Posts Tagged: biodynamic

Cosmic Rhythms and Planting According to Biodynamic Calendar

Disclaimer: This article does not express the views held or advocated by UCCE or its affiliates with regard to biodynamic gardening or farming.  It only seeks to introduce the concept of biodynamics to readers as another alternative system of sustainable gardening.    

On the recommendation of another Master Gardener, I enrolled in an 8-month course at the Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California, in my quest to learn more about different systems and methods of organic gardening.  Last month’s lecture was on “Cosmic Rhythms, Planting Calendars.”  Although I have not quite made up my mind about the efficacy of this planting system, it was/is nevertheless interesting to learn a new way (at least new to me) of backyard gardening. 

One of the beliefs held by biodynamic practitioners, is that planetary/intergalactic events somehow relate to/have practical effects on plants on Earth.  For instance, one of the lecturers at the seminar asserted that certain planets such as Venus and Mercury, directly impact the plants belonging to the rose and lily families, respectively, because the geocentric orbits of those planets correspond with the shape and appearance of plants belonging to those families.  Although this assertion may or may not be true, the concept of inter-relatedness between celestial and terrestrial events, is both appealing and beautiful.

Planting according to cosmic rhythms is a very complex process, as many factors (i.e., the perceived location of the sun and moon, position of the planets and constellations/stars, the equinoxes, etc.) must be taken into consideration in designing a planting schedule and what tasks to do at a particular hour and on a specific day.  While one can create his/her own calendar, the Stella Natura calendar is one of several calendars upon which biodynamic gardeners rely (be forewarned that biodynamic calendars may be a bit daunting to read for the beginner, as they are filled with all sorts of symbols representing where certain planets are believed to be positioned in the zodiac, the phases of the moon, and what conjunctions and oppositions exist as between the moon and the planets).  Although inconclusive, some biodynamic practitioners claim and have documented that they have experienced a better, healthier crop yield when planting according to a biodynamic calendar.  It is interesting to note, however, that one of the lecturers at the seminar stated that planting according to a biodynamic calendar is very difficult, if not impossible, on a working farm due to scale and the economic realities of operating a farm (i.e., margins being razor-thin).  So will planting according to a biodynamic calendar give you better yields?  As the lecturers at the seminar suggested, consider experimenting and decide for yourselves.

Tools used by biodynamic practitioners in understanding planetary movement. (photos by Betty Homer)

Globe

Biodynamic Gardening and Agriculture

Disclaimer: This article does not express the views held or advocated by UCCE or its affiliates with regard to biodynamic gardening or farming.  It only seeks to introduce the concept of biodynamics to readers as another alternative system of sustainable gardening.

For all of you gardening enthusiasts (which I assume all of you are, since you are reading this blog), it is likely that at some point, you have come across the term “biodynamic” gardening or farming.

Biodynamic gardening/farming is usually regarded as one of the earliest organized systems of organic gardening, emphasizing the interrelationships between soil, plant and livestock management (i.e., the garden or farm is regarded as an organism).  The foundation for biodynamic gardening or farming arises from a series of lectures given in 1924 by the Austrian philosopher, Rudolf Steiner, to farmers seeking his assistance.  Perhaps the defining feature of biodynamic gardening/agriculture and what people find most intriguing, is the use of what is known as “preparations,” (of which there are nine (9), divided between field and compost preparations) which generally consist of manure and/or specific flowers/herbs fermented in a vessel such as a cow horn or the bladder of a red deer/elk, as applicable.  The preparations are typically diluted with water, stirred in an exacting manner for a specific period of time, and then sprayed onto a field or compost to stimulate plant growth, as appropriate, and microbial activity.  Although these preparations sound esoteric and inaccessible to the average person, people seeking to incorporate biodynamic methods in their garden, may purchase preparations from biodynamic trade organizations and/or other biodynamic gardeners and farmers.

The popularity of biodynamics has gained steam in the mainstream, as many wineries, both local (some even in Napa and Sonoma Counties!) and abroad, have adopted such practices.

For further information on biodynamic gardening or farming, please feel free to visit https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=290 or google the term, “biodynamic gardening,” “biodynamic farming,” or “biodynamic agriculture.”

 

Biodynamic farming moves toward mainstream

Nearly 200 growers, vintners, retailers, sommeliers and other tradespeople attended a workshop on biodynamic winemaking Dec. 2, prompting San Francisco Examiner wine blogger Annette Hanami to suggest the process is becoming mainstream.

"Ultimately, biodynamic wines are becoming mainstream because consumers demand it," the author wrote. "Biodynamic products are becoming less 'kooky' and more attractive than the scarier mass-produced alternatives."

UC Cooperative Extension teamed up with Demeter USA to offer the biodynamic program and UC farm advisors Glenn McGourty and Monica Cooper were presenters.

Biodynamic farming is a method of organic production that the involves the use of fermented herbal and mineral "preparations" as compost additives and field sprays, and the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar.

With stores like Walmart now selling organic produce and products made with organic ingredients, being “sustainable” and “green” are no longer enough to distinguish a producer in a competitive global market, Hamini wrote.

Currently, there are 75 California wine producers who are certified biodynamic or in transition; the growth rate is 15 percent per year.

Newspaper airs differences on biodynamic farming

UC Cooperative Extension involvement in a biodynamic farming workshop Dec. 2 in Napa has been met with criticism from a local vintner who believes the farming system is a hoax, according to a story in the Napa Valley Register.

The article said Stu Smith, the co-owner of Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery, is “shocked and outraged” that UC Cooperative Extension is co-sponsoring a “Shortcourse in Biodynamic Winegrowing.”

Smith, who earned a master’s degree in enology and viticulture at UC Davis, said that UCCE should participate only if it’s a balanced and comparative event.

Napa County farm advisor Monica Cooper and Mendocino County farm advisor Glenn McGourty, who are slated to speak at the workshop, disagree.

Cooper said she will discuss scientifically validated IPM techniques, and has no control over what other presenters say.

“It is our responsibility as UC farm advisors to represent the scientific community at a variety of venues, and to ensure that we are presenting information on scientifically validated processes," Cooper was quoted.

McGourty has conducted some research on biodynamic farming practices. Writer Paul Franson reported that, according to McGourty, such farming systems "are well documented to improve soil quality, grow productive crops, reduce the need for petrochemical inputs, recycle farm byproducts in a safe and effective way, and provide a gentler footprint on nature compared to some practices used by conventional growers.”

Franson also quoted assistant director of UC Ag and Natural Resources News and Information Outreach Pam Kan-Rice.

"The University of California doesn’t ‘promote’ any particular way of farming, it supports sustainable farming systems,” Kan-Rice was quoted.

UC supports sustainable farming systems.

Herb-infused manure nourishes contentment

After a hard life - which included multiple divorces, alcoholism, drug addiction, the loss of a young son and bankruptcy - specialty fertilizer producer Denise Ritchie is now finding gratification by rescuing dairy cows before slaughter and using manure to create biodynamic compost.

Ritchie's story was featured this week in a Los Angeles Times Column One article by Martha Groves. She and her husband Randy purchased a dairy cow at auction last August. The animal was christened Bu, ensconced at a friend's organic dairy farm near Fresno, and became the namesake for the Ritchies' "Bu's Blend Biodynamic Compost."

According to the Times article, Ritchie stumbled upon and was inspired by the biodynamic process, which mixes organic principles with cosmic spirituality. The Ritichies believe their compost emanates "energetic life forces to vitalize vegetables, plants, flowers, lawns, gardens, farms and our earth," according to their website. While much of mainstream agriculture is unconvinced about the value of biodynamic tenents, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Glenn McGourty sees their value.

"There are lessons for all of agriculture in some of the basic agronomy that biodynamic farmers practice," McGourty was quoted in the story.

Bu's Blend is sold in about 50 California nurseries, running about $20 for a 1.5 cubic foot bag, easily double the cost of other organic composts.

"You're healing your soil with this stuff," the story quoted Sarah Spitz, a KCRW producer and a graduate of the Los Angeles County UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program.

The LA Times story says the Master Gardener became a customer of the fertilizer after studying various approaches to gardening and concluding that biodynamics "was the purest, healthiest and cleanest system." Every seed she has planted using Bu's Blend, she told Groves, has sprouted and grown "big and beautiful."

Read more