Farm as Individual
What does "Farm as individual" mean
The farm as a self-contained unit. The needs of the farm are met from within the farm
Why are legumes valuable in a crop rotation?
The add Nitrogen to the soil.
What is is BD 500 made of and when is it burried?
Cow manure buried in the fall
Who started Biodynamic farming and when was it started?
Rudolf Steiner, 1924
Why were vegetarian versions of some of the compost preps developed?
Using cow parts was illegal in England because of mad cow disease
How does seed saving relate to toe concept of the farm an an individual?
Seeds for the farm come from the farm.
What are 3 ways the fertility needs of a farm can be met from within the farm?
Legumes in the rotation, pasture or hay in the rotation, cover crops, livestock
What is BD 501 made of and when is it burried?
Quartz (silica) burried in spring
What does the word "Biodynamic" mean
Bio = life, Dynamic = forces
What are the 3 field spray Biodynamic preps?
500, 501, 508
What benefits do livestock provide to a farm?
They improve fertility and may help to control weeds.
What is the maximum amount of N that can be applied to a field?
100 pounds per acre
Which prep is sprayed on the foliage and enhances photosynthesis?
501
10% of a Biodynamic farm must be set aside for what?
biodiversity
How much of the feed for certified Biodynamic livestock must come from on the farm?
50%
Why is hay or pasture valuable in a crop rotation even if it does not include legumes?
The plants add orgainc matter and improve soil structure.
What is the maximum amount of N that can be imported onto a Biodynamic farm?
36 poinds per acre
Which prep helps prevent fungal diseases?
BD 508, horsetail, Equisetum
In a comparison of Biodynamic and conventional farms, net income was greater for Biodynamic farms. Why?
Expenses were less
In determining isolation distances for GMO avoidance, why is the distance for corn 3 miles, alfalfa 2 miles, and soybeans 500 feet?
Corn is wind pollinated, alfalfa is insect pollinated, soybeans are mostly self pollinated
What are 3 ways the pest management needs of a farm can be met from within the farm?
Diversity, Attract beneficials, Grow pest management plants (Carolina reaper), Grow healthy crops in healthy soil
How can you provide more P and K to crops without adding fertilizer?
Promote a biologically active soil to make what is in the soil more available to crops.
Name the 6 plants that are used to make the compost preps
Yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettle, oak bark, dandelion, valerian
For livestock for meat production, when must Biodynamic management begin?
Last 1/3 of gestation
What is a common characteristic of the 3 farming systems we will consider in this course?
They are all regenerative. They are all far from the mainstream.