US Green Living .com
Biodynamic farming describes a farming process in which the use of natural farming methods, such as the use of naturally occurring manures and fertilizers instead of manmade chemicals, is stressed. It is considered a form of organic farming. Biodynamic farming takes a holistic approach to its processes treating certain areas such as field preparations, the use of compost, and the treatment of pests and weeds in a unique, more
environmentally friendly way. The holistic element of biodynamic farming has been scrutinized due to its somewhat strange approach to farming and its rejection of modern farming technology.
Biodynamic farming is a type of organic farming in that it relies on more natural methods of growing crops including crop rotation, animal manures, and mechanical cultivation. It avoids the use of industrial farming methods such as the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and a host of other chemicals.
Biodynamic farming employs a meticulous routine for the preparation of fields. A special horn manure is prepared by placing manure in an old cow horn and burying it underground in the autumn. After spending the whole winter decomposing, it is extracted from the ground and used in the spring for crops. A similar process which combines cow horn with quartz is also used, but this is performed in the spring with the intent of extracting it in the autumn. After having ample time to decompose underground, these natural fertilizers are mixed with water to facilitate their application.
Dealing with compost in a biodynamic farming system is another intricate process. Compost is handled through a number of different means including the use of dandelions that are placed in the peritoneum of cattle that is buried underground. A similar process is also carried out with chamomile and yarrow blossoms. Wood byproducts also have a special method for composting. Oak bark is cut into tiny chunks, stuffed inside the skull of a domesticated animal, and buried in an area that experiences a lot of natural runoff from rain.
Biodynamic farming also has a unique way of dealing with pest and weed control. The view is that a healthy farm will naturally be resistant to these dangers. To achieve a natural harmony on the farm and make crops conducive to natural pest and weed control, several steps are taken. These usually involve utilizing ashes from a burnt pest or weed to target a particular type of threat. Seeds from specific weeds are gathered and burnt in an open wood fire and then are spread throughout the crops. Fighting pests is a much more intricate process involving planetary and constellation positioning.
Biodynamic farming has been criticized for its use of holistic methods that tend to rely on spiritual elements. Biodynamic farmers use the astronomical calendar instead of more scientific information to determine what time of year to plant and harvest crops. Despite this controversy, biodynamic farms are proven to be quite productive, especially over long periods of time, because of their natural ability to sustain themselves and their rejection of harmful chemicals.
