Biodynamics

09996668@WSUVM1.CSC.WSU.EDU
Tue, 02 May 95 13:57:16 PDT

I just joined SANET and am happy to see the vibrant conversation concerning bio
dynamics. I am beginning my PhD work, and it concerns biodynamics. I am worki
ng with Dr. John Reganold, author of the biodynamic paired-farm study published
in SCIENCE in 1993. Obviously, there are a lot of methodological similarities
between BD and other organic systems. We are attempting to separate out the e
ffects of the preparations themselves. Yes, much of it has been done before, b
ut not by U.S. universities. The research done by BD-ists and other (mostly Eu
ropean) researchers is helpful, but does not always live up to strict American
research standards. We are attempting some very strict, honest trials comparin
g BD to organic to conventional to control management systems. Our field test
plots should help us to determine whether the BD compost and/or spray preparati
ons have any effect on "soil quality" or "crop quality" in the short-term.

Preliminary research on the compost preparations (502-507) suggest that there
is an effect of these preparations on the speed of compost development and the
end product. Our preliminary data tend to support the results of Heinze and Br
eda (1978) BIODYNAMICS 125:12-22 and E. von Wistinghausen (1986) [available fro
m Verlag Lebendige Erde, Baumschulenweg 11, D 61 Darmstadt]. Yes, those same B
D and European researchers we tend not to trust sometimes get the same results
that we get.
As to why, that will be someone else's PhD or life study. W. C. Stearn, in his
Masters Thesis at Ohio State (1976) did find cytokinins in preparations 500&50
1. BD-ists will say that the tiny amounts used are sufficient because of the r
adiative effects of the preparations. We are thinking it is either an inoculat
ion effect, where very few organisms can quickly make a big difference, or an e
ffect of volatile organic compounds (VOC's). My master's work, just accepted i
n SOIL BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY dealt with the effects of very small amounts (f
ractions of micromoles) of VOC's on germination of VAM fungi.
Just because someone uses a spiritual explanation doesn't mean that there
is no physical explanation; once there is a physical explanation it doesn't ha
ve to negate the spiritual significance. Science and spirituality do not have
to be afraid of each other.
Stay tuned!
-Lynne Carpenter-Boggs
09996668@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu