Seems no one else is going to answer.
"500" is the Biodynamic Prep. make from cow manure, over wintered in cow horns and "bc" is Barrel Compost, again a specific and specially made Biodynamic Prep. Along with about a dozen other "Preps." they are the basis of the particular form of Energetic Farming, called Biodynamics and based on the work of Steiner, but still evolving as we each find that which works best on our patch.
For those who are not familiar, it is easiest to think of them as being some what like Homoeopathics. They are quite complex to make and very time specific, both in preparation and application. But fortunately usually available quite cheaply for what which they will replace, if compared with chemical farming. Example: one and a half ounces of BD 500 is enough to energize an acre of land and may be needed twice or more a year. (It is also followed by at least BD 501 the next morning.)
If for no other reason, Biodynamics should be the only socially acceptable form of farming, on the basis of freight saving. There are of cause a great number of other reasons why it should be the only form of farming to be considered.
Unfortunately, those of us involved, do not go out and offer it to the world at large. We make the mistake of trying to explain it, which is difficult for those new to it, to grasp. One day some one will be sufficiently environmentally concerned to offer a service, by which they will just rock up to the clients property at the appropriate time and apply that which is needed, collect a fee and leave. Then and maybe only then will we move to really large areas of BD produce.
I recommend Hugh Lovel's books, one I think available from him on this list and the other from AcresUSA at <www.acresusa.con>, ask for a free copy and the book catalogue.
Gil
Mike Bosko wrote:
Ok, interesting. My wife has been very interested in holistic ideals and energy work. She's just learning about it, but has a strong fascination. Admittedly, I'm just following along keeping a positive outlook toward it.But back to the reply, what does "use 500 and bc..sstorch" mean? Was it just a sarcastic reply, or what? I guess after reading those posts all day, I'm half expecting to get torched myself soon.
-m
At 11:31 PM 9/18/2002 -0400, you wrote:
Mike,You're on the Biodynamic list that Allan asked you to join earlier today via SANET... sstorch is referring to the "stuff" in the cow horns that Clarence was saying is obfuscation, alchemy, and smoke and mirrors. With all due respect, should you elect to cut off cow horns, stuff them with cow manure and herbs, bury them with the proper alignment of the cosmic forces, dance naked in the moonlight, wait the appropriate number of months, dig up the mixture, sell most for 9.00 a tablespoon to unsuspecting rubes, then mix the remaining tablespoon with umpteen gallons of water and spray the stuff over your acreage then please feel free to do so in lieu of any recognized, replicatable scientific process.
Well, some of what he said is true, but some is not. It is however, given the tone and a few incorrect statements, he has no knowledge of Biodynamics. To learn more about what Biodynamics is, I'd suggest starting with this site that has some great background info and a intro course on-line.
http://oregonbd.org/You mentioned alternative methods and research, and in Biodynaimics there isn't too much to read in English. As Steve Diver mentioned, most BD farmers are already doing the work, not waiting for research. Given your holistic approach with the animals, BD might be a method that you would find compatible to how you think of things.
Perry
----- Original Message -----
- From: Mike Bosko
- To:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
- Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2002 10:43 PM
- Subject: Re: Cover crop
- At 08:13 PM 9/18/2002 -0400, you wrote:
- >In a message dated 9/18/02 7:18:51 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
- >
- ><< Which too, last year both germinated and grew, I'm just not sure if
- >the inoculant lived through the dry spell tho (dang it).
- >
- >Any one have any thoughts on that btw >>
- >
- >use 500 and bc..sstorch
- huh?
