Biodynamic agriculture

Busscher N, Kahl J, Huber M, Andersen J O, Mergardt G, Doesburg P, Paulsen M, Kretschmer S, de Weerd A and Meier-Ploeger A (2004), Validation and Standardization of the Biocrystallization Method Development of a Complementary Test to Assess Qualitative Features of Agricultural and Food Products, Triangle report Nr. 1, University Kassel, Louis Bolk Instituut and Biodynamic Research Association Denmark. 

Pfiffner, L. and P. Mader (1997). Effects of biodynamic, organic and conventional production systems on earthworm populations. Entomological Research in Organic Agriculture. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture Special edition 15 3-10. 

Ryan, M.H. and Ash, J. 1999. Effects of phosphorus and nitrogen on growth of pasture plants and AM fungi in SE Australian soils with contrasting fertiliser histories (conventional and biodynamic). Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment 73 51-62. 

Ryan, M.H., Small, D.R. and Ash, J.E. 2000. Phosphorus controls the level of colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in conventional and biodynamic irrigated dairy pastures. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 40 663-670. 

The intentionally individual design of life processes by the farmer, as determined by site conditions, is one of the basic tenets of biodynamic agriculture. This principle emphasises that humans have a responsibility for the development of their ecological and social environment which goes beyond economic aims and the principles of descriptive ecology. 

Soil cultivation measures are predominantly carried out with the aim of enhancing soil fertility and soil processes, and controlling for weeds. Depending on location and crop type, biodynamic farming uses all types of soil cultivation from ploughing to no-till agriculture. 

It is necessary to drive forward research on the effectiveness of the biodynamic preparations in order to provide sound practical recommendations for the frequency and timing of their use. However, discussions are required to decide whether it makes sense to assess the effect of individual biodynamic practices in isolation from the overall method, as these practices were proposed as part of a comprehensive farming system (Steiner 2004), the impulse of which is based, in particular, on a holistic understanding of agricultural processes. A complex, holistic, systemic form of science would be appropriate to biodynamic farming (Baars 2002), but has not yet been realised (Lockeretz 2000). It is unclear what would constitute holistic research. Phenomenological descriptions of the overall context are without doubt a key element that has been developed in much detail in the context of anthroposophic research over the past 80 years (Bockemtlhl 1992). However, does holistic research mean that the approach to every... 

Koepf, H.H. 1993. Research in Biodynamic Agriculture, Methods and Results. Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, Kimberton. 

Steiner, R. 2004. Agricultural Course. The Birth of the Biodynamic Method. Rudolf Steiner Press, London. 

Wistinghausen, C.v., Scheibe, W., Wistinghausen, E.v. and Kbnig, U.J. 1998. The Biodynamic Spray and Compost Preparations - Production Methods. Booklet No. 1. Stroud, 1. Edition. Biodynamic Agricultural Association, Stoubridge. 

Reganold, J.P. 1995. Soil quality and farm profitability studies of biodynamic and conventional farming. In Cook, H.F. and Lee, H.C. (eds) Soil Management in Sustainable Agriculture. Wye College Press, Wye. pp. 1-11. 

Germany Switzerland Netherlands United States of America Austria United Kingdom Sweden Institute for Biodynamic Agriculture Forschungsinstitut fur biologischen Landbau Louis Bolk Institute Rodale Institute Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Elm Farm Research Station Henry Doubleday Research Association Biodynamic Research Institute 1950 1974 1976 1976 (founded in 1947) 1980 1982 1984 1986... 

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