Complete Set of Biodynamic® Compost Preparations (BD 502–507)

Demeter Certified Biodynamic®

Certified by Demeter Association, Inc.

About Demeter certification ↗

One complete set of biodynamic compost preparations BD 502–507 treats up to 15 tons of manure or compost. JPI recommends using the full set on smaller piles, too. The set contains prepared yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettle, oak bark, dandelion, and valerian.

Measured compost and soil findings: In a 2026 controlled compost experiment using Italian-supplied BD 502–507 preparations, mature compost treated with all six supported greater growth of selected compost-associated bacteria than untreated compost. The largest response was in mixed manure-and-green-material compost. Water-soluble extracts from the treated compost at 120 days supported about tenfold more growth of the selected bacteria than extracts from untreated compost. In a separate 27-year German field experiment, soil receiving manure compost made with all six preparations showed a distinct microbial substrate-use profile compared with soil receiving manure compost alone. A compost-pile study also measured higher alkaline-phosphatase activity at day 100 in compost treated with the full set than in untreated compost.

What is in the set:

• BD 502 — prepared yarrow flowers.
• BD 503 — prepared chamomile flowers.
• BD 504 — prepared stinging nettle.
• BD 505 — prepared oak bark.
• BD 506 — prepared dandelion flowers.
• BD 507 — valerian-flower liquid.

How to apply: In a moist, aerated pile, make six evenly spaced holes deep enough to place the preparations about halfway down. Put each of the five solid preparations, BD 502–506, into its own hole. Stir BD 507 into one gallon of lukewarm water for 10 minutes; pour half into the sixth hole and mist the other half over the pile. Close the holes. See JPI’s complete compost-pile instructions.

Pfeiffer™ Compost Starter is a separate formula combining biodynamic preparations with additional biological cultures and enzymes. Individual BD 502–507 preparations are also available separately.

Detailed usage instructions: English | Spanish | Chinese

Please note: Quantities over 1 may be bagged together.