PRESENTATION NOTES ON
BIODYNAMIC PRACTICE IN THE VINEYARD
At Howard Park, and Marchand & Burch Wines
JUNE 25TH 2009
What is Biodynamic? Biodynamics (biological-dynamics) is a method of organic agriculture which can be applied to any farm or horticultural enterprise. The difference that Biodynamics presents from “organic” farming practice is that it recognises that there is a growth force or energy force which is related to the cosmic rhythms. This means that the movements of the moon and other planets have a profound influence on the soil, plant and animal life. Using specially formulated biodynamic herbal preparations, which are applied to the soil, compost and liquid manure, enhances these influences with dynamic results.
When did we start?
Where did we start?
What are we trying to achieve?
And to what level or why an integrated approach?
When did we start?
Bio-Dynamic practice methods began in May 2008.
Inspired by:
"A Soils, Terriors and Burgundian Viticulture" Seminar in Monthelie, France conducted by Pascal Marchand. 25th Jul 2007.
Where did we start?
- All “B” Block 7.3 ha’s
- Leston LSHD Shiraz 2.7ha, 8 yr old
- Mt Barrow “D” Block Pinto 1ha
- Mt Barrow “H” Block Chardonnay 1 ha
- Gibraltar Rock Vineyard 7ha’s
Bio-dynamics is now part of our vineyard management practice. We have started with an integrated approach and have committed to adopt as much Bio-Dynamic input as is practically possible. We are guided by the Bio-dynamic Agriculture Australia Resource Manual. (Which does not claim to be a definitive work?) In time, as this practice and our, or my experience and observation widens, I hope to develop our own ways to get the best results. Each and every vineyard and farmer are different; therefore the biodynamic method has no single recipe. There are basic principles to understand, and each bio-dynamic farmer must be constantly active in supporting the livingness of his vineyard in all areas of operation. Our ultimate goal is to achieve, a vineyard that is of a self regulating Biological wholeness.
I believe that an important part of Biodynamics is the spiritual aspects. It is at this stage of introduction to our vineyard management, important that all staff involved, be informed and connected. And in Pascal Marchand’s absence, make sure his biodynamic practices and application timing recommendations, are implemented.
Personally, applying the Biodynamic practices to date, has given me a real sense of commitment and personal connection. It is inwardly engaging and I feel a sense of positive willingness as a result of the connection with the practices that so far feel’s rewarding. Bio-dynamic practices are not implemented best, by delegating or contracting out; to people that don’t have a sense of commitment or at least an open mind.
WHAT ARE WE FUNDAMENTALLY TRYING TO ACHIEVE
• We are trying to get more colloidal humus in our soils
• Healthier soils means healthier vines
• Healthier, stronger vines means, in time we hope to increase tolerance against drought, pest + disease pressure.
• Better quality grapes that potentially produce wines that taste “lively” on the palate and provoke favourable comment from consumers.
• An agricultural method that is in harmony with our environment and contributes in the sustainability of our vineyards.
WHY AN INTEGRATED APPROACH?
I believe that “research trials” had been done on mature irrigated vines, to look and study the effects of these vines, put to a dry grown environment. (As the subjective notion is that the best fruit comes from non-irrigated vines)
So they terminated the irrigation system and monitored the results. The results were not only inconclusive as to improved fruit quality, but left the vines in such poor condition, recovery from such a dramatic change was going to take some time.
NO consideration for the vines to acclimatise
NO period to allow the vines to adjust.
So we are not going to subject our vines to an unbridled enthusiastic definitive Bio-dynamic practice program that is puristic and uncompromising.
We have started to build and enliven the soils, we will continue to apply BD preparations and atmospheric sprays and other organic management practices under the guidance of Pascal and myself. Our vineyards are acclimatising and the vines will adjust and respond. This important period of vine health and strengthening will, in time, increase tolerance against pest and disease, This time is important, without it, could put the vines and the rest of the vineyard at risk!
And this is the biggest fear for most growers about BD practice and is probably why most don’t make a start!
While we can not say that we are certified “Bio-Dynamic or Organic”. We can say that we have adopted, and are integrating Bio-Dynamic Practice and organic methods as part of our overall goal of achieving continuous improvements in the sustainability of our vineyard operations.
Some of the Biodynamic practices we have already integrated into the vineyards are.
Application of Biodynamic horn manure preparation 500, soil spray. Applied each month throughout the growing season, Late afternoon, moon descending, or 1or 2 days prior moon opposition Saturn.
Application of Biodynamic horn silica preparation 501, atmospheric spray.
Applied early morning, each month following evening soil spray Moon opposition Saturn.
Prepare Biodynamic “compost” heap June2008. Adding the Biodynamic compost preparations. This compost was applied under vine in autumn 2009.
Application of recycled winery waste, pre-vintage 08 grape marc. This is pre-composted with lime and organic matter and was applied under vine during autumn of this year as a “mulch”.
Application of fish emulsion and seaweed as a foliar spray. Twice during the growing period, spring to harvest. 2 to 4 days up to full moon.
Biodynamic preparations are currently purchased from Bio-dynamic Agriculture Australia and require correct storage to hold their potencies. We have built a recommended storage container of wood and lined it with peat moss, for the soil prep’s, and sourced a glass receptacle for the horn silica for storage with direct exposure to sunlight.
In May of this year I prepared our first cow horn manure pit. Using fresh manure from a lactating cow I hand stuffed the horns with a mix of manure and milk, and buried about 50 of these horns in a shallow pit. These horns will be dug up in November and the composted content applied in spring and into the growing period as a soil spray, on a descending moon.
A combination of permanent and mobile fencing at Mt Barrow and Gibraltar Rock vineyards have been installed to enable extensive sheep grazing and managed cell grazing weed control. We have also introduced under vine spraying of tuna oil, before mulch spreading, as weed and under vine grasses management.
Specialised equipment for Biodynamics.
All vineyard management activity within D block, (Biodynamic high density planted pinot) at Mt Barrow, is restricted to 1 metre wide mid-rows. All Biodynamic preparation sprays are done with specialised light weight equipment to minimise soil compaction. All other activity within this unique sight, is carried out on foot, all be it animal or man. (it is ironically called the grand stand).
All Biodynamic preparation sprays are dissolved in rain water, which is then energised for one hour by stirring that creates vortices of energy. This stirring process creates life giving vortices which increase oxygen, drawing in cosmic influences and giving the water a pulse. When we started biodynamics this stirring was done with a barrel and stirring stick which was very time consuming. We have Installed Biodynamic flow forms, these mounted concrete moulds emulate the swirls and vortices of a mountain stream, flowforms create a figure of eight movement of water. This movement is one of the fundamental Patterns of all life.
We open our minds, but not to the point that we can not see any other way and run the risk of losing our own way!
Biodynamics is not a reductionist scientific view of the world, it is a holistic view.
Biodynamic practice is empirical, as it is based on experiment, practical experience and observation, without regard to science or theory.