Agriculture Course: The Birth of the Biodynamic Method - Rudolf Steiner Developing Biodynamic Agriculture: Reflections on Early Research - Adalbert Count Keyserling 12 Ways to Learn More About Biodynamics | Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association If you haven't yet, first check out What is Biodynamics? When you’re ready to learn more, here are some recommended ways to delve further into biodynamics: Take a class or workshop One of the best ways to learn the basics or deepen your knowledge is through participating in a workshop led by an experienced biodynamic educator. Read a book The Biodynamic Association offers a wide variety of books on biodynamics and related topics through our webstore (link is external) in partnership with SteinerBooks. While not an introductory book, a core text for understanding biodynamics is Rudolf Steiner's "Agriculture Course," the series of lectures he gave to European farmers in 1924 which initiated the biodynamic movement. Join our online community Sign up to receive our free monthly e-newsletter (link is external) – each issue features news, articles, opportunities and events related to biodynamics. Participate in a local biodynamic gathering Read the Demeter Biodynamic Farm Standard Watch a video
Land and environmental degradation and desertification in Africa The magnitude of the problem Back to contents - Previous file - Next file Little reliable data is available on the extent of land degradation in Africa. The wealth of Africa depends on her ability to conserve and manage her land resources. Throughout the continent, regardless of the climatic zone, meteorological records show that unpredictability of rains is a common feature. The continent can be divided into four major climatic zones: The humid zone with an annual rainfall exceeding 1,500 mm and covering 14 per cent of the land area; The sub-humid zone with annual rainfall between 600 and 1,200 mm and covering 31 per cent of the land area; The semi-arid zone with an average rainfall equaling or less than 600 mm, which covers 8 per cent of the total land area; and The arid and desert zone with an erratic rainfall of between O and 100 mm and having the greatest share (47 per cent) of the total land area. Desertification is a serious problem in the continent.
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Abstract | Digital Library doi: C. A. Cambardella * and E. T. Abstract Many models have been constructed in an attempt to describe the dynamics of soil organic-matter (SOM) turnover, most of which include 2 to 3 kinetically defined organic-matter pools. Please view the pdf by using the Full Text (PDF) link under 'View' to the left. Copyright © . The importance of soil organic matter Human interventions that influence soil organic matter Various types of human activity decrease soil organic matter contents and biological activity. However, increasing the organic matter content of soils or even maintaining good levels requires a sustained effort that includes returning organic materials to soils and rotations with high-residue crops and deep- or dense-rooting crops. Practices that decrease soil organic matter Any form of human intervention influences the activity of soil organisms (Curry and Good, 1992) and thus the equilibrium of the system. Plate 3 Severe soil erosion removes the potential energy source for soil microbes, resulting in the death of the microbial population and thus of the soil itself. The factors leading to reduction in soil organic matter in an open cycle system (Figure 6) can be grouped as factors that result in: a decrease in biomass production; a decrease in organic matter supply; increased decomposition rates. Decrease in biomass production
Bhutan To Be World's First 100% Organic Country Share by Anthony Gucciardi – Natural Society Bhutan wants to be the first country to eliminate herbicides and pesticides from the food chain. If there was ever a nation that could see the purpose behind organic, sustainable farming, it would be a nation that is composed mostly of farmers. The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is known for a high level of citizen happiness, but it is doing something even more noteworthy in the near future. What this comes down to is no GMO, no pesticides, no herbicides, no fluoride-based spray products, no Monsanto intrusion at all, and a whole lot of high quality food available for the 700,000 citizens of Bhutan. “By working in harmony with nature, they can help sustain the flow of nature’s bounties.” Bhutan’s land currently supplys most corn, rice, fruits, and some vegetables, and it is perfectly positioned to begin developing 100% organic farming. Australian adviser to Bhutan, Andre Leu, explains:
Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association The design of rural development. Lessons from Africa Abstract The study analyses the diverse sets of specific constraints and potentials that are encountered in rural areas, and specifies the type of overall policy and institutional framework that are conducive to the objectives of rural development. To obtain an understanding of the many administrative, technological, sociopolitical and environmental factors that influence the quality of rural planning, the study draws on detailed evidence from seventeen rural development programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. You are viewing sample pages from CABI's life sciences databases on CAB Direct. To learn more about our products please visit our website.Please recommend this service to your librarian. To search over 9 million abstracts like this from 1910 onwards please purchase access. Buy Instant Access »