Applied Biodynamics — Issue 077 (Summer 2012)

Issue 077 integrates farmer experience, theoretical explanation, and applied observation to examine how biodynamic agriculture functions in practice and how its effects are assessed over time.

In “Keys to Good Farming with Jim Barausky,” Hunter Francis interviews a long-time biodynamic farmer, educator, and consultant whose experience spans commercial farms, educational institutions, and advisory work. Barausky frames “good farming” as a discipline that combines technical competence with civic responsibility and long-term land stewardship. The interview emphasizes experiential learning, observation of soil and plant responses, and the role of BD 500 and BD 501 as foundational tools for soil development and light metabolism. Practical insights include adjusting horn silica use to local light intensity, observing plant form as a diagnostic indicator, and prioritizing direct perception over formulaic calendar use when conditions warrant. The article grounds biodynamic decision-making in continuous feedback from crops, soils, and landscapes.

In “Why Biodynamics Works,” John Bradshaw provides a detailed, systematic explanation of biodynamic agriculture grounded in soil science, plant physiology, and long-term agronomic observation. The article contrasts water-soluble fertilizer systems with humus-based nutrient cycling, explaining how colloidal humus regulates mineral availability in coordination with solar warmth. Bradshaw describes soil biological communities—microbes, fungi, enzymes, and fauna—and their roles in humus formation, nutrient mediation, and soil structure development. The article further outlines rotational grazing, green manuring, minimal-disturbance cultivation, and biodynamic preparations as mutually reinforcing practices. Emphasis is placed on repeatable outcomes: increased soil depth, improved structure, reduced pest pressure, extended crop resilience during drought, and sustained yields with reduced external inputs.

In “Anecdotes and Antidotes – Biodynamics at Work,” Hugh Courtney responds to practitioner questions regarding preparation use, including BD 501 timing, rose quartz as a silica source, and BD 508 application for disease management. Answers are procedural and conditional, stressing correct preparation form, dilution rates, stirring time, application targets, and observed risks when misapplied. Courtney consistently distinguishes between established observations and areas requiring further experimentation, reinforcing caution against premature generalization.

Across all articles, the issue reinforces biodynamics as a practice refined through observation, comparison, repetition, and adjustment, rather than fixed prescription.

Articles

• Keys to Good Farming with Jim Barausky (H. Francis)
• Why Biodynamics Works (J. Bradshaw)  
• Anecdotes and Antidotes – Biodynamics at Work (H. Courtney)  

Key Topics Covered

• Farmer decision-making based on direct field observation
• Soil humus as the regulator of nutrient uptake
• Light metabolism and use of horn silica BD 501
• Role of soil biology in crop resilience
• Rotational grazing and green manures for soil structure
• Procedural guidance for BD 501 and BD 508 application
• Limits and cautions in preparation timing

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 077, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Summer 2012.