Applied Biodynamics — Issue 092 (Fall/Winter 2017)

Issue 092 is a highly practice-centered issue, anchored by extended documentation of compost making as a disciplined, repeatable craft, and supported by applied orchard, seasonal, and educational work.

In “Jack McAndrew, Master Compost Maker,” Abigail Porter profiles Jack McAndrew’s decades-long compost practice, emphasizing compost as a biological process requiring close observation rather than formulaic assembly. The article describes McAndrew’s attention to material sourcing, carbon–nitrogen balance, moisture control, aeration, and pile geometry. Compost quality is evaluated through smell, internal temperature curves, fungal presence, crumb structure, and crop response rather than laboratory metrics alone. The article establishes McAndrew’s work as experiential mastery grounded in repetition and restraint.

“Farmer Jack’s Protocol for Making Compost,” also by Abigail Porter, provides a clear procedural companion to the profile. The protocol specifies material ratios, layering order, preparation insertion, pile dimensions, moisture targets, turning schedules, and seasonal considerations. It outlines failure modes—overheating, anaerobic conditions, nutrient loss—and corrective actions. The protocol is explicitly framed as adaptable to local materials while maintaining core biological principles.

In “‘Inch by Inch, Row by Row,’ Jack McAndrew Speaks About Biodynamics,” K. Moneymaker presents McAndrew’s reflections on biodynamics as a farmer-led discipline. The article emphasizes patience, long-term soil building, and learning through repeated observation rather than ideological adherence. It reinforces compost as the foundation enabling effective use of biodynamic preparations.

“Wild Apples, Hard Cider, and Biodynamic Preparations,” an interview conducted by Mike Biltonen with Eric Shatt, documents biodynamic practice within perennial orchard systems and fermentation. The article discusses preparation use in apple orchards, timing relative to bloom and fruit set, and observed impacts on fruit quality and fermentation behavior. Cider quality is linked to orchard vitality rather than processing intervention.

“Fall and Winter Biodynamic Practices,” by Abigail Porter, provides seasonal guidance focused on inward agricultural activity. The article details compost care, preparation storage, restraint in soil disturbance, and appropriate timing for BD 500, tree paste, and structural maintenance during dormancy. Observational indicators include soil moisture, aggregation, and biological activity despite reduced surface growth.

In “New Pruning Practices on the Western Slope,” M. Maruca documents adaptations in pruning technique responding to climate, altitude, and disease pressure. The article emphasizes timing, cut placement, and long-term tree balance rather than immediate yield outcomes.

“Viva La Vida Foundation: Biodynamic Education at the Foot of Lamborn Mountain,” by M. Maruca, profiles an educational initiative integrating biodynamic practice with community learning. The article describes hands-on teaching through compost making, preparation work, and field observation.

The issue includes reports on JPI hosting World Biodynamic Farming Day, institutional news, board participation in the Fellowship of Preparation Makers Conference in Canada, farm infrastructure improvements, leadership transitions, and memorial reflections In Memory of Dr. Basil Williams (1939–2017).

A book review of Cosmos, Earth and Nutrition: The Biodynamic Approach to Agriculture by Richard Thornton Smith evaluates the text’s treatment of nutrition and cosmological context without extending beyond its scope. The issue concludes with an announcement of the JPI Annual Fall Workshop with Wali Via.

Articles

• Jack McAndrew, Master Compost Maker (A. Porter)  Farmer Jack’s Protocol for Making Compost (A. Porter)  “Inch by Inch, Row by Row” Jack McAndrew Speaks About  Biodynamics (K. Moneymaker)  
• Wild Apples, Hard Cider, and Biodynamic Preparations: Mike  Biltonen Interviews Eric Shatt (M. Biltonen)  
• Fall and Winter Biodynamic Practices (A. Porter) 
• New Pruning Practices on the Western Slope (M. Maruca)  Viva La Vida Foundation: Biodynamic Education at the Foot of  Lamborn Mountain (M.Maruca)  
• JPI Hosts World Farming Day (P. Frazier)  
• In Memory of Dr. Basil Williams (1939-2017)  
• JPI News (P. Frazier)  
• Board Members Attend Fellowship of Preparation Makers  Conference in Canada  
• Farm Improvements  
• Congratulations and Farewell to Cynthia Bowman 
• Welcome to Our Newest Board Member  
• Cosmos, Earth and Nutrition: The Biodynamic Approach to  Agriculture by Richard Thornton Smith (M.Biltonen) JPI  Annual Fall Workshop with Wali Via  

Key Topics Covered

• Biodynamic compost as a managed biological process
• Step-by-step compost construction and monitoring protocol
• Evaluation of compost quality through observation
• Long-term soil building through repeated compost use
• Biodynamic orchard management and fermentation
• Seasonal fall and winter preparation practices
• Adaptive pruning techniques under changing conditions
• Biodynamic education through hands-on instruction
• Institutional activity and preparation maker coordination

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 092, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Fall/Winter 2017.