Biodynamic Farming
We farm biodynamically at Daisybrook Farm and have done since 2006. We are members of Demeter (BDAAA).
Principles of Biodynamics: Derived from the teachings of Rudolf Steiner
Biologically active humus is the basis of all living soil. Our farm has Preparation 500 applied each year (Autumn and Spring) when the soil is moist and warm. 500 is humus made from cow's dung which is placed in a cow's horn and buried in the ground. During this time in the ground, microbes in the surrounding soil migrate into the horn and turn the dung into a microbe rich humus (see photo above). This is mixed into lukewarm water for one hour, stirring first one way until a vortex is formed. Then the stirring is reversed to create chaos and then another vortex and so on. This draws in nitrogen from the air which enlivens the microbes. This is done in the afternoon and then applied to the soil straight away to mimic raindrops as closely as possible.
We have noticed the increase in humus in our soil as well as the development of extensive feeder roots on our plants. These are the fine hairlike roots which work in partnership with the microbes in the soil which help to make nutrients available to the plant. The soil has improved structure, colour, depth, nodulations on legumes, increased earthworm and fungal activity.
We farm biodynamically at Daisybrook Farm and have done since 2006. We are members of Demeter (BDAAA).
Principles of Biodynamics: Derived from the teachings of Rudolf Steiner
Biologically active humus is the basis of all living soil. Our farm has Preparation 500 applied each year (Autumn and Spring) when the soil is moist and warm. 500 is humus made from cow's dung which is placed in a cow's horn and buried in the ground. During this time in the ground, microbes in the surrounding soil migrate into the horn and turn the dung into a microbe rich humus (see photo above). This is mixed into lukewarm water for one hour, stirring first one way until a vortex is formed. Then the stirring is reversed to create chaos and then another vortex and so on. This draws in nitrogen from the air which enlivens the microbes. This is done in the afternoon and then applied to the soil straight away to mimic raindrops as closely as possible.
We have noticed the increase in humus in our soil as well as the development of extensive feeder roots on our plants. These are the fine hairlike roots which work in partnership with the microbes in the soil which help to make nutrients available to the plant. The soil has improved structure, colour, depth, nodulations on legumes, increased earthworm and fungal activity.
