Among the different types of agriculture there are, the agricultural sector of Spain is increasingly naming the term of biodynamic agriculture. It is a type of phenomenon that is largely due to the way both farmers and ranchers discover new ways of producing. In this case, biodynamic agriculture has arisen as a result of the need to satisfy the demand for a certain type of product. Since the consumers of biodynamic products demand certain measures that guarantee the control and health of food, biodynamic agriculture must have a double control and certification of the organic product.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about biodynamic agriculture, its characteristics and the differences with other types of agriculture.
What is biodynamic agriculture
When we talk about this type of agriculture we must know that it is a model with its own characteristics and techniques. It is the same that happens with permaculture, regenerative agriculture or other types of agriculture. The objective is to be able to certify certain specific production standards that guarantee the health and protection of food against its consumption.
It is a method of organic farming based on certain theories of Rudolf Steiner. The term biodynamic was born from certain people who attended the conferences of this founder of anthroposophy and proceeded to put into practice all the content that they were given. It is about adding to the knowledge that there is about agriculture certain spiritual visions of nature. This type of agriculture is practiced in more than 50 different countries throughout the planet.
As can be taken from the term biodynamic it refers to the force of life. That is, the objective of this type of agriculture is to respect some principles in the production of crops that guarantee the health of the land and plants. In addition, you must ensure the correct nutrition for both animals and humans. Some crop production systems such as intensive agriculture cause certain negative impacts on the ecosystem. And it is that the waters and soils are contaminated by the excess use of pesticides and fertilizers. Thus, Biodynamic agriculture seeks to respect natural rhythms so that nature is not damaged.
According to Steiner it is a path of knowledge that would like to lead the spiritual in man to the spiritual in the universe.
Key features
The biodynamic agriculture approach seeks answers to different mysteries of life from the relationships with nature and the human being. Namely, It is a branch of agriculture that has a holistic approach as it uses terms from anthroposophy. This type of agriculture that works with vital forces recognizing the basic principles that nature has and that are present in the human being. What you are looking for is the balance between production and healing. It can be considered as a way of open knowledge rather than a set of methods and techniques that make up a type of agriculture.
To understand this type of agriculture you have to understand plant life. It is not enough to understand that plants are open beings and formed by the influences that come from the depths of the earth to the height of the heavens. But also They are affected by the light of the sun, the moon, the existence of the planets and the stars in order to reach regular production rates.
Understanding the rhythm of each of the plants we can know the exact moment to be able to prepare the land, sow and cultivate to be able to harvest better. In this way, the biodynamic calendar was established. Biodynamic agriculture uses some preparations to be able to enhance the crops and improve the quality of the compost.
For example, synthetic fertilizers and the presence of synthetic fungicides and insecticides cannot be used. This is because it is a type of organic farming. The exploitation of these lands for biodynamic farmers is the amount of organic matter that is capable of sustaining the life of interdependent organisms. It must be emphasized that one of the characteristics of biodynamic agriculture is that it integrates all crops together with livestock, the recycling of nutrients, soil maintenance and the health and well-being of crops and animals. That is to say, it could be said that it seeks harmony between all these elements of nature.
Differences between organic farming and biodynamic farming
Since biodynamic agriculture is a type of organic farming, it is often confused. Organic farming has many points in common with it. The objective of both is to avoid the intensive exploitation of soils and their contamination. The same goes for the waters. Therefore, the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides is not allowed. Artificial compost making, crop rotations, or mechanical weed control are also not allowed.
It can be said that biodynamic agriculture is even more restrictive than organic. Here we see some aspects that biodynamic agriculture does not allow:
- The use of plastic mulch is very limited compared to organic farming.
- Many of the products that are authorized organic farming are not allowed.
- Both plant and animal biodiversity must coexist on farms. This allows a good environment in the ecosystem and is better directed to the harmony that is sought.
- Act quickly. control very well the amounts of manure and compost used.
It cannot really be said that there are noticeable differences between biodynamic organic farming. Only biodynamic agriculture has some standards that are added to those of organic, which are usually more respective.
There are several controversies that cite the differences between science and biodynamic agriculture. Only agriculture tries to follow some pseudoscientific aspects of organic farming.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about biodynamic agriculture.