Description
Book SynopsisAt the heart of the biodynamic method are the eight preparations used to enhance the health and vitality of the soil: horn manure, horn silica, yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion and valerian. In this deeply insightful book, renowned biodynamic expert Manfred Klett explores the principles that underlie the preparations. He looks in detail at each preparation, describing their different properties, how their substances are enhanced and transformed through the stages of preparation, and the effect each preparation has on the soil and plants.
Throughout, Klett advocates a holistic approach, which sees farms and gardens as integrated living organisms with the preparations playing a key role in improving the quality of the soil and producing healthy plants.
This is essential reading for biodynamic practitioners who want to delve more deeply into the origins and theory of the preparations, and who want to better understand the spiritual principles that underpin how they work.
Trade Review'This must be the definitive book on the topic, based on Steiner's 1924 agriculture course that metamorphosed into biodynamics. Here he explained 'how the health of the soil and of the plants depends upon bringing nature into connection with spiritually creative forces that stream in from the cosmos.' The eight spray and compost preparations are intended to revitalise the soil and are based on the cycle of seasons characterised by summer, air and warmth, and winter, water and earth.'
-- Paradigm Explorer
'For those engaged in trying to orientate themselves in the riddles that the agriculture course presents through theory and understanding, this book is recommended as a thorough and diligent attempt at providing some answers.'
-- Star and Furrow
Table of ContentsForeword
The Spray Preparations
1: Horn Manure (500)
2: Horn Silica (501)
The Compost Preparations
3: Yarrow (502)
4: Chamomile (503)
5: Stinging Nettle (504)
6: Oak Bark (505)
7: Dandelion (506)
8: Valerian (507)
9: Equisetum Tea
10: How the Six Compost Preparations Work Together
Note on Sources
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index
