Biodynamic Preparations Handbook

Biodynamic Preparations Handbook: How to Make, Store and use Preparations for Soil Fertility

TBiodynamic preparations achieve remarkable results for plant growth and soil health when made and applied properly. This Biodynamic Preparations Handbook gives step by step instructions so that farmers and growers can make, store and apply biodynamic preparations. It draws on the research of biodynamic pioneers including Alex Podolinski, Lilly Kolisko, Ehrenfried Pfeiffer and the Massons’ work with farmers. This unique, time-tested handbook is the most comprehensive, thorough and useful guide for making and applying biodynamic preparations.

Vincent Masson is a recognised expert in the field of biodynamic preparations and their implementation. In 2005, He joined his father Pierre Masson, a leading figure in the world of biodynamics. Originally a farmer, Pierre went on to devote himself to experimentation, consulting and training. Together, they created BioDynamie Services, a company that develops preparations for a wide range of users in France and Europe. Here they continued their research, teaching and publishing work, always with the aim of improving the precision of practices and highlighting the effects of biodynamics.

This book is the result of that journey. Readers will find detailed, illustrated know-how for developing and implementing biodynamic preparations effectively on their farm or estate. The quality of the preparations is crucial to achieving clear results in terms of improving soil structure and fertility, plant health and product quality. Many biodynamic farmers around the world can testify to the rapid changes that occurred when they modified their practices to follow this approach.

Biodynamics is an organic, regenerative farming method which does not use artificial fertilizers, chemical pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. Instead, it builds soil organic matter and humus, stimulating biological activity, thus nurturing plants to grow naturally. Biodynamics uniquely uses powerfully acting, nature-based preparations that greatly enhance soil biological activity and photosynthetic efficiency. This results in healthier, more resilient plants with exceptional flavour and storage qualities.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Fundamentals

1. Introduction; A brief overview of biodynamic preparations; Horn manure and horn silica, two complementary spray preparations; The six plant-based preparations usually intended for use in stable manures and composting materials; Field horsetail as a complementary preparation; The role of biodynamic preparations and their place in the Agriculture Course.

2. Research on preparations: a brief history

3. The benefits of using biodynamic preparations in response to the problems of today’s world: Interesting effects to better manage the global food crisis; Carbon storage and its impact on climate change; Improving soil permeability: limiting flood severity and rising sea levels; Many beneficial effects on the environment, food and feed, and the partial resolution of some agronomic problems.

4. Processes at work and practical results: some information on biodynamic preparations: Metabolism, anabolism and catabolism: some elements to facilitate comprehension; Horn manure; Horn silica ; The six plant-based ‘compost’ preparations to improve manuring; Action of the preparations: enliven, develop sensitivity, organise; The plant-based preparations: different ways to use them; Some research results on the effects of the compost preparations.

5. Understanding preparations: some explanatory hypotheses: The Earth’s evolution; Preparations as ’cosmic substances’; Preparations, organs, planets; Connecting the cosmos and Earth; Preparations as cosmetics for the Earth’s face.

Part 2 – In practice

6. Prerequisites for making preparations: The processes of metamorphosis in the making and storage of preparations: the wet and dry ways; The colloidal state.

7. The practical aspects of making biodynamic preparations: The rigour with which we should make and use preparations; General information: materials, plants, timing, etc; The plants; The organs; The utensils and materials used; The quality of the water used; Cosmic rhythms; Precautions to be taken regarding various types of pollution, especially low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields; The places; The storage of preparations.
Making biodynamic preparations; Horn manure preparation, 500; Horn silica preparation, 501; Yarrow preparation, 502; Chamomile reparation, 503; Nettle preparation, 504; Oak bark preparation, 505; Dandelion preparation, 506; Valerian preparation, 507; Horsetail preparation, 508; Compound preparations: barrel preparations, 500P.

8. Applying preparations: Introduction; The storage of biodynamic preparations; Basic rules; Making storage boxes; Maintaining the boxes; Caring for preparations during storage; The quantities of preparations required; Applying compost preparations; Applying spray preparations; The colloidal quality of the preparations; Storage; The quality of the water; Heating the water; Stirring; Spraying; Choosing the right moments; Regulatory aspects; Reasons why the preparations fail to work.

Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

About the Author

Vincent Masson, Director of BioDynamie Services, developed his skills for making and applying biodynamic preparations as a researcher and advisor. He draws on extensive experience, travel, encounters and training activities. A well-known expert in researching, making and applying Biodynamic preparations, he helped make French biodynamic wines and vineyards world famous for quality.