Applied Biodynamics — Issue 036 (Spring 2002)
Issue 036 reports affirmative biodynamic observations in turnips, Russet potatoes, silage, soil, livestock, and preparation making, alongside sky and water stewardship resources.
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Applied Biodynamics Issue 036 (Spring 2002) brings together Nick Franceschelli’s interview with biodynamic farmer and Camphill practitioner Hartmut von Jeetze, Dana Pauly’s report from the first nationwide U.S. meeting devoted specifically to preparation making, and reviews of tools for sky observation and water stewardship.
A farmer formed by comparison
Von Jeetze grew up with biodynamics, first stirring BD 500 at about ten years old. He later trained deliberately on an excellent conventional German farm so that his comparisons would rest on competent practice. Across later work in Scotland, New York, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, he describes close observation of cultivation, timing, livestock, soil structure, earthworms, crop vigor, and harvest quality.
Comparable turnip crop with less manure
In Scotland, von Jeetze reports using about 3–3.5 tons of composted manure per acre on his turnip field while a neighboring field received about 10 tons of manure per acre. He says his field produced a comparable turnip crop with good taste and quality.
Potato rows and preparation sequence
In Minnesota, the farm reused its saved Russet seed for a second and third year, while the final row-and-a-half was planted with the same variety bought in town. Von Jeetze describes the saved-seed rows as enormously full and having hardly any Colorado potato beetles, while the purchased-seed rows grew unevenly, became sick, and did not make the grade. He connects the strong farm rows with the biodynamic spray program, including timely use of Equisetum, or BD 508.
Horsetail tea and lime water
Von Jeetze demonstrates the polarity of silica and calcium with one jar of horsetail tea and another of clear lime water, or calcium hydroxide. When he combines about half a cup of each, a strong precipitate appears—an event he describes as “like a thunderstorm.”
Silage, soil, and animal response
He also recalls biodynamic clover-and-grass silage that settled very little, produced no runoff, and fed through spring with high feed and milk quality. Horses preferred the farm’s biodynamic oats to purchased oats. In eastern New York, he associates biodynamic methods and manure with good soil, plentiful earthworms, and resistance to erosion.
First nationwide preparation-making meeting
At least 43 participants from across the United States and Canada gathered in Copake, New York, on February 15–17, 2002, for the first nationwide U.S. meeting devoted specifically to preparation making. They compared samples and discussed preparation quality, material sourcing, farm individuality, research, distribution, education, and regional coordination.
Observation tools and water stewardship
The issue’s reviews of Brian Keats’s Northern Star Calendar, Liesbeth Bisterbosch’s Star and Planet Almanac 2002, and William E. Marks’s The Holy Order of Water support attentive sky observation, rainfall records, time-zone awareness, and care for water and watersheds.
Key Topics Covered
- Hartmut von Jeetze’s biodynamic farm history and whole-farm observations
- Turnip, Russet potato, silage, soil, livestock, and horsetail-tea examples
- The first nationwide U.S. preparation-making meeting and regional coordination
- Preparation quality, sourcing, farm individuality, research, and education
- Sky observation, rainfall records, and water stewardship
Explore Related Resources
- BD 500 Horn Manure and the BD 500 application instructions
- BD 508 Horsetail preparation and the BD 508 overview
- BD 502–507 Compost Preparation Set
- Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture: Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture
Articles
- An Interview with Hartmut von Jeetze (N. Franceschelli)
- Preparation Making Meeting February 15–17, 2002 (D. Pauly)
- Book Review: Northern Star Calendar—Easter 2002–2003 Easter (H. Courtney)
- Book Review: Star and Planet Almanac 2002—Monthly Guide to the Sky at Night (H. Courtney)
- Book Review: The Holy Order of Water—Healing Earth’s Waters and Ourselves (P. Clutts)
Citation
Source: Applied Biodynamics, Issue No. 36, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Bio-Dynamics, Spring 2002.
