Biodynamics, a regenerative and sustainable agriculture, by Ulrich Schreier
Born in 1924 following eight lectures given by Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic agriculture aims to emphasize soil and plant health in order to produce quality food for humans.
Biodynamics, soil self-fertility and the sustainable agriculture of tomorrow
Gaining increasing interest within the scientific community, it is the earliest of the agro-ecological impulses, organic agricultural methods, and the certification of its products through the Demeter label. Seeking to deepen the understanding of the laws of nature and life, biodynamics tries to respect them as much as possible regarding the biological, agronomic, and ecological aspects of its practices.
After proving itself for 90 years across the globe, the principles of biodynamic agriculture continue to be a source of inspiration for many farmers. It is especially the plant extracts, certain approaches to managing weeds and pests, as well as the solar, lunar, and planetary calendar that find an increasingly wide audience.
Widespread in Australia and German-speaking countries where its products are among the most sought after, biodynamic agriculture is well known in France for its results in viticulture. More and more vineyards, including several of very high renown with very high quality requirements, practice it with often spectacular results:
- regeneration of degraded soils,
- increase in humus content and biological fertility,
- better water management and erosion control,
- improved behavior and sanitary balance of vines,
- good economic results,
- excellent quality of grape and wine.
As demonstrated so well by experiences in viticulture, where it facilitates the management of an organic vineyard, but also in many other fields, biodynamics, accompanied by good agronomic practices, allows to regenerate degraded soils in very little time and with very few means. Beyond this advantage, biodynamics stands out by the food quality of its products (Demeter label) and the accelerated development of soils in depth, a characteristic that notably expresses itself in better carbon sequestration.
Given these advantages and an outstanding carbon-energy balance, it seems urgent that this agriculture be better known both by farmers, advisors, and researchers, as well as by political, administrative hierarchies and the general public. It is for this purpose that the document Biodynamics, a promising path towards the sustainable agriculture of tomorrow was written. Rich in photos, illustrations, references, and internet links, it discusses the origins of biodynamics, the vision on which it is based, some important aspects, and above all convincing results regarding soil life, structure and fertility, plant vigor and health, food and environmental quality.
Discover the complete works and writings of Ulrich Schreier:
- Biodynamics, a promising path towards the sustainable agriculture of tomorrow
- Biodynamic agriculture worldwide
- Soils, vegetation and herbivores: the top trio to regulate water cycles and reverse global warming
- Working with biodynamic preparations
- Compost tea
- This page was written based on the document Biodynamics, a promising path towards the sustainable agriculture of tomorrow authored by Ulrich Schreier.
La version initiale de cet article a été rédigée par Ulrich Schreier.
