APPLICATION OF COW HORN MANURE (BD 500) IN ORGANIC FARMING
Horn manure (500)
Horn Manure, commonly known as “500”, is obtained by the transformation of high-quality cow manure that has been put into cow horns and buried under the earth for the winter period.
It is important to use only preparations that have undergone a complete transformation underground during the winter months. The preparations should be moist, colloidal in nature, brown-ish black in colour, and odourless, or with a slightly earthy, humic smell. Any preparations that have started to dry out, go mouldy or rotten will not give good results.
This preparation, when it has been carefully made, properly stored and correctly applied, is essential. It works on the soil and the plant roots.
- It is a powerful means for structuring the soil
- It stimulates soil microbial activity of the soil and the production of humus
- It regulates the pH balance of the soil
- It stimulates seed germination and root development, in particular vertical growth, increasing depth of root systems
- It improves the development of leguminous plants (Fabaceae) and nodule formation
- It helps dissolve minerals even in deep layers (alios) and can helps counteract excessive salt levels.
Biodynamic agriculture was born when Dr Rudolf Steiner gave eight lectures about a new method of agriculture to a large group of farmers in Germany, in 1924. Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher and scientist who’s thought was very much influenced by oriental philosophy, especially Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Vedic scriptures. Out of this influence and his own studies was born Anthroposophy, or the wisdom (knowledge) of the human being:
Anthropos=human being Sophia=wisdom
At the heart of Anthroposophy is the recognition that the human being (Manushya) is a spiritual being (Purusha). Biodynamic agriculture was Steiner’s answer to the farmers’ call for help during the beginning of chemical farming in Europe when they noticed the rapid degeneration of the soil, of the quality of the produce, and of seed viability. They had been noticing a general decrease in vitality. Steiner then presented a different way of looking at cultivation and the Earth in general, showing the inter-relationship and connections between all living things.
Bios=life dynamic=energy
He explained how modern science and therefore chemical agriculture was based on the study of dead things in laboratories, rather than on the observation of living nature and the complex relationships constantly changing therein. Among this web of life he also included the cosmos with its moving planets and stars, and he spoke of how in the past, farmers instinctively knew about the effects of this movement on the life of plants and also animals and human beings. As modern human beings, we must find this connection once more to understand how to work best with nature, but this time in a very conscious, measurable way.
Today there are many people around the globe who concentrate on understanding and recording the effects of the cosmos on our planet Earth, including Maria Thun in Germany who publishes a planting calendar for gardeners and farmers to use. Rudolf Steiner introduced a few preparations based on homeopathic medicine to enhance the beneficial cosmic influences on plants and the soil, and encouraged people to experiment and find new ones as well.
Life is a study of energy from the coarse to the fine, and Biodynamics is primarily concerned with the higher forces, the finer energies and how they influence plants, animals, and human beings. This knowledge and work with the life forces brings balance and healing to the soil, and therefore to anything that grows in that soil and every being that eats those plants.
Main effects of using biodynamic agriculture
- to increase the vitality of food
- to regenerate natural resources such as the soil (by restoring the organic matter present in the soil), the seeds, and the water
- to create a personal relationship with the world in which we live, with Nature of which we are apart of, and to learn to work together
- most of all, to be of service to the Earth and its beings by aiding nature where it is weak due to constant use
History
Agriculture is the base of human life. We need to grow food simply to eat each day, and to sustain our bodies, our minds, our souls and our spirit! Throughout human history, one can see that our music, our art, our songs, our crafts and tools have all been born out of our work with the land. But in the last hundred years and always faster in the last few decades, we are losing our connection to our source of life. Chemical farming is a product of the World Wars, when the leftover chemicals used for weapons and warfare were then discovered to be useful for pest control and as fertilizers. The source of agricultural chemicals is fossil fuel from the Earth, which isn’t sustainable and very soon won’t be available anymore.
The Green Revolution in the 1960’s and 1970’s also introduced hybrid seeds which are unable to produce their own seeds once grown, thereby creating a dependency of the farmer on hybrid seed companies. These hybrid seeds also produce much weaker plants which need higher doses of pesticides and fertilizers. The recent introduction of genetically modified (GM) seeds (which go hand in hand with specific herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers) is the latest threat to the balance and well being not only of the Earth, but also of us human beings. There are great economic interests tied to GM seeds, and unfortunately this creates irresistible pressure on developing countries to accept and legalize the use of these seeds.
Today we are painfully aware of the effects of chemical farming on our health, on farmers’ economic life, on the vitality of the soil, and on the well being of all plants and animals. In many places, the soil is getting hard and unable to renew itself so that more and more chemical fertilizers are needed to grow crops, creating huge debts for the farmers. New pests and diseases, resistant to chemical pesticides, are appearing, as are unknown diseases and disorders affecting animals and human beings. We are facing a global disaster, of which many people are becoming aware. The Biodynamic method of agriculture started very slowly but is becoming increasingly popular in the last few decades, all over the world. There are Biodynamic associations of farmers and gardeners and certifying bodies that guarantee the produce being sold by issuing a Demeter certificate.
DEMETER=Greek goddess of the Earth
Biodynamic methods produce a living soil with revitalized natural forces, in alignment with planetary cosmic rhythms. At the heart of this activity is the intelligence and consciousness of the human being who is caring for this piece of the Earth, and who is the ‘ordering principle’. This deep awareness is based on observation and relationship with the land and with Nature; it’s based on love.
2.Principle and Advantages
In order to establish a system that brings into balance all factors which maintain life, the following areas are considered:
Substance and energy
Life is more than just chemicals; it depends on the interaction of matter and energies. For example, plants need light and warmth as well as earth and water to grow. The interaction of substance and energy forms a balanced system. We live not only fromsubstance, but also from energy, and so we need to eat foodwhich will provide the energy. Only plants which have grown in a balanced soil can give us energy (through trace minerals, enzymes, growth hormones) as well as substance.
Soil
To produce healthy, vital plants, one must concentrate mainly on the structure and the life of the soil: the nutrients, the trace elements, the microorganisms, the worms and other animals present in the soil. But primarily, the soil is a living system of connections and relationships. If the soil is balanced in its life forces, the plants growing in it will be stronger, healthier, and higher in quality. No chemicals necessary. In terms of structure, the soil should be crumbly, friable, well aerated and deep in order to be fertile.
Organic matter
In order to create this balanced, living soil, what is required is skilful use of organic matter. This is done by building compost heaps and using the Biodynamic compost preparations.
Humus
This mysterious, magical substance supports life and is the carrier of all that the plants need to grow. It holds the fertility of the soil in a stable way, and retains water. Humus is completely digested crude organic matter: rich, dark, and moist with a fresh odour. This is the base for building up the soil and fostering its formation should be the first priority when converting to Biodynamic farming.
Cow manure
This is a very special substance given to us by the holy animal Cow which is essential for healthy soil life. Cow dung is special because of the lengthy digestion process of the cow which adds much beneficial bacteria to the substance. It is used in building the compost heaps as a starter and for its nitrogen content and in preparing the Biodynamic preparations.
Cosmic forces
Recognizing and working with the influences of heavenly bodies on plant growth by using the preparations and following the sowing calendar.
Biodynamic preparations
These simple, natural, homeopathic preparations are used to enhance the effects of the planets and of silica and lime on the soil and the plants, and also to enhance the breaking-down process and potential life forces in the compost heaps. Dr Steiner gave two preparations to be sprayed directly on the soil or the plants (numbered 500 and 501), and six preparations to be used when making compost (numbered 502 to 507).
Crop rotation
Crop rotation, proper soil cultivation and other organic farming methods: intelligent planning to let the soil rest after heavy-feeding crops (such as potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage), by sowing green manures (legumes, clover) and covering the soil (grass, clover) so that it may build up its humus content and nitrogen levels; also mulching to improve soil structure, water and temperature balance in the soil, and to control weeds; companion planting to enhance growth and to control pests; using herbal tea sprays, special tree paste for fruit trees, creating raised beds, disturbing the soil as little as possible by shallow digging/ploughing and avoiding stepping on it or working it when wet, especially clay soils.
Peppering
To deal with an unbalanced insect problem, animal pests or weed problem, one may collect the insects, weed seeds, or dead animal skins, burn them at the appropriate time according to planetary positions, potentize the ash in water as a homeopathic medicine, and spray it on the land. This is an effective biodynamic alternative to using chemical sprays.
The farm organism
The more self-sufficient a farm can be, the healthier it will be. The aim is to have a wide variety of plants and animals, and to bring something from outside (such as manure, bio-pesticides) only if there is an imbalance that must be rectified, as medicine. At the centre of the farm organism is the fanner, the human being who observes and has a close relationship to everything on the farm and who makes the decisions. Important aspects of the farm include the water source and balance, prevention of soil erosion by planting trees and hedges which also help in wind protection and providing animal habitat, being aware of insect life and balance which could include looking after honey bees. The farmer therefore is responsible for many beings and for fostering correct relationships, and is the temporary steward of the land, not the owner.
Weeds, Pests and Diseases
Weeds growing in specific places show a deficiency in the soil, as pests and diseases show a shortcoming in agricultural practices. They are signs for us to understand where the problem is, and actually help us to rectify imbalances. They are friends, not foes! It is well known and proven that insect pests and diseases will only attack weak plants, There by balancing the situation and stimulating us to be better farmers and gardeners.
Practical application
- Walk around your land each day, become familiar with all its aspects: minerals, rocks present, type of soil, wild plants growing, types of weeds, insect life, animals present day or night, electric wires crossing over the land, underground streams, presence of water, weather patterns, people living on or using the land.
- Establish environmental control: plant hedges and trees for wind protection, ensure good drainage, be aware of the water quality, use and collection.
- Introduce soil-protecting crop rotations and cover crops.
- Improve soil cultivation practices.
- Introduce green manuring, carefully plowed or dug under.
- Use mulching wherever possible; the Earth likes to be covered and will do it by itself with weeds!
- Build compost heaps and treat them with the preparations: do not waste any organic leftovers- collect everything. First compost manure and all other organic material, and apply only when completely broken down! It can be sieved to re-compost any under-com posted bits. Compost branches larger than your wrist separately as this will take much longer to break down.
- Use the BD preparations 500 and 501 as necessary, at the appropriate times, on the land and growing plants.
- Use other preparations such as the Cowpat Pit Preparation, Panchagavya, or natural liquid fertilizers (equisetum tea, fermented nettle manure) as needed.
Advantages
- Production of top quality fruits and vegetables, with strong flavours and high levels of nutrients (protein and vitamin content)
- Yields always above the average level, higher on average than those produced by organic farming, and consistently high throughout the years as opposed to the falling yields obtained by chemical farming as the soil is mineralised and pest populations become unbalanced and become a problem
- Little trouble with livestock and plant diseases
- No spreading of insect pests, and no great economic damage due to their presence: the question of insect pests is one of balance and control which can be restored by proper management such as planting shrubs and trees which will house natural predators
Converting a farm to biodynamics
The important criterion is to sustain the fertility of a farm that lasts for future. The guidelines to be followed are
- All short term manuring use of water soluble fertilizers for quick growth is discontinued. This not only damages soil structure but also produces plants that are nutritionally unbalanced.
- Stop all chemical weed control methods that will leave undesirable residues which inhibit the development of active soil life.
- The type of stock carried in the farm is important as it has unique effect on soil fertility
- Encourage legume growth, earthworm activity and other soil micro-organisms. This is enhanced by the biodynamic preparations. This brings about microbiological life to the soil and exerts a balancing effect on availability of minerals. They also influence the permanent build up of humus.
- Need of adequate trees to provide shelter and shade as conservation of moisture, protection from wind and also act as predators.
- Biodynamic Agriculture Calander
This calendar is based on the suggestions given by Rudolf Steiner. But one can conduct experiments with different rhythms, different locations and different cycles of the seasons and each time observing and noting the results then you can get very good knowledge about the procedures. In this calendar we describe some of the basic rhythms that can be used in Biodynamic Farming.
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- Ascending days (Moon)
- Descending days (Moon)
- Nodes
- Apogee
- Perigee
- Full moon
- New moon
- Moon opposite Saturn
- The constellations
- Ascending days (Moon):The distance between moon and earth increases day by day for 13.6 days pprox. These days are ascending days.
In these days we can
- Sowing seeds in direct seed sowing methods.
- Sowing seeds for raising the seedlings
- Spraying liquid manures as foliar spray.
- Spraying panchakavyam as foliar spray.
- Spraying B..D. 501 (Horn Silica) upto 10.00 AM
- Harvesting leafy vegetables and fruits
- The Descending Moon: (DAY) These days are indicated in black tint.
The distance between moon and earth becomes closer for 13.6 days approx. These days are mentioned as descending days.
In these days we can
- Transplanting the seedlings
- Making Compost
- Compost application to the field
- Ploughing
- B.D.500 (Horn Manure) + CPP and Liquid manure application in the soil
- Harvesting bulbs and roots.
- The Nodes:The Moon crosses the path of the sun (The Ecliptic). The crossing points are called as nodes and these are the places and times where eclipses can occur. The terms ascending node and descending node indicates whether the moon is ascending and descending in relation to the sun’s path.
In this calendar the node indicates the occurring time. Before and after 6 hours from the time avoid important agri activities.
- Apogee and Perigee: When the moon is closest to the Earth is called perigee and the farthest from the earth is called apogee.
The moon moves from perigee to apogee and back again in 27.5 days approx. The distances at apogee and perigee are not constant.
Before and after 6 hours at the particular time we must avoid seeds owing and transplanting. But on apogee days we can sow the bulbs like potatoes.
- Full moon:48 hours before full moon is suitable time for sowing seeds and applying liquid manures including CPP as foliar spray.
Panchagavyam can be sprayed in this day at morning hours.
B.D. 501 (Horn Silica) can be sprayed for fungal control. - New Moon:
1. Avoid sowing seeds
2. Felling timber
3. Seeds such as gingelly, black gram etc shall be collect for sowing and preserving purpose.
7. Moon opposite Saturn: It’s simply when Moon and Saturn are standing opposite side to earth at 180 degree. This position occurs in 27.5 days.
1. Seed sowing and transplanting
2. B.D. 501 (Horn Silica) spraying at early morning
3. It is auspicious day for all important agri activities.
8. The Constellations: When the Moon is in Earth sign i.e., Virgo, Capricorn, Taurus are suitable for root development. These days are suitable for cultivating beet root, carrot, turmeric, ginger and other root crops like vettiver, nannari, potato, tapioca, etc.When the moon is in Air sign i.e., Gemini, Libra, Aquarius are suitable for flower development.
These days are suitable for cultivating cauliflower, rose, jasmine and other flower crops.
When the moon is in Water sign i.e., Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces are suitable for cultivating curry leaf, cabbage, greens, sugarcane, onion, tree plants for timber.
When the moon is in Fire sign i.e., Leo, Aries, Sagittarius are suitable for cultivating banana, orange, mango, millets, pulses, paddy, groundnut, cotton, etc.
- Preparation
| Specific Biodynamic measures have now been in use for more than 65 years. Many farmers and gardeners know their effects from practical experience. Experimental evidence has also been produced, which has added to the available empirical knowledge.
The measures include two groups of specifically fermented substances, which are called preparations. The first group includes 6 different herbal substances; they are numbered 502-507 and are added in small amounts to manures and composts. So they are collectively called as compost preparations. These numbers are arbitrary, having been chosen by those who first produced the preparations. The second group includes the sprays; they are numbered as 500 and 501. Although not considered one of the eight main preparations, a ninth preparation, sometimes referred to as 508 is made by boiling the horse tail plant and is applied only in excessively wet years to prevent fungal diseases. |
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| BD 500 Cow horn manure
It is basically fermented cow dung. It is the basis for soil fertility and the renewal of degraded soils. It is buried in Sept./Nov and lifted in Feb/March. This is the period when the earth is breathing in and comic earth forces are most active (winter). Materials
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Preparation process
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BD 500 Cow horn manure
It is basically fermented cow dung. It is the basis for soil fertility and the renewal of degraded soils. It is buried in Sept./Nov and lifted in Feb/March. This is the period when the earth is breathing in and comic earth forces are most active (winter).
Materials
- Cow horns
- Fresh cow dung from a lactating cow. Average 50-150 gms dung/horn (depends on horn size)
Preparation process
- Feed cattle with high quality food for two days prior to collecting dung for BD 500 (good green fodder and less protein artificial feed).
- Prepare burial pit: 18 inches deep. Pit area should not be subject to flooding, vigorous root systems or earthworms. BD 500 takes the character of the soil it is buried in, so good quality earth in the burial pit is essential.
- Collect cow horns – remove any paint.
- Collect fresh dung – reasonably firm.
- Fill cow horns with cow dung in October/November (rather than September due to India’s warmer climate).
- Place horns in burial pit, 1 inch apart with base downwards, surround with 50% compost and soil.
- Cover with soil and bury for 4 to 6 months. If the soil is not rich enough, add compost to an extent of 50% to enhance soil quality.
- Keep burial pit soil moist and shaded, at temp of approx. 20oC and free from weeds and earthworms.
- After 4 months check for dung fermentation. Dig up one horn. If the green cow dung has turned into a dark, smooth earthy smelling humus (BD 500) they are ready to be lifted. Remove the BD 500, use and store. If not, leave them longer.
Application process
Apply when the dew is falling (the earth breathes in) i.e. late afternoon or evening – descending Moon.
- 25 grams BD 500/acre in 15 litres rain/pure warm water (approx. 15-20 °C)
- Check water for high calcium, iron or other minerals
- Stir for 1 hour alternately clockwise and anti-clockwise forming a vortex
- Spray in the late afternoon or evening (just before sunset), when Moon is descending
- Spray 4 times a year – during the beginning and after rains, i.e. Feb-May-Nov-Dec.
Storage
- Place in glazed earthenware pots with loose fitting lids.
- Bury in a box surrounded with coir pith, which is kept moist and can be closed.
- Keep in dark and at temp of not more than 25 °C.
- Use within 1 year.
Effect/result
- Promotes root activity
- Stimulates/increases soil micro-life
- Regulates lime and nitrogen
- Helps to release trace elements
- Increases germination
BD 501 Cow horn silica
This is finely ground quartz crystals specially prepared. The crystal should be of good quality, shape and clear. It is buried in a similar manner to preparation 500 but this time it is buried during the summer time (buried in April/May and lifted in September). This is the period when the earth is breathing out and the cosmic light energy is most active (summer).
Materials
- Cow horn
- Silica quartz crystal – should be clear and well formed. Average 200-300 gms powdered quartz crystal/horn
Preparation process
- Crush silica quartz using a pounding rod, a mortar and pestle, or hammer
- Grind to a fine powder between 2 plate glasses
First glass – 12″ square and 9 mm thick with a wooden frame.
Second glass – 4″ square glass plate mounted in a wooden block (handle).
- Ensure that the quartz dust is not inhaled as it could lead to silicosis. It is advisable that masks are provided while making the preparation.
- Moisten with water to make a stiff paste
- Fill horns with the silica paste
- Bury horns in soil pit, 1 inch apart with base downwards, surround with 50% compost and soil from March/April (spring equinox) to September (autumn equinox)
Application process
Apply 501 only after one or two applications of BD 500. Apply when the dew is rising (the earth breathes out) i.e. early morning 6-8 a.m. at sunrise during ascending Moon or Moon opposition Saturn.
- 1 gm silica (enough to cover the small finger nail) in 15 litres of warm quality water
- Dissolve silica in water, stirring for 1 hour before sunrise, alternatively clockwise and anti-clockwise forming a vortex
- Spray the plants using a low-pressure sprayer (Knapsack 80-100 psi). Spray into the air to fall as a gentle mist over the plants
- As a general rule, spray twice during the planting cycle; at the beginning and again just before harvest
Storage
Store in a glass jar with a loose fitting lid, placed in an open area exposed to sunlight up to 3 years.
Effect/result
- Enhances light metabolism, photosynthesis and chlorophyll
- Helps to improve color, aroma, flavor and keeping quality of plants
Compost preparations 502 – 507
These are a series of preparations made from various medicinal herbs, in such a way as to enhance their inherent qualities. Experience in India and in many overseas countries of using these preparations in composts and liquid manures, has shown that they accelerate the processes of humus formation and as such avoid losses of valuable plant nutrients.
BD 502 Yarrow (Achillea millifolium)
This is made from yarrow flowers combined with the bladder of a stag.
Method of preparation
- Urinary bladder of the stag is used. The stag with its antlers magnifies the effect of the cosmos.
- Smell of the stag bladder and that of the yarrow are similar.
- Cosmos activity of the flower is enhanced by the cosmic activity of the bladder.
- The energies received by a stag from the cosmos through the antlers center around the bladder.
- Start the preparation making under the planetary influence of Venus.
- Blow up the bladder with air when the bladder is fresh.
- Air dry and then collapse.
- At the time of use moisten to make it flexible.
- Cut the bladder, insert a funnel and introduce the flowers till the bladder is packed.
- Moisten the flowers with plant extract, stitch up the slit with cotton thread.
- Store in a closed basket to keep away rodents/pests.
Time of burial to lifting
- Hang up in march to get cosmic influences
- Bury from September to March in a mud pot with earth inside
BD 503 Chamomile (Matricuria chamomilla)
This is composed of the flowers of the Chamomile plant combined with cow intestine.
Method of preparation
Harvesting
- Pick flowers when petals are horizontal (mid morning-10 am)
- Ideal flower will have two rows of petals around the cone
- Harvest into a tray as the flowers if left together produce heat
- Use drying trays
Storage
In air tight containers.
Preparation
- The intestine of a cow or bull can be used
- Do not wash intestine
- Cut into 15 cm bits
- Run finger along intestine, like milking a cow, to squeeze out undigested matter
- Tie cut bits at one end with a cotton string
- Fix funnel to open end and fill with dry flowers
- Pack not too hard or loose
- Stack the filled sausages into a bundle, which could be placed in a mud pot surrounded with fertile soil
Time of burial to lifting
Bury in October and let it remain in the soil till Feb/March.
BD 504 Himalayan stinging nettle (Urtica parviflora)
Method of preparation
- Fill the dried leaves into terracotta pipes or mud pots
- Press well into the containers
- Ensure that the lid is on
- Place the pot under the influence of Mars
(Moisten dry leaves with juice of leaves before filling if found dry)
Time of burial to lifting
- Harvest leaves in May and September
- Lift the preparation in September after a year
BD 505 Himalayan oak bark (Quercus glauca)
This is prepared by combining bark of the oak tree with the skull of an animal.
Method of preparation
- Crush the oak bark
- The skull of any domestic animal may be used
- The link between the skull and bark is their calcium properties
- Further, it is the Ca formation and the skull formation that takes place first in the case of the development of the embryo
- Place the crushed oak bark in the brain cavity of the skull. Block the opening with a well shaped bone piece.
- Place the skull in a watery environment with weeds and plant muck which would have been damaged by the local diseases that effect the crop. This helps buildup the resistance of the plants and follows the principles of Homeopathy.
- It should be placed in a location where there is exchange of water such as rain drain/swamp.
- It should be noted that a foul smell is emitted on lifting the preparation and removing it from the skull
- This gradually reduces with drying after removal in a dark dry place
- Fungus may form
- Turn over frequently to correct the same
Time of burial to lifting
The preparation is placed in September and lifted in March.
BD 506 Dandelion (Taraxicum officinalis)
It is made from the dandelion wrapped up in a bovine mesentery.
Method of preparation
- Use the mesentery of the cow. The flower is very sensitive to light and hence it is placed in the mesentery of a cow, which itself is sensitive
- Ensure that extra fat is cut off
- Do not wash the mesentery
- Place the dried flowers in the mesentery and wrap into a parcel and tie with a jute thread
- Place the parcel in a good mixture of soil and compost into a pot
- While lifting the preparation the mesentery may or may not be seen.
Time of burial to lifting
- Place in September and lift in March.
BD 507 Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
The juice of valerian flowers is used for this preparation.
Method of preparation
- Place the clipped flowers into a mortar and pestle and grind into a paste
- This paste is added to water in the ratio of 1:4 in a bottle
- Ensure storage in a cool place
Summary
| Prep | Herb or Material | Relationship to Processes of | Planet | Planet to Organ | Result |
| 502 | Yarrow flower Achillea millifolium |
Sulphur (S) Potassium (K) Trace Elements | Venus | Kidneys | Permits plants to attract trace elements in extremely dilute quantities for best nutrition |
| 503 | Chamomile flower Matricuria chamomilla | Calcium (Ca) Sulphur (S) | Mercury | Lung glands | Stabilizes Nitrogen (N) within the compost and increases soil life so as to stimulate plant growth |
| 504 | Stinging Nettle Urtica parviflora |
Sulphur (S) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Iron (Fe) | Mars | Gall bladder | Stimulates soil health, by providing plants with the individual nutrition components needed, ‘enlivens’ the earth (soil). |
| 505 | Oak Bark Quercus glauca |
Calcium (Ca) | Moon | Reproductive | Provides healing forces (or qualities) to combat harmful plant diseases. |
| 506 | Dandelion flower Taraxicum officinalis | Silicon (Si) or Silicic acid Potassium (K) | Jupiter | Liver | Stimulates relation between Si and K so that the Si can attract cosmic forces to the soil |
| 507 | Valerian flower Valeriana officinalis | Phosphorus (P) | Saturn | Spleen | Stimulates compost so that Phosphorus component is properly used by the soil. |
- Use 1 gram each (502-506) for every 5 cubic metres of compost and 10 ml of 507 at 5% in 2-5 litres of water. These could be added to liquid manures and cow pat pits also.
Pits for burial of preparations
- Size: Depth = 12-18 inches: Length = 2 feet; Breadth = 2 feet
- Location: Fertile well drained soil with no trees in the vicinity (spreading of roots)
- Maintenance: Weed free. Dig trench around pit to prevent weeds/roots. Mulch on top with coconut pith
- Line the pit with bricks on the side but leave the bottom free
- A marker should be clearly visible (e.g. brick lining)
- Make a sign to define the preparation, date of burying and date of lifting, and a layout plan for our record
- Maintain pit temperatures between 25-30oC
- Maintain moistness by watering/sprinkling over the pits
- Water logging should be avoided
Storage of preparations
- Choose a moist, cool, dark location with good air circulation
- Place the ready preparations into well labeled glass jars or glazed pots
- Place the pots into a well insulated storage box using e.g. coir pith
- A food grade drum placed horizontal with a hinged opening is useful for preparations such as 500 and CPP
- Turn the preparations frequently, and maintain moisture
BD 508 (Equisetum arvense)
- It is very high in silica; it can be used as a tea to control fungus in the early season
- It should be sprayed at full Moon (2-4 days before) and at Moon opposition Saturn, the same as BD 50
Materials
- 1 kg Equisetum arvense (Horsetail herb) or Casuarina
- 10 litres water
Preparation process
- Make a strong tea/tincture by boiling the Equisetum arvense or Casuarinain hot water for 2 hrs. Let it sit for 2 days.
Application process
- Dilute the tincture: 50 grams tincture to 10 litres of water
- Spray onto the soil or over the plants in the early growing stages
- For mild fungus problems BD 508 is often sufficient, but for more severe problems BD 501 is more effective.
BD 500 Cow horn manure
| It is basically fermented cow dung. It is the basis for soil fertility and the renewal of degraded soils. It is buried in Sept./Nov and lifted in Feb/March. This is the period when the earth is breathing in and comic earth forces are most active (winter).
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Storage
Effect/result
How to use Horn Manure: When to spray: Spray Horn Manure “500” at least twice a year, generally in spring and autumn, before the most intense period of biological activity in the soil has started. It is especially important that the soil be sufficiently warm and damp when applying Horn Manure. Quantity : Use 100 g/ha of “Horn Manure” (500) stirred in a minimum of 30 – 35 litres of water. Most important is the quantity of the Horn Manure applied per hectare, even if this amount if stirred into a larger volume of water. However, using more water may not be more economical, as this requires more heating and handling. For areas smaller than 1,000 sq. metres, use 10 to 20 g of “500” in 5 to 10 litres of water, and spray the total volume. How to Spray: The Horn Manure preparation “500” should be diluted in good-quality rainwater that has been properly stored. The preparation is then stirred vigorously for exactly one hour before spraying. The water should be heated before stirring, ideally to body temperature. Spraying should be done in the evening, not before 5 pm (4 pm in winter) on a day that is not too windy or too hot. A slightly overcast, late afternoon is ideal. Avoid spraying in the rain, or if heavy rains are forecast after spraying. Don’t spray if night frost is expected. Good weather and soil conditions are more important than the indications given in the biodynamic calendar. However, avoid spraying several hours on either side of lunar and planetary nodes, as well during lunar and planetary eclipses. Spray as soon as possible after stirring, ideally within the hour, or at most, 2 hours after stirring.
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सींग की खाद कैसे बनाए, क्या है इसके फायदे?
चैत्र (मार्च-अप्रेल) के माह में सूर्य से प्राप्त ऊर्जा सबसे अधिक होती है इसलिए चैत्र के माह में गाय के सींग से बहुत अच्छी खाद (Compost) बनाई जा सकती है. सींग के अन्दर मरी हुई कोशिका सूरज से अधिक ऊर्जा लेकर उसमें रखे गोबर में सूक्ष्म जीवों (Microorganism) की क्रियाशीलता बढ़ा देती है.
सींग खाद बनाने की विधि (Method of making Horn manure)
सबसे पहले मरी हुई गाय के कंकाल से सींग लिया जाता है, फिर सींग के अंदर के पदार्थ को खुरचकर बाहर निकाल कर उसे साफ पानी से धोकर धूप में सुखाया जाता है. ऐसा करने से बदबू खत्म हो जाती है. उसके बाद दूध देने वाली गाय के गोबर को सींग में अच्छी तरह से दबा कर रख दें ताकि इसमें कोई खाली जगह नहीं बचे. इसके बाद सींग को किसी खुले स्थान पर उपजाऊ भूमि में गाढ़ा जाता है. इसके लिए लगभग 40 सेमी गहरा गड्ढा खोदें. गड्ढे की लंबाई और चौड़ाई आवश्यकता अनुसार ले सकते हैं. उसके बाद उस गड्ढे को मिट्टी और सड़े हुए गाय के गोबर से 25:1 अनुपात में भर दें, और उस जगह पर समय-समय से पानी का छिड़काव कर गीला करते रहें.
सींगों को गाड़ने का और निकालने का समय (Time to bury the Horn)
इन सींगों को नवरात्रा (अक्टूबर-नवम्बर) के समय गाड़ा जाता है. इन सींगों को 6 महीने की अवधि तक गड्ढे में रखा जाता है. सीगों को निकालने के लिए मार्च से अप्रैल का समय उचित रहता है.
सींग खाद का भंडारण कैसे करें (How to Storage Horn manure)
उपयुक्त समय पर सींग को गड्ढे से बाहर निकालकर उसमें से खाद निकाल लेते हैं जो कि दुर्गंध हीन होना चाहिए. इस खाद को मिट्टी के बर्तन में निकालकर ठंडे और नम स्थान पर रख दें, यदि तापमान अधिक हो तो मिट्टी के बर्तन को दो-तिहाई मिट्टी में दबा दें और आसपास की मिट्टी को पानी छिड़क कर ठंडा रखें.
सींग से खाद बनाते समय रखें सावधानियां (Take Precautions While Making Compost from Horn)
- सींग खाद बनाते समय गाय के सींग के ऊपर कोई रंग (Colour) नहीं होना चाहिए, यदि रंग है तो उसे कैरोसीन (मिट्टी के तेल) से साफ कर लें.
- खाद भंडारण (Manure storage) के समय हल्की नमी रहना जरूरी.
- सींग की खाद का उपयोग दो बार (Two time) किया जा सकता है- पहली बार बुवाई के 1 दिन पहले और दूसरी बार जब फसल 20 से 30 दिन की होने पर.
- खाद के अच्छे परिणाम के लिए इसका उपयोग पूर्णिमा (full moon) के दिन करना चाहिए. अमावस्या या उसके आसपास के दिनों में प्रयोग से खाद का प्रभाव पूरा नही होता है.
- सींग को गड्डे में गाढ़ते समय ध्यान रखें कि उसका नुकीला सिरा ऊपर की तरफ तथा सींग का चौड़ा वाला भाग नीचे की ओर रखें.
सींग खाद का उपयोग कैसे करें (How to use Horn manure)
75 ग्राम सींग की खाद 40 लीटर साफ पानी में मिलाकर 1 हेक्टेयर क्षेत्र में प्रयोग किया जाना चाहिए. सींग की खाद का उपयोग करते समय इसे लकड़ी के डंडे से दोनों तरफ (उल्टी व सीधी दिशा में) हिलाएं. घोल बनाने के 1 घंटे के भीतर ही उपयोग में लाना उचित रहता है. इसका छिड़काव (Spray) सूर्यास्त (Sunset) के समय करना चाहिए.
