What Is biodynamic farming?
Introduced in the 1920’s by Austrian scientist and philosopher, Rudolf Steiner, biodynamics takes a unified approach to agriculture by considering the interconnectedness of the soil, the plants, the animals, the earth, and even the entire cosmos as a living system.
The soil itself is key in this type of agriculture because it is ultimately dirt on which all life on earth depends. Akin to organic farming which abstains from using chemicals, pesticides or fungicides, biodynamic farming goes further by treating the soil as a living organism and ensuring its health at all times through the use of composting, crop-rotation, cover-cropping, and special preparations.
Biodynamics considers not just what substances are put into the soil or plants, but also pays attention to the processes that go into farming and to the natural forces that affect the soil and the farm. It takes into account the cycles of nature and thus follows daily, monthly and seasonal patterns - such as the phases of the moon - for sowing, fertilizing and harvesting.
Principles of biodynamics
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A biodynamic farm is a living organism
Each biodynamic farm or garden is an integrated, whole, living organism that is made up of many interdependent elements: fields, plants, animals, soils, people, and the spirit of the place. Biodynamic farmers and gardeners work to nurture and harmonize these elements, managing them in a holistic and dynamic way to support the health and vitality of the whole.
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Biodynamics cultivates biodiversity
Biodynamic farms and gardens are inspired by the biodiversity of natural ecosystems and the uniqueness of each landscape, bringing plants, animals, and soil together through living, conscious relationships, so that they each support and balance the whole. Biodynamics supports integrity and diversity in seeds and breeds by favoring open-pollinated, heirloom seeds and heritage breeds of animals.
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Biodynamics treats animals with respect
Biodynamic farmers care for domestic animals in ways that support their inherent health and the full expression of their nature. Animals are given feed that is appropriate for their digestive systems and are never fed animal by-products. All animals have access to the outdoors and free-range forage, along with plenty of space to move around freely.
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Biodynamics approaches pests and diseases holistically
When farms and gardens incorporate a robust diversity of plants and animals and create habitat for natural predators, pests and diseases have few places to thrive. When a disease or pest presents itself, it is often pointing to an imbalance in the farm organism, and the biodynamic farmer tries to discern the underlying imbalance and find ways to adjust management practices to bring the farm organism to greater health.
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Biodynamics works in rhythm with the earth and the cosmos
Biodynamic farmers and gardeners observe the rhythms and cycles of the earth, sun, moon, stars, and planets and seek to understand the subtle ways that the environment and wider cosmos influence the growth and development of plants and animals.
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Biodynamics contributes to social and economic health
Biodynamic farmers are motivated by a desire to meet the real needs of people and the Earth, which often extends beyond growing food. Biodynamic initiatives seek to embody triple bottom line approaches (ecological, social, and economic sustainability), with practitioners working in creative partnerships with other farms and with schools, medical and wellness facilities, restaurants, hotels, homes for social therapy, and other organizations.