Applied Biodynamics — Issue 009 (Fall 1994)

Issue 009 (Fall 1994) emphasizes evaluative discipline in biodynamic practice. Across interviews, technical essays, and practical notes, the issue repeatedly asks how results are judged, how failures are identified, and how procedures can be compared across farms without relying on belief or authority.

The lead article, “Fall in the Biodynamic Garden” by Hugh Courtney, compiles responses from eleven biodynamic practitioners using a consistent interview framework. Practitioners are asked how preparations are used in fall, how composting is handled, and what observations stood out during the season. The article explicitly states that the material is derived from recorded interviews and presented as observational evidence rather than prescription. Responses describe preparation use in relation to real constraints such as excess moisture, insect pressure, and frost timing. Several growers report that preparations did not eliminate problems when underlying management issues—such as manure handling or soil structure—were unresolved. Others report observable outcomes, including frost resistance following valerian application, improved soil structure after repeated compost use, and changes in weed or insect pressure over multiple seasons. Procedural details are included where available, such as compost quantities, pile construction methods, temperature ranges achieved during composting, and timing of preparation sprays.

“Biodynamic Farming” by Jeff Poppen functions as a concise explanatory handout. The article situates biodynamic practice historically in Rudolf Steiner’s 1924 agriculture lectures and emphasizes that biodynamic preparations are intended to complement, not replace, sound farming fundamentals such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and careful tillage. Preparations are described as small-dose inputs applied to compost and fields to influence soil and plant processes, with outcomes expected to emerge over time rather than immediately.

The article “Compost or Biodynamic Compost?” by Hugh Courtney draws a sharp distinction between conventional composting methods and biodynamic composting aims. Conventional methods are described as optimizing decomposition through aeration, temperature control, and carbon-to-nitrogen balancing, while biodynamic composting is presented as a process intended to build soil vitality rather than merely break down material. The article critiques two assumptions: that adding microbial inoculants alone reliably improves compost, and that chemical additives can substitute for a living compost process. Risks associated with spreading raw or insufficiently composted manure are explicitly identified, including nutrient leaching and increased pest pressure. Biodynamic compost is characterized by the use of the compost preparations to condition organic matter so that it contributes to long-term soil organization rather than short-term nutrient release.

“Further Thoughts on Making BD #500” by Hugh Courtney focuses on post-excavation evaluation rather than preparation ritual. The article provides concrete inspection criteria for judging BD #500 quality, including color, texture, and odor. Acceptable material is described as having an earthy smell and a deep, rich color. Off-color material with acceptable odor is interpreted as indicating insufficient air, with airing recommended as a corrective step. If horns are excavated prematurely and quality is questionable, reburying is suggested, with reports that quality can improve after additional time in the soil. The article also raises the possibility of operator-related variability and proposes a practical test: separating horns by maker or pit to evaluate consistency over time.

Taken together, Issue 009 reinforces biodynamics as a practice grounded in inspection, comparison, and correction. The issue does not claim guaranteed outcomes; instead, it emphasizes identifying failure modes, adjusting methods, and judging results through observable criteria.

Articles

• Fall in the Biodynamic Garden (H. Courtney)
• Biodynamic Farming  (J. Poppen)  
• Further Thoughts on Making BD #500 (H. Courtney)
• Compost or Biodynamic Compost? (H. Courtney) 

Key Topics Covered

• Interview-based comparison of fall biodynamic practices
• Observed frost response following valerian application
• Multi-year soil structure changes linked to compost use
• Compost pile construction and temperature management
• Distinction between decomposition and biodynamic compost conditioning
• Risks of raw manure application
• Practical inspection criteria for BD #500 quality
• Corrective actions for substandard BD #500
• Testing operator variability in preparation making

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 009, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Fall 1994.