Since the lectures on biodynamic agriculture given by Rudolf Steiner in Koberwitz in 1924, research and practice have developed in partnership.
At the Goetheanum in Switzerland, the two researchers Ehrenfried Pfeiffer and Günther Wachsmuth set up a research laboratory as early as 1919 in the basement of the Glashaus in Dornach, where the Section for Agriculture now has its headquarters. The foundations of biodynamic agriculture were thus supported by scientific experiments.
In addition to this, a research group set up by farmers in Germany provided help for research on the first biodynamic farms.
Biodynamic research has since expanded to worldwide activities in academic and practical research in many countries. This has given rise to the following tasks for the Section for Agriculture:
The Section for Agriculture also plays an advisory role on a range of committees. For example, the Section is represented in the ART Committee (Advisory, Training and Research Committee). This committee which is run by the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International (BFDI) coordinates, collates and supports research activities worldwide.
Contact
+41 61 706 4211
Biodynamic.research@goetheanum.ch
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The International Conference on Biodynamic Research (BDRC) is a periodic event where scientists, farmers and other interested parties can meet for discussion and networking.
It has taken place every three years since 2018. In 2023 it is due to be held at the Royal Agriculture University in Great Britain for the first time.
The conference provides networking opportunities for the specialist public and offers a basis for setting up partnerships. The Section for Agriculture focuses particularly on a cross-disciplinary and international approach in order to gather as much scientific knowledge and practical expertise as possible from the farms and biodynamic enterprises.
The second BRDC took place online from 31 August to 2 September 2021. The conference was devoted to the topic "Growing beyond resilience".
With its inter- and transdisciplinary approach, the conference combined scientific, participative and practical research in order to discuss the concept of resilience in biodynamic and organic farming and food systems. This enabled urgent challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, loss of soil quality and human disease to be addressed and constructive solutions shared.
The conference proceedings, including over 90 contributions to the 2021 International Conference on Biodynamic Research, can be downloaded via the following link: Download Conference Contributions
Internationally an interest is developing in the biodynamic research community for better communication and networking. The first step towards this was taken in September 2018 with the first international biodynamic research conference. Due to the positive feedback, the Section for Agriculture decided to organise further regular (every three years) research conferences in different countries.
Accordingly, the second conference was planned with a larger group of partners, these being the Royal Agriculture University (UK), Coventry University (UK), Stellenbosch University (SA), Pondicherry University (IN), Biodynamic Association UK and US, the University of Kassel (DE), the Research Circle (DE), Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (CH), the Natural Science Section at the Goetheanum and the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International.
After detailed planning, the conference was only able to take place online due to the global situation, and not at the Royal Agriculture University in Great Britain. However, this meant that over 170 delegates from 34 countries from all the continents were able to participate in over 60 contributions in the form of presentations, working groups, posters with research results, etc.
Increase in extreme weather events
It has been confirmed that the challenges faced by agriculture have risen dramatically: climate change, loss of biodiversity, ecosystem destruction, new epidemics, etc. It gets increasingly difficult to rely on the rhythms of nature. A very hot summer is followed by a cold wet year, accompanied by storms. Extreme weather events have become much more frequent.
The conference committee has chosen the topic of 'Growing beyond resilience' to promote joint research on the conditions for an agriculture for life such as biodynamics. A broad range of topics and viewpoints were discussed, from the exact effect of the biodynamic preparations on the soils, via the activity of microorganisms to the use of intuitive faculties in agriculture and the effect of raw milk on health.
Improved networking and better communication amongst the researchers is necessary for the future organisation of the research. There is also the need for the further development and expansion of public relations work and interdisciplinary cooperation – for instance between agriculture, medicine and education. After all, people cannot be healthy unless the earth is healthy too!
]]>More information https://www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en/arbeitsfelder/forschung/bdrc21
]]>Biodynamic agriculture takes account of different dimensions and lifecycles in nature as well as the creative abilities of human beings. Principles like these allow criteria to be defined for a supportive approach to the living world which can be measured in food quality, nutritional value and vitality. There is documented evidence of this from biodynamic agriculture and related areas such as agroforestry, permaculture, agroecology and horticulture. The Section for Agriculture is currently compiling results and plans for healthy food systems from researchers and students and via farmers to processors for the research conference on biodynamic agriculture in summer 2021.
Conference Growing beyond resilience, International Conference on Biodynamic Research, 30 August to 2 September 2021, digital
Webhttps://www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en/research/bdrc21
Contact person Lin Bautze, biodynamic.research@goetheanum.ch
]]>The first BDRC in 2018 focused on the topic of "Research in the biodynamic farming and food industries". Over 180 participants gathered to listen to around 100 presentations and to network. The BDRC was the first conference where researchers and practitioners were able to get together to discuss biodynamic agricultur.
The conference proceedings with all the papers can be downloaded via this link: Download Conference Contributions
Extract from the editorial: In this special issue, we present papers based on contributions to the first international conference on research in biodynamic food and farming held in Dornach, Switzerland, from Sept 5th to Sept 8th 2018. Altogether, twelve papers have been accepted for publication. (…) Altogether, the papers in this special issue show that scientific research in biodynamic food and farming is evolving to examine the proposed effects of this production system, being aware of the fact that the epistemological approach of natural sciences cannot capture the ontological system and the corresponding assumptions. We are looking forward for research in biodynamic food and farming to bridge this gap in the future. (Brock, C., Derkzen, P., Fritz, J., Spengler Neff, A., Florin, J.-M., Hurter, U., Wahl, V. (2019). Open Agriculture, 4(1), 803-804. DOI: doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0079)
Link to the special issue: https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/opag.2019.4.issue-1/issue-files/opag.2019.4.issue-1.xml
]]>This booklet contains most of the abstracts of the papers and posters presented at the conference by over 100 researchers from all over the world.
Our warm thanks go to all the authors and reviewers, the programme committee, the organisation team and partners, as well as the conference participants and sponsors. The conference would not have been possible without the cooperation of all these people.
]]>Sebastian Jüngel What kind of resonance has this research conference left for you?
Jean-Michel Florin My impression is that the wide-spread biodynamic scene – farmers as well as scientists – have moved more closely together. The mood during the conference was one of gratitude, even euphoria and hope. We had researchers there who are close to bd farming but also people for whom this was the first conference on the topic.
Verena Wahl People came to this conference from 26 countries and all continents – for the first time German was no longer the main language.
Jüngel What led to this mood?
Florin About two thirds of the people present had prepared their own contribution – which means that a more than average number were involved in shaping the conference.
Wahl The way the conference was structured also played a part. Before the conference started there were guided tours of the Goetheanum, and the conference provided space for people to get to know and share their thoughts with one another. The work groups (‹Experience the Living›) also made it possible to approach the conference themes in ways people were not used to from other scientific conferences: through feeling and activity. And we had a festive conference dinner.
Jüngel Which topics touched people most?
Wahl Researchers working together with a farmer, for instance. Mechthild Knösel from Rengoldshausen Farm (de) questioned the necessity for separating calves from their mother. She was looking for possibilities to raise calves close to their mothers, particularly considering that the calves got sick quite often. As a result of her cooperation with two researchers, Anet Spengler Neff from the research institute for organic farming (fibl, ch) and Silvia Ivemeyer from Kassel University (de), a set of guidelines and practical advice have been published (these can be bought from https://www.fibl.org/en/shop-en/1660-mother-bonded-calf-rearing.html).
Florin It is so fruitful and forward-looking when – as intended by the Section for Agriculture – researchers and farmers work together and scientists don’t just get data from farms. One looks at genuine questions and solves them together. Concrete results are achieved that benefit the animals.
Wahl Conventional farmers also like to make use of the results of this cooperation.
Florin I was touched to hear that the research conducted by Daniel Kusche (Kassel University, de) has revealed that milk from biodynamic animal farming is tolerated better and that it even enhances infant immunity (i.e. fewer allergies). And I was impressed by the presentation by Karuppan Perumal from a bd training in India. He demonstrated how more carbon dioxide is bound in the soil with BD farming methods than with others. It was also interesting to hear that a field study carried out by Marie Auger from Spirit of the Earth Farm, Hawaii (us) seems to indicate that ddt-contaminated soil is decontaminated more quickly with biodynamic than with main stream methods – I had heard of similar results in a project in France. We need to continue to work on this.
Jüngel What image of biodynamic research did this conference generate?
Wahl Working conditions are different across the world for research scientists. Trying to get bd farming research accepted at a university in Latvia is difficult. This was evident when someone from India asked whether Latvian studies took the seed calendar into account. This is not possible in Latvia. Scientists appear again and again in a country, like beacons, but they are often left alone with their work and were therefore delighted to meet like-minded people.
Florin We must not forget that connecting research and practical application was an intrinsic part of the biodynamic approach right from the start. A trial group for biodynamic research was founded very early on. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer conducted research in the basement of the Glass House, the building that is now the home of the Section for Agriculture. Some people see Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course as a collection of answers, while it is in fact mostly posing questions. Jürgen Hess, professor for ecological farming and horticulture at Kassel University, summarized this when he said, «You have twelve important treasures that you have been working on. That is relevant for agriculture in general.» This is new.
Jüngel Why is this?
Florin: The food situation is desperate and the climate change makes farmers worry about their farms. The thought of individualism in farming, which is expressed in the «closed agricultural course», helps here. Today, we call this resilience.
Wahl There is another reason which has to do with animal welfare. For a long time this was not seen as particularly important. But due to the vegan movement – which is not necessarily organic – animal welfare has become an issue.
Jüngel What were the key topics?
Florin Soil fertility, for instance, and food quality. There was also a need for holistic research methods. The effects of biodynamic farming are not captured by analytical methods alone. We need analytics as well as spiritual science. Without analytics and statistics we won’t be up-to-standard scientifically. But we need a whole range of methods over and above that. As well as evidence-based research which shows whether or not something is effective we need development research. We need to develop ways of applying the theory in practice.
Jüngel Where does the Section for Agriculture stand after this conference?
Florin We have become a broader movement, internationally as well as in scientific terms. In November 2017, at the Organic World Congress in Delhi (in), the biodynamic movement became part of the worldwide ecological movement. At the annual conference on ‹preparations›, which was held at the Goetheanum in February 2018, different approaches were represented on an equal footing. And now we were able to have a research conference.
Wahl The Section demonstrated its ability to make things happen, such as bringing representatives of different approaches together. While this is not research in the classical sense, it does respond to a real need, as we can see from the response we had from the organic movement and from representatives of the academic sciences. «You are brave!» one colleague told me, because there are normally no experience reports in scientific conferences. For us that means: We do not necessarily have to do research ourselves – activating the biodynamic network in itself has an effect. And our openness did not come across as arbitrary.
Florin And this was due not least to the precise scientific studies. The interface between the world and the Section for Agriculture has grown bigger. We want to continue doing our own research, as we did with the study on biodynamic preparations.
Wahl The biodynamic movement has become more visible and has shown that it is part of the scientific world.
Florin People who attended the research conference have acknowledged our right to make biodynamic research visible. We would like to extend our cooperation with other partners. This is encouraging recognition, the appreciation of a realistic goal.
Jüngel What will happen next?
Florin A wider group of biodynamic researchers will meet, at the latest, in September 2020 in France, at a conference organized by the Section for Agriculture that will precede the major ifoam Organic World Congress.
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]]>Biodynamic agriculture is counted among the pioneers of organic production. New vegetable and cereal varieties are being developed (Sativa Rheinau, Bingenheimer Saatgut), procedures for evaluating food quality are practised (copper chloride crystallisation) and through the application of compost and biodynamic preparations, soil fertility is improved. New models for land ownership are also being developed. Biodynamic agriculture combined research and practice from the very beginning. One of the current research projects is focused on improving animal well being. The separation of the calf from its mother is one of the most difficult moments to bear. Mechthild Knösel from Rengoldshausen farm (D), Anet Spengler from FiBl the Swiss Organic Research Centre and Silvia Ivemeyer from Kassel University (D), have been looking for solutions and have developed an approach which has even received enquiries from conventional farmers. Daniel Kusche from Kassel University (D) has demonstrated that milk produced under biodynamic management is more digestible than that originating from other systems. A field trial in India showed that biodynamic practices sequester more carbon dioxide in the soil than other approaches thereby contributing towards climate stabilisation.
A hundred contributions about the work being undertaken on farms and at universities were shared with the 180 participants who attended the International Conference on Biodynamic Research which took place at the Goetheanum from 5th - 8th September. Jean-Michel Florin co-director of the Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum said: “Biodynamic research employs scientific methods and is always open to new approaches. We need research that not only offers proof but also furthers development and addresses the concrete questions that farmers have”.
The Goetheanum is at the centre of a globally active network of spiritually engaged people. As the headquarters of the School of Spiritual Science and the General Anthroposophical Society, it provides a platform for discussing spiritual questions and for further training in the arts and sciences.
(Sebastian Jüngel, tranlsation by Bernard Jarman)
]]>The organizing committee would like to thank all the participants and is looking forward to continuing the process of building up a biodynamic research network. The next conference will be planned as a pre-conference on biodynamic research in two years time on 21st and 22nd September 2020 in Rennes, France, just before the Organic World Congress of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).
]]>Based on current information, there is only a limited sample of peer reviewed studies on biodynamic agriculture. In their literature review, the research group further limited their sample to English publications that had been published in science journals with an impact factor. The impact factor indicates how often a study has been cited in the scientific literature and gives an overview of its relevance in its particular research field. The results of the literature review were divided into three groups. From a total of 147 studies published between 1990 and 2018, 93 deal with biodynamic agricultural methods, 26 with sustainability and 28 with food quality. Over 70% of the studies are from Europe, with the remainder coming from Oceania, North America, Asia and South America, in order of decreasing frequency. The majority of studies were published during the past ten years. Amongst the scientific articles examined there are several about the DOK study in Switzerland (D: dynamic, O: organic, K: conventional), which has compared various agricultural methods for over 40 years.
Results:
Some of the studies examined in the literature review compare only organic with conventional growing methods. For those studies that include biodynamic methods, this review undertook a comparison of all three methods in pairs. The comparison was based on the topics of 'influence on agricultural methods', 'sustainability' and 'food quality'.
After making further comparisons of the studies, the researchers concluded that biodynamic methods improve both soil quality and biodiversity. In terms of socio-economic sustainability and the quality of the food produced, no conclusive evidence was found due to the small amount of available data.
Conclusion:
The authors stress that the ecological compensation areas in biodynamic farming have a positive effect on the biodiversity of the whole agroecosystem. In the DOK study, the soil microflora also came out better when compared to organic farming. Moreover, the closed nutrient cycles characteristic of biodynamic farming reduce dependency on imports.
The authors state that, from a scientific viewpoint, further research is needed on the operating principle of the biodynamic preparations.
The validity of the results of the study as well as their comparability can be markedly influenced by site-specific characteristics. The researchers argue in favour of selecting larger, more homogeneous study areas and clearer test parameters for future studies in order to obtain more convincing results. For instance, it is difficult to examine the effect of biodynamic preparations in comparison to organic farming methods if the study areas are treated with compost or manure from different sources. Any resulting effects cannot then be attributed with certainty to the effect of the preparations. Avoiding these kind of methodological problems could contribute significantly to the validity of the results obtained.
Systems theory states that the totality of a system (farm) cannot be fully captured by studying the subsidiary systems, such as plant cultivation, cattle husbandry or compost. The behaviour of a complex system is influenced by the interaction of the different effects of all the subsystems. The concept of the agroecosystem provides a holistic approach to assess this kind of overall system. However, it is a very complex task to assess this in its entirety and certainly requires further research involving farmers, consumers and other stakeholders. In addition, greater clarification and research work are also necessary on the topics of biodynamic preparations, comparative studies of agricultural methods including biodynamics, and an expansion of the study remit to socio-economic sustainability and the quality of food produced by biodynamics. It would also be interesting to carry out further research on microbial soil life as part of the one-health concept, which creates a link between the health of soils, plants, animals and human beings.
Details on the original publication:
Authors: Santoni M., Ferretti L., Migliorini P., Vazzana C., and Pacini GC
Title: A review of scientific research on biodynamic agriculture
Journal: Organic Agriculture, 12, 373-396 (2022)
Link to complete study (Open Access):
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13165-022-00394-2
Further comparative studies from biodynamic research are available in the following publications:
We argue that the collection of authors and articles provided does not fully represent the variety of biodynamic and anthroposophical actors and actions in dealing with and adapting to climate change. As the Section for Agriculture, we have a clear position on climate change, which does not deny its existence, implications and effects on farming life and beyond.
Since 2021 our main working theme has been the interactions between climate resilience and health.
This focus derives from the needs of farmers worldwide when working with nature and natural forces. Each and every day these farmers do their best to interact with the local weather and climate. They report the effects of extreme heat or heavy precipitation becoming a devastating reality when working in their fields.
Biodynamic practice has been scientifically and practically proven to offer several advantages when dealing with climate change. The design of a diverse landscape with hedges (carbon sequestration) and crop and animal diversity, working with nature instead of against it, constantly building healthy and fertile soils, and the application of the biodynamic preparations as well as the use of medical plants are all factors that biodynamic farmers name which help them to adapt to climate change.
At the same time, scientific trials, like the DOK trial by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), have shown that biodynamic agriculture helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency, both of which act as climate change mitigation factors. Further, it has also been demonstrated that biodynamic agriculture methods promote the resistance of plants to pathogens.
Sven Ove Hansson claims that there are “conflicts between mainstream science and anthroposophy’s spiritual worldview”. However, as the Section for Agriculture, we are dedicated to integrating and including the various scientific perspectives.
We can look back over a history of collaboration in climate research and action. For example, during the 2007 conference of the Section for Agriculture on the role of carbon in climate change, scientific authors such as Hartmut Grassl from the renowned Max Plank Institute presented their research. Hans Rudolf Herren, co-author of the world agriculture report and winner of the world food prize, also joined the climate discussions at our annual conference “Alliances for our Earth” in 2013. In addition, at our 2nd biodynamic research conference (2021)on the topic “Growing beyond resilience”, over 90 authors from all over the world presented their research in this field.
At the recent 2021 climate conference, internationally-recognised speakers such as Charles Eisenstein, noted for his focus on climate action, were involved in the work of the Section for Agriculture. This conference, “Breathing with the climate crisis” and organised in collaboration with the Youth Section, reached more than 1,200 people from 63 countries.
The people attending the above-mentioned conferences, contributing to biodynamic research and investing time in developing their farms to adapt to climate change, are all part of the biodynamic and anthroposophical movements. They are all affected by the impacts of climate change on their farms, their gardens and their surroundings. They work in partnership to develop ways to achieve resiliency. They have all invested time to discuss solutions and work out strategies to find a way out of this crisis. We therefore argue that the anthroposophical and biodynamic movements are much larger than claimed by the author of the climate science denial paper.
As a Section, we do our utmost to continue to work on finding, integrating and promoting various solutions for the global challenges of climate change, be this as part of the Goetheanum working group on finding innovative ways to reduce our own ecological footprint or as part of practical projects, such as our Roadmap for a healthy climate.
Author: Sven Ove Hansson
Title: Anthroposophical climate science denial
Journal: Critical Research on Religion
Link to the article: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20503032221075382
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On the contrary, biodynamic farming abandons the use of these chemicals and emphasizes specific preparations. These are meant to function as a natural medicine for the health of the soil, plants, and the whole farm organism. The horn silicia (501) is one of the most important biodynamic preparations that are said to bring light to the plants and help the plants to grow effectively and with better quality.
Although scientific studies on the effectiveness of biodynamic preparations are limited, the number of biodynamic wine growers is constantly increasing throughout the last years. More and more biodynamic wines receive prizes for « the best wine » in their region, country, or even on the international level. The biodynamic farmers emphasize that the biodynamic preparations are part of their success recipe.
Thus, it is of great pleasure to highlight the results of the new study about the influence of horn silicia (501) on the leaf and berry growth of vineyards in North Italy here. The authors Malagoli et al. (2022) tested the metabolic changes of leaves and berries with the application of the preparation in two different vineyards. The leaves and berries were collected 6 hours and 11 days after the horn silicia treatment. The berries were collected and sampled at the harvesting time.
The authors conclude that "the application of 501 to plants of Vitis vinifera cv Garganega stimulated modifications on the content of phenolic metabolites in leaves and berries. The level of most of the identified compounds by metabolomic approaches increased in plants treated with the biodynamic preparation 501.
A common response to 501-treatment was evidenced in the phenolic constituents of berries, while in leaves the effect was detectable after 11 days and was dependent on the site of cultivation.
The secondary metabolism contributes to the plant adaptation to the environment. The comparison with the results obtained by other studies does not allow to suggest a general influence of 501 application to grapevine leaves and berries.”
However, the authors also highlight that “more research is surely needed to further explore the role of the 501 biodynamic treatment on grapevine secondary metabolism” and that “complementary approaches, combining targeted and untargeted data related to primary metabolism and to secondary metabolism, may offer a new opportunity in the evaluation of the complex and multifactorial effects of biodynamic treatment in viticulture.”
Authors: Malagoli, M., Sut, S., Kumar, G. et al.
Title: Variations of elements, pigments, amino acids and secondary metabolites in Vitis vinifera (L.) cv Garganega after 501 biodynamic treatment
Journal: Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 9, 36 (2022)
Link to original (open access): https://chembioagro.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40538-022-00299-y
You would like to know more about the literature evidence of biodynamic wine growing? In the following review paper from Castellini et al. (2017) a first overview is given: https://www.dovepress.com/an-overview-of-the-biodynamic-wine-sector-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJWR
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- Biodynamic agriculture is based on a specific conception of knowledge, based on the creativity, intuition and experience of farmers.
- Biodynamic agriculture is compatible with holistic and pragmatic research approaches aimed at obtaining "applicable knowledge".
- The spirituality, beliefs, and mysteries that surround biodynamic practices foster a unique attitude of care between humans and nature.
- Academic research could benefit from further study of biodynamic agriculture, and biodynamic agriculture could benefit more from academic research.
- The main challenges are the study of innovation processes and transformation pathways, improved dialogue, evaluation and funding.
Abstract
Biodynamic agriculture is becoming increasingly popular among farmers and consumers, but is still considered a pseudo-science by some in the scientific community. In this article, we first present an overview of biodynamic agriculture, its current development, its foundations and its three specific principles: 1) the farm as a living organism; 2) preparations; 3) cosmic rhythms. Then we show that pragmatic scientific approaches are compatible with biodynamic agriculture, and suggest an interesting potential for sustainability. In particular, anthropological studies show that the beliefs and spirituality of biodynamic agriculture contribute to a unique caring relationship between farmers and nature. Contrary to popular belief, biodynamic farmers are open to scientific knowledge, which they are able to creatively combine with experiential and spiritual knowledge. At the farm level, although still rare, holistic multi-criteria studies suggest quite satisfactory overall sustainability performance. Biodynamic agriculture has already proven its usefulness in transdisciplinary action research projects with diverse stakeholders to produce "mobilizable knowledge" for sustainability. Overall, we conclude that biodynamic agriculture can be a valuable resource for "re-enchanting" agriculture complementary to indigenous knowledge. However, it should not be seen as a panacea, and its organization and the major role of beliefs in particular raise legitimate concerns. Further research is needed to better understand the specific benefits and challenges of biodynamic agriculture. Three key research perspectives are identified: 1) farmer decision-making; 2) farming system design and evaluation; and 3) transformation pathways.
Authors: Rigolot C., Quantin M.
Journal: Agricultural Systems, 200, June 2022
Title: Biodynamic Farming as a Ressource for sustainability Transformations: Potentials and Challenges
Link to the original: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X22000609?dgcid=coauthor
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Manure products fermented underground in cow horns and commonly used as a field spray (preparation 500) in the biodynamic agriculture system were characterized for their molecular composition by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy [13C cross-polarized NMR (13C-CPMAS-NMR)], gas chromatography, tetramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis and mass spectrometry. Both thermochemolysis and NMR spectroscopy revealed a complex molecular structure, the predominant components of which are aromatic derivatives of lignin, polysaccharides and alkylated compounds. CPMAS-NMR spectra of biodynamic preparations showed a carbon distribution with a low overall hydrophobic character and a significant contribution of lignocellulosic derivatives. The thermochemistry results confirmed the characteristic highlighted by NMR spectroscopy, revealing a molecular composition based on alkyl components of plant and microbial origin and the stable incorporation of lignin derivatives. The presence of of biolabile components and undecomposed lignin compounds in the 500 preparation must be attributed to its particularly slow maturation process, compared to common composting procedures. Our results provide, for the first time, a scientific characterization of an essential product in biodynamic agriculture, and show that biodynamic preparations appear to be enriched with biolabile components and, therefore, potentially conducive to plant growth promotion.
Conclusions
Detailed molecular characterization of three different BD 500 preparations obtained by solid-state NMR spectra and TMAH thermochemolysis reveals a complex molecular composition, identifying a wide range of different molecular structures. Lignin derivatives, plant polysaccharides, and linear and cyclic lipid components of plant and microbial origin were recognized as the main components of biodynamic preparation 500 obtained from cow dung. In particular, the identification of various biomarkers of lignin and lipids by thermochemolysis may become useful in tracing the origin of the products
Both NMR spectroscopy and thermochemolysis indicate that lignocellulosic residues are incorporated to a large extent into the biodynamic 500 preparation, with a significant amount of labile molecules being slightly decomposed. At the same time, the selective retention of recalcitrant alkyl molecules in the BD 500 preparation was also accompanied by retention of less stable alkyl molecules and microbial biomarkers, such that the biochemical recalcitrance of this biodynamic product may be less than that typically observed in mature compost that has undergone complete aerobic fermentation. These molecular properties suggest that preparation 500 may be more biolabile in soil than regular compost and, due to a high content of aromatic lignin derivatives, potentially become more bioactive for plant growth.
Despite skepticism about the rationale for biodynamic agricultural preparations, this system is finding increasing practical applications, primarily as a complementary technique to small-scale organic agriculture, with a proven ability to maintain crop yields and improve soil health. Our results on the molecular composition of three different preparations 500 not only provide the scientific basis for a molecular differentiation between these preparations and other composted materials, but also suggest that these differences may be the cause of the observed bioactivity of this biodynamic product.
Authors: Spaccini R., Mazzei P., Squartini A., Giannattasio M., Piccolo A.
Title: Molecular Properties of a Fermented Manure Preparation Used as Field Spray in Biodynamic Agriculture
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 19, P4214-4225, 2012
Link to the original: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-012-1022-x
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The production of olive oil is an agricultural sector of great importance. The olive sector is a very important sector for several countries in the world, particularly for Tunisia. Moreover, the impacts of olive oil production and extraction on economic, environmental and social issues are considerable. The main objective of this work is to propose a better structuring of the Tunisian olive oil supply chain in a sustainable development perspective. The proposed approach consists in applying a technique of preference order by similarity with the ideal solution (TOPSIS) as a multicriteria approach. The proposed approach is applied in two applications. In the first application, the objective is to compare five possible scenarios for the agricultural phase of olive production. In the second application, the objective is to compare three possible scenarios for the olive oil processing phase. The main results of this research are as follows:
The best scenario for the agricultural phase is the intensive organic system, which is based on biodynamic olive cultivation.
The best scenario for the processing phase (oil extraction) is the two-phase continuous extraction system. Therefore, the most efficient way for the by-product processing phase is the use of wet pomace for the preparation of biodynamic compost.
Introduction
This research is based on two major findings. First, the olive oil industry is an important productive and economic sector in the Mediterranean countries. The associated production process is characterized by several different practices and techniques for the agricultural production of olives and for their processing into olive oil. However, despite the economic importance of this food product in several countries and the social impacts caused by the olive oil industry, in particular the high added value and the creation of jobs, this industry entails various economic, environmental and social impacts, in terms of resource depletion, atmospheric emissions, waste generation, etc. These economic, social and environmental impacts vary mainly due to the practices and techniques used in olive cultivation and oil extraction. As a result The goal of sustainable development is to balance economic, environmental and social needs, and thus prosperity for the present and future generations. Sustainable development is a long-term, integrated approach to developing and achieving a healthy society by jointly addressing economic, environmental and social criteria, while avoiding the over-consumption of essential natural resources. Therefore, many studies have proposed and developed multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods to study sustainable development in various fields and disciplines.
Objective of the study
The main objective of this research work is to create an olive oil supply chain in Tunisia that ensures a reasonable use of natural resources, protects the global ecosystem and generates economic prosperity and balanced social development. In this regard, the methods of cultivation of olive trees and production of olive oil, as well as the methods of managing the use of olive by-products must be considered in full respect of the environment, while ensuring economic profitability and social welfare, ie. i.e. moving towards a sustainable supply chain.
Conclusion
In this paper, a better organization of the olive oil chain in Tunisia is proposed in order to achieve the objectives of sustainability, and thus ensure a sustainable supply chain. The proposed configuration involves the biodynamic cultivation of olives followed by a two-phase continuous extraction system that produces an olive oil of very high quality and taste (rich in natural antioxidants, polyphenols, etc.) while preserving the environment and ensuring social welfare.
In fact, for the agricultural phase, biodynamic olive growing (the intensified organic scenario) is a method of agricultural production that has daily benefits, since it respects the environment and human health as well as the agricultural ecosystem. It does not use synthetic chemicals, preserves biodiversity, does not waste natural resources and generates healthy products for human well-being. Moreover, it ensures economic performance since it allows to obtain a better quality oil. For the transformation the problem of by-product processing is also very appropriately addressed. As proposed, the sustainable and economically viable management of by-products in the olive oil sector is a new challenge.
Authors:
Jellali A, Hachicha W, Alljuaid AM.
Journal: Sustainability 2021, 13, 722
original: Sustainable Configuration of the Tunisian Olive Oil Supply Chain Using Fuzzy Topsis-based Approach.
Original link:
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/2/722/htm
]]>
Authors:
Fritz J, Lauer F, Wilkening A, Masson P, Peth S 2021. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture,
Titel:
Agregate Stability and Visual Evaluation of soil structure in biodynamic cultivation in Burgundy vineyard soils.
Link:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01448765.2021.1929480
]]>
This book is about the invisible or subtle nature of food and farming and the nature of existence. Everything we know (and don't know) about the physical world has a subtle counterpart that has received little attention in modern agricultural practice and research. If you now think that this book is not for you, that it seems more important to deal with the pressing material challenges facing the world before you allow yourself the luxury of delving into these subtleties, you are mistaken. Perhaps it is precisely this worldview - the one that prioritises the physical-material dimension of reality - that has helped put us in this position in the first place. Perhaps we need a different worldview to get out of this situation?
This book contributes fundamentally to the discipline of subtle agroecology, a link between indigenous epistemologies, multidisciplinary advances in the study of electromagnetic and sound waves and the ethereal world, and the science of sustainable agriculture. Subtle agroecology is not an agricultural system in its own right, but overlaps existing matter-based agroecological systems with a non-material dimension.
With 43 authors from 12 countries and five continents, drawn from the natural and social sciences as well as the arts and humanities, this multi-faceted book introduces the discipline and explains its relevance and potential contribution to the field of agroecology.
Research in subtle agroecology can be described as the systematic study of the nature of the unseen world in relation to agricultural practice, adapting and innovating research methods, especially those of a more material nature. This is undertaken with the general aim of establishing and maintaining balance and harmony. Such research is an unbiased investigation based on the experiences of people working on and with the land for several thousand years up to the present day. By addressing and reinterpreting the enduring relationship between humans and nature, the implications could revolutionise agriculture by heralding a new wave of more sustainable farming techniques, transforming our entire relationship with nature into a true collaboration rather than control and, ultimately, changing ourselves.
Link to the book:
Press communication from biodynamie-recherche: www.biodynamie-recherche.org
]]>Keywords: Copper chloride crystallization / Capillary dynamolysis / Kinesthetic engagement / Perceptual strategies
The entire study can be read under the following link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13165-021-00347-1
Athmann M., Bornhütter R., Busscher N., Doesburg P., Fritz J., Geier U., Köpke U., Mergardt G. und Scherr C.: Un update on image forming methods: structure analysis and Gestalt evaluation of images from rocket lettuce with shading, N supply, organic or mineral fertilization, and biodynamic preparations. Organic Agriculture 2021.
]]>
The sharp increase of vineyards under organic and biodynamic management as well as the consumption of these wines show the interest of winegrowers and consumers for environmentally friendly viticulture. In response to this trend a longterm randomized field trial was established in Geisenheim, Germany, to compare and evaluate the different wine production methods: integrated, organic and biodynamic management. The three management systems were evaluated according to their impact on soil quality, product quality and wine quality. But also the impact on the physiology of the plants, pests and diseases was examined. Image forming methods such as biocrystallisation, capillary dynamolysis and circular chromatography were applied to assess the management systems and quality characteristics of the product. As these image forming methods are especially used in biodynamics the importance of not only outer product quality but also the inner characteristics of a product such as ripeness and freshness are important.
The biocrystallisation method proved to be a valuable instrument to determine the management system from a certain grape juice. It is the most advanced and scientifically proven image forming method and based on the following phenomenon: Specific crystallisation patterns are formed on a round glass plate when a copper chloride solution is mixed with an organic additive, e.g. the different grape juices. The juice affects the patterns of crystallisation. During that process needle bundles are formed which show the inner quality and form of the product, e.g. aging of juices. As a result not only the inner quality of the product can be analyzed but also the cultivation method can be determined.
Biodynamics and quality
The biodynamic cultivation system has proven to increase the natural resistance of grapes in climatic difficult years as well as the microbiotic activity in vinification.
Maintaining the internal form and internal characteristics are important quality aspects. Biodynamic production contributes positively to minimize storage loss of food products which is important for marketing and sales.
In contrast, chemical analysis of different grape juice from different management systems could distinguish between organic or conventional production. However, the process of biocrystallisation is able to determine and show quality characteristics such as freshness or the ripeness status of grape juice from different management systems and is therefore important in analyzing quality characteristics of food products.
Material and Methods
The vineyard field trial was established in Geisenheim, Germany and was managed under three different management systems: Good agricultural practices (integrated), organic and biodynamic. After harvest, juice samples were collected from each management system and analyzed with the three image forming method biocrystallisation, capillary dynamolysis and circular chromatography. The concentration of the juice samples mixed with an analysis substance such as copper chloride or silver nitrate varied as well as aging patterns of the samples. Day 1 was considered as fresh followed by day 2 and days 5 which was considered as „aged“. After analysis with the three image forming methods the pictures were analyzed visually first by the researchers followed by the evaluation by a selected and trained panel.
Results
The three image forming methods show different results. The capillary dynamolysis showed no visual effect between the three management systems. It could be observed that samples from biodynamic and organic management showed fewer signs of aging and clearer forms when biocrystallisation was applied. The needle bundles show the different aging status of the juices. Fine and regularly or clear needle bundles show the young age of the juice whereas coarse and chaotic needle bundles show clear signs of aging and less quality. The biodynamic management can be distinguished by its fine needle bundles on the picture whereas coarse and chaotic arrangement of needles can be observed in the integrated management system picture. The organic management system can be found within these two groups. It can be concluded that the juices of the integrated method show clearer and faster signs of aging.
A panel of 8 people evaluated the biocrystallisation pictures and highlighted the fact that aging of the juice samples can be very well determined from the pictures.
The method of circular chromatography could clearly show the management system under which the grapes were produced whereas the biocrystallisation could show more quality oriented effects. Therefore, it can be determined that the slower aging signs of juice is a sign of quality.
Conclusions
The study proved that the image forming methods show a clear hierarchy of form strength and juice aging. The biodynamic management system has the strongest form expression and least aging signs followed by the organic and the integrated management system. The assumption is supported that different management systems influence plant physiology and the final quality characteristics of the product.
Further research needs to be conducted to evaluate the quality characteristics with image forming methods after vinification of the grape juice as well as linking the obtained results to chemical analysis.
Note
The process of circular chromatography or the chroma test is one of the image forming methods. On a round chromatography paper a circle of 4 cm is impregnated with a silver-nitrate solution. After a drying time of some hours the organic additive ascents and after the impact of diffuse room light the pictures are formed. As such the distinction of quality of different products can be determined.
Cappilary dynamolysis
In this image forming method in a glas cylinder a chromatography filter paper is placed on which different solutions with water (e.g. 50% grape juice and 50% water) are left to run through the filter. After a drying period a silver nitrate solution or gold chloride solution is applied and runs through the paper as well until it has reached or passed the former product. Finally, the chromatogram is left to dry under light after which different color and patterns develop which can be used to evaluate the quality of different food products from different production systems.
Link to the study: https://oeno-one.eu/article/view/2548#
Athmann M., Bornhütter R., Fritz J., Geier U., Kauer R., Meissner G., Schulz H. (2020). Quality Assessment of Grape Juice from Integrated, Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture Using Image Forming Methods. Oeno One, volume 54, issue 2.
]]>Professor Piccolo received the Chemistry Award of the renowned German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for his research on humus chemistry, is one of the founders of the Italian Society for Biodynamic Sciences (SISB) and editor-in-chief of the journal Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture.
]]>
The abstract as well as the entire study can be read under the following link.
https://chembioagro.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40538-021-00258-z
]]>
Vineyard soils show an increased risk of degradation due to being intensively cultivated. The preservation of soil integrity and fertility is a key concept of organic and biodynamic farming. However, both systems are also subject to criticism due to their higher amount of plant protection products used and their increased traffic intensity compared to integrated viticulture, both detrimental to soil quality. The aim of this study was therefore to assess long-term effects of these three management systems on chemical and physical soil quality parameters. For this purpose, topsoil samples were taken in a long-term field trial vineyard at different positions and examined for bulk density, available water capacity (AWC), soil organic carbon (SOC), N, pH, and for total and bioavailable copper (Cu) concentrations. Biodynamic plots had a lower bulk density and higher SOC concentration than the integrated ones, which is probably due to the species-rich cover crop mixture used in the inter-row. However, organic and biodynamic farming showed an accumulation of copper in the under-vine area and in the tractor track, which is problematic for soil fertility in the long-term. Therefore, alternatives for copper in plant protection are necessary to ensure sustainable soil quality through organic and biodynamic viticulture.
]]>Extract from the editorial: In this special issue, we present papers based on contributions to the first international conference on research in biodynamic food and farming held in Dornach, Switzerland, from Sept 5th to Sept 8th 2018. Altogether, twelve papers have been accepted for publication. (…) Altogether, the papers in this special issue show that scientific research in biodynamic food and farming is evolving to examine the proposed effects of this production system, being aware of the fact that the epistemological approach of natural sciences cannot capture the ontological system and the corresponding assumptions. We are looking forward for research in biodynamic food and farming to bridge this gap in the future. (Brock, C., Derkzen, P., Fritz, J., Spengler Neff, A., Florin, J.-M., Hurter, U., Wahl, V. (2019). Open Agriculture, 4(1), 803-804. DOI: doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0079)
Link to the special issue: https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/opag.2019.4.issue-1/issue-files/opag.2019.4.issue-1.xml
]]>Research into biodynamic food and farming has a long history within the biodynamic movement. Whilst the basic aim of this research has always been to provide knowledge for furthering the development of this farming approach, recently interest has increased in sharing research activities and results with the global scientific community. After commencing with an introduction to biodynamic agriculture, this review gives an overview of peer-reviewed publications on issues in biodynamic food and farming that have been published between 2006 and 2017. The time before this period is covered by the reviews of Leiber et al. (2006) and Turinek et al. (2009).
Overall, 86 articles were included into this review. The most recognized topics were soil quality and soil health in biodynamic vs. conventional and organic farming, effects of biodynamic preparations, food quality, and viticulture. The studies provide substantial evidence for positive effects of biodynamic management on agroecosystems and food quality:
Until now, the effects of biodynamic management have usually been studied with classical analytical methods in natural and life sciences through disciplinary and reductionist study designs. An application of study designs or specific methods that are conducive for a more holistic analysis are rarely implemented. Thus, we identify the development of appropriate methods and study designs for a holistic examination as a major challenge of future research in biodynamic food and farming.
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/opag-2019-0064/html
]]>in the PDF from page 38: https://www.fibl.org/fileadmin/documents/en/activity-report/activityreport2018.pdf
]]>PDF: The impact of long-term organic farming on soil-derived greenhouse gas emissions
]]>Biodynamic Association UK: https://www.biodynamic.org.uk/
Biodynamic Association USA: https://www.biodynamics.com/
BFDI - Biodynamic Federation Demeter international: www.demeter.net
Coventry University: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/
Forschungsinstitut am Goetheanum: http://www.forschungsinstitut.ch
Forschungsinstitut für Biologischen Landbau (FiBL): http://www.fibl.org/
Forschungsring e.V.: http://www.forschungsring.de/
Pondicherry University: https://www.pondiuni.edu.in/
Royal Agricultural University: https://www.rau.ac.uk/
Universität Kassel / Ökologische Agrarwissenschaften: https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/
Universiteit Stellenbosch: http://www.sun.ac.za/
Association Biodynamie Recherche: https://biodynamie-recherche.org/
Bellis - Arbeitsgemeinschaft für goetheanistische Pflanzenerkenntnis: http://www.anthrobotanik.eu/
Gesellschaft für Goetheanistische Forschung e.V.: http://www.gfgf.de/
Josephine Porter Institute on Applied Biodynamics: http://www.jpibiodynamics.org/
Keyserlingk Institut: http://www.saatgut-forschung.de/
Louis Bolk Institut: http://www.louisbolk.org/nl/home/
Michael Field Agricultural Institute: http://www.michaelfieldsaginst.org/
Soin de la terre: http://www.soin-de-la-terre.org/
Stiftelsen Biodynamiska Forskningsinstitutet: http://www.jdb.se/sbfi/
The Biodynamic Research Institute: http://www.demeter.org.au/
The Nature Institute: http://www.natureinstitute.org/
In the course of 2022, this original idea crystallised into a collaboration between the BFDI, the Forschungsring in Germany and the Section for Agriculture in Switzerland. In autumn 2022, two online meetings took place to which researchers from all over the world who were thematically involved in biodynamic agriculture were invited. During these meetings, the needs of the researchers for such a platform were discussed, as well as how these needs differ according to geographical circumstances or professional functions, and how a mutual exchange and effective support could be achieved. Finally, all participants were invited to meet on-site in Dornach, Switzerland, during the Agricultural Conference 2023 to jointly launch the "Biodynamic Research Platform".
The launch event on 03.02.2023 was well attended with over 30 participants from all over the world as well as some media representatives. The organisers gave an overview of the origins and function of the research platform. Afterwards, there was room for some comments from the audience and short interviews.
The Biodynamic Research Platform aims to provide a professional network to build and share expertise among researchers. The primary research topics are agriculture and nutrition, where possible involving practising farmers and considering geographical and socio-cultural conditions. A lively exchange should be made possible on the questions of how exactly biodynamic agriculture works, what research work currently exists on individual topics, and how additional work can be organised and coordinated. With the help of a worldwide network, it should also be made easier for students and young researchers in particular to enter the field, gain an overview of the current state of research, and receive suggestions concerning formal requirements, high-quality methodology and a robust statistical evaluation of data. A concrete first goal of the research platform is the organisation of an online colloquium, in which participants will be able to present and discuss ongoing as well as already published research work and engage thematically with other researchers.
The project management of the Biodynamic Research Platform is carried out by the Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum. Lukas Maschek is the main contact person. Contact address: biodynamic.research@goetheanum.ch
]]>Based on current information, there is only a limited sample of peer reviewed studies on biodynamic agriculture. In their literature review, the research group further limited their sample to English publications that had been published in science journals with an impact factor. The impact factor indicates how often a study has been cited in the scientific literature and gives an overview of its relevance in its particular research field. The results of the literature review were divided into three groups. From a total of 147 studies published between 1990 and 2018, 93 deal with biodynamic agricultural methods, 26 with sustainability and 28 with food quality. Over 70% of the studies are from Europe, with the remainder coming from Oceania, North America, Asia and South America, in order of decreasing frequency. The majority of studies were published during the past ten years. Amongst the scientific articles examined there are several about the DOK study in Switzerland (D: dynamic, O: organic, K: conventional), which has compared various agricultural methods for over 40 years.
Results:
Some of the studies examined in the literature review compare only organic with conventional growing methods. For those studies that include biodynamic methods, this review undertook a comparison of all three methods in pairs. The comparison was based on the topics of 'influence on agricultural methods', 'sustainability' and 'food quality'.
After making further comparisons of the studies, the researchers concluded that biodynamic methods improve both soil quality and biodiversity. In terms of socio-economic sustainability and the quality of the food produced, no conclusive evidence was found due to the small amount of available data.
Conclusion:
The authors stress that the ecological compensation areas in biodynamic farming have a positive effect on the biodiversity of the whole agroecosystem. In the DOK study, the soil microflora also came out better when compared to organic farming. Moreover, the closed nutrient cycles characteristic of biodynamic farming reduce dependency on imports.
The authors state that, from a scientific viewpoint, further research is needed on the operating principle of the biodynamic preparations.
The validity of the results of the study as well as their comparability can be markedly influenced by site-specific characteristics. The researchers argue in favour of selecting larger, more homogeneous study areas and clearer test parameters for future studies in order to obtain more convincing results. For instance, it is difficult to examine the effect of biodynamic preparations in comparison to organic farming methods if the study areas are treated with compost or manure from different sources. Any resulting effects cannot then be attributed with certainty to the effect of the preparations. Avoiding these kind of methodological problems could contribute significantly to the validity of the results obtained.
Systems theory states that the totality of a system (farm) cannot be fully captured by studying the subsidiary systems, such as plant cultivation, cattle husbandry or compost. The behaviour of a complex system is influenced by the interaction of the different effects of all the subsystems. The concept of the agroecosystem provides a holistic approach to assess this kind of overall system. However, it is a very complex task to assess this in its entirety and certainly requires further research involving farmers, consumers and other stakeholders. In addition, greater clarification and research work are also necessary on the topics of biodynamic preparations, comparative studies of agricultural methods including biodynamics, and an expansion of the study remit to socio-economic sustainability and the quality of food produced by biodynamics. It would also be interesting to carry out further research on microbial soil life as part of the one-health concept, which creates a link between the health of soils, plants, animals and human beings.
Details on the original publication:
Authors: Santoni M., Ferretti L., Migliorini P., Vazzana C., and Pacini GC
Title: A review of scientific research on biodynamic agriculture
Journal: Organic Agriculture, 12, 373-396 (2022)
Link to complete study (Open Access):
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13165-022-00394-2
Further comparative studies from biodynamic research are available in the following publications:
We argue that the collection of authors and articles provided does not fully represent the variety of biodynamic and anthroposophical actors and actions in dealing with and adapting to climate change. As the Section for Agriculture, we have a clear position on climate change, which does not deny its existence, implications and effects on farming life and beyond.
Since 2021 our main working theme has been the interactions between climate resilience and health.
This focus derives from the needs of farmers worldwide when working with nature and natural forces. Each and every day these farmers do their best to interact with the local weather and climate. They report the effects of extreme heat or heavy precipitation becoming a devastating reality when working in their fields.
Biodynamic practice has been scientifically and practically proven to offer several advantages when dealing with climate change. The design of a diverse landscape with hedges (carbon sequestration) and crop and animal diversity, working with nature instead of against it, constantly building healthy and fertile soils, and the application of the biodynamic preparations as well as the use of medical plants are all factors that biodynamic farmers name which help them to adapt to climate change.
At the same time, scientific trials, like the DOK trial by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), have shown that biodynamic agriculture helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency, both of which act as climate change mitigation factors. Further, it has also been demonstrated that biodynamic agriculture methods promote the resistance of plants to pathogens.
Sven Ove Hansson claims that there are “conflicts between mainstream science and anthroposophy’s spiritual worldview”. However, as the Section for Agriculture, we are dedicated to integrating and including the various scientific perspectives.
We can look back over a history of collaboration in climate research and action. For example, during the 2007 conference of the Section for Agriculture on the role of carbon in climate change, scientific authors such as Hartmut Grassl from the renowned Max Plank Institute presented their research. Hans Rudolf Herren, co-author of the world agriculture report and winner of the world food prize, also joined the climate discussions at our annual conference “Alliances for our Earth” in 2013. In addition, at our 2nd biodynamic research conference (2021)on the topic “Growing beyond resilience”, over 90 authors from all over the world presented their research in this field.
At the recent 2021 climate conference, internationally-recognised speakers such as Charles Eisenstein, noted for his focus on climate action, were involved in the work of the Section for Agriculture. This conference, “Breathing with the climate crisis” and organised in collaboration with the Youth Section, reached more than 1,200 people from 63 countries.
The people attending the above-mentioned conferences, contributing to biodynamic research and investing time in developing their farms to adapt to climate change, are all part of the biodynamic and anthroposophical movements. They are all affected by the impacts of climate change on their farms, their gardens and their surroundings. They work in partnership to develop ways to achieve resiliency. They have all invested time to discuss solutions and work out strategies to find a way out of this crisis. We therefore argue that the anthroposophical and biodynamic movements are much larger than claimed by the author of the climate science denial paper.
As a Section, we do our utmost to continue to work on finding, integrating and promoting various solutions for the global challenges of climate change, be this as part of the Goetheanum working group on finding innovative ways to reduce our own ecological footprint or as part of practical projects, such as our Roadmap for a healthy climate.
Author: Sven Ove Hansson
Title: Anthroposophical climate science denial
Journal: Critical Research on Religion
Link to the article: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20503032221075382
]]>
published at goetheanum.tv
]]>Internationally an interest is developing in the biodynamic research community for better communication and networking. The first step towards this was taken in September 2018 with the first international biodynamic research conference. Due to the positive feedback, the Section for Agriculture decided to organise further regular (every three years) research conferences in different countries.
Accordingly, the second conference was planned with a larger group of partners, these being the Royal Agriculture University (UK), Coventry University (UK), Stellenbosch University (SA), Pondicherry University (IN), Biodynamic Association UK and US, the University of Kassel (DE), the Research Circle (DE), Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (CH), the Natural Science Section at the Goetheanum and the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International.
After detailed planning, the conference was only able to take place online due to the global situation, and not at the Royal Agriculture University in Great Britain. However, this meant that over 170 delegates from 34 countries from all the continents were able to participate in over 60 contributions in the form of presentations, working groups, posters with research results, etc.
Increase in extreme weather events
It has been confirmed that the challenges faced by agriculture have risen dramatically: climate change, loss of biodiversity, ecosystem destruction, new epidemics, etc. It gets increasingly difficult to rely on the rhythms of nature. A very hot summer is followed by a cold wet year, accompanied by storms. Extreme weather events have become much more frequent.
The conference committee has chosen the topic of 'Growing beyond resilience' to promote joint research on the conditions for an agriculture for life such as biodynamics. A broad range of topics and viewpoints were discussed, from the exact effect of the biodynamic preparations on the soils, via the activity of microorganisms to the use of intuitive faculties in agriculture and the effect of raw milk on health.
Improved networking and better communication amongst the researchers is necessary for the future organisation of the research. There is also the need for the further development and expansion of public relations work and interdisciplinary cooperation – for instance between agriculture, medicine and education. After all, people cannot be healthy unless the earth is healthy too!
]]>The organisation of this congress by IFOAM was a great challenge for France, particularly due to the difficulties caused by the pandemic. But it also helped to strengthen the French organic movement: we become stronger through shared efforts.
The situation unfortunately meant that, of the 1,800 participants, only 400 were able to be present physically while the remainder took part online to listen to over 450 very diverse contributions in six different fora (science, culture and education, farmers and advisers, supply, stakeholders, and leadership).
A congress of this type is always an opportunity to take the pulse of the organic movement and to recognise the challenges and ideas for the future. While, thanks to the commitment of the Indian organic movement, the 2018 congress in Dehli granted farmers an important place with a large forum, the congress in Rennes went a step further with a culture and education forum which enabled an exchange of views and discussion about the roots of the organic movement and its cultural, philosophical and spiritual values. The tagline of the congress "From its roots, organic inspires life" supported this aspiration. The biodynamic movement was well represented in the different fora with numerous contributions.
If the organic movement wants to become a powerful lever for respect for living organisms and the survival of humanity and our planet, it needs to be based on the power of civil society, particularly on the farmers of the world and the whole sector, and increasingly also the consumers. This is necessary in order to become a true alliance for life that, given the environmental and climate crisis, enables an acceleration of the essential transformation. The biodynamic movement wishes to make its contribution to this.
The next IFOAM congress will take place in 2024 in Tunisia, a country that belongs to a part of the world that is under extreme threat from climate change, in particular through extreme heat and drought.
]]>Biodynamic agriculture takes account of different dimensions and lifecycles in nature as well as the creative abilities of human beings. Principles like these allow criteria to be defined for a supportive approach to the living world which can be measured in food quality, nutritional value and vitality. There is documented evidence of this from biodynamic agriculture and related areas such as agroforestry, permaculture, agroecology and horticulture. The Section for Agriculture is currently compiling results and plans for healthy food systems from researchers and students and via farmers to processors for the research conference on biodynamic agriculture in summer 2021.
Conference Growing beyond resilience, International Conference on Biodynamic Research, 30 August to 2 September 2021, digital
Webhttps://www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en/research/bdrc21
Contact person Lin Bautze, biodynamic.research@goetheanum.ch
]]>Vineyard soils show an increased risk of degradation due to being intensively cultivated. The preservation of soil integrity and fertility is a key concept of organic and biodynamic farming. However, both systems are also subject to criticism due to their higher amount of plant protection products used and their increased traffic intensity compared to integrated viticulture, both detrimental to soil quality. The aim of this study was therefore to assess long-term effects of these three management systems on chemical and physical soil quality parameters. For this purpose, topsoil samples were taken in a long-term field trial vineyard at different positions and examined for bulk density, available water capacity (AWC), soil organic carbon (SOC), N, pH, and for total and bioavailable copper (Cu) concentrations. Biodynamic plots had a lower bulk density and higher SOC concentration than the integrated ones, which is probably due to the species-rich cover crop mixture used in the inter-row. However, organic and biodynamic farming showed an accumulation of copper in the under-vine area and in the tractor track, which is problematic for soil fertility in the long-term. Therefore, alternatives for copper in plant protection are necessary to ensure sustainable soil quality through organic and biodynamic viticulture.
]]>The Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum and the Rudolf Steiner Archive have formed a working group that has taken on this task. The members of the working group are: David Marc Hoffmann, Ueli Hurter, Rudolf Isler, Albrecht Römer, Martin von Mackensen and Hans-Christian Zehnter.
Please get in touch with any of these people or contact the address below. Do help us to make available as much source material as possible for documentation and research.
Many thanks!
Goetheanum
Section for Agriculture
Contact: ueli.hurter@goetheanum.ch
Rudolf Steiner Archive
hans-christian.zehnter@rudolf-steiner.com
Dear all,
Many years ago, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) drew attention to the connection between global warming, our health system and the spread or multiplication of viruses. Today this connection seems more real than ever before.
By linking our global world, we have created unique opportunities. Today we live in a world in which we are connected by our environment, our economy and by our social being, which longs for exchange, connection and communication. We have moved closer together than any generation before us.
At the same time, we can see from the current situation that our dealings with nature - our environment - have led to the earth becoming out of balance.
The Living Farms project aims to make knowledge accessible for a healthy, sustainable change. We aim to provide inspiration and opportunities for action for people in this rapidly changing world. In the face of the current crisis, dependencies and interdependencies are becoming more evident, and it is more important than ever before to show practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and a future-proof food system.
At the same time, we are currently experiencing a slowdown. Many of us are asking: What is important at the individual level, but also at the level of society as a whole? What will a world look like after Corona? Is this time perhaps even a chance for a "new start" for our community? A "readjustment" of the current grievances? Do we want and can we now create a world that creates a coexistence in which people support each other? A world in which we pay attention to nature and its needs? A world in which we live in true balance between the needs of ourselves as human beings and our environment?
We think the Living Farms project must continue despite or because of Corona. We are actively working on all tasks that can take place without travelling to the farms. This means that we process the video recordings of the Kenya trip and the agricultural conference into videos from our home office. At the same time, we are working on the detailed reports of the farm visits for the book publication, as well as the planning for the upcoming workshops, exhibitions and seminars. Our social media channels will also continue to be filled with exciting content.
We look forward to making the next videos available to you soon. We are pleased about your support, comments and sharing the videos! We are grateful to be able to continue such an important project and to plan and realize the near future together with the biodynamic farms and the movement.
For questions in the meantime, we are at your disposal on all channels!
]]>Extract from the editorial: In this special issue, we present papers based on contributions to the first international conference on research in biodynamic food and farming held in Dornach, Switzerland, from Sept 5th to Sept 8th 2018. Altogether, twelve papers have been accepted for publication. (…) Altogether, the papers in this special issue show that scientific research in biodynamic food and farming is evolving to examine the proposed effects of this production system, being aware of the fact that the epistemological approach of natural sciences cannot capture the ontological system and the corresponding assumptions. We are looking forward for research in biodynamic food and farming to bridge this gap in the future. (Brock, C., Derkzen, P., Fritz, J., Spengler Neff, A., Florin, J.-M., Hurter, U., Wahl, V. (2019). Open Agriculture, 4(1), 803-804. DOI: doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0079)
Link to the special issue: https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/opag.2019.4.issue-1/issue-files/opag.2019.4.issue-1.xml
]]>Biodynamic agriculture contributes to supplying high-quality food for mankind's basic requirements. Biodynamic agriculture has linked practice and research from the start, e.g. since 1946 in the German Forschungsring (research group). Nowadays, bodies such as the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) (CH) and the University of Kassel (DE) carry out research on various aspects of the biodynamic method. In September 2018 the Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum – one of the coordinating centres for biodynamic agriculture – invited around 180 researchers and farmers to the first international conference on biodynamic research at the Goetheanum. Around 100 presentations and posters provided an overview of current research in biodynamics and are now available in the form of written summaries in English.
The findings include studies which indicate that the biodynamic method binds higher amounts of carbon in the soil than other types of agriculture, so contributing to climate protection. Proposals for mother-bonded calf rearing in dairy farming form a main topic in the field of animal welfare. Ueli Hurter, joint head of the Section for Agriculture, stresses that research is more than the production of knowledge. What is needed is a research culture which is both data-oriented and also life-centred, which takes account of sentient living creatures and productively shapes reality.
Brochure Evolving Agriculture and Food. Opening up Biodynamic Research. September 5th to 8th September 2018. Conference Contributions. Topics Soil, plants and preparations, Agriculture, farm organism and environment, Food quality, Nutrition and health, The role of animals in biodynamic agriculture, Biodynamics and society, Research Methods and Biodynamics Online www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en/thematic-areas/research/research-2018
Contact
Verena Wahl, Tel. +41 61 706 42 11, verena.wahl@goetheanum.ch
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Download the activity report from FiBL
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In September 2018 we began a research project on the compost preparation plants in tropical and subtropical regions. In the Agricultural Course (1924) Rudolf Steiner clearly stated that the plants recommended for making the compost preparations could be replaced by others, should they be difficult to obtain in some regions. Due to the spread of biodynamic agriculture from Central Europe to numerous countries across the world and, in recent years, to countries in tropical and subtropical regions in particular, new questions arise on this matter:
in order to exchange ideas and information on the problems and possible solutions (per e-mail in English).
It is difficult to get Valeriana officinalis to flower in tropical and subtropical countries. The Valerianaceae family comprises around 250 species worldwide. Of these, a large number (approx. 100) are only native in the mountains of Central and South America. Only approx. 10 species grow in the alpine regions of Europe, others in the southern Himalayas (India approx. 15 species) or China (approx. 15 species). Are there any important traditional me-dicinal plants or other specially characteristic plants amongst these species? Is there any experience with the use of other valerian species? We are planning excursions to study other plants from this family. Later we also want to look at the other preparation plants and their families in order to find ways of cultivating them and of working with local ex-perts in cases where there are problems (e.g. Quercus).
We wish to hold expert discussions on the individual preparation plants. The first of these is planned for May 2019 in Dornach on Valerian and Valerian preparation.
The results of the excursions, trials and expert discussions on the individual preparation plants and their alternatives are to be summarised in a booklet so that they can be made available to other interested individuals for further work.
If you are interested in joining the network, please contact us at e-mail: <link mail internal link in current>juergen.momsen@t-online.de
The theme for the upcoming conference is “Growing beyond Resilience”. Academic and farmer-practitioner research into biodynamic and organic agriculture and food systems offers new ways to understand how we can create a transformative culture that works to address pressing challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil infertility and human ill-health.
Taking an inter- and trans-disciplinary approach, we aim to bring together academic, participatory and practitioner’s research to explore and discuss resilience in biodynamic food and farming systems and how we can grow beyond this concept. As such, we invite you to take a critical look at the concept of resilience – does it help or hinder? What is its power to actively shape the transformative culture needed on farms and in society?
]]>This new biannual conference will gather academics, scholars, PhD students, graduate students, farmer-researchers and action researchers from around the world to discuss the latest and most pressing issues in biodynamic agriculture, moreover discussing related fields such as agroecology and food and nutrition, dedicating significant attention also to new and alternative researching methods.
The partners of the organizer, the Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum, are: The Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences of the University of Kassel (Germany), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL, Switzerland) and the Forschungsring (Research in Biodynamic Agriculture, Darmstadt, Germany).
Confirmed keynote speakers: Prof. Dr. Jürgen Hess, University of Kassel, Germany; Dr. Silvia Ivemeyer, University of Kassel, Germany; Mechthild Knösel, Hofgut Rengoldshausen, Germany; Prof. Geraldo Deffune G. de Oliveira, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Brazil; and Dr. Anet Spengler, FiBl, Schweiz
Programme committee:
Dr. Christopher Brock (Forschungsring, Germany)
Dr. Petra Derkzen (Demeter International, Netherlands)
Dr. Jürgen Fritz (University of Kassel, Germany)
Dr. Anet Spengler (FiBL, Switzerland)
Organising committee:
Jean-Michel Florin, Ueli Hurter, Verena Wahl