What Is Biodynamic Farming And How Does It Work?

Could biodynamic farming save the planet? Those who have embraced this method of agriculture believe so, and they might just be right. 

The topic of climate change is both a complex and controversial one, and so is the question of how to fix it. Do we stop eating meat? Do we all start driving electric vehicles? Do we stop burning fossil fuels? Every solution seems to be polarizing, but one of the most achievable methods might be a whole lot less complicated than we think. 

Now available on Netflix, “Kiss The Ground” explores the relationship between the earth’s soil and climate change. Narrated by American actor and environmentalist Woody Harrelson, the latest offering from the streaming giant focuses on the relationship between traditional agricultural practices, ongoing soil degradation, and how it relates to global warming. The film argues that regenerative farming practices, carbon sequestration and ultimately healthier soil can not only help to reduce global emissions, but to press rewind on the damage that humans have inflicted on the planet. 

If we start turning out attention to how we farm both crops and livestock, could biodynamic farming be the answer?

Is Biodynamic Farming The Same As Organic Farming?

The basic core function of organic farming is to achieve food of high nutritional quality and optimum quantities of produce without the use of artificial fertilisers or synthetic chemicals. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. 

Organic farming emphasises the need to maintain appropriate land management and aims to  achieve an ecological balance between animal life, the natural environment and food crops and doesn’t include the use of chemical based herbicides or pesticides. The end goal of organic farming is to yield a crop in its most natural form without inflicting any damage to the environment. 

Both organic and biodynamic farming grow crops and livestock without chemicals or GMOs, but biodynamics take this one step further. It’s essentially a holistic practice, where all living things are considered to be linked and a part of one interrelated system – think animals, plants and even the solar system. It also takes into consideration that healthier soil adds an extra level of vitality to the plant and livestock. 

The methods of biodynamic farming are designed to enrich and bring the soil to life via the careful observations of nature’s own patterns. The primary difference between organic and biodynamic farming is that the latter uses different principles and practices to add vitality to both the soil and crop or livestock, whereas traditional farming practices (tilling, pesticides, etc) typically damage the soil. 

Biodynamic farming leans into biodiversity and the relationships between all living things, even incorporating elements of astrological influences. Farmers anticipate and prepare for solar events that can enhance the compost applied to the fields, and intensify the sunlight permeated into the plant. The founder of modern day biodynamics, Rudolf Steiner, believed that much like the moon affects the tides, so does it affect the growing phases of planting and harvesting. Complex stellar calendars chart the influences of the moon and other planets for gardeners and farmers to follow.

Want To Learn More About Sustainable Land Management?

As more of us start to ask questions about what we bring into our homes, gardens and bodies, educational and insightful documentaries such as “Kiss The Ground” become more mainstream, along with regenerative land management practices such as biodynamic farming. The good news is that changing the world often starts small, and usually at home. 

Whether you’re on the hunt for more tips with how to start gardening more efficiently at home, or further insights regarding an alternative for chemical based plant food, fertilisers or weed killers – then it’s always worth speaking to the professionals. 

Here at Bioweed, we specialise in environmentally friendly gardening products, including herbicides, plant probiotics, and natural alternatives to traditional gardening solutions. Should you have any questions about how to improve the sustainability of your home, garden or agricultural crop, get in touch with us today.