365 Ways #332–The Dirt Facts

#332--Originated by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920's, Biodynamic Agriculture is an approach to farming which looks at the soil as a living entity. Indeed, it is. Earthworms, nematodes, and millions of microscopic organisms like fungi and protozoa have a symbiotic relationship with the ground in which they live. All of these creatures work to decompose matter, release nutrients, and (this may surprise you) suppress disease.

Just like any other creature, the soil can get sick. And the soil can die. Conventional farming with its practices of monocropping and chemical fertilization ruins countless acres of farmland each year by destroying these microscopic physicians of the Earth. And sick soil can only produce sick plants. In turn, sick plants create sick animals. It's a simple cycle that we so often ignore. And in this case, ignorance isn't bliss. It's disease. Immunize yourself with knowledge by visiting the following sites:

http://www.organic.org/
http://www.biodynamics.com/regional