In biodynamic farming, we have to deal with our farms just like our own bodies. So, it’s vital to provide nutrients to the farm to get healthy crops.
To know if your food is biodynamic, look for the Demeter logo on the label. Demeter logo is an international certification of biodynamic products.
So, go through this entire article to know everything about biodynamic farming and the pros and cons of applying this approach.
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What Is Biodynamic Farming Method?
Biodynamic farming is a sustainable farming approach that believes in maintaining harmony in agricultural activities.
Moreover, this method truly focuses on the interconnectedness of soil, organisms, and plants within a farming body.
So, due to this emphasis, this method strictly avoids modern farming techniques like the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, etc, on a farm.
It’s because the chemicals in the pesticides and fertilizers can harm the soil, which is the main component of our farm.
Instead, this farming method focuses on using natural farming techniques like crop rotation, compost, livestock integration, etc.
Due to the use of a natural approach, you can grow crops that are highly nutritious and flavorful from biodynamic approaches.
Biodynamic Farming Vs. Organic Farming Vs. Permaculture
The biodynamic approach has a lot of restrictions compared to other conventional techniques. In contrast, organic farming and permaculture are less restrictive.
| Biodynamic | Organic | Permaculture |
|---|---|---|
| Focuses on interconnection between ecosystem and living beings | Focuses on farming without use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers | Focuses on creating the self sufficient, resilient and productive system. |
| Certificate from Demeter International | Contains different certification organization | No certification |
| Uses biodynamic preparations | Does not use Biodynamic Preparations | Does not use Biodynamic Preparations |
| Don't focus on resuse and recycle | Don't focus on resuse and recycle | Focuses on resuse and recycle |
| Highest food quality of all | Higher food quality than Permaculture | Low quality food than Organic and Biodynamic Farming |
Biodynamic Approach Pros & Cons
By applying biodynamic approaches, you can work with your crops by respecting the living organisms in local ecosystems.
However, you may also face different environmental risks, like long drought periods and unexpected frosts.
Advantages of Biodynamic Farming
As biodynamic farming avoids chemical fertilizers, the soil quality, structure, and biodiversity in your farm gradually improve.
These restrictions enhance the growth of beneficial microorganisms and result in the production of healthy crops.
- Biodynamic farming provides habitats for wildlife and reduces land, water, and air pollution.
- Due to the use of compost in the soil, this technique contributes to increasing soil fertility.
- Moreover, the farms with a biodynamic approach are adaptive to different situations due to climate change.
- Additionally, the soil in such farms does not depend upon chemicals for nutrients to grow the crops.
- Due to the traditional approaches like crop rotation, this method builds the cultural and spiritual connection between the farm and its components.
- This method also focuses on environment-friendly ways of pest control and disease-resistant crops.
Disadvantages of Biodynamic Farming
One of the major disadvantages of the biodynamic approach is you need to apply lots of effort while working. Additionally, this method is more time-consuming than other conventional farming practices.
- This method does not guarantee consistent crop production. The crops you plant may vary in quantity depending on the situation.
- If you are a beginner, it may be very costly for you to implement this method.
- There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the claims about the food qualities of biodynamic farming practices.
- The crops produced from biodynamic approaches are very expensive and do not meet the market demands.
- Moreover, preparations like cow horn manure, horn silica, etc., are time-consuming and very complex in biodynamic farming.
- You have to invest much in preparations and education and get the result very late.
- The soil that depends on chemical pesticides and fertilizers will have a very low yield for the first few years.
From Editorial Team
Biodynamic Farming Examples!
In the United States, you can find various biodynamic farms, including Biodynamic Farm Institute in Kimberton, Hawthorne Valley Farm in Ghent, etc.
These farms apply biodynamic approaches like hand harvesting, wine production, cover cropping, using cosmic and lunar calendars, etc.
