Organic Farming - Introduction
Organic Farming - Principles
Organic Farming - Steps
Successful Organic Transition
Organic Farming Vs
Conventional Farming
Organic Cultivation:
        - Agriculture Crops
        - Horticulture Crops

Biodynamic Farming
Biofertilizers Technology
Composting
Vermicompost
Coir Compost
Panchakavya
Dasakavya
Effective Microorganism
Recycling of Farm Waste

Biodynamic Farming

Biodynamic agriculture was born when Dr Rudolf Steiner gave eight lectures about a new method of agriculture to a large group of farmers in Germany, in 1924. Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher and scientist who's thought was very much influenced by oriental philosophy, especially Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Vedic scriptures. Out of this influence and his own studies was born Anthroposophy, or the wisdom (knowledge) of the human being:

Anthropos=human being Sophia=wisdom

At the heart of Anthroposophy is the recognition that the human being (Manushya) is a spiritual being (Purusha). Biodynamic agriculture was Steiner's answer to the farmers' call for help during the beginning of chemical farming in Europe when they noticed the rapid degeneration of the soil, of the quality of the produce, and of seed viability. They had been noticing a general decrease in vitality. Steiner then presented a different way of looking at cultivation and the Earth in general, showing the inter-relationship and connections between all living things.

Bios=life dynamic=energy

He explained how modern science and therefore chemical agriculture was based on the study of dead things in laboratories, rather than on the observation of living nature and the complex relationships constantly changing therein. Among this web of life he also included the cosmos with its moving planets and stars, and he spoke of how in the past, farmers instinctively knew about the effects of this movement on the life of plants and also animals and human beings. As modern human beings, we must find this connection once more to understand how to work best with nature, but this time in a very conscious, measurable way.

Today there are many people around the globe who concentrate on understanding and recording the effects of the cosmos on our planet Earth, including Maria Thun in Germany who publishes a planting calendar for gardeners and farmers to use. Rudolf Steiner introduced a few preparations based on homeopathic medicine to enhance the beneficial cosmic influences on plants and the soil, and encouraged people to experiment and find new ones as well.

Life is a study of energy from the coarse to the fine, and Biodynamics is primarily concerned with the higher forces, the finer energies and how they influence plants, animals, and human beings. This knowledge and work with the life forces brings balance and healing to the soil, and therefore to anything that grows in that soil and every being that eats those plants.

Main effects of using 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

History

Agriculture is the base of human life. We need to grow food simply to eat each day, and to sustain our bodies, our minds, our souls and our spirit! Throughout human history, one can see that our music, our art, our songs, our crafts and tools have all been born out of our work with the land. But in the last hundred years and always faster in the last few decades, we are losing our connection to our source of life. Chemical farming is a product of the World Wars, when the leftover chemicals used for weapons and warfare were then discovered to be useful for pest control and as fertilizers. The source of agricultural chemicals is fossil fuel from the Earth, which isn't sustainable and very soon won't be available anymore.

The Green Revolution in the 1960's and 1970's also introduced hybrid seeds which are unable to produce their own seeds once grown, thereby creating a dependency of the farmer on hybrid seed companies. These hybrid seeds also produce much weaker plants which need higher doses of pesticides and fertilizers. The recent introduction of genetically modified (GM) seeds (which go hand in hand with specific herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers) is the latest threat to the balance and well being not only of the Earth, but also of us human beings. There are great economic interests tied to GM seeds, and unfortunately this creates irresistible pressure on developing countries to accept and legalize the use of these seeds.

Today we are painfully aware of the effects of chemical farming on our health, on farmers' economic life, on the vitality of the soil, and on the well being of all plants and animals. In many places, the soil is getting hard and unable to renew itself so that more and more chemical fertilizers are needed to grow crops, creating huge debts for the farmers. New pests and diseases, resistant to chemical pesticides, are appearing, as are unknown diseases and disorders affecting animals and human beings. We are facing a global disaster, of which many people are becoming aware. The Biodynamic method of agriculture started very slowly but is becoming increasingly popular in the last few decades, all over the world. There are Biodynamic associations of farmers and gardeners and certifying bodies that guarantee the produce being sold by issuing a Demeter certificate.

DEMETER=Greek goddess of the Earth

Biodynamic methods produce a living soil with revitalized natural forces, in alignment with planetary cosmic rhythms. At the heart of this activity is the intelligence and consciousness of the human being who is caring for this piece of the Earth, and who is the 'ordering principle'. This deep awareness is based on observation and relationship with the land and with Nature; it's based on love. 

Top

In order to establish a system that brings into balance all factors which maintain life, the following areas are considered:

Substance and energy

Life is more than just chemicals; it depends on the interaction of matter and energies. For example, plants need light and warmth as well as earth and water to grow. The interaction of substance and energy forms a balanced system. We live not only fromsubstance, but also from energy, and so we need to eat foodwhich will provide the energy. Only plants which have grown in a balanced soil can give us energy (through trace minerals, enzymes, growth hormones) as well as substance.

Soil

To produce healthy, vital plants, one must concentrate mainly on the structure and the life of the soil: the nutrients, the trace elements, the microorganisms, the worms and other animals present in the soil. But primarily, the soil is a living system of connections and relationships. If the soil is balanced in its life forces, the plants growing in it will be stronger, healthier, and higher in quality. No chemicals necessary. In terms of structure, the soil should be crumbly, friable, well aerated and deep in order to be fertile.

Organic matter

In order to create this balanced, living soil, what is required is skilful use of organic matter. This is done by building compost heaps and using the Biodynamic compost preparations.

Humus

This mysterious, magical substance supports life and is the carrier of all that the plants need to grow. It holds the fertility of the soil in a stable way, and retains water. Humus is completely digested crude organic matter: rich, dark, and moist with a fresh odour. This is the base for building up the soil and fostering its formation should be the first priority when converting to Biodynamic farming.

Cow manure

This is a very special substance given to us by the holy animal Cow which is essential for healthy soil life. Cow dung is special because of the lengthy digestion process of the cow which adds much beneficial bacteria to the substance. It is used in building the compost heaps as a starter and for its nitrogen content and in preparing the Biodynamic preparations.

Cosmic forces

Recognizing and working with the influences of heavenly bodies on plant growth by using the preparations and following the sowing calendar.

Biodynamic preparations

These simple, natural, homeopathic preparations are used to enhance the effects of the planets and of silica and lime on the soil and the plants, and also to enhance the breaking-down process and potential life forces in the compost heaps. Dr Steiner gave two preparations to be sprayed directly on the soil or the plants (numbered 500 and 501), and six preparations to be used when making compost (numbered 502 to 507).

Crop rotation

Crop rotation, proper soil cultivation and other organic farming methods: intelligent planning to let the soil rest after heavy-feeding crops (such as potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage), by sowing green manures (legumes, clover) and covering the soil (grass, clover) so that it may build up its humus content and nitrogen levels; also mulching to improve soil structure, water and temperature balance in the soil, and to control weeds; companion planting to enhance growth and to control pests; using herbal tea sprays, special tree paste for fruit trees, creating raised beds, disturbing the soil as little as possible by shallow digging/ploughing and avoiding stepping on it or working it when wet, especially clay soils.

Peppering

To deal with an unbalanced insect problem, animal pests or weed problem, one may collect the insects, weed seeds, or dead animal skins, burn them at the appropriate time according to planetary positions, potentize the ash in water as a homeopathic medicine, and spray it on the land. This is an effective biodynamic alternative to using chemical sprays.

The farm organism

The more self-sufficient a farm can be, the healthier it will be. The aim is to have a wide variety of plants and animals, and to bring something from outside (such as manure, bio-pesticides) only if there is an imbalance that must be rectified, as medicine. At the centre of the farm organism is the fanner, the human being who observes and has a close relationship to everything on the farm and who makes the decisions. Important aspects of the farm include the water source and balance, prevention of soil erosion by planting trees and hedges which also help in wind protection and providing animal habitat, being aware of insect life and balance which could include looking after honey bees. The farmer therefore is responsible for many beings and for fostering correct relationships, and is the temporary steward of the land, not the owner.

Weeds, Pests and Diseases

Weeds growing in specific places show a deficiency in the soil, as pests and diseases show a shortcoming in agricultural practices. They are signs for us to understand where the problem is, and actually help us to rectify imbalances. They are friends, not foes! It is well known and proven that insect pests and diseases will only attack weak plants, There by balancing the situation and stimulating us to be better farmers and gardeners.

Practical application

• Walk around your land each day, become familiar with all its aspects: minerals, rocks present, type of soil, wild plants growing, types of weeds, insect life, animals present day or night, electric wires crossing over the land, underground streams, presence of water, weather patterns, people living on or using the land.
• Establish environmental control: plant hedges and trees for wind protection, ensure good drainage, be aware of the water quality, use and collection.
• Introduce soil-protecting crop rotations and cover crops.
• Improve soil cultivation practices.
• Introduce green manuring, carefully plowed or dug under.
• Use mulching wherever possible; the Earth likes to be covered and will do it by itself with weeds!
• Build compost heaps and treat them with the preparations: do not waste any organic leftovers- collect everything. First compost manure and all other organic material, and apply only when completely broken down! It can be sieved to re-compost any under-com posted bits. Compost branches larger than your wrist separately as this will take much longer to break down.
• 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 Preparation, Panchagavya, or natural liquid fertilizers (equisetum tea, fermented nettle manure) as needed.

Advantages

• Production of top quality fruits and vegetables, with strong flavours and high levels of nutrients (protein and vitamin content)
• Yields always above the average level, higher on average than those produced by organic farming, and consistently high throughout the years as opposed to the falling yields obtained by chemical farming as the soil is mineralised and pest populations become unbalanced and become a problem
• Little trouble with livestock and plant diseases
• No spreading of insect pests, and no great economic damage due to their presence: the question of insect pests is one of balance and control which can be restored by proper management such as planting shrubs and trees which will house natural predators

Converting a farm to biodynamics

The important criterion is to sustain the fertility of a farm that lasts for future. The guidelines to be followed are

• All short term manuring use of water soluble fertilizers for quick growth is discontinued. This not only damages soil structure but also produces plants that are nutritionally unbalanced.
• 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. This brings about microbiological life to the soil and exerts a balancing effect on availability of minerals. They also influence the permanent build up of humus.
• Need of adequate trees to provide shelter and shade as conservation of moisture, protection from wind and also act as predators.

3. Preparation

Specific Biodynamic measures have now been in use for more than 65 years. Many farmers and gardeners know their effects from practical experience. Experimental evidence has also been produced, which has added to the available empirical knowledge. The measures include two groups of specifically fermented substances, which are called preparations. The first group includes 6 different herbal substances; they are numbered 502-507 and are added in small amounts to manures and composts. So they are collectively called as compost preparations. These numbers are arbitrary, having been chosen by those who first produced the preparations. The second group includes the sprays; they are numbered as 500 and 501. Although not considered one of the eight main preparations, a ninth preparation, sometimes referred to as 508 is made by boiling the horse tail plant and is applied only in excessively wet years to prevent fungal diseases.

BD 500 Cow horn manure

It is basically fermented cow dung. It is the basis for soil fertility and the renewal of degraded soils. It is buried in Sept./Nov and lifted in Feb/March. This is the period when the earth is breathing in and comic earth forces are most active (winter).

Materials

• Cow horns
• Fresh cow dung from a lactating cow. Average 50-150 gms dung/horn (depends on horn size)

Preparation process

• Feed cattle with high quality food for two days prior to collecting dung for BD 500 (good green fodder and less protein artificial feed).
• Prepare burial pit: 18 inches deep. Pit area should not be subject to flooding, vigorous root systems or earthworms. BD 500 takes the character of the soil it is buried in, so good quality earth in the burial pit is essential.
• Collect cow horns – remove any paint.
• Collect fresh dung – reasonably firm.
• 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. If the soil is not rich enough, add compost to an extent of 50% to enhance soil quality.
• 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, smooth earthy smelling humus (BD 500) they are ready to be lifted. Remove the BD 500, use and store. If not, leave them longer.

Apply when the dew is falling (the earth breathes in) i.e. late afternoon or evening – descending Moon.

• 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.

Storage

• 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.

• Promotes root activity
• Stimulates/increases soil micro-life
• Regulates lime and nitrogen
• Helps to release trace elements
• Increases germination

BD 501 Cow horn silica

This is finely ground quartz crystals specially prepared. The crystal should be of good quality, shape and clear. It is buried in a similar manner to preparation 500 but this time it 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 (summer).

Materials

• Cow horn
• Silica quartz crystal – should be clear and well formed. Average 200-300 gms powdered quartz crystal/horn

Preparation process

• Crush silica quartz using a pounding rod, a mortar and pestle, or hammer
• Grind to a fine powder between 2 plate glasses

• Ensure that the quartz dust is not inhaled as it could lead to silicosis. It is advisable that masks are provided while making the preparation.
• 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) to September (autumn equinox)

Apply 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 during ascending Moon or Moon opposition Saturn.

• Enhances light metabolism, photosynthesis and chlorophyll
• Helps to improve color, aroma, flavor and keeping quality of plants

Compost preparations 502 – 507

These are a series of preparations made from various medicinal herbs, in such a way as to enhance their inherent qualities. Experience in India and in many overseas countries of using these preparations in composts and liquid manures, has shown that they accelerate the processes of humus formation and as such avoid losses of valuable plant nutrients.

BD 502 Yarrow (Achillea millifolium)

This is made from yarrow flowers combined with the bladder of a stag.

Method of preparation

• Urinary bladder of the stag is used. The stag with its antlers magnifies the effect of the cosmos.
• Smell of the stag bladder and that of the yarrow are similar.
• 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.
• Start the preparation making under the planetary influence of Venus.
• 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

BD 503 Chamomile (Matricuria chamomilla)

This is composed of the flowers of the Chamomile plant combined with cow intestine.

Method of preparation
Harvesting

• 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

Storage

In air tight containers.

Preparation

• 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.

BD 504 Himalayan stinging nettle (Urtica parviflora)
Method of preparation

• Fill the dried leaves into terracotta 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)

Time of burial to lifting

The preparation is placed in September and lifted in March.

BD 506 Dandelion (Taraxicum officinalis)

It is made from the dandelion wrapped up in a bovine mesentery.

Method of preparation

• 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

The juice of valerian flowers is used for this preparation.

• 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.

• 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

BD 508 (Equisetum arvense)

• 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.

Source

Selvaraj, N., B.Anita, B.Anusha and M.Guru Saraswathi. 2006. Organic Horticulture creating a more sustainable farming. Horticultural Research Station, Udhagamandalam.