Calcium and Silica in Biodynamic Practice | Cornelis van Dalen's 2006 Essay in Context
Editor's note — historical context. This page is an editorial synopsis of Cornelis van Dalen's 2006 essay, “Calcium and Silica for Human and Soil Health.” The original essay considered calcium and silica through anthroposophic and homeopathic ideas. This synopsis keeps that historical perspective visible while centering JPI's agricultural work with soils, plants, and BD 501.
Calcium and silica in biodynamic study. In Applied Biodynamics Issue 085, an interview with Dennis Klocek discusses calcium–silica polarity as a way of observing formative processes. The issue also considers silica-bearing minerals, clay formation, and plant–soil interfaces. For growers, the theme invites close attention to materials and crop response.
From theme to method. The same issue documents Harald Hoven's making and use of BD 501 (horn silica), including fine quartz preparation, seasonal burial, storage, and spray timing. Growers studying the preparation can record weather, crop stage, soil moisture, and plant response; where practical, treated and untreated rows make observations easier to compare. These records help adapt biodynamic practice to a particular garden or farm.
Human nutrition context. Calcium is an important structural mineral in human bones and teeth. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements calcium fact sheet explains absorption from foods and supplements, including calcium carbonate, and vitamin D's role. Questions about fracture care, osteoporosis, or supplements belong with a qualified healthcare professional. This JPI synopsis is for agricultural learning.
Historical source. Cornelis van Dalen, “Calcium and Silica for Human and Soil Health,” © Cornelis van Dalen 2006. JPI's earlier page title included “May 20, 2016.” This page is an attributed synopsis, not a reproduction of the full essay.
