Search results for ""author bernard jarman""

Biodynamics grew out of Rudolf Steiner's Agriculture Course, a series of lectures he gave in 1924. It is now an inspirational worldwide movement bringing a uniquely holistic, organic agriculture to farms, vineyards and gardens. In this concise and fascinating history, Bernard Jarman, former Director of the Biodynamic Agricultural Association for the UK, charts the development of biodynamics in Britain following its arrival in 1928 through to the present day. He presents engaging personal portraits of biodynamic pioneers, including Daniel Dunlop, George Adams, Lili Kolisko, Marna Pease and Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, and includes accounts of early discoveries, for example the research that led to the development of Maria Thun's Biodynamic Calendar, and later initiatives such as Community Supported Agriculture. Jarman also examines key moments in the history of the movement, including the emergence of two rival biodynamic organisations in the 1930s and 40s, and the flourishing of the wider organic movement in post-war Britain, as well as the challenges posed by genetically modified crops. This insightful book provides an important historical overview and grounding for the biodynamic movement as it looks to its future.

Read more less

Biodynamic agriculture first originated in central Europe but is now practised in farms, vineyards and gardens all over the world. At the heart of the biodynamic approach are the eight preparations -- Horn manure, Horn silica, Yarrow, Chamomile, Nettle, Oak bark, Dandelion and Valerian -- which are often produced by local biodynamic practitioners using well-established recipes. But as the biodynamic approach expands beyond its European origins, its methods have been increasingly adapted to meet the needs and challenges -- climates, fauna, seasons and regulations -- of different regions around the globe. This fascinating book presents the results of a unique study, carried out by the Agricultural Section at the Goetheanum, Switzerland, into how the biodynamic preparations are used in fifteen countries worldwide, including Egypt, Brazil, New Zealand, India and across Europe. The detailed case studies explore how the preparations are modified to suit their locations, as well as offering an insight into the work of each practitioner and how their understanding has evolved over the years.Contributors include Ueli Hurter, Dr. R. Ingold, Dr. M. Kolar, J. Schönfelder, Dr. A. Sedlmayr and A. van Leewen.This book is a valuable reference into the production and application of the preparations around the world and an inspiring endorsement of how biodynamic principles hold true in such varied environments.

Read more less

At 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.

Read more less

Large-scale agriculture tends to view a farm as a means for producing a certain amount of grain, milk or meat. This practical book argues instead for a holistic method of farming: the farm as a living organism. This is the principle of biodynamic farming.The author, an experienced farmer, takes a down-to-earth approach. Based on an example farm of around 60 hectares, he recommends the ideal numbers of livestock: 12 cows, 4 horses, 6 pigs, 10 sheep and 120 hens. This mix is drawn from Osthaus's deep understanding of nature, animals, agriculture and the cosmos, and from his many years of personal experience as a biodynamic farmer and teacher. The result is a healthy, balanced and sustainable farm.This is an invaluable book for anyone considering setting up a farm, or developing their existing farm with new biodynamic methods.

Read more less

Wine growers are converting to biodynamic viniculture in record numbers. Some of the world’s best wines are now biodynamic.At its heart, biodynamic viniculture is about understanding the nature of vines and their relationship to the environment. This beautifully illustrated and informative book will be of interest to current biodynamic wine growers and those considering converting to biodynamic methods. It includes: -- an introduction to the theory of biodynamic viniculture and the Goethean method of observation in relation to vines;-- practical articles on all aspects of wine growing, including biodiversity, pruning, treating and preventing disease; -- case studies of biodynamic vineyards from around the world.Biodynamic wine expert Jean-Michel Florin has gathered contributions from biodynamic viniculturists to create a beautiful, full-colour book which is both a celebration of sustainable wine growing and an invaluable guide to the future of wine cultivation.

Read more less