Applied Biodynamics — Issue 095 (Spring/Summer 2019)
शेयर करना
Issue 095 addresses agricultural transition and climatic stress through case studies, surveys, and applied tools, with an emphasis on observation, adaptive management, and system resilience rather than idealized outcomes.
In “Rose Hill’s Transition from Conventional to Biodynamic Orchards: A Work in Progress,” Mike Biltonen documents an orchard undergoing conversion from conventional management to biodynamic practice. The article reports increased disease pressure and physiological stress during early transition stages, linking these responses to legacy effects of prior chemical inputs. Preparation use, compost application, and orchard hygiene are described as part of a longer-term rehabilitation process rather than immediate remedies. The article functions as a case study in transition dynamics and limits.
“Biodynamic Tools for Weather Extremes,” by Abigail Porter, outlines practical responses to drought, excess moisture, heat, and erratic weather patterns. The article describes increased frequency and situational timing of preparations, including horn silica, horsetail, valerian, tree paste, and sequential spray approaches. Observational indicators cited include plant posture, fungal incidence, leaf texture, and recovery following stress events.
In “A Biodynamic Farm’s Response to Climate Change,” Stefan Hagopian reports on farm design strategies emphasizing biodiversity, closed nutrient cycles, and reduced external inputs. The article frames climate change as a stress multiplier, noting that diversified biodynamic farms exhibit greater adaptive capacity than simplified systems. Observations focus on moisture retention, pest balance, and continuity of production under variable conditions.
“Climate Change on Biodynamic Farms: Survey Responses” presents summarized responses from biodynamic growers across scales, from backyard gardens to commercial farms. Reported observations include shifts in planting dates, increased preparation use, changes in pest pressure, and greater reliance on soil organic matter for buffering extremes. The article is descriptive and evaluative rather than prescriptive.
In “Permadynamics: JPI’s Marriage of Permaculture and Biodynamics,” Pat Frazier describes how JPI integrates permaculture design principles—such as water flow, spatial layout, and energy efficiency—with biodynamic preparation work and seasonal rhythms. The article clarifies points of overlap and distinction, presenting permadynamics as a design framework supporting biodynamic practice rather than replacing it.
The issue includes “Honoring Pierre Masson,” recognizing Masson’s contributions to biodynamic practice and education, particularly in viticulture and preparation research, without introducing new technical material.
A book review of The Seed Underground by Mary Maruca evaluates the book’s relevance to seed sovereignty and underground seed networks.
In “Humans and Seeds,” L. A. Rotheraine reflects on the relationship between human attention, seed handling, and seed vitality. The article is reflective and does not present experimental protocols.
Articles
- Rose Hill's Transition from Conventional to Biodynamic Orchards: A Work in Progress (M. Biltonen)
- Biodynamic Tools for Weather Extremes (A. Porter) A Biodynamic Farm's Response to Climate Change (S. Hagopian) Climate Change on Biodynamic Farms: Survey Responses Permadynamics: JPI's Marriage of Permaculture and Biodynamics (P. Frazier)
- Honoring Pierre Masson; The Seed Underground Book Review (M. Maruca)
- Humans and Seeds (L.A. Rotheraine)
Key Topics Covered
- Conventional orchard transition challenges
- Legacy effects in perennial systems
- Preparation use under weather extremes
- Adaptive responses to climate variability
- Surveyed observations from biodynamic farms
- Biodiversity and closed-loop farm design
- Integration of permaculture and biodynamics
- Seed sovereignty and seed handling awareness
Citation
Applied Biodynamics, Issue 095, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Spring/Summer 2019.
