Applied Biodynamics — Issue 071 (Winter 2010–2011)

Issue 071 combines professional viticulture practice, institutional transition, memorial reflection, and methodological examination of compound preparations. The issue emphasizes observational discipline, measurable indicators, and qualified adaptation rather than prescriptive claims.

In “Biodynamics Taking Root in the Legendary Napa Valley,” Hunter Francis interviews Ivo Jeramaz of Grgich Hills Estate, joined by vineyard manager Joey Brinkley. The interview reconstructs the estate’s transition from conventional management to biodynamics beginning in 2003, scaling from an initial 20 acres to full adoption across approximately 366 acres by 2006. Operational details include daily vineyard presence rather than reliance on electronic sensors; phased in-house preparation making (beginning with BD #501, then BD 500, and ultimately all preparations); and regional coordination with preparation workshops.

The interview documents comparative and measurable outcomes. Jeramaz reports laboratory analysis of grape juice nitrogen (amenable nitrogen) before and after use of the Pfeiffer BD Field and Garden Spray on paired vineyard blocks. In the 2007 trial, treated blocks showed increases from approximately 150 ppm to near 200 ppm nitrogen, meeting fermentation thresholds and reducing risk of stuck fermentations. A subsequent season with extreme drought did not replicate gains, leading to discontinuation due to logistical constraints—explicitly acknowledging limits, moisture dependence, and management trade-offs. Qualitative observations—soil structure, vine vitality, rooting depth, pest resilience, and sensory attributes of wine—are presented as outcomes assessed over years of consistent management, not single-season effects.

“Welcoming a New Executive Director,” by Hugh Courtney, announces Shelley Goguen Hulbert’s appointment effective January 1, 2011. The article documents her background in non-profit leadership, fundraising, and biodynamic farming, and clarifies the division of responsibilities: continuity in preparation production alongside expanded research and education. The transition is framed as enabling Courtney to focus more fully on research and teaching while strengthening organizational capacity.

“In Memory of Kent Carson: April 5, 1949–December 31, 2010,” reflects on community loss, situating personal dedication within the broader biodynamic movement without introducing new practices or claims.

In “Expanding Biodynamic Horizons: Biodynamic Compound Preparations,” Hugh Courtney provides a detailed, comparative examination of three major compound approaches: Maria Thun’s Barrel Compost (BC), Alex Podolinsky’s “Prepared” 500, and Ehrenfried Pfeiffer’s BD Compost Starter and BD Field and Garden Spray. The article specifies materials, quantities, sequencing, timing, and decision logic, and contrasts regional constraints and objectives that led to each formulation. Courtney documents debates within the movement, reports observed outcomes (humus formation, rooting depth), and explicitly distinguishes empirical use and adaptation from abstract disagreement. Pfeiffer’s work is presented with reference to quality testing, microbial culture development, and the rationale for providing a stable baseline for farmers while encouraging progression to on-farm preparation making.

Across all articles, Issue 071 presents biodynamics as adaptive practice evaluated through measurement, comparison, and long-term observation, supported by institutional stewardship and transparent leadership.

Articles

• Biodynamics Taking Root in the Legendary Napa Valley (An  Interview by H. Francis)  
• Welcoming a New Executive Director (H. Courtney)  In Memory of Kent Carson: April 5, 1949–December 31, 2010  (H. Courtney)  
• Expanding Biodynamic Horizons: Biodynamic Compound  Preparations (H. Courtney)  

Key Topics Covered

• Scaled biodynamic viticulture in Napa Valley
• Phased transition and in-house preparation making
• Laboratory measurement of juice nitrogen for fermentation
• Paired block trials and moisture-dependent outcomes
• Limits and logistics of field spray application
• Leadership transition and institutional continuity at JPI
• Community remembrance within the biodynamic movement
• Comparative analysis of compound preparations
• Quantified recipes and sequencing for Barrel Compost
• Debate and evaluation of “Prepared” 500
• Role and testing of Pfeiffer BD Compost Starter and Field and Garden Spray

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 071, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Winter 2010–2011.