Unfortunately, much of the popular literature that discusses companion
planting is based upon some very bad science, in particular, the
"sensitive crystallization method" which was originated by Dr. Ehrenfried
E. Pfeiffer in the 1930's. Dr. Pfeiffer was a student of Dr. Rudolf
Steiner, the founder of "Biodynamics." The sensitive crystallization
method utilizes chromatography to discover why plants make good or bad
companions.
Dr. Pfeiffer made chromatograms of many different plants, both
individually and in combination. He concluded that mixtures of plants
which formed clear and bright chromatograms were mutually beneficial,
while mixtures that formed cloudy or dull chromatograms were antagonistic.
Thus, the notion that "carrots love tomatoes" but "beans dislike fennel"
is based upon an analytical laboratory procedure and not on direct
observation of the plants in nature. No legitimate scientist believes that
this method can determine compatibility among plant species.
Dr. Pfeiffer also made chromatograms of many other substances including
chemical fertilizers and compost. According to Louise Riotte in her book
Carrots Love Tomatoes, "the chemical (fertilizer) yielded chromatograms
that were dull and lifeless but the ones made from the compost were
brilliant with color." Ms. Riotte continues by asking "Could this have
been because of the living microorganisms continued in the compost? This
supposition seems logical."
Unfortunately, the supposition is not the least bit logical from a
scientific viewpoint, and has no relevance for determining plant
nutritional needs. It is this type of bad science that has created a
hostility between the scientific community and many proponents of
biodynamic gardening.
Prepared by:
Robert Beyfuss, Progr Ldr A&NR, Greene County Cooperative
Extension, Education Ctr, HCR3, Box 906, Cairo, NY 12413-9503
Marvin Pritts, Associate Professor, Department of Fruit and
Vegetable Science, Cornell Univeristy, Ithaca, NY
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