STARTUPBIZHUB

Biodynamic Farming

Are you an enthusiast of organic farming? Then you might be interested in biodynamic farming, a wholistic approach to agriculture. It can be practiced for those interested regardless of the size of the farm and the climate. Read from our guide the basics of biodynamic agriculture and find out resources to help you get started on this special field.

Biodynamic agriculture is basically organic farming, but which, in addition integrates the spiritual science of anthroposophy.

Austrian scientist Rudolf Steiner, founder of anthroposophy, taught the principles behind biodynamic agriculture. It came out as a response to soil quality deterioration after the emergence of chemical fertilizers in the 20th century.

Agriculture and the Non-physical realm

Biodynamic farming shares the same belief with alternative agriculture in that it advocates man’s use of soil for producing food in a way that preserves, improves or to the least does not destroy soil quality. Both takes pride in producing food that are more nutritious and tastier than those grown or raised by conventional methods. However, in addition, it takes a wholistic approach to agriculture in that it factors in both physical and non-physical forces in its practices.

The consideration of the non-physical realm in growing plants and raising animals is one of biodynamic agriculture's most defining features aside from its association with anthroposophy. Biodynamic agriculture believes that the non-physical realm also has an influence in the physical process of growing living things and in the whole ecosystem. To achieve optimum yield and quality, for example, planting must be timed with lunar and astrological cycles. The influence of cosmic forces in biodynamic agriculture is such that even the making of BD preparations, a special formulation, and these factors must be considered.

Biodynamic Preparations

Biodynamic farming is also characterized by its use of nine biodynamic preparations to improve soil quality and improving plant growth. The preparations are made up, among others, of fermented medicinal herbs. The preparation involves specific instructions. This and its various other practices and formulation make biodynamic agriculture a special field that must be learned in a systematic way. Visit the Web site of Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association http://www.biodynamics.com for trainings on biodynamics agriculture. The association has a two-year certification program for those interested. It also has various support programs for people and groups interested in biodynamic farming. Biodynamic agriculture can be practiced for those interested regardless of the size of the farm and the climate. Literature on this form of agriculture also abounds.

Marketing Biodynamically Grown Food

Biodynamic’s wholistic approach rightly extends to how biodynamic produce are marketed. The Community Supported Agriculture movement is a proof to this. It is a way for small-scale growers to directly market their produce for a group of people who commits themselves to buying biodynamically grown food and to support the cause. Food produced through biodynamic agriculture is certified by Demeter (just as organically-grown produce must be properly certified), established in 1928, some four years after biodynamic farming emerged.
 

<< How to Start an Aquaculture Farm
Crop Farming >>

3 Comments

  • MMnDave said on March 5, 2011
    Hi everyone! I’ll stay by there and follow your discussion. I’m new to this sphere, but I’m really interested in it.
  • Choi Keng Mun said on May 11, 2012
    i have bought some land in Raub, Pahang of Malaysia. i wish to start this farming practice. Wish you can guide me.
  • kumar said on January 15, 2015
    Pl help me out with bio dynamics

    Comment

    (All the above fields are required.)

    Categories

    Popular Articles

    Join Our Newsletter