Testing Biodynamic Farming in the Field
Explore field experiments measuring root growth, soil microbial biomass, and carbon in biodynamic farming systems, plus ways growers can compare outcomes on their own farms.
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Biodynamic farming offers practical questions that can be studied in the field. Rudolf Steiner proposed preparations for compost, soil, and crops; growers can observe how those practices relate to root growth, soil life, fertility, and crop quality. Careful farm observation and published experiments can inform one another.
In Washington and Wisconsin field comparisons published by Goldstein, Koepf, and Koopmans in 2019, biodynamic preparation programs were compared with organic treatments in wheat and maize. Depending on crop, year, and application, the authors reported 12–39% greater root dry matter and 10–37% greater root length in the preparation-inclusive treatments. The Washington comparison also measured greater soil microbial biomass and soil organic matter under selected biodynamic conditions.
The Wisconsin experiment included a distinct nettle-and-manure compound field spray alongside the biodynamic program. That treatment measured 4,664 kg C/ha of particulate organic-matter carbon, compared with 4,289 kg C/ha for the organic treatment—about 9% more. The researchers also evaluated a Maria Thun Barrel Compost treatment, which JPI calls Barrel Compound in the United States; the 9% carbon result belongs to the nettle-compound program, not a Barrel Compound-only test.
A separate four-decade Swiss DOK field comparison reported maintained or increased soil carbon and nitrogen stocks under manure-based organic farming, especially the compost-based biodynamic system. That study compares whole farming systems—with differences in manure handling, crop protection, and preparation use—so its soil findings should be read at the system level.
Growers can build on this work by comparing similar treated and untreated areas, recording weather and crop rotation, and following changes in roots, soil organic matter, and harvest quality over time. Considera.org offers a broader collection of biodynamic research and practitioner observations. These questions keep biodynamics connected to measurable farm life and ongoing inquiry.
