What is Biodynamic Agriculture?
By Don Weerakkody
Origins and Philosophical Foundations of Biodynamics
Biodynamic agriculture is one of the oldest alternative agriculture systems, predating the modern organic movement by decades. Developed in the early 20th century by Austrian philosopher and social reformer Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic agriculture emerged as a holistic response to the growing concerns about soil degradation, declining crop quality, and the over-industrialization of farming.
Rudolf Steiner, 1914 (image from Rudolf Steiner Archiv)
In 1924, Steiner delivered a series of lectures known as the Agriculture Course to a group of farmers in Koberwitz (now Kobierzyce, Poland), who had observed deteriorating soil fertility and reduced seed vitality. These lectures marked the birth of biodynamic agriculture, which has since evolved into a globally practiced farming approach that integrates spiritual, ecological, and biological principles.
At the heart of biodynamic agriculture is anthroposophy, Steiner’s spiritual-scientific worldview, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and the cosmos. Biodynamics does not merely aim to grow food; it seeks to cultivate vitality in the earth, the plants, and the people who consume the produce. This philosophical underpinning distinguishes it from other forms of organic and sustainable agriculture.
Seven Principles of Biodynamic Agriculture
- Soil Fertility is Key
- Healthy Plants- GMO Free Agriculture
- Respect For the Nature of Animals
- Biodiversity is Priceless
- Highest Organic Quality Guaranteed
- Ecological Responsibility
- Social Responsibility
The Holistic Farm Organism in Biodynamic Agriculture
A core concept in biodynamic agriculture is the idea of the farm as a living organism. This metaphor suggests that a farm should be a self-sustaining entity, composed of interconnected components—soil, plants, animals, and humans—that function in harmony with one another.
According to biodynamic philosophy, the health of one part of the farm directly influences the whole. Therefore, every aspect of the farm is managed to maintain balance and equilibrium. This approach encourages farmers to develop closed nutrient cycles, where animal manure fertilizes the fields, cover crops enrich the soil, and compost is used to build fertility.
The farm organism is not isolated from the environment; it exists within broader ecological and cosmic contexts. Biodynamic farmers view their work as collaborating with natural and cosmic forces, rather than controlling them. This worldview encourages observation, intuition, and a deep relationship with the land.
Biodynamic Preparations
Perhaps the most distinctive and often misunderstood aspect of biodynamic agriculture is the use of biodynamic preparations. These are nine specialized herbal and mineral formulations (numbered 500–508) that are applied in small quantities to compost, soil, or directly to plants. Each preparation is designed to enhance soil health, stimulate plant growth, and increase the farm’s overall vitality.
Here’s a brief overview of the key preparations:
- 500 (Horn Manure): Cow manure fermented in a cow horn buried in the soil over winter. Used as a soil spray to stimulate root activity and soil life.
- 501 (Horn Silica): Ground quartz is also buried in a cow horn during summer. Sprayed on plants to enhance photosynthesis and improve plant quality.
- 502–507 (Compost Preparations): Made from yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion, and valerian. These are added to compost to enhance microbial activity and nutrient balance.
- 508 (Horsetail Tea): Used to prevent fungal diseases.
Although applied in homeopathic (i.e., very small) quantities, these preparations are believed to exert subtle energetic effects that improve the farm’s vitality and resilience. Skeptics often question their efficacy, but many practitioners report noticeable benefits, and ongoing research continues to investigate their roles in soil microbiology and plant health.
Cosmic Rhythms and Planting Calendars
Biodynamic agriculture emphasizes timing in harmony with cosmic rhythms, particularly those of the moon, planets, and stars. This aspect is rooted in the belief that celestial bodies influence life on Earth—not just in an astrological sense, but in observable natural phenomena.
Biodynamic farmers often consult detailed sowing and planting calendars, such as the one developed by Maria Thun, which indicate the optimal times for sowing, cultivating, and harvesting based on lunar and planetary alignments. These calendars divide days into “root,” “leaf,” “flower,” or “fruit” days, depending on the moon’s position in the zodiac and its influence on plant organs.
While some see this practice as esoteric, others view it as a form of agricultural mindfulness—a way to align human activity with natural rhythms and cycles.
Biodynamic Soil Health and Composting
Soil is considered the foundation of life in biodynamic agriculture. Farmers aim to foster living, structured, and fertile soil through careful management, including crop rotation, cover cropping, green manures, and minimal tillage.
Composting is particularly emphasized in biodynamic systems. Compost is not merely a waste management tool but a central process for returning vitality to the soil. Biodynamic compost is carefully layered with plant materials and animal manure and treated with the six compost preparations (502–507). These preparations are believed to guide decomposition and enhance the compost’s life-giving qualities.
Healthy soil is seen not only as a reservoir of nutrients but as a dynamic, living matrix filled with microbial life. Biodynamic practices aim to support this microbial community, which in turn fosters robust plant health and nutrient density.
Integration of Animals in Biodynamic Farming
Animals are an integral part of the biodynamic farm organism. Their presence supports closed nutrient cycles, contributes to soil fertility through manure, and enhances biodiversity.
Cows, in particular, hold a special place in biodynamic philosophy. They are revered for their digestive processes, which are thought to transform plant material into potent manure—the basis of the essential horn manure preparation (500). Biodynamic farms strive to maintain appropriate numbers and breeds of livestock that are well-suited to the local environment and capable of contributing to the farm’s ecological balance.
Animal welfare is also a key concern. Animals are raised humanely, given space to express natural behaviors, and are not subjected to synthetic hormones, antibiotics, or unnatural feed.
Biodynamics, Biodiversity and Agroecology
Biodynamic agriculture shares many values with modern agroecology, particularly in promoting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience. Biodynamic farms are encouraged to maintain wild habitats, hedgerows, woodlots, and wetlands to support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
Polycultures, crop rotations, and intercropping are common practices. These increase diversity, reduce pests and disease pressure, and build ecological balance. In this sense, biodynamic farms function more like ecosystems than industrial monocultures.
Intercropping allows many kinds of crops to be grown together to increase resilience.
This emphasis on diversity extends beyond biological systems to cultural and community aspects. Biodynamic practitioners often participate in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, educational activities, and cooperative networks, fostering social sustainability.
Biodynamic Certification and Standards
While rooted in spiritual and philosophical concepts, biodynamic agriculture is also regulated through certification programs. The international certification body Demeter was founded in 1928 and is the oldest ecological certification organization in the world. It sets rigorous standards for biodynamic production, including:
- Strict prohibition of synthetic chemicals and GMOs
- Use of biodynamic preparations
- Maintenance of farm biodiversity
- Emphasis on soil and animal health
- Attention to processing and packaging integrity
Demeter certification ensures transparency and consumer confidence while preserving the integrity of biodynamic principles. In many regions, farmers must first meet organic certification requirements before obtaining Demeter status.
Scientific Perspectives and Criticisms of Biodynamics
Biodynamic agriculture, while admired for its sustainability and ethics, has also faced scientific skepticism. Critics often cite the lack of empirical evidence for some practices, especially the cosmic rhythms and biodynamic preparations.
Mainstream science has yet to fully validate the mechanisms behind many biodynamic practices, particularly the energetic or spiritual aspects. However, numerous studies have shown that, compared to more mainstream methods, biodynamic farms often have:
- Higher soil organic matter and microbial activity
- Greater biodiversity
- Better crop quality
- Increased resilience to climate stress
Much of this may be attributed to organic practices shared by biodynamics, such as composting, avoiding synthetic inputs, and maintaining biodiversity. Nonetheless, biodynamic farmers report unique qualitative differences in their produce, including flavor, shelf life, and vitality—factors that are harder to measure objectively.
As research methodologies evolve, especially in soil microbiology and plant metabolomics, there is growing interest in exploring the subtle effects of biodynamic practices.
Global Reach and Modern Relevance of Biodynamics
Biodynamic agriculture has grown into an international movement, practiced in over 60 countries across all continents. From vineyards in France and California to tea gardens in India and grain farms in Australia, biodynamics has proven adaptable to a wide range of climates and cultures.
In the face of global challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and social fragmentation—biodynamic agriculture offers a regenerative path forward. It advocates for farming as a sacred responsibility, reconnecting humans with the land and with each other.
Furthermore, the movement intersects with current trends in regenerative agriculture, carbon farming, and holistic land management, making it more relevant than ever.
Biodynamic Education and Training
Biodynamic education is offered through a growing number of programs worldwide, including apprenticeships and workshops. Institutions such as Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum (Switzerland) serve as hubs for research, training, and advocacy.
The Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. Photo by author.
Educational efforts emphasize experiential learning, observation, and intuition, alongside technical knowledge and scientific understanding. Many biodynamic practitioners consider their work a lifelong journey of learning, spiritual growth, and service to the Earth.
Beyond Agriculture: A Cultural Impulse
While biodynamic agriculture is best known for its farming practices, it is part of a broader cultural impulse, or movement, inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophy. This impulse includes Waldorf education, anthroposophical medicine, eurythmy, and social threefolding, all of which aim to foster human development in harmony with nature and spirit.
For many practitioners, biodynamics is not just a method of growing food—it is a way of life. It encourages conscious choices, reverence for the Earth, and a deepened sense of meaning in daily work. In this sense, biodynamic agriculture acts as a bridge between the material and spiritual dimensions of life.
About the Author:
Don Nalaka Buddhi Weerakkody is an accomplished biodynamic farmer who works as Manager of Internal Control and Secretary of the Biodynamic Association of Sri Lanka. He has spent the last year working with Baker Creek as a fellow through the Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA) Steward program. During his time here, Don generously shared his deep expertise in organic and sustainable agriculture practices with the Baker Creek community.