Introduction
When Dr. Rudolf Steiner presented eight lectures on a novel farming technique to a sizable gathering of German farmers in 1924, biodynamic agriculture was founded. Austrian physicist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner was greatly impacted by the philosophy of the East, particularly Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Vedic texts. The wisdom (knowledge) of the human being, or anthroposophy, emerged from this impact and his own research:
Anthropos=human being Sophia=wisdom
The understanding that the human person (Manushya) is a spiritual being (Purusha) is the fundamental tenet of anthroposophy. When chemical farming first began in Europe, farmers were calling for help because they were seeing rapid degradation of the soil, produce quality, and seed viability. Steiner responded to these concerns with biodynamic agriculture. They had noticed a broad depletion of energy. Steiner then offered an alternative perspective on farming and the planet as a whole, highlighting the linkages and relationships among all living things.
Bios=life dynamic=energy
He clarified how the study of dead objects in labs, as opposed to the observation of living nature and the intricate relationships that are always shifting within it, is the foundation of contemporary science and, by extension, chemical agriculture. He mentioned the universe’s orbiting planets and stars as part of this web of life, and he talked about how, in the past, farmers had an innate understanding of Biodynamic agriculture. In order to learn how to best cooperate with nature, we contemporary humans need to rediscover this connection—but this time, in a very deliberate, quantifiable way.
These days, a large number of people focus on comprehending and documenting the effects of space on Earth. One such person is Maria Thun in Germany, who creates a planting calendar that farmers and gardeners may utilize. In order to augment the positive cosmic influences on plants and soil, Rudolf Steiner introduced a few remedies based on homeopathic medicine and encouraged people to experiment and discover new ones as well. Biodynamics is mainly concerned with the higher forces, the finer energies, and how they affect humans, animals, and plants.
Main effects of using biodynamic agriculture
- above all, to be of service to the Earth and its creatures by strengthening nature where it is weakened by constant use; to increase the vitality of food; to regenerate natural resources such as the soil (by restoring the organic matter present in the soil), the seeds, and the water; to forge a personal relationship with the world in which we live, with Nature of which we are a part; and to learn how to work together
- History
• In addition, hybrid seeds—which, once planted, are incapable of producing their own seeds—were brought about by the Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, making farmers dependent on hybrid seed firms. Furthermore, the plants grown from these hybrid seeds are far weaker and require larger amounts of fertilizer and insecticides. The most current threat to the equilibrium and wellbeing of the Earth, as well as that of us humans, is the introduction of genetically modified (GM) seeds. These seeds are closely related to certain herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers. Sadly, the strong economic incentives attached to genetically modified seeds put unstoppable pressure on poor nations to approve and legitimize the usage of these seeds.
• The basis of human existence is agriculture. Just to eat every day and to keep our bodies, minds, souls, and spirits alive, we must cultivate food! One can observe that throughout human history, our work with the land has inspired our creation of songs, art, music, crafts, and tools. However, we are losing contact with our source of life, a process that has accelerated over the past few decades and over the past century. The invention of chemical farming resulted from the World Wars, as leftover chemicals used in weaponry and combat were found to be beneficial for fertilization and pest control.
The consequences of chemical farming on human health, farmers’ livelihoods, soil health, and the welfare of all plants and animals are now painfully evident to us. Many areas are experiencing hardening soil that is unable to replenish itself, necessitating the use of more and more chemical fertilizers to support agricultural growth and piling up enormous debt for farmers. Along with undiscovered diseases and disorders affecting humans and animals, new pests and diseases that are resistant to chemical pesticides are emerging. Many people are starting to realize that we are in the midst of a worldwide catastrophe. Although it began extremely slowly, the biodynamic farming method has gained popularity worldwide in the last few decades.
DEMETER: Earth goddess in Greek mythology Using biodynamic techniques results in living soil that is in harmony with planetary cosmic rhythms and has been rejuvenated by natural forces. The mind and consciousness of the human being who is taking care of this portion of the Earth, also known as the “ordering principle,” lies at the center of this activity. This profound insight is founded in love and is derived from observation and a relationship with the land and with Nature.
Advantages
Production of fruits and vegetables of the highest caliber, characterized by robust flavors and abundant nutritional (protein and vitamin) content yields that are constantly above average, generally higher than those from organic farming, and continuously high throughout time as opposed to the declining yields from chemical farming, which occur as the soil becomes mineralized and pest populations become out of balance and become an issue. Plant diseases and livestock problems are not too bad. No significant economic harm resulting from the existence of insect pests, nor their spread: When it comes to insect pests, balance and control can be restored by appropriate management practices like planting trees and shrubs that will serve as a home for natural predators.