Applied Biodynamics — Issue 046 (Fall 2004)
Issue 046 (Fall 2004) presents Pfeiffer on living soil and stable humus with practical Tree Paste, prepared-water, fermented BD 508, and transplant root-dip methods.
Published by The Josephine Porter Institute Download PDF ↗
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Applied Biodynamics Issue 046 (Fall 2004) brings together Ehrenfried Pfeiffer on living soil and stable humus with practical methods for biodynamic Tree Paste, prepared water, fermented BD 508 Horsetail tea, and transplant root dip.
Bio-Dynamics: A Short, Practical Introduction
Pfeiffer presents biodynamics as a practical way to restore organic matter, build stable humus, and bring mineral nutrients into the life of a balanced soil. The goal is a deep, crumbly, friable, well-aerated soil in which roots, microorganisms, water, air, and nutrients work together.
His program begins with properly treated manure and compost, the return of farm organic matter, crop rotations and cover crops, green manures and mulches, careful cultivation, drainage, and the biodynamic preparations. He describes treated compost as more effective in smaller quantities, with savings in material, time, and fuel, and he identifies humus building as the foundation for increasing soil reserves.
Results Pfeiffer reports from long-term practice
Drawing on thirty years of biodynamic work, Pfeiffer reports high quality and quantity, less spread of economically damaging pests on biodynamic farms, and the restoration of biological balance through humus building. His approach supports greater farm self-sufficiency once major deficiencies are corrected and organic-matter reserves are rebuilt.
The issue also includes a historical passage attributed to Justus von Liebig that emphasizes the power of living soil to attract, hold, and provide what plants need. Together, the articles place soil life and humus at the center of durable fertility.
A Healing and Protective Treatment: Biodynamic Tree Paste
Pfeiffer gives an adaptable foundation of approximately one-third sticky clay, one-third cow manure, and one-third fine sand, with enough water to make a paste that adheres to bark. He notes that BD 500, powdered nettle, seaweed, whey, diatomaceous earth, lime, and other locally appropriate materials can be selected for the tree and place.
Hugh J. Courtney gives a simplified formula for beginners:
- Five pounds of bentonite clay
- Two to two-and-a-half gallons of dechlorinated water
- One-half gallon of fermented BD 508 Horsetail tea
- Two units of Pfeiffer Field & Garden Spray
- A five- or six-gallon lidded bucket and a drill-mounted mixer
Begin with the water and add bentonite gradually while mixing. After about half the clay has been incorporated, add the Field and Garden Spray and fermented BD 508, then add the remaining clay until the mixture reaches a paste consistency. Let it rest, remix, and adjust with water as needed. Three units of Barrel Compound and three units of BD 500 may be used in place of the two Field and Garden Spray units.
Clean loose material from the bark, then brush the paste onto the trunk and large limbs. For spray use, dilute it further and strain it for the equipment. Up to one-quarter cup of castor oil or linseed oil may be added as a binder. Current ready-made application guidance is available in the JPI Tree Paste instructions.
Prepared water
The issue prefers fresh spring water. Underground water is exposed to sun and starlight for at least 24 hours before use, while turbid or chlorinated water is given 48 hours. Pond water is used only when it is fresh rather than stagnant. Stainless steel or a ceramic crock is preferred for preparation; plastic is a last resort, and aluminum is not used.
Fermented BD 508 Horsetail tea
One unit of shredded horsetail is about 1.5 ounces by weight or roughly 8–10 ounces by volume, depending on how finely it is cut. Bring it to a boil in one gallon of water, then simmer for one full hour in stainless steel or porcelain. After cooling, transfer the herb and liquid to a crock or glass vessel with a loose lid and keep it in a cool, dark place for 10–14 days.
The characteristic fermented aroma signals the completed process. Strain the tea into a glass jug and store it cool and dark. The issue states that the concentrate keeps for six months or longer without losing effectiveness, and the remaining herb can help begin the next batch.
Root dip for transplanting
The root dip is approximately 80% clay and 20% cow manure, thinned to a fluid consistency that coats the roots, with BD 500 added. Courtney also offers a convenient variation: dilute the simplified Tree Paste with water or molasses until it becomes a slurry. The coating brings clay, manure, and the biodynamic preparation into immediate contact with transplant roots.
Key topics in Issue 046
- Living soil, stable humus, mineral nutrition, crop rotation, green manure, mulching, and careful cultivation
- Pfeiffer on quality, productivity, pest balance, and farm self-sufficiency after long-term biodynamic soil building
- Pfeiffer Tree Paste and Courtney simplified bentonite formula for brush or spray use
- Prepared water and the complete fermented BD 508 method
- The clay, cow-manure, and BD 500 transplant root dip
Explore related resources
- Biodynamic Tree Paste
- Tree Paste Instructions
- Pfeiffer Field & Garden Spray
- BD 508 Horsetail Preparation
- BD 500 Horn Manure
Articles
- Bio-Dynamics: A Short, Practical Introduction — E. E. Pfeiffer
- Father of N-P-K Theory Sees the Light
- A Healing and Protective Treatment: The Biodynamic Tree Paste — E. E. Pfeiffer
- Biodynamic Tree Paste: A Simplified Recipe for Beginners — H. J. Courtney
- Root Dip for Transplanting
Citation
Source: Applied Biodynamics, Issue No. 46, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Bio-Dynamics, Fall 2004.
