Applied Biodynamics — Issue 094 (Fall–Winter 2018)
Roinn
Applied Biodynamics Issue 094 (Fall–Winter 2018) centers on seed saving as a critical ecological, agricultural, and spiritual act, presenting biodynamic seed work as a response to genetic erosion, climate instability, and industrial dependency.
The issue opens with a multi-perspectival study on seed security and vitality, drawing on the lived experience of Harald Hoven, Beth and Nathan Corymb, and Steven Adams. These contributions emphasize locally adapted seed lines, epigenetic inheritance, and repeated biodynamic preparation use—particularly BD 501 (Horn Silica)—during flowering, seed formation, and ripening phases. Contrasting but carefully reasoned calendrical approaches (moon phases versus sidereal constellations) are presented without synthesis, reinforcing Rudolf Steiner’s directive that biodynamics must remain observational and experiential rather than dogmatic.
A complementary technical essay documents practical seed-saving methods, detailing varietal selection, population size requirements for genetic stability, and preparation-supported harvesting strategies. Particular attention is given to the dangers of inbreeding depression and the loss of resilience when seeds are saved from insufficient plant populations.
The issue includes a protocol-level treatment of tomato seed fermentation using Valerian (BD 507), presenting a precise, repeatable method attributed to L.A. Rotheraine. This section provides timing, proportions, fermentation indicators, and drying conditions, explicitly linking biodynamic preparation use to long-term seed viability exceeding two decades.
A substantial memorial essay honors Peter Proctor (1928–2018), documenting his global role in biodynamic education, preparation advocacy, and soil regeneration—particularly in India and the Southern Hemisphere. The essay situates Proctor as a practical synthesizer of Steiner’s Agriculture Course, emphasizing frequent preparation use under changing climatic conditions.
The issue concludes with seed-saver resource documentation, institutional news from the Josephine Porter Institute, and a scholarly book review examining pictorial crystallization research comparing organic and non-organic foods, reinforcing the biodynamic claim that food quality cannot be reduced to chemical composition alone.
Articles
- Saving Seeds for Security and Vitality: Three Perspectives from Harald Hoven, Beth and Nathan Corymb, and Steven Adams (A. Porter)
- How I Came to Save Seeds and the Tools I Use (M. House); Increasing Tomato Seed Viability with Valerian (BD 507): L.A. Rotheraine's Approach
- In Memory of Peter Proctor: August 28, 1928- June 8, 2018 One Man, One Cow, One Planet (M. Maruca)
- Seed Savers Resources
- What's New at JPI? Look... (P. Frazier)
- The Invisible Power Within Foods: A Comparison of Organic and Nonorganic by A.A. Danzer Reviewed by Mary Maruca
Key Topics Covered
- Biodynamic seed sovereignty and genetic resilience
- Moon-phase versus_toggle calendrical planting methodologies
- Horn Silica (BD 501) in seed ripening and vitality
- Valerian-assisted tomato seed fermentation protocol
- Climate adaptation through bioregional seed lines
- Legacy and methodology of Peter Proctor
- Institutional seed-saving networks and resources
Citation Source
Applied Biodynamics, Issue No. 94, Fall 2018 / Winter 2019.
Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics.
