BD Articles & Research                                                                   

One of the most important aims and objectives of the Bio-dynamic Association of India is the support of research projects on the bio-dynamic method of farming in India, and the dissemination of articles and reports as the result of research and experience by scientists and practicing BD farmers.

There has been some work done recently by Prof. Barbara von Wechmar, a microbiologist at the Stellenbosch University in Capetown, So. Africa, of growing fungi and bacteria samples from the BD preparations and CPP in the laboratory on various substrates. These all showed a tremendous variety of fungi and bacteria. The BD500 picture was described by Prof. Barbara as an interesting and beautifully balanced collection of fungi.

Work done at ICRISAT in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India has found beneficial bacteria, antagonistic towards Fusarium root fungus of chick peas, in compost treated with biodynamic preparations, which effectively combated the fungus.

Dr. Perumal from the MCRC Institute in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India has tested the BD preparations for bacteria and particularly rhizobia. He found the BD500 cow horn dung and the BD504 Stinging Nettle have remarkably high numbers of this bacteria.

Chromatography images of soil
From left: soil before addition of BD500, after adding BD500, postharvest with lots of microlife in soil
from Dr. Perumal's research

The following are links to articles and research reports on bio-dynamic farming.

WE WELCOME ADDITIONS TO THIS LIST!

Please e-mail Lucas Dengel, Secretary of the BDAI, with information on
articles or reports that you think would be of interest.

Thoughts on a Medical Breakthrough in a BD Context David Hogg1st May 2008

Can we sustain life? Juli & Vivek Cariappa 2007

Biodynamic farming in Krishna District The Hindu January 25, 2006

A different cup of tea The Hindu August 17, 1998

Cuppa Karma: Biodynamics and the science of estate rejuvenation Crucible Collections by Aparna Datta 2003

Research by Dr. K. Perumal
Senior Scientist
Shri AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC)
Tharamani, Chennai 600 113 India
http://education.vsnl.com/mcrc

1. Perumal,K, and T. M. Vatsala 2002, Utilisation of local alternative materials in cow horn manures (BD500): A case study on biodynamic vegetable cultivation.
Journal of Biodynamic Agriculture - Australia, 52:16-21.
http://www.biodynamics.net.au/biodynamic_research.htm

   2. Perumal, K., Praveena, V., Stalin, V and Janarthanan, B. (2006) Assessment of selected organic manures and plant growth hormones and their impact on the growth attributes of Alium cepa Lin , Current Science (Communicated).

3.  Perumal, K., Stalin, V and Janarthanan, B. Cumulative effect of selected organic - biodynamic manures on growth of Allium cepa Lin - Abstract

Hard copies of the above research papers by Dr. Perumal are available, as well as copies of the following research papers not available in soft copy:

4. Perumal, K., Mohanraj. S and T.M.Vatsala (2000). Studies on microbial diversity in biodynamic preparations. Biodyne 1: 1, 3.

5. Perumal, K,. K, Chakraparthy and T. M. Vatsala 2003. Influence of nutrient management on quality and yield of carrot (Daucus carota, L.,). Journal of Soil and Crops, 13 (2) 204-210)

6. Menaka,M, Chandra Venkatasubramanian and K,. Perumal. 2005. A comparative study on the acceptability of selected organic, biodynamic and conventional foods. Indian Journal of Human Science Vol: 1 (1), 68-76

7. Menaka,M, Chandra Venkatasubramanian and K,. Perumal. 2005. A comparative study on nutritional quality of selected organic, biodynamic and conventional foods. Indian Journal of Human Science Vol:1 (2), 96-101


Biodynamics: A Short Practical Introduction -- by E.E. Pfeiffer

Bio-Dynamic Sprays -- by H.H. Koepf

BIOFERTILIZERS - Boon or Bane of Farmers by David Hogg

Compost -- by Peter Proctor

The relationship between soil microbiology and the biodynamic preparations -- by Peter Proctor

How much compost should we use? -- by E.E. Pfeiffer

Pest and Disease Control in Vegetable Cultivation by Organic & Bio-dynamic Farming Methods -- by Jaison J. Jerome

Soil quality & profitability of biodynamic & conventional farming systems: A review -- by John P. Reganold