Biodynamic Preparations 502–507 | Instructions for Use in Compost Piles
One complete set treats up to 15 tons of compost (21 feet by 6 feet, with sloping sides). Use the full amount on smaller piles also.
Application:
- If the pile is dry, moisten it before applying preps. In a dry pile, or in one so web as to exclude air, these preparations cannot function to their best effectiveness.
- Make 6 holes with a crowbar scattered evenly over the pile, deep enough so that a preparation dropped to the bottom will be about halfway down the pile.
- Empty the little envelopes of 502 to 506 into your hand, one at a time, and drop each into its hole.
- Empty the 507 liquid into a gallon of lukewarm water (preferably rainwater, but at least not water containing chemicals), and stir vigorously for 10 minutes, first in one direction, then in the other, alternating rhythmically every few seconds.
- Divide the gallon in half. Pour one half into the sixth hole.
- Fill up all the holes with old compost or good soil, or ram them shut so that no air pocket is left around the preparations.
- Using a clean sprayer, free from chemical residues, spray the other half gallon of 507 liquid over the whole pile in a fine mist.
If you cannot use your complete set right away: store in a cool, damp, dark place (but not the refrigerator), and away from electrical circuits and machinery. They should not be completely shut away from air, yet with drying they deteriorate.
Tips:
- The 502 to 507 will give maximum effect if used promptly on raw, fresh manure or newly piled compost. It is even better to lay them on a half-finished pile to begin getting their effect sooner, provided there is ample material to cover them well at once and avoid any danger of drying.
- Monitor your pile's temperature, digging into the sides occasionally. Moisture conditions are very important for moderating temperature. A temperature of about 120° F is best; over 150° F is harmful. Gray mold indicates too much heat and resulting dryness. For this, spray the hose into the holes for a while. Close the holes after a few days.
- For too much moisture, make crowbar holes all over the pile. This lets in air and dries it out.
- A pile that has gotten thoroughly dry must be remade. Turn it over, wetting it thoroughly as it is turned. A pile in proper condition from the start should not need turning.
- Earthworms are a sign of good progress, but they disappear when decay is complete, leaving their capsules behind.
- A second pile on the same foundation will generally do better than the first and have even more earthworms.
With either manure or compost, there are 3 stages of fermentation toward humus:
- The original smell disappears, and the material takes on a woodsy odor. This may take only a few days.
- The color becomes uniform dark brown.
- The original texture disappears, and it looks like a rich soil.
If it is necessary to use the compost before stage three, do not plow under but mix it with topsoil so air still has access to it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are biodynamic preparations 502-507?
Biodynamic preparations 502-507 are specific natural substances used in biodynamic farming to enhance the quality of compost, which in turn improves soil health and plant growth.
How do I apply biodynamic preparations 502-507 to my compost pile?
To apply biodynamic preparations 502-507, you should follow specific instructions for each preparation, typically involving small quantities that are strategically placed within the compost pile to activate and enhance its decomposition process.
Can biodynamic preparations 502-507 be used in any compost pile?
Yes, biodynamic preparations 502-507 can be used in any compost pile, regardless of its size or the materials used, as they are designed to work with natural decomposition processes.
What benefits do biodynamic preparations 502-507 offer to compost piles?
Biodynamic preparations 502-507 offer several benefits, including improved decomposition, enhanced microbial activity, and increased nutrient availability, leading to healthier soil and more robust plant growth.