Biodynamic research
This page is devoted to biodynamic research work. We are in the process of collating summaries of work done to date. Please check back for updates.
Biodynamic Research
Biodynamic Preparations
1. Radiant Effects of the Compost Preparations
2. Radiant Effects of the Compost Preparations
3. A Contribution to the Development of Tests for the Biodynamic Preparations
4. Preparations cause opposite yield effects
5. Preparations counteract fungal infections
Cosmic Rhythms
1) Lunar Effect on Thoroughbred Mare Fertility
2) Evidence for Lunar-Sidereal Rhythms in Crop Yield: A Review
Food Quality
1) Klosterstudie - Food Quality Research : How does food quality affect body, soul and spirit?
Plant Breeding
1. Susceptibility of Wheat Varieties to Bunt
Bees
1. Varroa control with essential oils
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Biodynamic Preparations
1. The Radiant Effects of the Biodynamic Compost Preparations I - Ingo Hagel
Report on Research undertaken during 1982 at the Agricultural Laboratory Emerson College, Forest Row, Sussex
This report paper brings together the results of research undertaken to investigate the radiant effects of the biodynamic compost preparations. Glass jars containing the preparations were inserted in the compost in order to observe radiant as distinct from contact effects. For each of the compost preparations several variants were used in order to produce a broad statistical evidence base upon which to make comparisons. There were nine trials in all. Measurements of wheat seedlings including their carbon dioxide release and dry matter content were made. The effects of specific moon constellations especially perigee and apogee were also noted.
The results demonstrated a clear effect of the preparations: The wheat plants revealed a significant increase in dry matter content (under conditions of a low nutrient growing medium, average temperatures and poor light) as a result of the radiant effects of the preparations. When growing conditions were improved however, the differences were not statistically significant.
Report is written in German (BDAA library)
2. The Radiant effects of the Biodynamic Compost Preparations II - Ingo Hagel
Report on research undertaken between May and October 1986 at the Järna Institute of the Nordische Forskningsring Järna, Sweden
This project builds on earlier research (1981,1984,1985) undertaken to investigate the radiant effects of the biodynamic preparations. Rudolf Steiner described in the Agriculture Course how the tiny amounts of compost preparations used will radiate their effects throughout the compost heap. This previous research showed that the radiant effects of the preparations can be scientifically demonstrated.
A further question then arose as to the specific effects of the individual preparations. A trial was set with the full range of variants. Decomposition rates were then tested using potato as the base material and germination tests were done using wheat.
The results once again demonstrated distinct radiant effects of the preparations. Individual differences between them however were not statistically significant.
The research was carried out with the financial backing of the Järna Institute and the human and professional support of Bo Pettersson
Report is written in German (BDAA library)
3. A Contribution to the Development of Tests for the Biodynamic Preparations - Walter Goldstein and Herbert Koepf
A report on research carried out between 1977 - 1979 at Emerson college, Forest Row, Sussex
Wheat seedlings were grown in nutrient solutions made from composted manures. Portions of Chamomile, Oak Bark and Valerian preparations were added as different variants and their morphological effects were compared. The form, weight and length of seedling roots and leaves were measured and compared.
Results showed a morphological correspondence between the effect of the particular preparation and the direct mineral effect of the related substance. For example oak bark preparation displayed the forms expected from a calcium rich growing medium.
Report is written in English (BDAA library)
4. Biodynamic Preparations Cause Opposite Yield Effects Depending Upon Yield Levels - Joachim Raupp and Uli Johannes König
Research carried out in 1996 at the Institute for Biodynamic Research, Brandschneise 5, D - 64295 Darmstadt
Crop yields of cereals, carrots, beetroots and potatoes from 28 different plot and pot experiments were compared in order to assess the influence of the biodynamic preparations on yields.
It was found that where yields were low the preparations tended to increase them. With medium yield levels the effects were smaller. With higher yields there was a tendency for the preparations to reduce them. It appears that the preparations have a compensating effect. They act as regulators.
Report written in English (BDAA library)
5. Biodynamic preparations contain high populations of spore forming bacteria antagonistic to fungal diseases - M. Sriveni, O. P. Rupela, S. Gopalakrishnan, M. Krajewski
Spore-forming bacteria, a major group among potential antagonists isolated from natural sources such as termitaria soil and composts used by organic farmers
Research carried out in 2003 at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India
A recently developed method for counting the total number of micro-organisms present in compost was used to determine the number of bacteria antagonistic to Fusarium solani a disease-causing fungus affecting chick peas. A comparison was made between various compost materials including the biodynamic compost preparations.
It was found that Horn manure and the compost preparations - yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettle, dandelion and oak bark - all had high populations of antagonist spore-forming bacteria. It appears that the biodynamic preparations have a capacity to build resistance against various fungus diseases. This confirms the experience of biodynamic farmers in the region (Tamil Nadu, India).
Report written in English (BDAA library)
Cosmic Rhythms
1)
Lunar
Effect on Thoroughbred Mare Fertility - Nicholas
Kollerstrom
An Analysis of 14 Years of Data 1986-1999
Published in "Biological Rhythm Research" 2004 Vol.35 Nos. 4/5
14 years of data from the breeding records of a major UK stud farm were used in order to determine whether a relationship exists between successful conception rates and the phases of the moon. The coverings of mares by stallions which had been recorded on a daily basis throughout the breeding season were compared with the number of registered conceptions that resulted.
Results showed that mares came in season more frequently in the days following full moon. This period also resulted in more conceptions. The influence was strongest during 'high node moons', the period in the moon's nodal cycle in which the full moon lies above the ecliptic.
Report written in English 2004 BDAA Library or click here to read ( pdf file)
2) Evidence for Lunar-Sidereal Rhythms in Crop Yield: A Review Nicholas Kollerstrom and Gerhard Staudenmaier Published in "Biological Agriculture and Horticulture" 2001, Vol. 19
This paper reviews the data evidence collected over the last 40 years by Abele, Kollerstrom, Lücke, Graf, Thun and Spiess into the effects of the sidereal rhythm of the moon on plant growth. Of particular interest was the apparent discrepancy in the findings of Spiess whose results appeared to refute these effects. The data was carefully re-analysed and compared.
Following
careful re-analysis, the evidence demonstrated that the results even of Spiess'
work confirmed the earlier findings that the sidereal rhythm does indeed effect
germination and growth in the way described by Thun and the Biodynamic Sowing
and Planting Calendar.
Report written in English 2001 BDAA Library or click here to read (pdf file)
1) Klosterstudie - Food Quality Research : How does food quality affect body, soul and spirit? Published by the Forschungsring für Biologisch-Dynamische Wirtschaftsweise, Darmstadt , Germany 2004
This piece of research took place in a Nunnery in the Black Forest, Germany. The nuns agreed to participate in a comprehensive investigation into the effects of eating mainly biodynamic food as compared with what they were used to. Over a period of ten weeks their diet was changed from mainly processed conventional food, to a diet of fresh foods and then to a fully Demeter sourced diet and then back to conventional. A whole range of tests were then undertaken including physiological tests to assess physical health and well being as well as a questionnaire based assessment of their inner state and spiritual well being.
Results showed very clear benefits of moving to a predominantly biodynamic diet. General health levels were improved, fitness increased, calorie intake, blood pressure and stress levels all declined. On a soul level too they felt better in themselves and more able to think clearly.
Report translated into English BDAA library click here
Plant Breeding
1. Susceptibility of Wheat Varieties to Bunt
Characterisation of Leaf Symptoms of Common Bunt (Tilletia caries) and Relationship to Ear Attack in Nine Wheat Cultivars - E. Koch and H. Spiess
Report on research carried out in 2000 and 2001 at: The Federal Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in Darmstadt, Germany and at The Dottenfelderhof branch of Biodynamic Research Institute in Bad Vilbel, Germany.
Experiments were carried out in order to determine the relative susceptibility to bunt attack (Tilletia caries) of nine soft wheat varieties. The same cultivars were studied in two pot tests and one field scale experiment. Results show clear differences between some of the cultivars. The different locations also show varying susceptibility rates..
First published (2002) in "Zeitschrift für Pflanzenkrankheiten und Pflanzenschutz - Journal for Plant Diseases and Protection" by Eugen Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart
Report is written in English (BDAA library)
Bees
1. Varroa control with essential oils
1. Using Essential Oils for Honey Bee Mite Control - Jim Amrine, Bob Noel, Harry Mallow, Terry Stasny, Robert Skidmore
Report on Research carried out in 1995 Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, Virginia State University Morgantown WV 26505-6108 USA
Syrups containing essential oils were fed to bees in order to assess whether these could help control varroa mite infestation. Syrups were made with spearmint oil and applied on tracking strips inside the front entrance of the colony.
Results showed a marked reduction in varroa mite populations after three weeks of treatment. The essential oils appeared to be inhibiting the sensory and reproductive functions of the mites. Essential oils from the mint family are harmless to bees and honey appears to be more effective as a medium of application than sugar syrup.
Report written in English 1996 BDAA library