Comments on: Biodynamics — Part 2

By: Marion Petruzzelli

Marion Petruzzelli — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:49:58 +0000

Very interesting article. Couldn’t of written any better. Browsing this post reminds me of my old chum. He always kept speaking about this. I will forward this post to him. Am sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

By: St. Vini

St. Vini — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:23:57 +0000

Mike -

I believe the study in Switzerland (by Paul Mäder, 2002) is of dubious worth, and was not peer-reviewed.

Sadly, Steiner made many misstatements about basic agriculture in his lectures…and it is those that cast the most doubt upon his theoretical formulae for crop and farm management. That it is all presented in a dogmatic format, with no effort made at the time to confirm his wild philosophic ranting leads one to conclude that his teachings are more “religious” than “scientific”. Which is why he termed it a “spiritual science” (Anthroposophy), and not agricultural science.

His statements about sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, etc, are monumentally misinformed, and can do nothing but lead any respectable farmer down a path of ignorance.

I have participated in lectures and symposia by BioD “experts”, as well as have sought out producers directly for their insight on the topic. No one has the same answer as their neighbor…and it is all conjecture. Even the “experts”, though pleasant to be around their “folksy” attitudes and mannerisms, quietly explain that there is no real answer to any questions about how it works….just that it works. That in itself should raise more questions about their objectivity and the benefits of the system as a whole. In the end the conclusion is that the trappings of BioD are nothing more than wasted effort parading on the coat-tails of successful organic farming.

If you want to discuss specifics, lets start with his “peppering” method for pest control, or the suggestion that applying “finely divided lead” to soil will combat mildew [yes, that's elemental Lead (Pb)!] . We can tackle other subjects after those.

Any takers?
Cheers,
St.Vini

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:36:49 +0000

Jeff,
Why all the hate? As a winemaker and vineyard manager myself, my time is spent doing that. I am assuming your experience with BD farming is taken from what you have read. My experience has come from implementing BD practices. As far as your assertion that there is no data supporting the benefits of BD farming there are several studies confirming its effectiveness one being a study done by UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Glenn McGourty. Another being a 21 year study by The Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau (FiBL), or Research Institute of Organic Agriculture in Switzerland. Steiner did make some horrible statements on several fronts race being one of them. Several figures in the worlds history have made these types of statements. By using Steiner and Hitler in the same sentence you are most likely trying to elicit an emotional responce from the reader of your post. You should also add to your list of people that have made anti-Semitic or racist statements: Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh, Thomas Edison, Voltare, Goethe, and many, many more. Lets not forget “the good book” itself. I would be happier to get your opinion on wine, specific viticultural techniques or something you have directly participated in.

By: Oak

Oak — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:58:52 +0000

Given your rapture with Steiner, how can you justify using his name and Biodynamics to sell wine when the man was clearly against the consumption of alcohol of any sort?

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:28:50 +0000

Jeff:
When introduced to something oblique or mysterious, you may be overlooking the fact that the general public craves it. They require little proof or facts to accept anything. Consumers must be fed something new. Don’t deprive them of thier Y2K’s or Santa Claus. It may make you unpoular.
I am very grateful that the people who are drawn to biodynamics apply this odd science to vineyards…were they can do little harm… rather than say, aircraft maintenance.
C.