Growing crops by following the lunar calendar
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Biodynamic farmingBiodynamic farming (BD) is also a form of organic farming as it not only avoids the use of pesticides and chemical-based fertilizers but also offers advise on the time of crop sowing according to the lunar crop cycle. The term biodynamic is derived from the Greek words ‘bio’ (life) and ‘dynamics’ (energy).See: Organic Gardening Guide - An introduction to biodynamic gardening Ecological farmingAlso known as ecological farming, it remains largely unknown to the modern Indian farmer. The basic theory of bio dynamic farming is to conceive the farm as an individual and a complete entity. Importance is given to crop and livestock integration, soil upgradation, plant and animal growth. The farmer too is a part of this wholeOrigin of this systemThe origin of this system of farming is believed to be from a series of lectures given by an Austrian philosopher, Mr. Rudolf Steiner, sometime during the 1920’s. |
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Biodynamic farming is eco-friendlyThe harvested produce grown by this method seem to have a good taste and aroma compared with other farming methods.? Biodynamic farming is quite eco-friendly as there is no great investment involved. There are nearly 100 farmers practicing this system in Tamil Nadu and about 1,000 all over the country,” said Mr. R. Jeyachandran, a BD farmer in Ariyanoor village of Madhurantakkam taluka, Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu.The lunar cycleThe basic theory in BD farming is that the lunar cycle (waxing and waning of the moon) plays a key role in the timing of biodynamic practices, such as making of biodynamic preparations, timing of planting the seeds and harvest, according to Mr. Jeyachandran.The formation of plant roots and their growth“The lunar cycle casts a tremendous effect on the size and formation of plant roots and their growth, and farmers can get a good yield if they sow their crops in accordance with the lunar phase,” he explained.See: Moon Phase Gardening - Gardening by the phases of the moon for improved plant growth An ancient method“This is an ancient method which was practised by our forefathers and lost along the way. It has now been accepted and scientifically proven ,” he said.Though there are several books on BD farming, one cannot learn this technique by mere reading alone , according to him. “Practical application can be achieved only through interaction with other practising BD farmers,” he noted. Cow’s horn is the one of the basic requirements in BD farming. Fresh dung from a lactating cow (one which has delivered a calf in a week’s time) is stuffed into the horn and buried into the soil during the descending days of the lunar calendar. |
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Horn manureThe burying is done usually sometime during September-December and the dung is dug out during May-July. By this time the dung inside the horns would have turned into a paste like substance (similar to melted wax) called horn manure. This wax-like substance contains several beneficial microorganisms essential to promote good plant growth.About 25-30 gm of this horn manure diluted in 12-15 litres of water can be used for sprinkling on one acre. “Sprinkling should be done during evening time and while sprinkling farmers should take care to see that the field is wet,” said Mr. Jeyachandran. Horn silicaTwo to three applications of horn manure per year are sufficient to enhance the fertility of the soil, explained Mr. Jeyachandran. Another method called ‘horn silica’ where instead of cow dung, crushed white silica powder (silica powder can be obtained from any horticultural shop) is stuffed into the horns and buried in the soil. |
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After the same period of time similar to that of stuffed dung, the silica should be dug out. The recommended amount is one gm of horn silica per acre stirred well for about an hour in 13-15 litres of water.Soil fertilityApplication of organic manure and composts produced with the help of earthworms and microbes can also be done alongside to improve soil fertility and ensure sustained soil health, according to him.In BD farming, nothing is brought from outside. Every thing, from manure to pesticides are available in the field itself. It is a big step towards restoration of health of the earth. An ideal biodynamic farm is where the input cost (excluding labour) is zero. “I have brought down the annual per acre input cost from Rs 7,000 to Rs 500,” he said. |
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| Mr. R. Jeyachandran can be reached at , Ariyanoor village, Madhurantakkam taluka, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, phone: 044-27539608. | |||||||||||
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| | Moon Phase Gardening | | | Zodiac Sign Gardening | | | Vegetable Planting Guide | | | Organic Gardening Guide | | | |
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