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Biodynamics: We are registered with the "Biodynamic Research Institute" and are currently (Biodynamic - In Conversion). Biodynamics is an enhanced form of organic agriculture. Biodynamics at Daisybrook Farm Creating life giving humus out of dead organic matter is one of the principles of biodynamic farming/gardening. Biologically active humus is the basis of all living soil. In biodynamic agriculture we treat the farm as a living system that is constantly interacting with the environment to build a living soil. Micro-organisms alive in the soil make available to plants in a symbiotic relationship all the necessary nutrients to produce food that nourishes and vitalises. As a result of the improved life in the soil our paddocks/gardens come to life after the first autumn rains and hold moisture for a longer period in the summer months. This method of agriculture is derived from the teachings of Rudolf Steiner. He developed his own understandings from the observations of plants and animals and from the study of the sustainable practices of traditional peasant farmers. He also applied his own scientific studies. At Daisybrook Farm we apply preparation 500 (cow horn dung) twice a year. First in the Autumn after the first rains and later in spring as the earth and soil begins to warm. 500 is humus made from a lactating cow’s dung, placed into a cow horn, then, placed into the ground in the Autumn and lifted in the Spring. During this time in the ground, microbes from the surrounding soil migrate into the cow dung in the horn and turn it into microbe rich humus. When lifted it is placed into warm water and stirred for one hour. Stirring one way until a vortex is formed. Once formed chaos is created to collapse the vortex, which draws in Nitrogen from the air which enlivens the microbes, the mixture is stirred in the opposite direction and the procedure is continued for an hour. This process is performed in the afternoon as the earth is breathing and ready to accept. We have witnessed a marked increase in humus formation and in numbers of all micro-organisms like rhizobium, and other bacteria, fungi, algae, actinomycetes and protozoa. Along with the micro-organisms we have seen the easier to identify macro-organisms flourish, such as nematodes, mites, ants and earthworms. The most visible changes have been the soil improvement; structure, colour, depth, the nodulation on legumes, greater depth of earthworm activity, greater water penetration and water holding capabilities.
Biodynamic Research Institute Web Site (Demeter) Each year I cut a portion of my farm for meadow hay keeping about 18 months of feed in reserve and selling the excess to the "Denmark Stockfeeds". They supply many of the horse owners here on the South Coast, they have requests every year for the top quality hay that is produced here at Daisybrook Farm.
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