How Biodynamic Farming Works: Biodynamic Farming Guide

Biodynamic farming is a form of alternative agriculture that takes an ecological and ethical approach to farming, food, and gardening. Traditional farming—which includes both conventional and organic farming—erodes soil quality over time with grazing livestock, crops, and other nutrient-draining vegetation. Biodynamic agriculture offers a way to maintain and restore ecological balance and organic harmony to your farm ground or garden, making efficient use of your farm’s natural energy.

Biodynamic farming leads to long-term, sustainable agriculture. To earn a biodynamic certification by the Demeter Association, a farm must meet particular guidelines, such as for livestock, processing procedures, post-harvest handling, and greenhouse management.

In 1924, after various farmers raised concerns about the degradation of soil due to constant use and chemical fertilizers, Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner taught an agriculture course, giving a series of lectures on anthroposophic farming that would eventually come to be known as biodynamic farming.

During the lectures, Steiner introduced the concerned farmers to a spiritual philosophy called anthroposophy, or the study of the nature of man. These lectures are regarded as the first presentation on modern organic agriculture. Steiner explored the relationship between farmer and land, declaring that humans have a responsibility to take care of their habitat and its natural resources.

Steiner formed a large anthroposophical society/research group, involving at least 800 members from all over the world. Not long after, another group of biodynamic practitioners formed, led by German agronomist Erhard Bartsch, to test the effects of biodynamic methods on soil health, plant quality, and animal life.

Biodynamic farming practices and farming methods include avoiding chemical soil fertilizers to enhance soil fertility, consideration of biological organisms (from living organisms in the soil to animal health), diverse crop rotation, cover crops, green animal manures, as well as meeting certain guidelines for perennial and annual planting.

A percentage of farmland is usually set aside for biodynamic practices like biodiversity preservation (such as established wetlands or planted insectaries to contribute to the ecological equilibrium). The biodynamic principles share a spiritual focus, connecting humans and the land, with the main goal of cultivating an environment that will improve humanity.

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