Applied Biodynamics — Issue 087 (Spring/Summer 2015)

Issue 087 emphasizes qualitative assessment, observation, and practical entry points into biodynamic practice, with a strong focus on composting, farmer perception, and applied field results.

In “Towards a Wholeness of Nature with Composting and Chromatography,” Hunter Francis interviews Bruno Follador regarding farm-scale composting and the use of Ehrenfried Pfeiffer’s round filter chromatography as a qualitative assessment tool. The article details procedures for sampling compost over time, contrasts chromatograms from aerobic humification versus anaerobic putrefaction, and emphasizes repeated observation at multiple stages of compost development. Variables discussed include moisture, oxygen, temperature, feedstock composition, and turning frequency, with chromatography used comparatively rather than diagnostically in isolation.

“Nature’s Life and Flow: The Farmer as Observer,” by Karen Davis-Brown, frames farming practice as a discipline of sustained observation. The article does not introduce new techniques but documents how experienced growers integrate weather data, soil testing, crop response, and lived field knowledge into decision-making, explicitly pairing conventional measurements with long-term qualitative observation.

In “The Light Root (Dioscorea batatas): Human Consciousness and Health,” Barbara Scott presents a reflective and interpretive essay on the light root, drawing on anthroposophical and nutritional perspectives. The article is not procedural and does not provide cultivation protocols; it functions as contextual and conceptual material.

“Beginning Biodynamics for the Backyard Gardener,” by Abigail Porter, provides explicit introductory guidance. It outlines the use of the Pfeiffer Biodynamic Field and Garden Spray and Compost Starter, including dilution rates, application timing (late afternoon or evening), soil moisture constraints, and coverage areas. Handling, storage requirements, and application methods (sprayer, broom, or brush) are specified.

The section “Beginning Biodynamic Kits Now Available” lists kit contents and intended scale of use without adding instructional material beyond what is described in the gardener article.

In “Anecdotes: Pfeiffer Biodynamic Field and Garden Spray,” compiled by Abigail Porter, vineyard and garden trials are reported. A multi-block vineyard comparison documents increases in yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) following cover-crop application of the spray, with untreated blocks serving as controls. A small-scale seed inoculation comparison reports higher germination rates in treated seeds under controlled tray conditions, with rotation to reduce environmental bias. Limitations, including moisture dependence, are explicitly noted.

The JPI Spring Workshop report documents hands-on preparation making, compost remediation exercises, chromatography training, and group comparison of compost samples at different stages of transformation. Observational indicators include odor, moisture, internal temperature, microbial presence under magnification, and chromatographic pattern development over time.

Book reviews address recently published works related to light root nutrition and bees, functioning as evaluative summaries rather than instructional material.

Articles

• Towards a Wholeness of Nature with Composting and  Chromatography (H. Francis interviews Bruno Follador) 
• Nature’s Life and Flow: The Farmer as Observer (K. Davis Brown)  
• The Light Root (Dioscorea batatas): Human Consciousness and Health (B. Scott)  
• Beginning Biodynamics for the Backyard Gardener (A. Porter) 
• New-Beginning Biodynamic Kits  
• Anecdotes: Pfeiffer Biodynamic Field and Garden Spray (A. Porter)  
• JPI Spring Workshop: Making Spring Preparations
• Compost and  Chromatography with Bruno Follador (A. Porter)  
• Book Reviews: The Light Root: Nutrition of the Future, A  Spiritual-Scientific Study by Ralf Roessner and Clemens  Hildebrandt
• A Monk in the Bee Hive: A Short Discourse on  Bees, Monks & Sacred Geometry by Skye Ann Louise Taylor 

Key Topics Covered

• Qualitative compost assessment using Pfeiffer chromatography
• Farm-scale compost management variables and observation
• Farmer observation as an agricultural decision tool
• Introductory biodynamic field and compost spray application
• Dilution rates and timing for garden-scale biodynamics
• Comparative vineyard trials using biodynamic field spray
• Seed inoculation comparison using biodynamic spray
• Hands-on preparation making and compost workshops
• Chromatogram sequencing across compost maturation stages

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 087, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Spring/Summer 2015.