Biodynamics, the short course.
This is a big subject but the following information will give you some background to see where we are coming from. In 1924 a number of German farmers were deeply concerned with signs of their agriculture in decline and commented on their soil infertility, unthrifty animals and loss of food quality.
Philosopher and scientist Dr Rudolf Steiner responded with lectures introducing Biodynamic concepts, which presented a new understanding of agriculture with the capacity to meet the agricultural demands of present times.
Organic plus
BIODYNAMICS is the original foundation of organic agriculture. It is often called "organic plus" as this method includes proactive holistic farming techniques such as herbal soil preparations, rigorous composting systems, and alignment with a planetary calendar. The difference that Biodynamics presents from "organic" farming practices is that it recognises that there is a growth force or energy force which is related to the cosmic rhythms. This means that the movements of the moon and other planets have a profound influence on the soil, plant and animal life
Natural
Grapes are grown without the use of herbicide, insecticide, systemic fungicides or soluble fertilizers and thus encourages biodiversity. Biodynamics is a systems approach - the farm is viewed as a living whole, in which each farm activity affects the others. Management is based on the farmer's own careful observations, plus the results of tests and analyses. This leads to a modern approach in which traditional knowledge finds a renewal.
Earth and Solar Forces
Biodynamics embraces all aspects of organic grape growing but takes the notion further by holistically treating the entire vineyard as a living organism. Additionally it uses "forces" to determine when to apply its unique substances or preparations to the vineyard as well as when to plant, prune, water and harvest. It is as much a philosophy of life as it is a farming method.
Cosmic Rhythms
The light of the sun, moon, planets and stars reaches the plants in regular rhythms. Each contributes to the life, growth and form of the plant. By understanding the gesture and effect of each rhythm, we can time our ground preparation, sowing, cultivating and harvesting to the advantage of the crops we are raising.
Plant Life Is Intimately Bound Up with the Life of the Soil
Biodynamics recognizes that soil itself can be alive, and this vitality supports and affects the quality and health of the plants that grow in it. Therefore, one of Biodynamics fundamental efforts is to build up stable humus in our soil through composting. It is system of manuring that maintains and sustains the humus content, microbiological life and earthworm activity of the soil thus improving vineyard health e.g. biodiversity and soil fertility.
A New View of Nutrition
We gain our physical strength from the process of breaking down the food we eat. The more vital our food, the more it stimulates our own activity. Chemical agriculture has developed short-cuts to quantity by adding soluble minerals to the soil. The plants take these up via water, thus by-passing their natural ability to seek from the soil what is needed for health, vitality and growth. The result is a deadened soil and artificially stimulated growth. Biodynamic viticulturists grow grapevines with a strong connection to a healthy, living soil.
Medicine for the Earth: Biodynamic Preparations
Rudolf Steiner pointed out that a new science of cosmic influences would have to replace old, instinctive wisdom and superstition. Out of his own insight, he introduced what are known as eight biodynamic preparations. Six are naturally occurring plant and animal materials and are combined in specific recipes in certain seasons of the year and then placed in compost piles. These preparations bear concentrated forces and nutrients within them and are used within the compost piles. When the process is complete, the resulting compost returns living microorganisms to the vineyard. Two other preparations are used directly in the field, one on the earth before planting, to stimulate soil life, and one on the leaves of growing plants to enhance their capacity to receive the light.
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