By Evrett Lunquist: Scientific research has occurred since the original lectures were given, and a body of research is emerging that demonstrates what biodynamic practices can do, what they cannot do, and what needs more examination.
Regenerative farming techniques such as Biodynamic farming require creativity and an ability to see all aspects of the farm working together to create a coherent, interconnected system. In such a system, nature is the best teacher.
Treating the farm like an organism functioning as a whole, or an ecosystem with interrelating parts, emphasizes the importance of a diversity of plants, insects, and animals to create the complexity of relationships that support resiliency.
How can we make the benefits of Biodynamic farming clear to our customers in a way that is relevant and relatable? A recent study published in the journal Applied Field Research attempted to do just that through a comparison of the longevity and degradation after harvest of cucumbers grown with a variety of methods.
This month we are continuing our focus on silicon, which is the ingredient of preparation 501, and plays an important role in Biodynamic production.
Silicon is the second most prevalent compound on earth, and in an available form, is highly beneficial to plants.
Biodynamic preparation 501 must be applied at least once per crop cycle to all harvested Biodynamic-certified crops.