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)

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)

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)

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)

M. Sriveni, O. P. Rupela, S. Gopalakrishnan, M. Krajewski
Research carried out in 2003 at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India

Spore-forming bacteria, a major group among potential antagonists isolated from natural sources such as termitaria soil and composts used by organic farmers

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)