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BIODYNAMIC FARMING

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 BIODYNAMIC FARMING

ஜீவ விவசானம் (அ)

உனிபாற்஫ல் வவ஭ாண்மந

S.INDHIRAJITH, 2019502102
PG Scholar &
C.Swaminathan
Course guide
Department of Agronomy
AC&RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Madurai- 625104, India
CONTENTS
Introduction
Why biodynamic agriculture
Principles of biodynamic agriculture
Biodynamic preparations
Biodynamic compost
Biodynamic calendar
Biodynamic certification
Experimental results
Conclusion
TYPES OF FARMING
• Arable Farming Organic Farming
• Pastoral Farming Natural or do–nothing„ or Fukuoka farming
• Mixed Farming Biodynamic Farming
• Subsistence Farming Precision Farming
• Commercial Farming Response Farming
• Extensive and Intensive Farming Integrated Farming
• Nomadic Farming
• Sedentary Farming
• Poultry Farming
• Fish Farming
INTRODUCTION
Biodynamics derived from Greek words bios (life) and dynamos
(energy). The name “Biodynamic” refers to a working with the energies
which create and maintain life.
Biodynamic agriculture refers to the agriculture science that recognises
basic principles at work in nature and applies this knowledge of life
forces to bring about balance and healing in the soil.
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 biodynamic method came into practice based on the suggestions
given by Dr. Rudolf Steiner in a series of lectures called the Agriculture
Course
The practice and philosophy of the biodynamic method are based on
the worldview of anthroposophy.
 Anthroposophy is a modern path of knowledge and a spiritual
science, which enables the human being to gain a deeper
understanding of their own true nature and of the world.
 The word anthroposophy comes from the Greek language means
wisdom of the human being.
Biodynamics is a holistic, ecological and ethical approach to

farming, gardening, food and nutrition.

Biodynamic agriculture as one of the organic methods could

provide ecological, economical and physical sustainability

(Uzunova and tanasov,2017)

• Biodynamic method at first, they call it as biological-dynamic and
it leading to “Biodynamic”.

• The use of the word “method” indicates that certain principles are
involved, in which their practical application secure a healthy soil
and healthy plants which in turn produce healthful food for man
and healthy feed for animals.
Biodynamic agriculture was the first ecological farming system to
develop as a grassroots alternate to conventional agriculture.

As of 2019, biodynamic techniques were used on 202,045 hectares in 55

countries (Demeter Monitor).

 Biodynamic uses specific fermented preparations proposed by Steiner

(1861–1925), which are believed to stimulate the soil nutrient cycle,
enforce photosynthesis, and optimize the evolution of compost
enhancing in both soil and crop (Koepf, Schaumann, & Haccius,
2001).
Why biodynamic agriculture
to increase the vitality of food

to regenerate natural resources such as the soil (by restoring the
organic matter present in the soil), the seeds, and the water

to create a personal relationship with the world in which we live,

with Nature of which we are apart of, and to learn to work
together

most of all, to be of service to the Earth and its beings by aiding

nature where it is weak due to constant use
PRINCIPLES OF BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURE
 Farm as a living system

 Biodynamics generates on-farm fertility

 Biodynamic sprays enhance soil and plant health

 Works in harmony with natural rhythm

 Biodynamics approaches pests and diseases holistically

 Biodynamics brings plants and animals together

 Biodynamic supports seed integrity and diversity

 Economic and social health

 Biodynamics cultivates diversity

Source : Biodynamic Association
ZODIAC PRINCIPLES OF BIODYNAMICS

COSMIC FORCES

ENERGIES FROM COW

ENERGIES FROM PLANTS

Biodynamic preparations
BD preparations : Uses
BD500 Horn manure Soil biological activity
BD501 Horn silica Plant resilience
BD502 Yarrow K and S processes
BD503 Chamomile Ca and K processes
BD504 Stinging nettle N management
BD505 Oak bark Ca processes
BD506 Dandelion Si management
BD507 Valerian P processes
BD508 Casurina Tea To control fungus

Steiner et al., (1924)

BD PREPARATIONS
• bd preparations consist of mineral, plant or animal manure extract usually
fermented and applied in small proportions to compost, manures, soil or directly
onto plants after dilution and stirring procedures called dynamization.
 the first group includes 6 different herbal substances numbered bd 502-507 and are
added in small amounts to manures and composts. so, they are collectively called as
compost preparations.
 the second group includes the sprays numbered as bd 500 and 501. sometimes
bd508 which is made by boiling the horse tail plant and is applied only in
excessively wet years to prevent fungal diseases.
Source : Selvaraj et al.,(2006)
 BD500 – COW HORN MANURE
 BD 500 is basically fermented cow
dung.
 It is the basis for soil fertility and it will
improve status of degraded soils.
 It is buried in Sep/Nov and lifted in
Feb/March. This is the period when
earth is breathing in and cosmic earth
forces are most active (winter).
Materials
 Cow horns
 Fresh cow dung from a lactating cow.
Average 50-150 g dung/horn (depends
on horn size).
APPLICATIONS OF BD500
Apply BD 500 when the dew is falling (the
earth breathes in) i.e. late afternoon or
evening .

25 g BD 500/acre in 15 litres rain/pure warm

water (15-20°C).

Stir for one hour alternately clockwise and

anti-clockwise forming a vortex.

Spray four times a year during the beginning

and after rains, i.e. February, May,
November & December.
On Farm Generation of Quality Inputs for Organic Production of
Horticultural Crops in North Indian Conditions

Isolation of microbes from BD - 500

S.No Type of microbes Microbial population (cfu/g)

1 Actinomycetes 22.6 X 106
2 Pseudomonas 0.7 X 106
3 P Solubilizing microbes 38.6 X 105
4 Azotobacter 33.2 X 105
5 Azospirillum 53.7 X 105
6 Rhizobium 6.0 X 107
Results supported that these bio-enhancers could play a potent
source of beneficial microbes which could improve soil fertility,
crop productivity and produce quality.

In an study, fruit yield (160.30 kg tree), total caretonoids

(6.40 mg / 100g) were also recorded with application of
Biodynamic compost (30 kg tree-1) + bio-enhancers (Cow pat pit-
100 g, BD- 500 and BD- 501 as soil and foliar spray) in mango .

CSIH, Lucknow Ram (2017)

 BD501 COW HORN SILICA
 BD 501 is made in ascending period of moon by filling the horns with mealy
silica powder
 This is finely ground quartz crystals specially prepared and the crystal should
be of good quality, shape and clear.
 It is buried in a similar manner to preparation BD 500 but this is buried during
the summer time (buried in April/May and lifted in September).
 This is the period when the earth is breathing out and the cosmic light energy
is most active.
Materials
 Cow horn
 Silica quartz crystal should be clear and well
formed. Average 200-300 g powdered quartz
crystal/horn.
APPLLICATIONS OF BD 501
Apply BD 501 only after one or two applications of BD 500. Apply
when the dew is rising (the earth breathes out) i.e. early morning 6-8
a.m. at sunrise.

1 g silica in 15 litres of warm quality water . Spray the plants using a

low-pressure knapsack sprayer.

As a general rule, spray twice during the

planting cycle at the beginning and again

just before harvest.

 BD 502 Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
 This is made from yarrow flowers combined with
the bladder of a stag. Urinary bladder of the stag is
used magnifies the effect of cosmos.
 It provides sulphur, potash and micronutrients.
 It gives absorbing vitality to manure which helps to
attract the other substances needed and to
incorporate them into an organic process.
 Start the preparation making under the planetary
influence of Venus.
Blow up the bladder with air, when the bladder is fresh and air dry
then collapse it.
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.
Hang up in march to get cosmic influences. Bury from September to
March in a mud pot with earth inside.
BD503 Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
BD 503 is composed of the Chamomile plant
flowers combined with cow intestine.
It provides sulphur, potash, calcium and
nitrogen.
It is linked with planet Mercury.
Harvesting
Pick flowers when petals are horizontal
(morning 10 a.m.)
Store in airtight container.
The intestine of a cow or bull can be used

Cut 15 cm bits at end

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

Stack the filled into a bundle, which could be placed in a mud pot
surrounded with fertile soil

Bury in October and let it remain in the soil till Feb/March

BD 504 Himalayan stinging nettle
(Urtica parviflora)
 Fill the dried leaves of stinging nettle into terracotta
pipes or mud pots

 Press well into the containers and ensure that the lid is
tied.

 Place the pot under the influence of Mars.

 BD 504 contains iron and traces of sulphur, potash,

calcium.
 Harvest leaves in May and September

 Lift the preparation in September after a year

 BD 505 Himalayan oak bark (Quercus glauca)
This is prepared by combining bark of the oak
tree with the skull of an animal.
It linked to the Moon.
Place the crushed oak bark in the brain cavity of
the skull. Block the opening with a well shaped
bone piece.
It should be noted that a foul smell is emitted on
lifting the preparation and removing it from the
skull.
Remove and dry in a dark place.
BD 506 Dandelion (Taraxicum officinalis)
It contain potash and silica forces and linked to the planet Jupiter.
It is made from the dandelion wrapped up in a mesentery of cow.
Use the mesentery of the cow. 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.
Place in September and lift in March.
It stimulates relation between Si and K,
so that Si can attract cosmic forces to the soil.
 BD 507 Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
 The juice of valerian flowers is used for BD 507
preparation.

 It linked to the planet Saturn.

 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.

 Maintain moistness by watering/sprinkling over the

pits.

 Choose a moist, cool, dark location with good air

circulation for storage.
 BD 508 Casurina Tea (Equisetum arvense)
It can be used as a tea to control fungus in the early season. It is very
high in silica.
It should be sprayed at full moon (2-4 days before) and at Moon
opposition Saturn, the same as BD 501.
1 kg Equisetum arvense (Horsetail herb) or Casuarina in 10 l water.
Make a strong tea/tincture by boiling the Equisetum arvense in hot
water for 2 hrs. Let it sit for 2 days.
APPLICATION
Dilute 50 ml tincture in 10 litres of water.
Spray onto the soil or over the plants in the
early growing stages.
Biodynamic compost
 Biodynamic compost is a fundamental component of the biodynamic
method. It serves as a way to recycle animal manures and organic wastes
and enhance soil health.

 Biodynamic compost is unique because it is made with BD preparation

502-507.

 Mixture of protein rich and carbon rich raw material at 60% protein and
40% carbonaceous.

 Make five deep holes in the side of the compost heap and put 1 g each of
the BD 502 - 506 preparations as 1 BD/hole

 Application -10 t/acre.

 Steps in biodynamic composting

Base layer Carbon layer Cow slurry app Protein layer

composted mount Layering mount Alternate layering Lime app

Utilization of local alternate material in cow horn manure (BD 500)
preparation: A case study on biodynamic vegetable cultivation

Crop Onion
T1- FYM 15 kg + urea 250 kg + super phosphate 250 kg (Basal) and
Urea 1 kg + potash 0.5 kg (Top dressing)/ha
T2- Biodynamic compost – 6.6 t/ha(Basal and top dressing)
T3 - FYM and vermicompost 3.3t/ha kg (Basal and top dressing)
T4 - Urea 416 kg + super phosphate + potash each at 250 kg (Basal
and top dressing)
Cow pat pit
 Cow Pat Pit (CPP) is a specialized type of compost refers to cow manure
mixed with crushed egg shell and basalt dust, then put into a 12 inch deep
pit lined with bricks. The dung is fermented together with the preparation
BD 502-507 for a period of three to four months. It is applied in the
evenings during the cooler months.

 It is a biodynamic field preparation and is also called as soil shampoo.

 CPP is a soil conditioner and it enhances germination, promotes rooting in

cutting and grafts, improves soil texture, provides resistant to plants
against pests and diseases.
 CPP is used to improve soil fertility before sowing and also as seed
treatment and foliar application.
Application of CPP
Ground spray of CPP at 1 kg per acre in 40 litres of water.
Foliar spray - 5 kg/acre in 40 litres of water from the beginning of
crop to up to fruit/pod formation stage.
Dissolve 1 kg of CPP manure in water, make slurry with clay and
dip the seedlings for five minutes and transplant.
Note : 60 kg of cow dung + 200 g of crushed egg shell and 200 g
of basalt dust gives 30 – 35 kg of CPP
 LIQUID MANURES

Liquid manures are used extensively in cropping and fruit

production, particularly to supply nutrients during the transition
period when changing to an organic management system.
A large number of different liquid manures can be made on the farm
with locally available plant materials which are fermented with BD
preparation 502-507. Most liquid manures take from 8 to 12 weeks
to get ready.
PREPARATION OF LIQUID MANURE
Take a large earthen pot or plastic drum of 200 litre
Fill the drum ¾ with the plant material and cover with water
Introduce the BD preparations 502-507 by placing 1 g of each of
the BD preparation separately and closed
Place 2-3 bricks on the surface of the foliage to keep the leaves
below the water level. Cover with a gunny sack to stop
evaporation.
The usual rate of application for all the liquid manures is 1:10.
Peppering
Peppering is a technique suggested by Rudolf Steiner to reduce the
incidence of weeds, insects and rodents.
PREPARATION
Collect seeds/roots up to 2 days prior to a Full Moon day, light a
wood fire . Place seeds/roots into a small tin.
Collect the ash and grind with a mortar and pestle for 10 minutes
until smoothly ground and spray it

on the field.
 Biodynamic Agriculture Calander
This calendar is based on the suggestions given by Rudolf

Biodynamic agriculture works from two poles - the cosmic and earthly.

Planets near to earth are carriers of earthly (calcium) forces and planets further away from earth are carriers of
cosmic (silica) forces.

 Earthly forces (calcium): Moon, Mercury and Venus

 Cosmic forces (silica): Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

 The Planting Calendar is about RHYTHMS - Cosmic, solar, lunar/moon rhythms and Earthly rhythms.

Peter Proctor (1938)

1. Ascending days (Moon)
2. Descending days (Moon)
3. Nodes
4. Apogee
5. Perigee
6. Full moon
7. New moon
8. Moon opposite Saturn
9. The constellations
Ascending days (Moon) வநல் வ஥ாக்கு ஥ாட்கள்
The distance between moon and earth increases day by day for 13.6 days aprox.
These days are ascending days.
In these days we can
• Sowing seeds in direct seed sowing methods.

• Sowing seeds for raising the seedlings

• Spraying liquid manures as foliar spray.

• Spraying panchakavyam as foliar spray.

• Spraying B..D. 501 (Horn Silica) upto 10.00 AM

• Harvesting leafy vegetables and fruits

The Descending Moon கீ ழ் ந஥ோக்கு ஥ோட்கள்
(DAY) These days are indicated in black tint.

• The distance between moon and earth becomes closer for 13.6 days approx.
These days are mentioned as descending days.
• In these days we can Transplanting the seedlings
• Making Compost
• Compost application to the field
• Ploughing
• B.D.500 (Horn Manure) + CPP and Liquid manure application in the soil
• Harvesting bulbs and roots.
 The Nodes தவிர்க்க வவண்டின ஥ாட்கள்
• The Moon crosses the path of the sun (The Ecliptic). கிபகணம்
• The crossing points are called as nodes and these are the places and
times where eclipses can occur.
• The terms ascending node and descending node indicates whether the
moon is ascending and descending in relation to the sun’s path.
• In this calendar the node indicates the occurring time. Before and
after 6 hours from the time avoid important agri activities.
Apogee and Perigee:

• When the moon is closest to the Earth is called perigee and the
farthest from the earth is called apogee. The moon moves from
perigee to apogee and back again in 27.5 days approx.

• The distances at apogee and perigee are not constant. Before and
after 6 hours at the particular time we must avoid seeds owing and
transplanting. But on apogee days we can sow the bulbs like potatoes.
அவ஧ாஜி – ததாம஬வில் உள்஭ சந்திபன்

• இந்த ஥ோ஭ில் பூநினில் இருந்து சந்திபன் அதிக஧ட்ச ததோல஬யில்

இருக்கும். இந்த ஥ோட்கோட்டினில் கு஫ிப்஧ிடப்஧ட்டுள்஭ இந்த ஥ோ஭ில்
கு஫ிப்஧ிட்டுள்஭ நணினில் 6 ந஥பப௃ம் ஧ின்பு 6 நணிந஥பப௃ம் ப௃க்கினநோக
யிலதப்஧து நட்டும் தயிர்க்கவும். ஆ஦ோல் உருல஭க்கிமங்கு நட்டும்
஥டவு தசய்ன஬ோம். அவ்யோறு உருல஭க்கிமங்கு ஥டவு தசய்தோல்
யில஭ச்சல் த஧ரின அ஭யில் நோறுதல்கள் இல்஬ோயிட்டோலும் கிமங்கு
சற்று த஧ரினதோகவும் சுலய கூடுத஬ோகவும் உள்஭து என்று
஥ிரூ஧ிக்கப்஧ட்டுள்஭து.
த஧ரிஜி – அண்மந சந்திபன்
• இந்த ஥ோ஭ில் சந்திபன் த஦து சுற்று யட்டப்஧ோலதனில் பூநிக்கு
நிக அருகில் த஥ருங்கி இருக்கும். இந்த ஥ோ஭ில் யிலதத்தல்,
஥ோற்று ஥டுதல் ந஧ோன்஫லய தயிர்க்க நயண்டும். அண்லநனில்
இபண்டு ப௄ன்று யருடங்க஭ில் கிலடத்த தகயல்கள் இந்த ஥ோ஭ில்
(த஥ல், தர்பூசணி, நஞ்சள், தட்லடப்஧னறு ந஧ோன்஫லய) தயவ்நயறு
஧குதிக஭ில் யிலதத்த யியசோனிகள் அனு஧யித்த உண்லந.
ஓப஭யிற்கு யில஭ந்த யில஭ப் த஧ோருட்கள் கூட அயற்஫ின்
சுலய நோறு஧ட்டு (சுநோர் 75% யலப குல஫ந்து) கோணப்஧ட்டது.
New Moon: அநாவாமச
1. Avoid sowing seeds
2. Felling timber
3. Seeds such as gingelly, black gram etc shall be collect for sowing
and preserving purpose.

Full moon:த஧஭ர்ணநி
• 48 hours before full moon is suitable time for sowing seeds and
applying liquid manures including CPP as foliar spray.
• Panchagavyam can be sprayed in this day at morning hours. B.D. 501
(Horn Silica) can be sprayed for fungal control.
 Moon opposite Saturn: சந்திபன் எதிர் ச஦ி
• It’s simply when Moon and Saturn are standing opposite side to earth
at 180 degree. This position occurs in 27.5 days.
1. Seed sowing and transplanting
2. B.D. 501 (Horn Silica) spraying at early morning
3. It is auspicious day for all important agri activities.
 The Constellations:
• When the Moon is in Earth sign i.e., Virgo, Capricorn, Taurus are
suitable for root development. These days are suitable for cultivating
beet root, carrot, turmeric, ginger and other root crops like vettiver,
nannari, potato, tapioca, etc. When the moon is in Air sign i.e.,
Gemini, Libra, Aquarius are suitable for flower development. These
days are suitable for cultivating cauliflower, rose, jasmine and other
flower crops. When the moon is in Water sign i.e., Cancer, Scorpio,
Pisces are suitable for cultivating curry leaf, cabbage, greens,
sugarcane, onion, tree plants for timber. When the moon is in Fire sign
i.e., Leo, Aries, Sagittarius are suitable for cultivating banana, orange,
mango, millets, pulses, paddy, groundnut, cotton, etc.
CERTIFICATION

Demeter (1928) is the international brand for products from

biodynamic agriculture. Only strictly controlled and contractually
bound partners are permitted to use the brand.
They exclude the use of synthetic fertilisers and chemical plant
protection agents in agricultural crop production or artificial
additives during processing.
Presently, Demeter international has 18 members and 5 guest-
members .
Since 2008, the Biodynamic Association of India hosts and manages
the Demeter certification office, India.
EXPERIMENTAL
RESULTS
The effect of farming system on fruit characteristic in apple
cultivation

Treatments Weight(g) Diameter(mm) Flesh Firmness(lb)

Conventional 189.31 72.44 28.91

Organic 212.90 76.27 30.99

Biodynamic 310.42 86.97 31.81

Angelopoulou et al. (2013)

Biodynamic farming in vegetable
Yield performance of vegetables under biodynamic organic
farming system
Treatments Potato(t/ha) Carrot (t/ha) Cabbage(t/ha) French
Beans(t/ha)

Biodynamic 38.1 38.8 72.7 26.4

Conventional 34.5 33.1 62.3 21.2
Biodynamic + 32 32.7 59.4 15.4
Conventional

Control 23.1 20.6 40.9 12.2

Ambreen Nabi et al(2017) - INDIA

 CONCLUSION
 From the discussion, it can be concluded that biodynamic preparations rapidly benefits
soil physical, chemical and microbial biomass which makes soil as living system.
 Biodynamics agriculture ensures high soil fertility, which produces the best and quality
food for humans.
Besides the higher earthworm abundance, enzymatic activities and microbial population
in the soil, higher yield is also obtained with combination of biodynamic and organic
farming practices.
Thus, biodynamic agriculture altered the degenerative effect of intensive farming
practices, build and sustain soil productivity as well as plant, animal and human health.
REFRENCES
• Bio-Dynamic Association of India (BDAI)
• Corrin, George. 1960. Composting and the Bio-Dynamic Preparations. Bio-Dynamic Agricultural
Association, London. Pg 32.
• Selvaraj, N., B.Anita, B.Anusha and M.Guru Saraswathi. 2006. Organic Horticulture creating a
more sustainable farming. Horticultural Research Station, Udhagamandalam
• www.tnau.agritech.portal
 THANK YOU

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