Biodynamic Agriculture

Quick Look

A concise and illustrated introduction to organic agriculture which shows that biodynamic crops are healthier and longer-lasting than conventional crops.

Description

Biodynamics is an internationally recognized approach to organic agriculture in which the farmer or gardener respects and works with the spiritual dimension of the earth's environment.

In a world where conventional agricultural methods threaten the environment, biodynamic farms and gardens are designed to have a sound ecological balance. This concise and fully illustrated book presents evidence that biodynamic crops put down deeper roots, show strong resistance to disease and have better keeping qualities than conventionally produced crops.

Table of Contents

1. Agriculture and the environment
Industrialization
Intensive livestock farming
The role of nitrogen
Herbicides and pesticides
The landscape
Water pollution
2. The Earth, a living organism
The plant world
What is life?
The soil
Animals
The farming cycle
Biodynamic preparations
The farmer and the farm organism
3. Biodynamics: a brief history
Agricultural problems in the nineteenth century
Movements for biological agriculture
Rudolf Steiner and the Agricultural Course
The search for quality
A new start
An international movement: Producers and consumers; Research; Advisory services; Education and study
4. Practical biodynamics
The mixed farm
Manure and compost handling
The biodynamic compost preparations
Animal husbandry: Chickens; Cattle; Pigs; The sick animal
Arable farming and vegetable cultivation
The biodynamic spray preparations
Soil cultivation
Fruit cultivation
Beekeeping
Rhythms of sowing and planting
The landscape and conservation
5. Social aspects
Trade, sale and control
The therapeutic effect of biodynamic farming
Land ownership
6. Looking to the future
Research into quality
Research into breeding and seed production
Practical research
Economic considerations
Regulations and government intervention
A growing understanding

Reviews

'Explains the background of the organic view of agriculture and environment. Surely the best introduction available.'
-- Scientific and Medical Network Review, Winter 2003

'Taking an international view, Biodynamic Agriculture guides its readers from the first stages of considering this kind of farming right through to the sale of produce and the therapeutic effects of this kind of agriculture.'
The Environmentalist Magazine, November 2008

Author

Willy Schilthuis was president of the Dutch Biodynamic Association for twenty-five years. She has written several books on biodynamics.