About Biodynamics

Rudolph Steiner and Biodynamics

The Soil…

First, let’s begin with the definition of the word…Bio – this means life. Dynamic, relates to the study of things in motion. Put these two together and you get a study of life in motion. This makes sense in the purest form since Rudolf Steiner, the father of biodynamic agriculture, strongly believed the soil to be alive, where others viewed it as just a container. Thus came his strong objection to man made mineral fertizlers like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, he argued these ingredients where dead. Most importantly, he insisted, there must but a symbiotic relationship between the vine and the living soil.

Biodynamic growers strongly agree with this logic, that their grapes should express the soil, not man made fertilizers. Thus the ground is encouraged to come alive with a humus (organic waste/manure) in which Steiner’s six biodynamic ingredients are added and in turn brings earthworms along with other microcosms of life. These worms then release a slow and natural form of phosphorus. Where chemical enriched fertilizers forces the vines to take the nutrients all in one sudden reaction - farmers saw the long term effects of this process on their crops. In 1925, Steiner was asked to speek to a group of worried farmers that had been using the new chemicals that once helped, but now was killing off the vitality and quality of their crops. Biodynamic farming was born from Steiner’s speech that day…he died shortly after.

The Cosmos…

Steiner once said, “The plant is like a butterfly chained to the ground; the butterfly is like a plant liberated by the cosmos.” He believed in a much more holistic approach that not only included a unique recipe in composting but delivered precisely within lunar time frames. His thought process was…not only is a farm an organism in itself but an extension of the cosmos as well – not earth bound. The moon and it’s position relative to the earth does have a strong impact…tidal bulges, atmospheric changes, etc. but does it really effect crops? Many say it does, in fact Steiner argued that the lunar cycle changed the actual size and formation of the fruit and/or vegetable.

There have been many myths surrounding the moon and it’s effect on humans but how does it work on agriculture? Biodynamics teachs that during the syndoic cycle, a waxing moon (moon’s relationship to the sun) provides a higher level of water within the roots, which makes for growth spurts…if planned properly a farmer can take advantage of this. This is also a good time for applying liquid manure, making for better absorbtion during this watery cycle as well. These are just a few of the basics to give you an idea on why biodynamic farming adheres to the cycles of the moon. Many growers have argued with main stream thinkers…the many effects of the moon have been scientifically documented so why couldn’t it also effect seeds and sprouting as well.

Today’s Growing Thrust… 

We’ve just touched upon the origin of biodynamics and the importance of it’s message but do you think Rudolph Steiner had any idea of how huge our population would grow? In fact he was not a advocate of wine at all…abstaining from all alcohol and drugs but winemakers have learned valuable lessons from Steiner’s way of thinkg. Our lands are being overworked and saturated with chemicals that will only weaken and hurt society in the long run so something must be done about the ever growing demand of wine…

Wine consumption chart:

The stability of our land is extremely important. Many well known vineyards have changed to biodynamic growing in order to preserve their future crops and to ensure better fruit. Also, many wine experts agree that biodynamic wine has a better sense of the terroir (a french term used to describe the taste of the region in wine, coffee and tea) and brings stability to the wine as well. The meticulous procedure and detail that biodynamic wineries put into their finished product definitely reflects in the taste. Whether you think it’s a little strange or mystical the one thing that rises above the rest…Why mess with Mother Nature when we can work hand in hand!