What is Biodynamic farming ? ​

BD 500 Cow horn manure
It is basically fermented cow dung. It is the basis for soil fertility and the renewal of degraded soils. It is buried in Sept./Nov and lifted in Feb/March. This is the period when the earth is breathing in and comic earth forces are most active (winter).
​Materials
  • Cow horns
  • Fresh cow dung from a lactating cow. Average 50-150 gms dung/horn (depends on horn size)
Preparation process
  • Feed cattle with high quality food for two days prior to collecting dung for BD 500 (good green fodder and less protein artificial feed).
  • Prepare burial pit: 18 inches deep. Pit area should not be subject to flooding, vigorous root systems or earthworms. BD 500 takes the character of the soil it is buried in, so good quality earth in the burial pit is essential.
  • Collect cow horns – remove any paint.
  • Collect fresh dung – reasonably firm.
  • Fill cow horns with cow dung in October/November (rather than September due to India's warmer climate).
  • Place horns in burial pit, 1 inch apart with base downwards, surround with 50% compost and soil.
  • Cover with soil and bury for 4 to 6 months. If the soil is not rich enough, add compost to an extent of 50% to enhance soil quality.
  • Keep burial pit soil moist and shaded, at temp of approx. 20oC and free from weeds and earthworms.
  • After 4 months check for dung fermentation. Dig up one horn. If the green cow dung has turned into a dark, smooth earthy smelling humus (BD 500) they are ready to be lifted. Remove the BD 500, use and store. If not, leave them longer.
​Application process
Apply when the dew is falling (the earth breathes in) i.e. late afternoon or evening – descending Moon.
  • 25 grams BD 500/acre in 15 litres rain/pure warm water (approx. 15-20 °C)
  • Check water for high calcium, iron or other minerals
  • Stir for 1 hour alternately clockwise and anti-clockwise forming a vortex
  • Spray in the late afternoon or evening (just before sunset), when Moon is descending
  • Spray 4 times a year – during the beginning and after rains, i.e. Feb-May-Nov-Dec.
Storage
  • Place in glazed earthenware pots with loose fitting lids.
  • Bury in a box surrounded with coir pith, which is kept moist and can be closed.
  • Keep in dark and at temp of not more than 25 °C.
  • Use within 1 year.
Effect/result
  • Promotes root activity
  • Stimulates/increases soil micro-life
  • Regulates lime and nitrogen
  • Helps to release trace elements
  • Increases germination