Open Spaces at the Goetheanum
43 The nitrogen issue: similarities and differences between agricultural history and biodynamics
In old days, people had the premonition of nitrogen, through the use of manure, especially poutry’s manure. After its discovery, the researches of Liebig contributed to substitute organic manure for chemical nitrogen, under ammonia form. In conventional agriculture, ammonia or ammonitrate are known as the basis of fertilization but their efficiency is decreasing with the passing years while plant’s diseases are increasing.
In biodynamics, Rudolf Steiner pointed at the importance of nitrogen and the need of detailed studies about nitrogen forms which take part in plant’s growth, allowing connection with cosmos. In both cases, nitrification cycle and interactions with other substances, especially carbon, are currently rarely taken into account.
Date
2 February, 15:15-16:30
Place
Goetheanum Nordatelier
Language
French | English
Dominique Massenot
Freelance advisor and trainer since 1996, my work is focused on agronomy and biodynamics. As well in training or advice, my approach consist in using clarity and simplicity to share my knowledge.
Especially concerned with coherence between agronomy and biodynamics, my perspective always looks for optimizing soil’s fertility and plant’s life according to acceptable and well ranking practices.