Book Description
The inventory of knowledge that is generally warehoused under the classification of biodynamic is rich and timeless, and yet very few farmers have even a nodding acquaintance with the subject. This book performs a rescue operation. A practical, how-to guide to making all of the biodynamic preparations, this book will provide what you need to put these proven techniques to work in your fields. Perhaps the best of the many biodynamic titles currently available. Further explains how to achieve success through CSA-style market garden marketing.
Customer Reviews:
This is a book of the great importance.......2007-04-30
This book tells about things that are not included in our regular paradigms. People must educate themselves better to understand these concepts of the future. At least they must understand the laws of Association (Similarity, Contagion), and some other things. They must read the great works of Dr. Hieronymus. I'm giving the best rating for this book.
Waste of trees.......2007-04-11
I purchased this book with the hope of learning how to read the earth, moon and stars in order to operate our farm in rhythm with these, and therefore be more productive. In all the pages before the last three, I found two tidbits of helpful information, and these were things I already knew (chicken poop is great fertilizer, and rotate your paddocks for grazing). An entire chapter was devoted to his receiving a speeding ticket. Now, there's something I didn't expect! I felt I was reading propaganda. I believe one can make their arguments more effectively with positive statements, and that negativity is neither productive nor helpful. There was so much negativity that I was turned off, and I must admit I did not read his speeding ticket chapter thoroughly, but rather skimmed through to see if there might be anything worth my time to read. This book was a complete waste of my money and time. I did get helpful information in the 2007 Biodynamics Calendar, however, and wish I'd known that was all I needed.
a candle in the dark of dominant agriculture.......2000-09-03
this book brings to light some of the details of biodynamic agriculture in a readable, witty fashion. thank goodness it is here for us to read
Book Description
When Rudolf Steiner gave these lectures eighty years ago, industrial farming was on the rise and organic methods were being replaced in the name of science, efficiency, and technology. With the widespread alarm over food quality in recent years, and with the growth of the organic movement and its mainstream acceptance, perceptions are changing. The qualitative aspect of food is on the agenda again, and in this context Steiner's only course of lectures on agriculture is critical to the current debate.
With these talks, Steiner created and launched "biodynamic" farming—a form of agriculture that has come to be regarded as the best organically produced food. However, the agriculture Steiner speaks of here is much more than organic—it involves working with the cosmos, with the earth, and with spiritual beings. To facilitate this, Steiner prescribes specific "preparations" for the soil, as well as other distinct methods born from his profound understanding of the material and spiritual worlds. He presents a comprehensive picture of the complex dynamic relationships at work in nature and gives basic indications of the practical measures needed to bring them into full play.
These lectures are reprinted here in the "classic" translation made by Rudolf Steiner's English interpreter, George Adams. This edition also features a preface by Steiner's colleague the medical doctor Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, as well as eight color plates.
This is the course that began the biodynamic movement. This is the essential work for anyone wanting to understand and use Steiner's methods of food production.
Book Description
Manfred Klett, a renowned biodynamic expert, provides a fascinating overview of the history of agriculture. He then goes on to the discuss the practicalities of spray and compost preparations and the philosophy behind them.
This book is essential for any biodynamic gardener or farmer who wants to understand the background to core biodynamic techniques.
Based on keynote talks by Manfred Klett at Biodynamic Agricultural Association conferences.
Book Description
Biodynamic growers rejoice! The successes of alternative agriculture have seldom been more apparent than in the high, broad acclaim for wines of the Coulée de Serrant vineyards. Joly has tapped the rich bounty nature possesses and profited by it.
Here, you will find agricultural methods that are proven and which offer a radically different approach to the destructive, chemical-dependent practices of modern viticulture. As Frank Prial of The New York Times noted, "[Nicolas Joly's] disciples are legion: winemakers from all over Europe come to sit at his feet. Getting to know a great Loire chenin blanc by starting with Saveunieres is like getting to know music by starting with a late Beethoven quartet."
Learn the best biodynamic methods to grow delicious wines from a master grower. Robert Parker, in his Wine Buyer's Guide, rates Joly as "an exceptional producer. [He] is the godfather of Saveuniere. Connoisseurs have long known the legendary longevity and quality of his Coulée de Serrant vineyard." Create your own legendary vintages drawing on his expertise.
Customer Reviews:
Expanded Awareness.......2006-12-18
Wow! Through this book, Joly invited me to expand my awareness beyond planting a vine, spraying it with the "right" chemicals, harvesting the fruit and making the wine. He stirred my consciousness to recall and reconnect that which I have chosen to forget about this planet, this ever-changing life of whose whole-ness I am an integral part.
Based on Rudolf Steiner's concepts and research on agriculture, Joly's book introduced me to biodynamic agriculture. As described in Wine from Sky to Earth, biodynamics "is mainly the task of achieving a deeper understanding of the natural system within which a farm or vineyard is located and from which it receives its life forces."
Joly opines, "the key factor in making a good wine is to understand nature and help it - one becomes nature's assistant rather than `a wine maker'." I found my awareness shifting as Joly contends, "it is on the land, in the middle of his vines, that the wine-maker `makes' the wine."
I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing a stronger connectivity to his/her vines and wine.
More on Joly's pseudo science.......2006-11-19
This book is incredibly false in regards to some basic science. The states of matter are NOT Mineral, Liquid, Light (gas) and heat. They are solids, liquids, gases and plasma. This book incorrectly uses the term one sentence after another. Everything is made up on atoms and can be a solid, liquid or gas. Plasma is a little more sophicated. But let's take the 3. Water is a solid when ice, a liquid when at room temperature and gas when it evaporates or become steam with heat. Joly states water is almost mineral as a frozen solid and a "prisoner of matter." Water is matter, that's why they are the states of MATTER.
He says that light is an airy state. Does that mean dark places can not have air. Of course not. He also says with heat matter "disappears." Matter does not disappears it is just not visable to our eyes in some cases. I just can't get over how bad the science is. I don't even think I can trust the editors or publishers because I can't believe they put this out as non-fiction.
beware pseudo-science.......2005-01-11
there is no doubt that the technologies that science has facilitated now pose a great risk to the well being of the planet. there is even less doubt that practitioners of science in its various fields often still have a conquistador-like, and very arrogant approach to the so called natural world. but these are not criticisms against the scientific method which is the very core of science, but against the practitioners of the method and the irresponsible uses of the products of the method. if the humans and other animals are to survive and do so healthily, then the practice of science must change. the method itself, which is simply that hypotheses about the natural world should be verifiable repeatedly through experimentation, should not change. it is a worthy method which by its very logic can not help but to stomp out superstition and pseudo-science. unfortunately superstitions and cultural hot-air are powerful forces, and the scientific method has not been anywhere near successful enough in its endeavors. there is a today a dangerous tendency towards luditism and mysticism as a form of resistance to the perceived threat of "science". this kind of resistance can only FAIL. it will fail because the less one knows about the processes which are currently shaping the world the less one has any real power to change those processes, and the more one will be at the mercy of those who master them.
i bought this book for my wife who is a trained viticulturist because i thought that the term biodynamic meant, a holistic agriculture based on organic principles, and the encouragement of a heterogeneous ecosystem with few inputs (fertiliser, hebicide, pesticides, etc) as opposed to a monoculture which is only barely survives on account of constant artificial input from the farmer. to be fair to joly, it does in fact mean these things, however, and note carefully, all of this can be found in what is usually called "organic" agriculture. joly's book, instead of being based on experimental science and reasoning, is based primarily on the work of rudolf steiner. in fact the book is dedicated to steiner, there is an appendix dedicated to him in the back of the book, and even an appendix dedicated solely to rudolf steiner schools! these odd appendices as well as some rather mediaeval comments made by joly led me to do a bit of research online, but before i get to that let me share a quote from the book:
from 'The Four Realms', page 28
"... The answers are primarily connected to an understanding of the four realms which surround us: mineral, vegetable, animal and human ... Above the three realms is man, who stands erect, in vertical, not to be confused with that of the monkey some people claim we are descended from. No, on the contrary, man's ability to stand erect gives him autonomy, permits him to say "I" with complete liberty, and to have a face that is always different. Only the physical aspects justifies a comparison between man and the monkey "molded" into its race. The hypothesis of the miraculous gene, which would have allowed this mutation, remains unsubstantiated. But this analysis reflects the sickness of our era, during which man, no longer understanding the origin of life, prefers to pay attention to it's manifestations. Wisdom would direct us to take the opposite road."
aside from being poorly written, the above passage shows an incredible backwardness in thinking and ignorance of modern genetics. we are told that we should take the "opposite road" than to look at the actual manifestations of physical life. i.e. in order for such an outlandish hypothesis as evolutionary theory to be true it would need to be manifest in a world other than the physical world, and even if such a thing were to be true in the physical world it would need to be explained by a miracle, a "miraculous gene". this kind of thinking pervades the anthroposophical literature which confuses spiritual banter for scientific thinking. (just to be clear on this, i'm no fanatic, i.e. if joly wants to show me in the physical world why evolution is wrong headed i'll be glad to listen, it is after all just a theory, but it is based on the investigation of nature and not on a religious cosmogeny).
furthermore the idea that man stands above the rest of the natural world, distinct from the animal and vegetable "realms" is precisely the cancer of times past which currently afflicts the sciences (agriculture included) today, and which leads to the frightful abuse of technology we now see around us.
because of lack of space i would strongly advise the reader of this review to do a bit of online research on rudolf steiner and the anthroposophist religion. suffice it to say that rudolf steiner believed in atlantis, reincarnation, that white people and christianity represent the spiritual apex of human development, and that science should allow for supernatural revelations as bona fide experimental results, etc etc... another very disquieting fact is that the standards bodies which certify "biodynamic" vineyards and even the steiner schools (the teachers are trained in anthroposphy by reading steiner's works, but the schools are presented to the public as secular) are closely tied to the anthroposophical movement which is, put frankly, a cult.
that the current approach to agriculture is for the most part an interventionist and arrogant one there is no doubt, joly recognizes this and offers some practical advice which brings natural cycles to bear. for instance he talks about the sun, moon and tides. unfortunately these kinds of observations, which seem like common sense to me (after all the moon is a large body with gravitational and electromagnetic effects which can simply not be ignored), for some strange reason would likely be rejected by many scientists. if you can bare to wade through the voodoo there are a few points to ponder in this little volume. there is also some (hearsay) evidence that using so called 'biodynamic' preparations has positive effects on the soil and life of the vineyard, these should also be properly investigated.
the biggest problem that faces humanity today is that there is a great deal of wisdom from times past which is being ignored by a blind and arrogant science. rudolf steiner and the anthroposophical method (if it can be called that) do NOT offer a solution, they can only further muddy the waters. what science needs to do very desperately is to look at ancient agricultural practices, and to do so using the scientific method in order to sort the wheat from the chaff. i doubt very much that rudolf steiner and his ilk are needed as a medium for this endeavor.
unless you are looking for a religious guide to growing grapes, or are just curious to see what 21st century pseudo-science looks like, i would advise looking into books on just plain organic viticulture instead, and going straight to the sources for knowledge of ancient agricultural practices.
Caring for the wine AND the soil.......2000-06-16
This is a great book for both, laymen and wine experts, on biodynamic winemaking. Nicolas Joly explains in a very simple way, why it is worth using all our senses at winemaking. Biodynamics respects nature's peculiarities in a positive sense and thus helps the vine to incorporate these specific characteristics into the wine. The origin of the so called "denominacion d'origine controlee". If all farmers, not only wine growers could respect their most cherrished input, the soil, as biodinamic wine growers do, what a wonderful world this would be! No more instransparent subsidies from States to the agribusinesses, no more hunger, and less diseases in the world.Bravo Nicolas! Welcome good wine, great wine.
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Extraordinary Plant Qualities for Biodynamics
Jochen Bockemuhl , and
Kari Jarvinen
Manufacturer: Floris Books
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Water and Salt, The Essence of Life
ASIN: 0863155766 |
Book Description
Plants have many qualities that can be harnessed for use in health and beauty products. In the case of biodynamic gardening and agriculture, one of the most important uses of plants is to make spray preparations and compost mixtures in which the various plants can each provide unique benefits.
This beautifully illustrated book considers the qualities of seven plants, showing how their nature and habits relate to the positive characteristics they bring to biodynamic methods. For example, the authors look at how the nettle—with its almost geometrically precise leaf growth and extensive desiccating root system—can bring order to otherwise chaotic soil decay.
This book offers much to those who are serious about biodynamic methods and about improving the quality of their garden or farm produce.
Book Description
Created from indications by Rudolf Steiner around 1924, and based on a deep understanding of the life forces at work in nature, farming and gardening with biodynamic methods are spiritual, artistic, and sophisticated forms of organic horticulture that nurture and enhance the earth. It emphasizes the interdependence and unity of all the elements of an ecosystem or landscape—including soil, plants, animals, and weather.
Taking the soil as the foundation for the vitality and diversity of a farm or garden, biodynamic methods use special herbal "preparations" to increase the energetic quality of the soil, stimulating plant growth and health. Biodynamic methods go beyond organic practices to actually heal the earth herself. Typical of the biodynamic approach are companion planting, crop rotation, cover crops, green manures, liquid manures, compost, the integration of crops and livestock, and planting and harvesting in harmony with the lunar and planetary cycles.
This introduction to biodynamic methods contains five lectures by Rudolf Steiner and an extensive introduction by Hugh Courtney of the Josephine Porter Institute, who unravels not only the practice of biodynamics, but also its spiritual and esoteric background.
Customer Reviews:
Sparse Information.......2006-09-13
This is the third Steiner book I have tried to read and I had the same experience as the first two books (Egyptian Myths and Mysteries and The Fourth Dimension). I have come to the conclusion that the information published from Stieners lectures has too much wandering around and not getting to the point to be very useful.
Steiner was definately ahead of his time. He possessed great esoteric and astral vision. But, his problem seems to be that his audiences were very dense and his presentation style is just too sparse for the modern reader.
When he is able to convey information it is based on ideas that he has perceived and is not adequately able to explain. For instance, in this book he goes into the etheric energies which come into a cow through it's horns which help it digest its food with supporting energy release through the hooves. Thus for his biodynamic preparations a cows horn needs to be used to let the core mixture sit within the horn underground for six months. Then you can only use a horn 4-6 times before the energy is used up.
So you are left wondering first, where are you going to get a horn (not from a slaughter house he says)? What exactly about the horn gives it the magic? If it is the shape of the horn then why would it get used up? And he says if you have an airy barn you can store the horn in there because its better. Without some additional explanation, which he never really makes clear, none of this makes any sense.
I think that most of the people I know of in metaphysical circles who can think will no longer accept information from anyone without it having some basis either in a related science or something directly experiential or both. We are moving away from accepting things based alone on faith. Even the sacred writings tell us we have to test what we hear. With most of Steiners writings, or I should say the books transcribed from his lectures, there is no way for you to trace Steiners path and come to the same observations yourself. Clearly in metaphysical traditions such as shamanism self experience, or gnosis, is essential. Without this ability to really get into Steiners words what he says remains woo-woo.
Customer Reviews:
Biodynamic agriculture - a beginners guide.......2007-02-20
This book provides a very brief introduction to the world of biodynamic agriculture. It is a very brief overview and should be regarded more as a pamphlet rather than a book. For someone who knows nothing about biodynamic agriculture it is a good starting point. Unfortunately it does not go further than mentioning the basic concepts so if you are looking for more detail on where the concepts came from or how to practically apply them then this is not your book. This book is a good starting point as the reference and further reading lists are useful. This book is probably most useful for providing the content for a high school or under graduate lecture module on BD agriculture.
Steiner is a Genius!.......2005-09-26
This book is a must. Not only for the man on the land but for home gardeners as well. If we take time to observe our surroundings on a seasonal basis and to dispense with the overuse of chemicals which only benefit their manufacturers, the health of our soil as well as our own will blossom.
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Developing Biodynamic Agriculture: Reflections on Early Research
Adalbert Count Keyserlingk
Manufacturer: Temple Lodge Publishing
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ASIN: 1902636139 |
Book Description
Bankrupt farmers, erosion of topsoil, and poor food quality owing to pesticides, hormones, and other additives-these are the well-known realities of the modern crisis in farming. This problem is the outcome of the limited vision of conventional methods and a system that focuses exclusively on quick results and profits. The need for changes is clear, and Koepf provides a vast array of research data and results, as well as many helpful details on animal feeding, crop rotation, diseases, pests, and fertilizing. He shows that the biodynamic method of farming and gardening is the alternative that can turn farming around. Biodynamics is "the oldest alternative agricultural movement in the world." It is based on the concept of the whole farm as a single organism. Its goals are to protect and nurture the soil, improve the quality of food, and organically integrate the farm into the environment as a whole. This is an essential reference for all farmers who are unsatisfied with conventional methods and for gardeners who wish to improve the quality of life around them as well as the food they serve their families.
Product Description
3rd Printing. Trade Paper, 232 pp. Collection of articles from the Macon County (Tennessee) Chronicle. Organic gardening from (Chapeter I) Elements, through the seasons to Berries and Fruit, Fields and Farmyard, Cow Horns and Crystals to A Tennessee Homestead.
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