Biodynamic preparations are a key part of the biodynamic agriculture method. They are used to stimulate growth of plants as well as to improve the quality of compost and soil. These preparations are made from plants, animal manure, and minerals that are fermented and then applied in very small amounts to compost, manures, the soil, or directly onto plants.
The Biodynamic Preparations
BD 500. Also called horn-manure, this is made from cow manure fermented in a cow horn that has been buried in the soil for six months, through autumn and winter. BD 500 is used as a soil spray. Its purpose is to stimulate the growth of roots and help form humus.
- BD 501. Also called horn-silica, BD 501 is made from powdered quartz which is packed inside a cow horn and buried in the soil for six months, through spring and summer. BD 501 is applied as a foliar spray. Its purpose is to stimulate and regulate growth of plants.
BD 502-507 are all used for making compost.
- No. 502. Yarrow blossoms (Achillea millefolium)
- No. 503. Chamomile blossoms (Chamomilla officinalis)
- No. 504. Stinging nettle (made from the whole plant in full bloom) (Urtica dioca)
- No. 505. Oak bark (Quercus robur)
- No. 506. Dandelion flowers (Taraxacum officinale)
- No. 507. Valerian flowers (Valeriana officinalis)
- BD 508. BD 508 is prepared from horsetail plant (Equisetum arvense). It is used as a foliar spray. Its purpose is to suppress fungal diseases in plants.
