Applied Biodynamics — Issue 059 (Winter 2007–2008)

Issue 059 is a structural and educational issue, integrating geometric reflection, clarified product definition, field-scale observation, community participation, and memorial documentation. The issue emphasizes understanding form, process, and responsibility rather than introducing new preparations.

The lead article, “Vortex Forms and Midwinter Spirals,” by John Blackwood, is a conceptual exploration of the vortex as a geometric and cosmological form relevant to biodynamic stirring. The article distinguishes between planar spirals and point-based spirals, arguing that the true vortex arises through the interaction of plane and point in three-dimensional space. Using geometric diagrams and references to natural forms—water vortices, shells, tornadoes—the article frames the vortex as a mediating form between earth-centered forces and cosmic planes. The discussion is explicitly contemplative and educational; no agricultural performance claims are made. The article situates midwinter spiral imagery as a symbolic representation of inward contraction followed by outward renewal, aligning human ritual, geometry, and seasonal processes.

“Pfeiffer BD Field and Garden Spray – A New Name for the Pfeiffer BD Field Spray” formally announces a nomenclature clarification rather than a formulation change. The article documents the expanded recognition that the spray is used not only on farms but also in gardens, landscaping, sheet composting, seed soaking, and foliar applications. The composition is specified as containing BD 500 and compost preparations BD 502–507. Functional roles are described: stimulation of soil microbial activity, acceleration of organic matter breakdown without nitrogen tie-up, and support of flowering and fruit set when used foliarly. The article explicitly notes that suggested application rates vary by scale and that users should consult JPI guidance, reinforcing controlled use rather than generalized claims.

In “Meditative Thoughts for a Beef Animal Before Slaughter for Meat and Biodynamic Preparations,” Nancy Jewel Poer offers a reflective text addressing human responsibility in animal slaughter for food and preparation making. The piece is intentionally non-instructional, framing slaughter as a moral encounter rather than a technical process. It references the use of animal organs for BD 502–506 and frames preparation making as a collaborative act between human consciousness and animal substance. No empirical claims are made.

“Goodbye Quackgrass,” by Christy Korrow, provides a detailed seasonal case report from a Michigan farm confronting severe quackgrass infestation. The farmer applied the Pfeiffer BD Field and Garden Spray to half of a long-managed organic garden, followed by disk cultivation, fallow periods, and successive cover crops (rye, then Japanese millet). Application details are provided, including stirring duration, hand application due to sprayer clogging, and follow-up treatments. Observed outcomes include markedly increased soil friability, darker soil color, deeper root penetration, reduced weed pressure, and superior soil quality compared to untreated plots that had been organically managed for fifteen years. Subsequent integration of BD 500 and BD 501 is reported. The article clearly attributes success to combined management—spray use plus crop rotation—rather than to the spray alone.

“Evergreen Elm: Achieving Success with the Help of the Pfeiffer BD Field and Garden Spray” documents competitive results from a biodynamic gardening group at a county fair. The report attributes success to disciplined teamwork, chemical-free management, and consistent use of the Field and Garden Spray. The article presents awards as qualitative indicators of produce quality rather than controlled experimental proof.

“Gena Nonini Initiates University Course in Biodynamics,” by Hunter Francis, reports on the launch of a continuing education course at a major agricultural university. The article specifies course content, including history, farm organism concepts, calendar use, and hands-on preparation making (BD 500 and Barrel Compound Preparation), with advanced coursework planned for BD 501 and compost preparations. The report emphasizes academic context, participant diversity, and practical instruction.

Community engagement is further documented in “Michaelmas Gathering at JPI Introduces Scouts to Biodynamics” and “JPI Open House – August 25, 2007.” These reports describe youth participation in horn filling for BD 500, educational displays, preparation-making demonstrations, and public outreach. Activities are presented as educational exposure rather than agricultural instruction.

The issue concludes with “In Memoriam: Peter Dukich (1915–2007)” by Hunter Francis, a biographical account of a long-time educator and advocate for biodynamics and anthroposophy, followed by “A Note of Thanks,” a reader letter describing perceived improvements in tree vitality after biodynamic intervention. The letter is presented as anecdotal testimony, not evidence.

Overall, Issue 059 reinforces biodynamics as a practice requiring conceptual understanding, careful application, and communal transmission, while maintaining clear boundaries between observation, reflection, and proof.

Articles

• Vortex Forms and Midwinter Spirals (J. Blackwood) 
• Pfeiffer BD Field and Garden Spray – A New Name for the Pfeiffer BD Field Spray  
• Meditative Thoughts for a Beef Animal Before Slaughter for  Meat and Biodynamic Preparations (N. Poer)  
• Goodbye Quackgrass (C. Korrow)  
• Evergreen Elm: Achieving Success with the Help of the Pfeiffer BD  Field and Garden Spray  
• Gena Nonini Initiates University Course in Biodynamics (H. Francis) 
• Michaelmas Gathering at JPI Introduces Scouts to Biodynamics JPI  Open House – August 25, 2007  
• In Memoriam: Peter Dukich (1915–2007) (H. Francis)
• A Note of  Thanks (M. Maruca) 

Key Topics Covered

• Geometric analysis of vortex and spiral forms
• Midwinter symbolism and inward–outward seasonal movement
• Clarification of Pfeiffer BD Field and Garden Spray naming
• Specified composition and functional roles of the Field and Garden Spray
• Ethical reflection on animal slaughter and preparation making
• Integrated weed suppression using spray and crop rotation
• Observed soil structural improvement following treatment
• Qualitative indicators of produce quality in competitive settings
• University-level biodynamic education and curriculum design
• Youth participation in preparation making
• Public outreach through farm open houses
• Memorial documentation of biodynamic educators
• Distinction between anecdotal testimony and evidence

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 059, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Winter 2007–2008.