trace elements in extremely dilute quantities for best nutrition Preparation method

29. BD 503 Chamomile ( Matricuria chamomilla ) This is composed of the Chamomile plant flowers combined with cow intestine Pick flowers when petals are horizontal (mid morning-10 am) Ideal flower will have two rows of petals around the cone Harvest into a tray as the flowers if left together produce heat Use drying trays Method of plant Harvesting  Storage : In air tight containers.

30. The intestine of a cow or bull can be used Do not wash intestine Cut into 15 cm bits Run finger along intestine, like milking a cow, to squeeze out undigested matter Tie cut bits at one end with a cotton string Fix funnel to open end and fill with dry flowers Pack not too hard or loose Stack the filled sausages into a bundle, which could be placed in a mud pot surrounded with fertile soil Time of burial to lifting : Bury in October and let it remain in the soil till Feb/March . Preparation Method Stabilizes Nitrogen (N) within the compost and increases soil life so as to stimulate plant growth Result

31. BD 504 Himalayan stinging nettle ( Urtica parviflora ) Harvest leaves in May and September F ill dried leaves into pipes or mud pots Press well into the containers Ensure that the lid is on Place the pot under the influence of Mars ; (Moisten dry leaves with juice of leaves before filling if found dry ) Method of preparation Time of burial lifting : Lift the preparation in September after a year Result : Stimulates soil health, by providing plants with the individual nutrition components needed, ‘enlivens’ the earth (soil)

32. BD 505 Himalayan oak bark ( Quercus glauca ) Crush the oak bark The skull of any domestic animal may be used The link between the skull and bark is their calcium properties Place the crushed oak bark in the brain cavity of the skull. Block the opening with a well shaped bone piece . This is prepared by combining bark of the oak tree with the skull of an animal. Method of preparation Place the skull in a watery environment with weeds and plant muck which would have been damaged by the local diseases that effect the crop. Cont.

33. Result : Provides healing forces (or qualities) to combat harmful plant diseases. Time of burial to lifting : The preparation is placed in September and lifted in March It should be placed in a location where there is exchange of water such as rain drain/swamp. It should be noted that a foul smell is emitted on lifting the preparation and removing it from the skull This gradually reduces with drying after removal in a dark dry place Fungus may form Turn over frequently to correct the same

34. BD 506 Dandelion ( Taraxicum officinalis ) Use the mesentery of the cow. The flower is very sensitive to light and hence it is placed in the mesentery of a cow, which itself is sensitive Ensure that extra fat is cut off Do not wash the mesentery Place the dried flowers in the mesentery and wrap into a parcel and tie with a jute thread Place the parcel in a good mixture of soil and compost into a pot While lifting the preparation the mesentery may or may not be seen. Time of burial to lifting : Place in September and lift in March. It is made from the dandelion wrapped up in a bovine mesentery . Method of preparation

35. Method of preparation Place the clipped flowers into a mortar and pestle and grind into a paste This paste is added to water in the ratio of 1:4 in a bottle Ensure storage in a cool place Use 1 gram each (502-506) for every 5 cubic metres of compost and 10 ml of 507 at 5% in 2-5 litres of water. These could be added to liquid manures and cow pat pits also. BD 507 Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis The juice of valerian flowers is used for this preparation. Storage of preparations Choose a moist, cool, dark location with good air circulation Place the ready preparations into well labeled glass jars or glazed pots Place the pots into a well insulated storage box using e.g. coir pith A food grade drum placed horizontal with a hinged opening is useful for preparations such as 500 and CPP Turn the preparations frequently, and maintain moisture

36. BD 508 Horsetail ( Equisetum arvense ) It is very high in silica; it can be used as a tea to control fungus in the early season It should be sprayed at full Moon (2-4 days before) and at Moon opposition Saturn, the same as BD 50 Materials 1 kg Equisetum arvense  ( Horsetail) or Casuarina 10 litres water Application process Dilute the tincture: 50 grams tincture to 10 litres of water Spray onto the soil or over the plants in the early growing stages For mild fungus problems BD 508 is often sufficient, but for more severe problems BD 501 is more effective. Preparation process Make a strong tea/tincture by boiling the Equisetum arvense  or Casuarinain hot water for 2 hrs. Let it sit for 2 days.

37. The approach considers that there are lunar and astrological influences on soil and plant development or harvest various crops. B ased on both the phase of the moon and the zodiacal constellation the moon is passing through, and also depending on whether the crop is the root, leaf, flower, or fruit of the plant. Planting calendar This aspect of biodynamics has been termed "astrological" in nature Calendar we describe some of the basic rhythms that can be used in Biodynamic Farming .

38. Human life, as well as animal and plant life, is strongly dependent on the rhythms of the Earth. As the Earth turns on its axis in the course of 24 hours, we have day and then night. As it travels in the course of 1 year around the sun we have the seasons - hot and cool . The biodynamic farmer works primarily with 6 different moon rhythms that recur every 27 to 29 days. These are rhythms that sustain all life on Earth. Biodynamic farmers strive to bring life back into the soil, so that the food produced from this living soil has increased life force, vitality and nutrition, enhancing the quality of human life . Rhythms : The Planting Calendar is about RHYTHMS - Rhythmic is entrained to the movement of the moon and the tides c osmic , solar, lunar and Earthly rhythms. It is an aid to our conscious and purposeful participation in these rhythms .

39. The 6 Moon Rhythms

40. 1. Ascending and Descending Moon The Moon's daily path across the sky as seen from the Earth is not always the same. Sometimes it is higher in the sky, sometimes lower. The Sun follows a similar ascending then descending rhythm as it moves through the Zodiac during each year. The Moon takes only 27.3 days to complete its journey through the Zodiac constellations in an ascending and descending rhythm each month. Each ascending and descending period lasts about two weeks The distance between moon and earth increases day by day for 13.6 days approx. These days are ascending days.  The distance between moon and earth becomes closer for 13.6 days approx. These days are mentioned as descending days.

41. In these days we can Sowing all seeds R aising the seedlings Spraying liquid manures. Spraying panchagavyam . Spraying B..D. 501 (Horn Silica) up to 10.00 AM Harvesting leafy vegetables (not root) and fruits The Ascending Moon: We see the Moon moving in an arc from East to West and when we see these arcs getting higher in the sky every day, the Moon is  Ascending . This period: I s related to the activity above the soil surface Is like the warm and hot season of the year, the Earth breathes out. Growth forces and saps flow upwards more strongly. Although germination takes place below the ground . I t also takes part in this upward striving.

42. In these days we can Ploughing Making Compost Compost application to the field B.D.500 + CPP and Liquid manure apply the soil Transplanting the seedlings Harvesting bulbs and roots. The Descending Moon : When we see the arc of the moon path getting lower every day the Moon is  Descending .  This period : I s related to the activity below the soil surface Is like the cool or cold season of the year. The Earth breathes in. G rowth forces back down below the soil surface. The lower parts (root) of the plant, are activated. 

43. 2 . New & Full Moon ( Amavasya - Purnima ) This rhythm is easy to see . After approx. 29.5 days the rhythm begins again . The element most affected by the moon energies is  water element . In the 48 hours leading up to Full Moon there appears a distinct increase in the moisture and humidity content of the earth. During the Full Moon period there is quick germination of seeds, fast plant growth, and a rapid re-growth of any cut, mown or pruned vegetation quicker cell division and a tendency to elongation of growth . The influence of the Full Moon appears to provide favorable conditions for the growth of fungus on all plants. There is an increase in insect activity. Particularly slugs and snails, and internal worm parasites in humans and animals. The Full Moon influence allows good absorption of liquid manures. Towards New Moon, there is more activity underground in the soil and the flow of sap in plants is less strong. Therefore, a good time for turning under green manure and cutting hay .

44. Avoid sowing seeds.   New Moon : 48 hours before full moon is suitable time for sowing seeds, applying liquid manures and CPP as foliar spray . Panchagavyam and BD 501 (fungal control) can be sprayed in this day at morning hours. Use a garlic/ginger/ chilli pepper spray, Natural pyrethrum, Neem oil, or Stinging Nettle together with 5% Cow urine for insect control Full moon: Farming Activities during   Full Moon-New Moon

45. The moon moves from perigee to apogee and back again in 27.5 days approx. Perigee are Moon is closest to the Earth and occurs near Full Moon, which brings greater moisture to the earth. Tendency towards fungus growth and insect attack  The distances at apogee and perigee are not constant. 3. Apogee and Perigee: The moon is nearest point to the Earth is called perigee and the farthest from the earth is called apogee.

46. Apogee and Perigee times bring a stress period we must avoid 6 hours before and after (total 12 hours) seeds sowing and transplanting. But a good time to plant potatoes, as there seems to be a multiplicity of the form (meaning more potatoes ), Farming Activities during Apogee & Perigee

47. Moon complete nodal cycle every 27.2 days, The Moon crosses the path of the sun (The Ecliptic). The crossing points are called as nodes and these are the places and times where eclipses can occur. Two nodes every month a node approximately every 14 days. The terms ascending node and descending node indicates whether. M oon is ascending and descending in relation to the sun’s path. The influence of the nodes lasts for approximately 6 hours before and after the exact time of crossing. Before and after 6 hours from the time avoid important agri activities.  Astronomers can calculate the exact time the nodes will occur. These times are given in the Planting Calendar. 4 . The Moon Nodes: ( Rahu and Ketu )

48. Ascending Node ( Rahu ) The ascending or  north node  is where the Moon crosses from south of the ecliptic to north of the ecliptic. Descending Node ( Ketu ) The descending or south node is where it crosses from north of the ecliptic to south of the ecliptic  D o not cultivate the soil, sow any seeds, transplant, prune trees or shrubs. Do any other agricultural or horticultural work on the Node Day. The effect is similar to that of an eclipse of the Sun by the Moon .  Farming Activities during the Moon Nodes

49. 5. Moon opposite Saturn: It’s simply when Moon and Saturn are standing opposite side to earth at 180 degree. This position occurs in 27.5 days . The Moon and Saturn are on opposite sides of the Earth and their respective forces are raying into the Earth from opposite directions. The Moon forces bring in the  calcium processes  (earthly) which are connected to propagation and growth forms, W hile the Saturn forces bring in the  silica processes (cosmic) , which are connected to the building up substance or bulk of the plant in root, leaf and fruit.

50. Farming Activities during Moon Opposition Saturn Germinate and soak seeds 48 hours before Moon Opposition Saturn Seed sowing and transplanting B.D. 501 spraying at early morning It is auspicious day for all important agri activities.

51. 6. The Constellations:

52. Moon in Zodiac Constellations Zodiac  is a belt of fixed stars that are in groupings we call as  constellations . This belt of stars lies behind the ecliptic path of the Sun . All the planets and Moon, move in front 12 zodiac constellations. Moon passes in front of each constellation in just 27.3 days. Zodiac constellations are of  different sizes , the Moon stands in front of each for a shorter or longer time, approx. between 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 days. The influences of the constellations are passed on, reflected by the Moon, through the 4 classical elements of nature -  warmth/fire, light/air, water and earth.

53. Constellations elements Effect plant part Effective Crops Earth 🌰 One a earth – root sing work on plant which produce a root crop Beneficial to sow and work on Carrot, Radish, Garlic, Potato, Tuber and other root crops Water 🍀🍁🍂 On a water – leaf sing work on plant which produce a leaf crop Beneficial to sow and work on Cabbage, Spinach and leafy green vegetabls . Grass and Fodder crops Air 🌼🌻🌸 On a air – flower sing work on flowering plants Beneficial for flower s vegetables, fruits and development spread of branches. Fire 🍪🍌🍇 On a fire – fruit day work on seed prominent plants and fruits. Beneficial to fruit and vegetables, pulse and cereals. Strong seed development

54. S praying BD 501  at the appropriate time and constellation day . Sows all seed during the favorable constellation period. Cultivate on the appropriate constellation day before sowing. Fruits/Seeds Warmth constellation = Mesha . Leafy Water constellation = Mina . Flowers Air/Light constellation = Mithuna or Kumbha . Roots Earth constellation = Makara or Vrishaba Harvest on an Air/Light constellation day = Kumbha or Mithuna Fruit and Vegetables (not roots) Field and fodder crops, such as silage and hay for animal Plants for making medicines Flowers and plants for biodynamic prepration Activities Related to Constellations

55. Appropriate time for Farm Work Activity Celestial Event Cultivation & field preparation, Compost making and spreading ▼Descending moon Sown seeds ▲Ascending moon; Suitable Moon constellation-Earth, Water, Air, Fire (depending on crop type-Root, Leafy, Flowering, Fruit or Seed plant ); 48 hours before 🌕Full moon( Poornima ); Moon opposition Saturn Avoid Moon node; Apogee; Perigee; 🌑 New moon Sown potatoes Apogee Transplanting, Seedling; Pot plant; Trees and Shrubs; ▼Descending moon Pruning – Flowering plants 🌺🌼🌻Moon in Air sing ; 🌕Full moon ( Poornima ); ▼ Descending moon

56. Grafting ▲Ascending moon Harvesting Do: 🌺🌻🌹Moon in air and 🌾🍪🌽🍏🍌Fire sing constellation; ▲Ascending moon Avoid: 🌕 Full moon; 🍀🍁🍂🌿Moon in water singconstellation Harvesting – Root crop Do:▼Descending moon; 🌰Moon in earth sing constellation; but potato Apogee time is best Avoid: 🌕Full moon; Perigee; 🌿🍀🍁🍂Moon in water sing constellation Harvest – Other crops ▲Ascending moon Storage grain and seeds 🌾🍪🌽🍏🍌Moon in fire sing constellation Fungus control Moon opposition Saturn BD 500 Application ▼Descending moon period BD 501 Application ▲Ascending moon; Moon opposite Saturn day Fungus control 🌕Full moon; Perigee; Moon opposite Saturn Liquid manure application Before 🌕Full moon and in the afternoon

57. Seed Production Biodynamic agriculture has focused on the open pollination of seeds (with farmers thereby generally growing their own seed) and the development of locally adapted varieties .

58. Conclusion Biodynamic farming is not easily learned from a textbook, but better is "sensed " through "experiencing" it. Biodynamic farming is more than a body of information. In biodynamic farming, the farmer is considered a spiritual caretaker of the land. The farmer has direct experience of the rhythms of the seasons and intimate communication with the smallest of organisms unseen in the soil to the largest of organisms, such as the farm itself. Biodynamic farming helps in rejuvenating the soil and ensure sustainability of crop production and quality. Biodynamics is a scientifically sound approach to sustainable management of plant systems

59. Thank you