A Brief Introduction to Biodynamic Preparations
Since 1985, JPI has been a national producer and distributor of biodynamic preparations as first taught by Dr. Rudolf Steiner in his 1924 Agriculture Course on biodynamic agriculture. Biodynamic agriculture, the oldest sustainable agricultural movement in the world, was formally established in 1928 with the launching of Demeter, the first international certification program for sustainable agriculture.
In biodynamic agriculture, preparations are of significant importance because they are “bio (life) – dynamic (energizing)” formulations. They carry the enlivening forces that work dynamically within the soil, compost, and plants, to ultimately provide us with healthier foods, healthier bodies, and a healthier planet.
Working in harmony with lunar, solar, and cosmic rhythms, the nine biodynamic preparations are made from fermented herbs, minerals, and cow manures. Three are used as field sprays, and the other six are used for compost preparation. Because they are utilized in minute doses like homeopathic remedies for humans, biodynamic preparations are also viewed as healing remedies for the earth.
Biodynamic preparations sit at the heart of biodynamic agriculture. They are also at the center of JPI’s mission and are how we work to heal the earth and restore the health of our soil against negative environmental influences.
Field Spray Preparations
BD #500 – Horn Manure (Cow horns with fresh cow dung)
Promotes the proliferative growth phase of plants through increased root activity, increased soil life through beneficial bacterial growth, and regulation of lime and nitrogen balance in the soil. Helps in the release of trace elements. Stimulates germination of seeds.
BD #501 – Horn Silica (Cow horns with quartz silica)
Enhances light metabolism. Stimulates photosynthesis and formation of chlorophyll. Influences color, aroma, and flavor of crops.
BD #508 – Horsetail Herb (Equisetum arvense)
Serves as a preventative to lessen the effects when conditions are conducive to fungus problems. Complements BD #501 and works well in conjunction with BD #505 to increase resistance to disease, pests, and pathogenic fungi.
Compost Preparations
Compost preparations function together in the compost pile as change agents. In the composting process of the constituents in the pile, these preparations produce a compost that is uniquely sensitive to the needs of the plants on that particular farm, consistent with the farm’s individuality. In this regard, their actions in the pile are very similar to the actions of homeopathic remedies seeking to bring balance to the whole organism.
BD #502 – Yarrow (Flowers of Achillea millefolium)
Initiates life processes in the compost pile utilizing the forces of sulfur and potassium. Assists plants to uptake trace elements in extremely dilute quantities for nutrition supportive to proliferative growth.
BD #503 – German Chamomile (Flowers of Matricaria chamomilla)
Stabilizes nitrogen in the compost pile such that it is available to plants for their continued growth through the interaction of calcium and potassium processes.
BD #504 – Stinging Nettle (Stem and leaves of Urtica dioica)
Organizes circulatory life in the plant through the processes of potassium, calcium, and iron. Provides intelligence to the plant to seek the individual components of nutrition needed for optimal health.
BD #505 – Oak Bark (Bark of Quercus alba)
Provides healing forces to combat disease through a living form of calcium in the bark.
BD #506 – Dandelion (Flowers of Taraxacum officinale)
Stimulates the relationship between silica and potassium so that silica can attract cosmic forces to the soil.
BD #507 – Valerian (Flowers of Valeriana officinalis)
Provides the warmth of phosphorus to the compost pile, engendering life of the pile and proper utilization of phosphorus by the soil. Utilized independently in an atmospheric spray form as a frost protectant.
In alignment with our Guiding Service Principles, JPI strives to produce preparations made from plants that we grow, or that are wild-crafted, chemical-free, or organic. All our preparations are made from the highest-quality natural materials available and are intended for agricultural use. Follow the preparation-specific instructions and safety information; preparations are not food and are not intended for human or animal consumption.
Continue with JPI resources
Shop current biodynamic preparations, review the preparation instructions hub, or explore the current biodynamic calendars.
Key preparations: BD 500, BD 501, BD 502–507 complete set, Barrel Compound, Pfeiffer Compost Starter, and Pfeiffer Field and Garden Spray.