Preparation 500: The first preparation for biodynamic farmers

Biodynamics (“biological-dynamics”) is a method of organic agriculture that’s applicable to any farm or horticultural enterprise by following a series of practical steps.

The steps emphasise building soil fertility and are carefully tailored to the particular property. They include:

• Using biodynamic sprays to stimulate biological activity in the soil and improve retention of nutrients, such as animal wastes
• Stocking with several different animal species to vary grazing patterns and reduce pasture-borne parasites
• Widening the range of pasture species
• Planting trees for multiple purposes
• Crop rotation designs including the use of green manures to enhance soil fertility and control weeds and plant pests
• Recycling organic wastes, where possible, by large scale composting
• Changing from chemical pest control to prevention strategies based on good plant and animal nutrition and careful cultivar selection

What are the advantages?

Biodynamics uses very limited external inputs and re-uses most on-farm waste, so it has a low impact on the environment.

It also provides an economical way of farming because most of the costs are met at the time they are incurred.

One of the most easily-seen and dramatic benefits of biodynamic practice is the exceptional quality of the produce: flavour, appearance and keeping quality are all enhanced.

Horn manure preparation 500 is a manure concentrate.

Fresh cow manure buried in cow horns in fertile soil for Autumn and Winter, is transformed into a potent conditioner for soil and plants.

Applied in Spring and Autumn. It is a living substance which helps build soil structure,
stimulates microbial activity and the formation of humus, greatly improving the absorption and retention of water in the soil. 

Used as part of a regular practice, it can help to regulate acidity, stimulate the growth of root systems to greater depths, increases the germination rate of seeds and helps to dissolve hard pans.