Permaculture in New Zealand

A bit about Bio Dynamics, by Aleena La'ulu

A BIT ABOUT BIO DYNAMICS

THE '500 SERIES'
The following preparations can either be made or purchased for a small cost.
They are available to members of the New Zealand Bio dynamic farming and gardening association. Contact:
The Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association in NZ inc.
PO Box 39045, Wellington Mail Centre
Phone 04) 589 5366 fax 04) 589 5365
Email: biodynamics [at] clear [dot] net [dot] nz

PREPARATIONS

500
This preparation is made by placing fresh cow manure within a horn of a cow and burying it in the soil during the autumn and winter months. Dug up in spring. 25 grams of preparation 500 in 15 litres of warmed rain water per acre is stirred for one hour before spraying.
The effects of this preparation are: increased earth worm, microbiological, fungal and algae activity. A deeper rooting system of grasses and clovers, increased availability of previously insoluble minerals. Increase in plant quality and animal health. Improved drainage.
Application: The first spray of 500 should be made in autumn at the end of March or early April when the soil is moist, and a second in May during a descending moon. Another spray of 500 should be applied in the spring.

501
This preparation is made from finely ground quartz crystals placed into a cow's horn and buried in the soil during the spring and summer months. 1 gram of 501 per 15 litres of warmed rain water per acre. Sprayed from around head height in a fine mist in the early morning of spring and summer during a descending moon. The effects of this preparation are: increased bulk growth, hastened maturity when applied to plants later in their development, greatly improved nutritional quality, increased resistance to fungus attacks of mildew and blight.

COMPOST PREPARATIONS 502 - 507

502 Yarrow, 503 Chamomile, 504 Stinging nettle, 505 Oak bark, 506 Dandelion, 507 Valerian
This group of preparations is used to bring about a balance in the fermentation process of composting material or in liquid manures. The preparations are inserted into the compost or placed on top of garden teas and spread or sprayed onto the soil. The effects of these preparations are: balancing of available nutrients in the soil, stimulation of a wide variety of microbiological life in the soil.

Entered by Aleena La'ulu