Applied Biodynamics — Issue 092 (Fall/Winter 2017)
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Issue 092 presents compost making as a critical element of successful orcharding and other agricultural practices. It profiles a master compost maker in California and provides his protocol for compost-making.
In “Jack McAndrew, Master Compost Maker,” Abigail Porter profiles Jack McAndrew’s decades-long compost practice, emphasizing compost as a biological process requiring close observation. The article describes McAndrew’s attention to pile content, carbon–nitrogen balance, moisture control, aeration, and shape. Compost quality is evaluated through smell, internal temperature curves, fungal presence, crumb structure, and crop response.
“Farmer Jack’s Protocol for Making Compost,” also by Abigail Porter, provides a clear procedural companion to the profile. The protocol specifies material ratios, layering order, preparation insertion, pile dimensions, moisture targets, turning schedules, and seasonal considerations. It outlines potential characteristics of the pile that signify failure—overheating, anaerobic conditions, nutrient loss—along with corrective actions. The protocol is adaptable to the local materials of various regions.
In “‘Inch by Inch, Row by Row,’ Jack McAndrew Speaks About Biodynamics,” K. Moneymaker presents McAndrew’s reflections on biodynamics as a farmer-led discipline. The article emphasizes patience, long-term soil building, and learning through repeated observation rather than ideological adherence. It reinforces compost as the foundation enabling effective use of biodynamic preparations.
“Wild Apples, Hard Cider, and Biodynamic Preparations,” an interview conducted by Mike Biltonen with Eric Shatt, documents biodynamic practice within perennial orchard systems and fermentation. The article discusses preparation use in apple orchards, timing relative to bloom and fruit set, and observed impacts on fruit quality and fermentation behavior. Cider quality is linked to orchard vitality rather than processing intervention.
“Fall and Winter Biodynamic Practices,” by Abigail Porter, details compost care, preparation storage, restraint in soil disturbance, and appropriate timing for BD 500, and tree paste, along with structural maintenance during dormancy. Indicators include soil moisture, aggregation, and biological activity .
In “New Pruning Practices on the Western Slope,” M. Maruca documents adaptations in pruning technique responding to climate, altitude, and disease pressure. The article emphasizes timing, cut placement, and long-term tree balance.
“Viva La Vida Foundation: Biodynamic Education at the Foot of Lamborn Mountain,” by M. Maruca, profiles an educational initiative integrating biodynamic practice with community learning. The article describes hands-on teaching through compost making, preparation work, and field observation.
The issue reports on JPI hosting World Biodynamic Farming Day, institutional news, board participation in the Fellowship of Preparation Makers Conference in Canada, farm infrastructure improvements, leadership transitions, and memorial reflections that includes In Memory of Dr. Basil Williams (1939–2017).
A book review of Cosmos, Earth and Nutrition: The Biodynamic Approach to Agriculture by Richard Thornton Smith evaluates the text’s treatment of nutrition and cosmological context. The issue concludes with an announcement of the JPI Annual Fall Workshop with Wali Via.
Articles
- Jack McAndrew, Master Compost Maker (A. Porter) Farmer Jack’s Protocol for Making Compost (A. Porter), “Inch by Inch, Row by Row” Jack McAndrew Speaks About Biodynamics (K. Moneymaker)
- Wild Apples, Hard Cider, and Biodynamic Preparations: Mike Biltonen Interviews Eric Shatt (M. Biltonen)
- Fall and Winter Biodynamic Practices (A. Porter)
- New Pruning Practices on the Western Slope (M. Maruca), Viva La Vida Foundation: Biodynamic Education at the Foot of Lamborn Mountain (M.Maruca)
- JPI Hosts World Farming Day (P. Frazier)
- In Memory of Dr. Basil Williams (1939-2017)
- JPI News (P. Frazier)
- Board Members Attend Fellowship of Preparation Makers Conference in Canada
- Farm Improvements
- Congratulations and Farewell to Cynthia Bowman
- Welcome to Our Newest Board Member
- Cosmos, Earth and Nutrition: The Biodynamic Approach to Agriculture by Richard Thornton Smith (M.Biltonen), JPI Annual Fall Workshop with Wali Via
Key Topics Covered
- Biodynamic compost as a managed biological process
- Step-by-step compost construction and monitoring protocol
- Evaluation of compost quality through observation
- Long-term soil building through repeated compost use
- Biodynamic orchard management and fermentation
- Seasonal fall and winter preparation practices
- Adaptive pruning techniques under changing conditions
- Biodynamic education through hands-on instruction
- Institutional activity and preparation maker coordination
Citation
Applied Biodynamics, Issue 092, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Fall/Winter 2017.
