Applied Biodynamics — Issue 086 (Fall/Winter 2014–2015)
Comhroinn
Issue 086 is a historical and applied reference issue centered on Ehrenfried Pfeiffer’s role in shaping biodynamic composting and soil practice, combined with practical guidance on preparation use and institutional transition.
In “Ehrenfried Pfeiffer: Enlivening the Soil for Health,” Abigail Porter presents Pfeiffer’s work as applied agricultural practice focused on composting, soil vitality, and preparation use. The article documents Pfeiffer’s development of compound compost starters and field sprays to address variability in farm-made preparations. Observations reported include faster compost maturation, improved soil structure, and practical applicability at municipal and farm scales.
“Ehrenfried Pfeiffer: A Brief Biography,” by Hunter Francis, provides factual context on Pfeiffer’s training, collaboration with Rudolf Steiner, work in Europe and the United States, and his development of qualitative analytical methods such as sensitive crystallization. The article functions as contextual background rather than instruction.
“The City with Golden Garbage,” a reprint from a 1952 issue of Collier’s magazine by A. W. Martinez, reports on an urban composting program using Pfeiffer’s bacterial methods. The article documents processing time, odor control, and agricultural use of finished compost, serving as a historical case study in large-scale organic waste transformation.
In “Steiner on the Use of Human Manure,” Abigail Porter examines Rudolf Steiner’s cautions regarding direct agricultural use of human waste. The article emphasizes the necessity of full compost transformation and situates Pfeiffer’s composting work as relevant to these concerns without proposing new protocols.
A Frequently Asked Questions article addresses practical matters of preparation application, including timing, sequencing, and orchard use, reflecting common practitioner inquiries rather than new instruction.
“Winter Application of Biodynamic Tree Paste,” by Abigail Porter, outlines the use of tree paste during dormancy, including materials, seasonal timing, and observed purposes such as bark protection and wound treatment.
Institutional content includes a Letter from the JPI President and a JPI Update reporting organizational matters, memorial notices for Ruth Zinniker and KK Haspel, and a review of the film Dancing with Thoreau. The issue notes that beginning in 2015, Applied Biodynamics transitions from a quarterly to a biannual publication schedule.
Articles
- Ehrenfried Pfeiffer: Enlivening the Soil for Health (A. Porter) Ehrenfried Pfeiffer: A Brief Biography (H. Francis) Letter from JPI President, JPI Update (P. Frazier)
- The City with Golden Garbage (reprint of article by A.W. Martinez from May 31, 1952 issue of Collier’s magazine)
- Steiner on the Use of Human Manure (A. Porter)
- Frequently Asked Questions: Applying the Preparations Winter Application of Biodynamic Tree Paste (A. Porter) In Memory of Ruth Zinniker and KK Haspel (A. Porter) Review- Dancing with Thoreau, DVD (A. Porter)
- In 2015 Applied Biodynamics transitioned from a shorter quarterly publication to a longer biannual publication.
Key Topics Covered
- Ehrenfried Pfeiffer applied soil and compost work
- Development of compound biodynamic compost starters
- Historical municipal composting using biodynamic methods
- Qualitative soil assessment techniques
- Human manure and compost transformation cautions
- General guidance on preparation application
- Winter use of biodynamic tree paste
- Institutional updates at JPI
- Transition to biannual publication format
Citation
Applied Biodynamics, Issue 086, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Fall/Winter 2014–2015.
