Applied Biodynamics — Issue 064 (Spring 2009)

Issue 064 is a conceptual-practical integration issue, combining extended reflection on biodynamic principles with detailed regional practice and cultural interpretation. The issue emphasizes polarity, rhythm, disciplined preparation work, and methods of evaluation, rather than introducing new techniques.

In “Working in the Midst of Polarity: Manfred Klett’s Further Reflections on Biodynamics,” Hunter Francis presents material drawn from lectures given by Dr. Manfred Klett during his 2008 visit to the United States. The article develops Klett’s understanding of biodynamics as work conducted within living polarities—earth and cosmos, substance and force, thinking and willing—rather than as a set of inputs applied to soil.

Klett situates manuring historically and biologically, distinguishing manure-based fertility from fertility delivered in soluble mineral form. He describes composting and preparation use as processes that slow mineralization and support humus formation, thereby stabilizing nitrogen within living soil systems. The article details Klett’s differentiation between forms of humus, the role of soil organisms in humification, and the loss of biological diversity associated with soluble nitrogen inputs.

A substantial portion of the article examines the two foundational preparations, BD 500 and BD 501, as polar complements. Klett explains their material composition, seasonal burial timing, and sphere of action relative to root and aerial plant processes. Stirring is treated as a repeatable human activity with defined duration and directional reversal, emphasizing rhythm and attentiveness rather than mechanical mixing. The article does not claim quantified yield effects; instead, it articulates how polarity and rhythm are intentionally introduced into agricultural processes.

In “Viroqua Biodynamic Group: Preparation Making in Southwestern Wisconsin,” Marcia Halligan and Steven Adams document more than a decade of regional preparation work. The article traces the group’s origins from study groups into organized, recurring preparation making involving BD 500, BD 501, BD 502–507, BD 508, and the Three Kings Preparation. Specific practices are described, including burial timing, collaborative labor, record keeping, and distribution of surplus preparations.

A notable methodological component is the group’s collaboration with a trained chromatographer to produce chromatograms of preparations made in prior seasons. These images are used comparatively to evaluate preparation quality across years, providing a visual assessment tool alongside experiential observation. The article also documents governance structures within the group, including a core planning circle and rotating participation, illustrating how continuity and openness are balanced.

The issue concludes with “Schubert, Brahms and Biodynamics, A New CD,” reviewed by Christy Korrow. The review describes a musical recording by pianist Brigitte Armenier accompanied by an extended interview exploring relationships between musical form, time, and biodynamic agriculture. The review explicitly frames the project as cultural and perceptual, not agronomic. It emphasizes parallels between qualitative time in music and qualitative processes in agriculture, without presenting experimental claims.

Together, the articles present biodynamics as a field requiring conceptual clarity, disciplined group practice, evaluative tools, and cultural reflection, with clear distinctions maintained between method, observation, and interpretation.

Articles

• Working in the Midst of Polarity: Manfred Klett’s Further Reflections on Biodynamics (H. Francis)  
• Viroqua Biodynamic Group: Preparation Making in  Southwestern Wisconsin (M. Halligan, S. Adams)  
• Schubert, Brahms and Biodynamics, A New CD Schubert and  Brahms [performed by] Brigitte Armenier, piano, with text  “Between Music and Biodynamic Agriculture” (C. Korrow)

Key Topics Covered

• Polarity and rhythm as organizing principles in biodynamics
• Historical context of manuring and humus formation
• Differentiation between soluble fertility and living soil processes
• Material and seasonal characteristics of BD 500 and BD 501
• Defined stirring duration and directional reversal
• Regional preparation making over multiple decades
• Collaborative governance of preparation groups
• Chromatography as a comparative evaluation method
• Record keeping and quality assessment of preparations
• Cultural interpretation linking music and agriculture

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 064, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Spring 2009.