Biodynamic
What does the term Biodynamic mean?
Bio = life
Dynamic = forces
What part of the yarrow plant is used to make the compost prep?
Why is there a gray area on the planting calendar when there is a node of the moon?
Nodes have a negative influence on plant growth so crops should not be planted at that time.
What kind of manure is used to make BD 500?
Manure from a lactating cow
What part of an oak tree is used to make a Biodynamic preparation?
The bark
The Unified Field of Consciousness creates everything from within itself. What principle of Biodynamic agriculture reflects this principle?
The farm as an individual. Providing the needs of the farm from within the farm.
Describe how compost preps 502 to 506 are added to the compost pile
6 holes are made, evenly spaced, in the compost pile. One prep is placed in each hole, in numerical order. The holes are covered up.
What is apogee and perigee and what is the effect of perigee on plants?
Apogee is when the moon is at the point in its orbit that is farthest from the earth. Perigee is when the moon is closest to the earth. At perigee the moon pulls the watery forces up into the plant more strongly, favoring more fungal diseases.
What are 2 ways to tell the difference between a cow horn and a bull horn?
Cow horn has rings, bull horn does not. Cow horn is hollow only about 2/3 of length, bull horn is hollow almost to the tip. Because of this, cow horn is heavier than bull horn.
What fertility inputs are only allowed in limited amounts?
Nitrogen and Phosphorus
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, manure from livestock, compost from on-farm materials, cover crops.
Descriibe how BD 507, Valerian, is added to a compost pile
It is added to a gallon of water, stirred for 10 to 15 minutes, creating a vortex and reversing directions, Then half is poured down the hole in the compost pile and half is sprayed over the whole pile.
What is the descending moon and why is the descending period good for transplanting?
Descending moon is the 2 week period when the moon is becoming lower in the sky. The moon has less upward pull on plant sap during this period which favors root growth of a newly transplanted plant.
How are BD 500 and BD 501 applied?
500 is applied to the soil, as large drops, in the afternoon or evening. 501 is applied above the plants, as a fine mist, in the early morning.
What is the connection between the tides and an increased tendency for plant disease?
They are both caused by the moon's influence on water. In one case, the water in the ocean, in the other case, water in the soil and in plants.
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
Describe in general term how Erenfreid Pfeiffer suggests making and managing a compost pile.
Build it on bare ground with coarse material on the bottom, then layers of green material, manure, and soil. Cover with a layer of soil. Insert the compost preps. Turn after about 4 months. It should be finished after 8 to 12 months.
What plant parts are favored by planting when the moon is in an earth sign, an air sign, a water sign, and a fire sign?
Earth sign favors root growth, Air favors flower growth, Water favors leaf growth, Fire favors fruit and seeds.
How are horns arranged in the hole?
Open end down, tip up. Not touching.
What is BD 501 made out of and how is it made?
Finely ground quartz or other silica rock is packed in cow horn, buried in spring and dug up in fall.
What are 3 ways the pest management needs of a farm can be met from within the farm?
Diversity, Attract beneficials, Grow plants that can be used to repel pests (Carolina Reaper), Grow healthy crops in healthy soil.
Name the 6 plants that are used to make the compost preps
Yarrow, Chamomile, Nettle, Oak Bark, Dandelion, Valerian
What are the differences between the the tropical zodiac of Western astrology, the zodiac used in Biodynamic calendars, and the zodiac used in Vedic astrology or Jyotish?
Tropical zodiac, all signs are equal 30 degrees with sun entering Aries at spring equinox. In Biodynami calendars, signs are unequal lengths, based on size of the constellation that we see in the sky and adjusted for percession of the equinoxes. Vedic zodiac is equal 30 degree divisions adjusted for precession of the equinoxes.
What are 3 benefits of BD 500?
Strengthens root growth, promotes healthy soil microbiology, promotes good soil structure
What are the benefits of BD 501?
It enhances photosynthesis, promotes growth of above ground parts of plant, promotes ripening, flavor, and storage qualities.