Articles

A Contribution to the Development of Tests for the Bio-Dynamic Preparations

Walter Goldstein, Herbert H. Koepf
Elemente der Naturwissenschaft 36, 1982, P. 41-53 | DOI: 10.18756/edn.36.41
Article | Language: English | €6.00
Export Article Citation as

Abstract:

1. Some older and also more recent experiments have been carried out in order to demonstrate effects of the biodynamic preparations. In growth experiments reported on in' this paper, W. Goldstein used extracts of the preparations 503, 505, 507 and also 500, furthermore slurry and composted manure. Under laboratory conditions wheat seedlings were allowed to grow for 7-9 days in nutrient solutions. Varying additions of the preparations were made.

2. The method is described. For the evaluation attention was focussed on the morphology of the plants; measurement and statistical processing of the data were intended to support visual assessments.

3. When wheat was grown in nutrient solutions of varying composition and concentrations two characteristic types of root and shoot growth and transitions between these, were noticeable, including corresponding ratios between the lengths of roots and shoots. The “horizontal” type is induced by high macronutrient levels. Raised calcium and nitrogen levels were found to be major agents in inducing this development. The “vertical” type is induced by lower levels, or by adding trace elements and ferric citrate. The “vertical” type shows also an increase in uniformity between individual plants for the length of any of the initial seminal roots.

4. In interplay with the influence of the nutrient solutions and the cultivars grown, preparation 507 (valerian) induces the vertical type. The effect of the 507 on inducing a more vertical type constantly increased as the control groups became more horizontal. A linear correlation exists between the leaf 1: root 1 ratios induced by the control and the corresponding ratios induced by the 507.

5. Preparation 505 (oak bark) induces the “horizontal” type of root growth. In combination 505 and 507 produce transitional forms, however in a dynamic interplay: oak bark appears to antagonize the valerian effect in two ways: by inhibiting it if it was intense or by stimulating it if it was naturally low.

6. Preparation 503 (camomile) also in combination with 507 seems to increase the lengths of roots. Preliminary results are reported. Preparation 500 (hornmanure) increased root length. In spite of having undergone fermentation slurry (20°/0 cow manure in water) induced the horizontal type. Preparations alleviate this effect. Compost stimulates both types of growth, at any case opposite to the tendency that is induced by the nutrient solution.

7. Aspects of a rationale of these findings are discussed.
 

References
  • Abele, U. (1976): Untersuchungen des Rotteverlaufs von Gülle. Darmstadt.
  • Bidwell, R. (1974): Plant Physiology. MacMillan, New York.
  • Goldstein, W. (1979): A report on previous work done with bio-dynamic herbal preparations. Bio-Dynamics 129, 1-10.
  • Heinze, H. / E. Brecla (1962): Versuche über Stallmist-Kompostierung. Leb. Erde 3, 106-113.
  • Kolisko, E. / L. Kolisko (1978): Agriculture of Tomorrow. 2nd ed. Kolisko Archive Publications, Bournemoth, England.
  • Koepf, H. (1966): Experiment in Treating Liquid Manure. Bio-Dynamics 79, 1-12.
  • Koepf, H. (1980): Landbau. Verl. Freies Geistesleben, Stuttgart.
  • Künzel, M. (1954): Von der Saatgutbehandlung. Leb. Erde 3, 4.
  • Lippert, F. (1944): Apfelgas und Duftstoffversuche, Bakterienknöllchen und Düngehilfsmittel. Manuskript.
  • Pfeiffer, E. (1935): Versuche zur Demonstration der Wirkung der Präparate 500-7. Demeter Nachr. H. 7.
  • Pfeiffer, E. (1937): Dynamic Forces Practically Applied. Bio-Dynamics ], 3 p. 4.
  • Steiner, R. (1948): Spiritual Science and Medicine. Rudolf Steiner Pub. Co., London.
  • Steiner, R. (1958): Agriculture. Bio-Dynamic Agric. Assn„ London, Rev. Ed.
  • Voegele, I. (1977): Polar Forces in Agriculture. Bio-Dynamics 124.
  • Bockemühl, J. (1969): Gartenkresse, Kamille, Baldrian. Elemente d. N. 11, 13-28.
  • Samaras, I. (1977): Nachernteverhalten unterschiedlich gedüngter Gemüsearten unter besonderer Berücksichtigung physiologischer und mikrobiolo-gischer Parameter. Diss. Giessen.
  • Spiess, H. (1979): Über die Wirkung der biologisch-dynamischen Präparate Hornmist «500» und Hornkiesel «501» auf Ertrag und Qualität einiger Kulturpflanzen. Leb. Erde 4, 126-131; 5, 173-177.
  • Stearn, W. (1976): Effectiveness of two Bio-Dynamic Preparations on Higher Plants and Possible Mechanisms for the Observed Response. MS. Thesis, Ohio State University, Dept. of Agronomy.