If you are interested in biodynamic gardening or even agriculture, then you should understand about biodynamic farming principles. When we are talking about this system, we are talking about organic farming (and also gardening) methods having a unique spiritual and holistic approach to maintain the growing of food sustainability.
The History
This method has been approved (and licensed) within 60 different countries in the world today. It was started by Rudolf Steiner who combined farming practices and also spiritual science. It all started from organic movement during the early 20th century to deal with industrialized agriculture and the introduction of synthetic fertilizer.
Steiner then introduced biodynamic farming principles designed for sustainable agriculture. Since then, this method has developed through the combination of direct farming practice, careful observation, and collaborative research.
Biodynamics vs Organic Agriculture
Biodynamics is more than just being organics. The idea is to implement a holistic approach to farming system. A biodynamic system is viewed as a whole single system where the animals, soil, and plants are one huge part together. They are connected to one another and they don’t need any external element to strive and be successful.
Organic systems, on the other hand, may share similar concepts and principles as biodynamic systems, but this method still brings in external elements and inputs, like nutrients or manure to deal with poor soil.
The Main Principles
There are a set of biodynamic farming principles that deal with this method and its practice, but we are going to discuss some of them.
Biodynamics Combines Animals and Plants Together
In the natural ecosystem, animals and plants are working together. They complement
each other. Unfortunately, modern agriculture only focuses on one
part; either raising livestock only or growing crops only. Focusing
on one element may be efficient at some points, but it also leads to
natural imbalances, like nutrient deficiency (if you only grow
plants) or excess manure pollution (if you only raise livestock. With
biodynamics, animals, soil, and plants can grow and develop together
within a conscious and living relationship, creating a more balanced
outcome.Biodynamics Are in Sync with Cosmos and Earth
The farmers (and gardeners) must observe their surroundings. They
need to observe the cycles (and also rhythm) of the moon, earth,
stars, planets, and sun to understand how the world works and runs.
The (biodynamics) calendars can support this understanding and
awareness, and they provide detailed info about astronomical
indications and information. In this manner, farmers would understand
about the proper time for cultivating, transplanting, sowing,
harvesting, or dealing with biodynamics preparation.Biodynamics View (and Treat) Animals with Respect
The farmers have true care for domestic animals because they understand
that the animals are crucial parts of the ecosystem. Animals are
fed naturally with food that is safe for them. They will never be
fed animal by-products. Farmers pay a detailed attention to the
proper food for the animals’ digestive system.The animal youngs aren’t raised by milk replacer, but they are raised
within the herd. Chickens can keep their beaks while cows can keep
their horns. Animals are given outdoor access, along with free
(range) forage. They can also move freely.Biodynamics Provides Regenerative Solutions (for the Future)
This method is about doing a responsible, participatory, and conscious
system for farming. It’s believed to bring healing to people, planet,
animals, plants, and soil. As a result, Mother Earth is recovering
and humans can unfold new abilities within human creativity. We can
actually provide a better and safer future for the next generation.
Bottom Line
There are still many sets of principles that you can get from implementing biodynamics into your agriculture. You can find out more about the biodynamic farming principles if you are interested in the idea.