vitis biodynamica: Spraying the Preps!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Spraying the Preps!

Over the years, I have helped folks develop lighter, more agile spraying rigs of various kinds. Starting in the early 90's ATV's became an instrument of choice due to their light, flexible and efficient uses. Some rigs were built on site from old parts, others were custom built to fit street regulations. Pull behind and mounted rigs have been tried out and every farmer seems to have a favorite. Here are three models built in the last few years...(from top to bottom: wineries Feiler-Artinger, Austria; Manincor, Italy; Hirsch, Austria)

BIODYNAMICS?

"Biodynamics is not just theory, but a tangible, tastable, focused, flexible and non-dogmatic persuit of excellence in the production of food and drink. It is furthermore not a replacement for solid agricultural knowledge and experience, but rather a refinement and an extention thereof. In our approach, we build on the basic building blocks of agroecology, soil science, plant biology and so on, while complementing and expanding our understanding of what makes a plant grow healthy and productive with a developing perception of subtle forces in nature, such as chronobiological rhythms and the effect of complementary / alternative medical approaches to plant pathology. In other words, we take a medical (diagnostic-therapeutic) approach (both regular and complementary medicine) to the care our farms and pursue a treatment of greatest possible respect for our natural resources. This approach is not simply philosophical, but aims at creating the highest, most unadulterated natural quality possible."

Dr. Andrew Lorand

Biodynamics and viticulture is a combination of themes that can offer you a breakthrough in terms of your relationship to nature and to how you farm, make wine, live.

This site and related sites and products are meant to encourage and support your personal exploration of these themes. I do not claim to know all the questions, let alone the answers to most. What I do know, out of personal experience, is that these themes have enriched the lives of hundreds of producers and consumers worldwide. I hope they will enrich your path as well.

My name is Dr. Andrew Lorand and I have been enchanted with farming and gardening and vital foods since early childhood - and dedicated professionally to biodynamics and ecological agriculture since 1974. I have taught, advised, coached and consulted for gardens, farms, orchards and winery operations in many countries and in many ecological conditions. It remains my great joy and honor to do so.

E-NEWSLETTER:

In the near future, I will be offering an e-newsletter on viticultural biodynamics for professionals - on a subscription basis - to compliment my blog and website. It will include detailed, relevant, technical and management information for converting to and maintaing a high level of excellence with biodynamics. Regular themes, such as "building humus," "spray programs" and "working with the calendar" (a simplified, made-for-viticultural biodynamics-calendar derived from my own experience) will be complimented with timely issues and reader-responsive Q&A. Based on over 30 years of professional involvement with biodynamics in many regions and ecological conditions - both in North America and in Europe - it is meant to speak to your needs as a practitioner. More information to follow. You will be able to subscribe directly from this blog.

SEMINARS and CONSULTING:

To assist you in your understanding and practice of agroecology, ecological management and viticultural biodynamics - I offer seminars and consulting. Seminars begin by helping you organize your thoughts, wrap your mind around new and expanded concepts and prepare you for your practical work - and continue by helping you grasp in-depth theory and effective methods. Filled with practical examples from over 30 years of experience, I focus on the essential matters for your success. More than just "schooling" or "training" the seminars become a learning community as you and your colleagues expand your insights and become confident in your ability to transform your operations. On-site consulting is also available.

What is important to know about viticultural biodynamics?

Viticultural Biodynamics:

- is a highly effective spiritual-ecological, refined, complex, beyond organics approach;

- is a systematic, learnable, principled, but not dogmatic set of principles and practices;

- requires serious homework, preparation, precision, presence, and reflection;

- is not hocus-pocus (trickery or magic) but an advanced agricultural system using complimentary medical approaches to solving agricultural problems;

- includes both modern scientific as well as ancient common sense wisdom about farming, focusing on best practical methods;

- was inspired by the work of Dr. Rudolf Steiner and has been further developed and field tested by many professionals around the world over the last 85+ years;

- has unfortunately become a bit of a fad, with anyone and anybody calling themselves biodynamic - as with all things, a healthy pinch of perspective and life experience helps to separate the truly knowledgeable and experienced from those jumping on the band wagon: buyer beware! at the same time, it is great that the word is getting out...

Copyright and Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Although every effort is made for accuracy - no advice or suggestion is intended for personal or professional use without individualized consultation. All ideas, methods and suggestions need to be thought through carefully for every individual situation. Everyone must take action under their own responsibility. Neither the author or persons associated with him can take responsibility for your actions.