6/18/2009

worshipping the sun in a field of cardamom

Here is an explanation from the Indian coffee grower as to how they practice biodynamism with an Indian twist.

"Basically following the calendar of biodynamics, energies balanced between Saturn and the Moon…interfering less with nature, smallest input = larger effect on the planet, the sun in the source of all life, they sunworship in the center of the estate in the cardemum field… at sunrise and sunset.

"We follow the cultivation methods as advocated by Rudolf Steiner of Germany. This is called bio-dynamics. Agriculture depends not only on the quality of the soil but also on the cosmos – movements of the sun, moon and planets. Hence, to maximize the effect of our inputs we follow a bio-dynamic calendar for planting, harvesting, applying manure etc.

"Compost : We make our own compost with material available on the estate – green weeds and leaves, dry weeds ( weeds are not a nuisance, but just an indicator of the missing nutrients in the area ), pulped coffee husk, cow dung and BD preps 502-507 – which are flowers containing traces of iron, sulphur, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, calcium, magnesium, silica etc.

"CPP : Cow Pat Pit is made from cow dung mixes with quarry dust and egg shell. To this is added the BD preps 502-507 and this rests in clay pits for 3 months to mature. After which it is harvested and used.

"Liquid Manure : is made from any locally available material, fermented for 3 months and used as a foliar spray. We use the leaves of the datura as a pest repellant; leaves of the erythrinia as a source of nitrogen and fish as a protein tonic.

"BD 500 : is also called Cow Horn Manure. This is the main BD prep which benefits root development and soil structure. The dung of a lactating cow is collected and placed in cow horns which are buried in shallow pits in autumn. These horns along with the astral forces digest the dung which turns into a humus like structure by spring. This is then collected and stored in mud pots kept cool in a dark room. A small portion of the BD 500 ( 25 gms ) along with some CPP is stirred ( for 1 hour ) in 15 litres of water in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. This is then sprinkled on the soil over an acre during the descending phase of the moon.

"BD 501 : also called Cow Horn Silica. It improves the form and quality of the plant, helps leaf growth and protects against fungal diseases. Crushed and finely powdered silica is placed in cow horns and buried in shallow pits in spring. The horns rest through the summer gatering all the cosmic light energy and are ready to harvest in autumn. It is then stored in transparent glass jars exposed to sunlight. A very small quantity ( 1 gm ) is stirred in a bucket of water for 1 hour and sprayed in the air over the plants. This is done in the ascending phase of the moon.

"BD 502-507 : preps are made from flowers and oak bark. These are a source of potash, sulphur, selenium, calcium, iron, silica and phosphorous. Hence these are used in the making of compost, liquid manure and cpp.

"Tree Paste : is a mixture of fresh cow dung, cpp, quarry dust which is applied on the bark of plants as a pest repellant and rejuvenator.

"Panchagavya : is a concotion of five products from the cow i.e. milk, yoghurt, ghee, urine and dung. These are fermented in time honoured proportions and sprayed as a tonic.

"Agni hotra : is a vedic practice invoking the blessings of Surya, the sun god. At sunrise and sunset we chant prayers in praise of the Supreme One and make a small offering. The ashes from this offering are sprinkled all over the estate as a pest repellant."

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