Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Biodynamics?
Biodynamics is a whole-farm approach that treats soil, plants, animals, compost, people, and the wider landscape as an interconnected living system.
JPI preparations are made from natural agricultural materials and are not formulated with synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Growers use the nine core preparations (BD 500–508) together with composting, biodiversity, observation, and careful timing to support soil vitality, balanced plant growth, and resilient farm ecosystems.
JPI preparations are generally safe when stored, mixed, and applied according to the current instructions. They are agricultural inputs, not food, and are not intended for human or animal consumption.
Does biodynamics improve compost quality?
Biodynamic composting combines the compost preparations with attention to materials, moisture, aeration, and the development of the pile. JPI offers Pfeiffer™ Compost Starter and the separate BD 502–507 preparations for different composting methods. Follow the current JPI preparation instructions and observe the pile’s temperature, smell, texture, and maturity.
Do biodynamic foods and wines taste better—or offer health advantages?
Biodynamic farmers and winemakers deliberately cultivate flavor, aroma, balance, and crop quality through living soil, compost, biodiversity, and careful timing. JPI preparations support that whole-farm practice. Results reflect the crop, site, season, and management; JPI preparations are agricultural inputs, not medical products.
Why is biodynamics regarded as especially sustainable?
Biodynamic farming emphasizes on-farm composting, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, soil cover, and care for the farm as a living whole. These practices aim to build fertility and reduce dependence on outside inputs. Their results depend on the conditions and management of each farm.
How is biodynamic farming different from certified organic?
Whole‑farm certification, mandatory biodiversity reserves, prohibition of hydroponics, and routine use of BD 500‑508 distinguish Demeter biodynamics from USDA organic rules.
- Whole-farm certification. Crops, livestock and perimeter are treated as one organism rather than certified plot by plot.
- No hydroponics. Living soil is non-negotiable.
- Regular use of biodynamic preparations, biodynamic compost & natural calendars.
- Biodiversity requirement. At least 10 % of the acreage must be set aside as ecological reserve.
- Livestock integration. Fertility should arise primarily from animals kept on the holding
Why choose biodynamics over ordinary organic or regenerative methods?
Biodynamics gives growers a complete, practical system for strengthening the farm as a living whole. It combines strong organic and regenerative practices with nine biodynamic preparations, composting, biodiversity, whole-farm planning, careful observation, and purposeful timing.
I grow cut flowers. Should I choose biodynamics?
Biodynamic compost, living-soil care, and preparation-specific sprays offer cut-flower growers a practical approach to caring for their beds. Start with the current JPI preparation instructions, then record stem counts, stem length, flower quality, and vase life in comparable beds as your practice develops.
Do biodynamic preparations comply with USDA Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified™ programs?
JPI preparations are made from natural agricultural materials and are widely used on organic and regenerative farms. Certified operations should list each planned preparation in their organic system plan and obtain approval from their certifying agent before use. JPI can provide current ingredient information and supporting documentation through the Product Information page.
Who is using biodynamic preparations?
Backyard gardeners, market growers, compost makers, ranchers, orchardists, vintners, and grain farmers use biodynamic preparations. JPI supplies preparations and practical guidance for farms and gardens of different sizes.
Biodynamic Preparations
What is the difference between using Pfeiffer™ Compost Starter and the six individual compost preparations?
Pfeiffer™ Compost Starter is a prepared blend used through the compost materials according to its activation and application directions. The BD 502–507 set lets you apply the six compost preparations separately, using the placement and stirring method specified for each. Choose the approach that suits your compost setup and follow the current JPI preparation instructions.
Can the preparations be mixed together?
Apply each prep individually the first season. Later—if time is tight—earth-type sprays such as Barrel Compound (BC) and BD 500 may be stirred together for the last 20 minutes and applied at dusk. Most practitioners apply 501 and 508 separately. If you choose to blend any preparations, trial a small area first. Keep records and take before/after photographs so you can track your research and share what you learn.
Are the preparations safe for vegetables?
Yes. JPI preparations are generally safe for vegetable gardens when stored, mixed, and applied according to the current product instructions. They are made from natural agricultural materials and are not formulated with synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Follow the preparation-specific mixing, application, and harvest guidance, and wash produce normally before eating. The preparations themselves are agricultural inputs and should not be consumed.
Are the preparations vegetarian?
Some JPI preparations contain manure or other animal-derived materials, and traditional preparation-making may use animal sheaths. Ingredients and preparation methods differ by product. Review JPI’s product information or contact us before ordering if you avoid animal materials.
How should I use the sprays safely around children and pets?
JPI preparations are made from natural agricultural materials and are not formulated with synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Use them as directed: store them securely, avoid ingestion and eye contact, wash hands after handling, and keep children and pets away from mixing and freshly treated foliage until it is dry. The preparations are agricultural inputs, not food. If accidental ingestion or significant exposure occurs, seek appropriate medical or veterinary advice.
How can I tell if the preparations are working?
Keep dated observations of soil structure, root development, earthworm activity, residue breakdown, and crop quality. Photographs and comparable treated and untreated areas can help you follow changes over time. Soil tests can add information about nutrients, organic matter, or biological activity; interpret those results alongside weather, compost use, and other management changes.
How should I store the preparations between uses?
Storage depends on the preparation. Keep BD 500, BD 502–506, and Barrel Compound separately in labeled, peat-insulated vessels in a cool, dark place. Keep BD 501 completely dry; it has different storage needs from the manure and compost preparations. BD 507 and dry or fermented BD 508 also need their own storage conditions. Follow JPI’s preparation-specific storage guide for containers, moisture, temperature, and storage life.
What are preparations BD 500–508 and what do they do?
BD 500 (horn manure) is applied to soil; BD 501 (horn silica) is applied as a fine foliar spray. BD 502 yarrow, BD 503 chamomile, BD 504 stinging nettle, BD 505 oak bark, BD 506 dandelion, and BD 507 valerian are the six compost preparations. BD 508 uses Equisetum arvense (horsetail): fresh tea is applied to foliage, and fermented tea is applied to soil. Follow the current JPI instructions for the exact amount, stirring time, timing, and application method.
The Science
Is biodynamics backed by science?
Yes. Long-term field trials and peer-reviewed studies have examined biodynamic farming’s effects on soil biology, organic matter, nutrient cycling, crop quality, biodiversity, and whole-farm resilience. JPI shares study-specific findings through its Research page and Applied Biodynamics archive so readers can review the methods and results directly.
What do recent peer-reviewed studies say about Horn Manure (BD 500) and Horn Silica (BD 501)?
Recent field and laboratory studies have examined BD 500 and BD 501 in vineyards, field crops, and soil systems, including their relationships with root growth, soil microbial communities, crop quality, and soil structure. Visit JPI’s Research page and Applied Biodynamics archive for study-specific citations and findings.
What scientific contribution did Alex Podolinsky make?
Alex Podolinsky adapted biodynamic preparation-making and application for broad-acre dryland agriculture. His work emphasized high-quality BD 500, precise stirring, timely application, close field observation, and the practical regeneration of soil structure on working farms.
How did Pfeiffer’s data challenge the N-P-K mindset?
Pfeiffer tracked nutrient inputs and found that biodynamic plots fertilized with less total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium produced equal or superior yields and quality.
He concluded that “living humus, not sheer tonnage of soluble N-P-K, governs plant nutrition.” His compost assays measured robust microbial respiration and stable, crumbly structure absent in purely chemical treatment.
Why focus on microbes instead of just N-P-K numbers?
N-P-K measures three major plant nutrients, but fertile soil is also a living biological system. Bacteria, fungi, roots, organic matter, air, and water work together to cycle nutrients and build soil structure. Biodynamic preparations complement sound nutrient management by supporting active compost and living soil processes.
What is NPK?
N-P-K stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three primary nutrients listed on fertilizer labels. Healthy plants also depend on trace minerals, living organic matter, balanced pH, water, air, and an active soil food web.
Where can I read the research for myself?
Considera.org – searchable database of biodynamic field trials and journal papers.
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, OENO One, and Scientific Reports – regular peer-reviewed articles on biodynamic soils and crops.
Pfeiffer’s Bio-Dynamic Farming & Gardening (includes original compost and chromatography data).
Podolinsky’s Bio-Dynamic Introductory Lectures for large-farm case studies.
Does biodynamics improve nutrient density in food?
Biodynamic farming is designed to support nutrient-dense crops by building biologically active soil, increasing organic matter, and encouraging balanced plant growth. Research has reported crop-quality differences in some side-by-side comparisons; consult the linked studies for crop-specific findings.
How can I stay current with new scientific findings?
Subscribe to the Biodynamic Association (BDA) newsletter, follow IVES Technical Reviews for viticulture papers, and set keyword alerts (“biodynamic,” “horn manure,” "horn silica") in Google Scholar.
New peer-reviewed articles appear periodically, covering soil biology, crop quality, and climate-resilience outcomes.
From Podolinsky’s Books: Field Observations
What did Podolinsky observe in crops and wheat with excessive nitrogen uptake?
Podolinsky describes plants influenced by excessive nitrogen as “grow fast; are overgrown; blue green and hang water filled.” He also notes still-green wheat lying flat. These are the precise field signs in this passage. Source: Alex Podolinsky, Bio-Dynamics: Agriculture of the Future (2000), p. 7.
What did Podolinsky’s neighboring pasture photographs show after three rainless months?
In Pictures 11–12, Podolinsky describes Trevor Cobbledick’s biodynamic pasture after three months without rain: its “deep, black Bio-Dynamic soil has continuing pasture growth.” About 20 metres away, the conventional soil and plants are “under moisture stress.” Source: Alex Podolinsky, Bio-Dynamics: Agriculture of the Future (2000), p. 15, Pictures 11–12.
How did Podolinsky describe soil and orange flavor in a converting citrus grove?
Podolinsky describes a citrus grove previously managed organically for ten years, with white-clover-rich cover but poor soil structure and white hair-root development, especially where some “Round-Up” had been used. The oranges first tasted “acidy bitter.” He says the herbicide after-effect lengthened biodynamic structure development; as soil gradually developed over additional years, “acidity reduced noticeably and was replaced by choicest sweet flavours.” Source: Alex Podolinsky, Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Introductory Lectures, Vol. 3 (1999), p. 55.
Application
In what order, and at what time of day, should I apply the sprays?
Apply BD 500 to moist soil in the latter part of the day. BD 501 follows prior BD 500 use and established roots, as an early-morning fine foliar mist. BD 508 has distinct fresh-tea and fermented-tea methods, and Pfeiffer™ Field and Garden Spray has its own activation and application directions. Follow the current JPI preparation instructions for amounts, stirring or activation, timing, and spray target.
Do I spray soil, plants, or both?
BD 500, Barrel Compound, and Pfeiffer™ Field and Garden Spray are soil-directed. BD 501 is a fine foliar mist. For BD 508, use fresh horsetail tea on foliage and fermented tea on soil; both current JPI methods call for 20 minutes of stirring after dilution. Follow the BD 508 fresh and fermented tea instructions or the directions for your other preparation.
How often should the sprays be used?
Begin with each preparation’s current JPI schedule, then plan repeat applications around crop stage, season, weather, and your observations. Different preparations have different methods and timing. Keep an application record and consult the current JPI preparation instructions when planning the next treatment.
Should I treat soil before or after planting?
BD 500 is commonly applied to moist soil shortly before sowing or transplanting. BD 501 is a foliar treatment after BD 500 has been used and roots are established. Other sprays have their own timing and targets; follow the current JPI preparation instructions for the product you choose.
What’s the deal with moon phases and cosmic rhythms?
Biodynamic calendars use lunar and other celestial rhythms to suggest sowing, cultivating, and spraying times; use them as planning aids and compare results.
What kind of container is best for stirring?
Choose glazed earthenware, stainless, or wooden barrels sized to allow vigorous vortex–reverse vortex hand‑stirring without splashing.
Glass works, and so does food-grade plastic. Never use vessels that once contained chemicals.
Whatever container is used, it must be sufficiently large to leave plenty of room for the liquid to move freely throughout because the water rises along the edges as the stirring speed increases.
When should I spray? Must I wake before dawn?
Timing depends on the preparation. JPI’s BD 501 directions call for an early-morning foliar application, while BD 500 and Pfeiffer™ Field and Garden Spray are applied close to the soil in the latter part of the day. Check the current JPI preparation instructions for weather conditions and the required stirring or activation time.
Do I really have to stir for an hour?
BD 500 and BD 501 call for one full hour of stirring, alternating a strong vortex with a reversal of direction, followed by prompt application. Other preparations use different stirring or activation methods. Follow the current JPI preparation instructions for the preparation you are using.
What size sprayer works for ¼ acre versus two acres? Do I need a power sprayer?
Choose a clean sprayer that comfortably covers your area and can produce the spray pattern required by the preparation. A hand-pump sprayer may suit a small garden; a backpack or larger system can make bigger areas easier to cover. Calibrate your equipment and follow the current JPI preparation instructions for the amount of preparation, carrier water, and soil or foliar target.
What do I do with leftover stirred solution?
Apply the diluted, stirred solution promptly according to that preparation’s current directions. If any remains, use it only in another location or manner allowed by those directions; do not store the finished spray overnight. This is different from storing undiluted fermented BD 508 concentrate, which JPI describes as keeping for six months or longer when strained into a glass jug and stored cool and dark. Prepare fresh BD 508 foliar tea for prompt use.
Can I mix biodynamic sprays with liquid fertilizers or compost teas?
Plan biodynamic preparations, fertilizers, and compost teas as parts of the same fertility program. Follow each preparation’s own water, activation, stirring, and application directions. Before combining products in one tank, contact JPI with the exact materials and rates so the proposed mix can be reviewed against the current JPI preparation instructions.
What happens if I skip a year?
You can resume by observing the current condition of your soil and crops, then choosing the preparation that fits your next growing step. Follow the current JPI preparation instructions for its timing and application, and keep notes as you rebuild a regular seasonal practice.
Viticulture
How do biodynamic wines differ from conventional—or even organic—wines?
Biodynamic wine begins with grapes grown through a whole-farm approach that includes compost, biodiversity, and biodynamic preparations. Farming, vintage, site, and cellar practices all contribute to a wine’s character. For certified wines, check the producer’s current certification and the applicable processing and labeling standard.
What qualifies a vineyard or winery as biodynamic?
Demeter farm certification requires that the entire holding function as a largely closed nutrient cycle, that the full core set of BD preparations be applied, and that at least ten percent of the acreage be set aside as biodiversity reserves.
If the vineyard is Demeter-certified, are the bottled wines automatically biodynamic?
Grapes may be certified at the farm level, but the bottled wine carries the biodynamic® label only when the separate Demeter Processing Standard is met in the cellar (filtration limits, additive bans, sulfur ceilings, etc.).
Getting Started
What’s the simplest way to start?
The Biodynamic Quick Kit is a simple starting set: one unit each of Pfeiffer™ Field and Garden Spray, Pfeiffer™ Compost Starter, and BD 501. A calendar is not included. The Beginner Kit adds dry BD 508 horsetail and the 2027 Stella Natura planting calendar. Each preparation has its own mixing method and coverage; follow its separate instructions. Compare the current kits before choosing.
Can I practice biodynamics in a tiny garden with no animals?
Yes—small‑scale beds respond to BD sprays and compost preps even without livestock, especially when combined with organic mulches.
Can I treat compost tumblers with biodynamics?
For a compost tumbler, use the Pfeiffer™ Compost Starter directions that fit the amount and condition of the material. Keep the compost moist and aerated, and contact JPI if you need help choosing a rate for your batch size. See the current JPI preparation instructions before applying.
How much time will biodynamics add to my week?
An hour of stirring here and there amounts to a few hours in the scope of an entire year.
An hour may seem like a lot in the moment, but the real work remains ordinary gardening. The kind of rich fertility you can give your garden for a mere hour of time is priceless.
What results should I expect the first year?
Start with a small treated area and keep notes through the season. Look for changes in soil tilth, root development, earthworm activity, plant balance, moisture handling, flavor, and storage quality. Biodynamic practice builds through repeated applications, good composting, careful observation, and sound farm management.
Where is the best place I can get biodynamic preparations?
JPI has made and distributed biodynamic preparations since 1985 and fulfills current orders from Accomac, Virginia.
If I could use only one preparation, which one matters most?
Pfeiffer™ Field and Garden Spray is a convenient starting option for soil treatment because it combines BD 500 with the compost preparations in one blend. Choose preparations according to the work you want to do and follow the directions for each product. Shop Pfeiffer™ Field and Garden Spray.
What is a good first book to introduce me to biodynamics?
Hugh J. Courtney’s Biodynamics for Beginners is short, practical and still in print.
Ordering Biodynamic Preparations
How do I order if I live outside the United States?
Before placing an international order, email orders@jpibiodynamics.org with your destination country and the products you need. JPI will confirm availability, shipping options, estimated costs, and whether import permits or phytosanitary documentation may be required. International customers are responsible for destination-country duties, taxes, fees, permits, and import requirements.
What if my package arrives warm—are the preparations ruined?
Short-term warmth does not automatically mean the preparations are unusable.
Open the package and allow the contents to cool gradually. A healthy preparation generally has an earthy smell and the expected texture for that product. If you notice a foul odor, slime, excessive mold, damage, or another concern, email orders@jpibiodynamics.org within seven days of delivery with your order number, a description, and photos when possible. JPI will review the issue and arrange the appropriate solution.
Further Information
How did biodynamics begin—and how did it arrive in America?
At the request of farmers facing new challenges including declining seed quality, lower yields, and poorer nutritional value, Rudolf Steiner presented the Agriculture Course in 1924; his student Ehrenfried Pfeiffer brought the work to North America in the mid-1930s, laying the foundation for today’s movement.
Where can I learn more about biodynamics?
Start with JPI’s preparation instructions and free Applied Biodynamics archive. For guided learning, browse the Biodynamic Association’s education directory and events calendar. JPI also offers practical workshops and free videos.
Are biodynamically-grown products already in stores?
Yes. Biodynamic foods, wines, teas, and other agricultural products are sold through specialty retailers and direct from producers.
Look for the Demeter certification mark when shopping for certified biodynamic products. Availability varies by region and retailer, so check current product labels and the producer’s certification information rather than relying on a fixed brand list.
Where can I find a structured course in biodynamics?
The Biodynamic Association’s education directory lists current training opportunities. Options include Sun Heart Farm’s online Foundations program and Threefold Community Farm’s practical training, formerly offered under the Pfeiffer Center name. Check each provider’s current curriculum, schedule, and enrollment details. The BDA’s training update explains the change in program providers.
Can I study online or from my own garden?
Yes. You can study online while practicing in your own garden. Use JPI’s preparation instructions and Applied Biodynamics archive, then keep notes on what you observe. The Biodynamic Association’s education directory can help you find current online courses and discussion opportunities.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Apply through the JPI Merit Grant page. JPI reviews applications year-round and supports selected farmers, gardeners, educators, and community projects with biodynamic preparations or educational assistance. Other biodynamic organizations may also offer scholarships for courses, conferences, and workshops.
What about short courses and weekend workshops?
The Biodynamic Association lists regional workshops, webinars, short courses, and farm field days in its events calendar. JPI also offers practical workshops. Check the individual event listing for current dates, location, registration, and availability.
How can I stay connected to the biodynamic community?
Membership to the Biodynamic Association (BDA) includes the Biodynamics journal, national conferences, an online directory, and forums for internships, employment, and land opportunities.
The Biodynamic Community on Facebook is another good place to ask questions. Many biodynamic gardeners and farmers read JPI's journal for ongoing learning and conversations.
Is anyone using biodynamics to reclaim desert land?
Yes—Egypt’s SEKEM initiative is a world-class example.
Founded in 1977 by Dr Ibrahim Abouleish, SEKEM began on 70 hectares (~173 acres) of barren sand northeast of Cairo and revived them through biodynamic compost, cover crops and careful water management. Today SEKEM's land is no longer classified as desert thanks to their tireless work reforesting the area. The project stewards well over six thousand desert acres—including a 63-hectare “Greening the Desert” farm in the Bahariya Oasis—and spearheads the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, now working with more than 2,100 smallholder farmers moving to regenerative biodynamic methods. The effort has rebuilt topsoil, moderated local micro-climates and created supply chains for organic cotton, herbs and food sold worldwide.
Where did the cow horn idea originate?
Rudolf Steiner introduced horn‑manure burial in the 1924 Agriculture Course, reviving older European “clay‑singing” fertility rites.
The course took place at Koberwitz (now Kobierzyce, Poland), where a group of farmers unearthed what had been buried per his instructions from the previous season. He demonstrated stirring with his walking stick. This parallels old peasant traditions of stirring and spraying out rich soil over poor areas, a process called Tonsingen ("Tone Singing" or "Clay Singing") that was fading away under the influence of materialistic sciences. Now we understand that much more is spread when making a compost tea, but the science of the time did not understand this. The biodynamic preparations are ways that farmers can create their own living fertilizers without relying on chemical inputs. What is normally considered waste (offal and weeds) are the basis of renewed natural fertility.
How much of U.S. farmland is managed biodynamically?
Demeter USA works with less than 0.1 % of U.S. farmland—yet land under biodynamic management has doubled in the past five years.
Globally, India and Egypt each apply biodynamics on more than 100,000 acres, mainly in cotton, spices, and desert reclamation projects.