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In this issue we have a report on the Field day at Simon Brownbridge and Loo Boothroyd’s
Fosterton Farm Field Day 19th March 2011
Report by Derice McDonald
Developing Biodynamic Soil Structure
Facilitator: David Marks from Marrook Farm, Demeter Certified
INTRODUCTION:
Simon introduced David Marks and Heidi Fallding from Marrook Farm. He talked about the Hunter Biodynamic group visit to David and Heidi’s dairy farm in 2009 where the structure of the soil was examined. Back home Simon looked at their soil and couldn’t see the same results. It was some time after this that Simon and Loo decided to shift their biodynamic certification from Australian Certified Organic to the Bio-Dynamic Research Institute Demeter Certification which has a more professional emphasis on biodynamic practice.
DAVID’S TALK:
David opened his talk by asking us: What’s the most important thing on the farm? Some answers included: the soil, water and farmer and David emphasised the importance of the farmer.
He then talked about the meaning of the word “agriculture” as being the “soil culture” and stressed that plants have no independent metabolism as they take in their nutrients from the soil. He then asked us to think about … “what makes a plant feed?” Answer: the sun.
David then briefly outlined the difference between current conventional farming (including many types of organic farming) using water soluble fertilisers, and biodynamic farming. The key focus on Demeter biodynamic farms and gardens is plants feeding naturally through the humus in the soil. Fine white feeder roots will develop when there is sufficient humus in the soil. Humus is a colloid and in biodynamics that is what we are trying to achieve in the soil. A plant has to feed naturally through the humus and we can observe this happening with well structured soil and the development of fine white feeder roots.
David went on to explain that plants fed only with water soluble fertilizers will have an overblown, sappy appearance. This can also be seen on organic farms where straight manures (i.e. uncomposted) are used. It is the creativity of the farmer which provides the conditions where plants can feed naturally through the soil, so the condition of the soil and the amount of humus will dictate the health of the plants. This leads on to the most important thing on the farm … “the farmer”.
It is important for the farmer to remember that we are in Australia and not Europe so our BD practices need to be adapted to Australian conditions.
To get an understanding of what is going on in the soil you need to dig into it. Having soil tests done gives more information on the trace elements of the soil.. It will depend on the soil condition as to how quickly humus is created. The more out of balance the soil is the longer it will take to create this humus, therefore the mineral balance is quite critical in helping to create this. Most Australian soils are deficient in potash and phosphorus.
David continued explaining that humus largely consists of bacteria digesting organic matter in the soil. Good quality 500 is a great builder of healthy soils and soils with good structure will develop more quickly e.g. river flat soil, then a clay soil and more slowly in a sandy soil. A clay soil can be well structured so when humus is created, then feeder roots, this will change the soil faster. Also, good compost will create good humus.
David was adamant that the quality of 500 played a very important role in creating well structured soil. He said that to make good 500 you need high quality cow manure and a geographic situation where there is extreme winter cold.
He was also strong on his opinion that we are fighting an uphill battle growing European grasses and cattle in Australia –as Australian conditions were not natural forthese. However,as farmers we must be ‘the observers” of our own farms and to use our “own intuition”.
A question was put to David – “should we use flow forms?” David referred to Steiner’s lecturers beginning on page 76 and added that Steiner never saw the results of 500 using a flow form. However David believes that “stirring” creates more of a vortex. Apart from Steiner’s original impulse of creating a “crater” and reversing until it seethes, chromatography tests have shown the energy of this method
The group then moved on to Loo and Simon’s vegetable gardens where David pointed out that the colour and how much the vegetables are “standing up” indicates the quality of the soil and that they are not taking up too much water. Also if the plant was in straight manure then it wouldn’t stand up and would have no flavour. He reinforced again that quality 500 is a builder of healthy soils. David also reiterated that it was important to make quality compost and use it when it is ready, otherwise the compost will lose its vitality. (A guide to when the compost is ready …its seven-eighths digested and the raw material is barely recognisable).
We then walked down to one of Loo and Simon’s paddocks that is a classic river flat, however the soil becomes lighter the closer it is to the river. David expressed that he would have liked to see a diverse range of plants in the pasture. David expressed that every time we do something to the farm/soil we need to observe it closely and learn about our farm. By putting out quality 500 in spring and autumn the soil will develop. Nature takes time. However good structure is needed in the soil and this may need to be created by mechanical means by deep ripping, or other appropriate cultivation depending on the soil and depth of grass roots. When the grasses begin to die spray out 500, then seed, mulch and then apply another spray of 500. (This is only relevant for Simon and Loo’s farm at the development stage it was at then.) A demonstration of this was done by Simon using Fred Featherston’s yeoman’s plough. David also noted that care needed to be taken so as not to “glaze” the soil as this would stop the air. Fine tuning the equipment on the tractor would need to be done so as not to create this.
The group then continued down towards the river to a paddock where Simon had planted a variety herbage along with oats in the previous winter to note what had happened with the soil there. They had survived the summer heatwave quite well, and David commented the area would benefit from deep ripping with the Agrow plough. A further stroll was taken to the river bank enjoying the sun and each other’s company as well as continual information from David. It was demonstrated how the shovel sank into the soil with relative ease under a 30 year old fence line, whereas the shovel struggled to penetrate the recently grazed paddock. David asserted with properly cared for B.D. pasture the shovel should sink with relative ease into the soil. The soil itself should have a dark humic colour with a crumbly texture. Shortly after this many tummies eagerly headed back to Loo and Simon’s house grounds where we all savoured the beautiful lunch provided by the group. The rest of the afternoon gently moved on as we relaxed, exchanged ideas and experiences and purchased great products.
Many thanks to David, Loo and Simon for a very informative and successful day!
BIO DYNAMIC FARM FOR SALE
Bio Dynamic chemical free 40 lush acres with 1km frontage to the Lansdowne River.
(We've always had plenty of water)
9 paddocks of mainly native grasses, some kikuyu & setaria.
8 of those paddocks have gravity fed drinking troughs. There are 2 dams
Also a partially renovated solid comfortable old farmhouse with 3 bedrooms, with some built-ins.
There is an abundant house orchard.
Separate drinking water tanks & gravity fed household water.
There are 4 sheds and an old dairy.
This volcanic soil property is mainly elevated in the picturesque Upper Lansdowne Valley.
Sale price $650 000
Phone for inspection 02 65570101 (after dark please)
Bob & Pam Finlay
Sandra Hare
Sadly we lost a friend in March.
Sandra was a mad gardener, a committee member and above all, a great friend. Sandra was always willing to help out wherever needed. At the celebration of her life, we found out that she had lived an amazing life. The paths she travelled were far and wide.The vast amount of people she touched was evident in the huge turnout at her funeral. She will be sadly missed.