Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was the founder of anthroposophy and is considered the father of biodynamics.
Rudolf Steiner ArchiveIn 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded biodynamic agriculture. 100 years later, more and more winemakers are producing according to these ideas. Is the effectiveness of the often esoterically appearing methods scientifically verifiable? Raffaella Usai clarifies.
Rudolf Steiner, the spiritual father of biodynamics, remains a polarizing figure to this day. Some label him as an esoteric charlatan, while others celebrate him as a universal genius. His eight lectures, held in June 1924 at Koberwitz estate in Silesia, are considered the birth of biodynamic agriculture – although Steiner himself never used this term. The so-called "Agricultural Course" represents the spiritual foundation of this agricultural method, which is still practiced by winemakers and farmers worldwide 100 years later.
But how did these ideas come about in the early 1920s? Steiner's theories and solutions must be embedded in the historical context. Strikes, social unrest: The Weimar Republic was marked by political chaos and from 1922 an enormous inflation that brought famine.
A new era had also begun in agriculture. The use of artificially synthesized nitrogen and large amounts of chemical fertilizers marked the transition from traditional peasant farming to industrial agriculture. The fertility of the soils began to suffer increasingly, and the quality of seeds and food decreased. As early as 1920, Steiner was contacted by BASF chemist Dr. Streicher regarding the issue of mineral fertilization. As a result, he developed initial ideas for compost preparations that were intended to revitalize the soil.
Farmers and scientists in Steiner's circle, such as Ernst Stegemann, Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, and Günther Wachsmuth, sought answers. They developed remedies against the rampant foot-and-mouth disease and refrained from using artificial fertilizers to improve soil fertility. Some of them were also concerned with spiritual questions related to the health of plants and animals, while others focused on economic aspects.
In the horn manure preparation, cow manure is filled into a cow horn, which is buried in the ground over the winter.
respekt-biodyn, by PittnauerAgricultural entrepreneur Carl Graf von Keyserlingk eventually invited Steiner to his estate in Koberwitz to promote agricultural renewal from the spirit of anthroposophy (“wisdom of man”). There, Steiner presented his idea of a closed farm organism to around 130 participants, which does not require external substances but operates with an internal feed-fertilizer cycle. He also spoke of the great importance of cosmic rhythms, a component of his considerations often perceived as too spiritual by skeptics. “Steiner provided with the ‘Agricultural Course’ a highly modern, holistic model that did not exist before,” says Dr. Georg Meißner, oenologist and lecturer at Geisenheim University as well as Germany's most renowned consultant for biodynamic viticulture.
In Koberwitz, the preparations that are considered the heart of biodynamic agriculture also came into play. They are intended to stimulate soil life and strengthen the root system of plants. The most well-known are the two field spray preparations horn cow manure and horn silica. For the horn cow manure preparation, cow manure is filled into a cow horn, which is buried in the ground over the winter. In contrast, for the horn silica preparation, finely ground quartz (rock crystal) is filled into horns but buried in the ground over the summer. After excavation, the preparations are stirred in rainwater for an hour in alternating rotational directions. This process is called “dynamizing.” They are then applied. In addition, there are a number of compost preparations made from medicinal plants (yarrow, chamomile, nettle, valerian, etc.) that are intended to improve nutrient availability.
Horn silica and horn manure are rhythmically stirred in water.
respekt-biodyn, by Andreas HoferBut Rudolf Steiner only provided the spiritual impulse. It was practitioners who implemented his ideas and observed the effects of the preparations. Thus, research has been of central importance since the beginnings of biodynamic farming. Steiner himself encouraged farmers and scientists to systematically investigate and improve the methods. Already at the conference in Koberwitz, the experimental ring was founded, which later evolved into the Demeter Association. Another important milestone was the establishment of the Institute for Biologically-Dynamic Research e.V. in Darmstadt in 1946, which today coordinates projects of the biodynamic movement in Germany and beyond.
Since then, many scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of biodynamic techniques. Noteworthy here are the DOK trials, a long-term research project to investigate ecological and biodynamic agriculture compared to conventional agriculture. “DOK” stands for dynamic (bibiodynamic organic (biological), and conventional. The trials were initiated in 1978 in Switzerland by the Research Institute for Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and are still one of the most renowned scientific projects to evaluate the long-term effects of these various cultivation methods. They have shown that biodynamic farming is superior to other cultivation methods not only in terms of soil vitality but also in sustainability and climate balance.
Further studies show that biodynamic agriculture promotes biodiversity, increases soil humus content, and supports the long-term health of soils. Biodynamically managed soils have higher microbiological activity than conventionally cultivated ones. This indicates better availability and circulation of nutrients.
Research on the topic has also been conducted at Geisenheim University since 2006. In the first “Inbiodyn” trial, strictly separated plots were examined, which are managed conventionally according to integrated guidelines, bio-organically, and biodynamically. In 2022, a second trial was launched: “Inbiodyn 2.0.” According to the Geisenheim researchers, the indications are solidifying that biologically and biodynamically managed vines cope better with drought stress. The plants seem to adapt better to drought over a longer period through the establishment of diverse cover crops. Many winemakers can confirm this from their practice. “I observe that the vines of biodynamically working wineries in Sicily have adapted better to drought, especially in the past dry years,” says Mattia Filippi from the consulting firm Uva Sapiens.
A study published in February 2024, involving Geisenheim University, the Research Ring, and the University of Kassel, deals with the complex effects of the preparations on microbial biomass and soil respiration. The scientists conducted several biomarker experiments at three locations in Germany and 21 locations in France with different crops and soil types. Overall, the results suggest that biodynamic preparations act as bio-fertilizers by improving soil health through plant growth-promoting microorganisms.
Yet many critics view biodynamics as esotericism, as it encompasses a spiritual dimension of life that is difficult for scientifically oriented people to comprehend and verify. Steiner's insights and sometimes difficult-to-understand texts are often perceived as a contradiction to modern science and rationality. This is because his science is based on intuitive and sometimes peasant knowledge, which contrasts with the empirical methods of the natural sciences. But is everything we cannot measure truly esoteric?
“Biodynamic practitioners have long pushed themselves into a corner and were only seen as those with cow horns and the moon calendar. But there is a holistic, systemic approach behind it,” says Georg Meißner.
Biodynamics is often considered spiritual, but it is also based on sound scientific principles. It is based on cosmic rhythms that are not irrational but are based on observations of natural cycles that demonstrably influence certain biological processes. “The effects of rhythms are indeed measurable; there are countless scientific results. This is not hocus-pocus,” explains Georg Meißner. In a holistic, self-regulating organism, plants, animals, soil, and humans are in a balanced interplay. But according to Steiner, humans make the difference.
Not all winemakers have cows; many collaborate with neighboring farms for composting.
Serra FerdinandeaSince the 1980s, more and more winemakers worldwide have chosen to switch to biodynamic farming. Among them are pioneers like Anne-Claude Leflaive and Nicolas Joly, but also top estates like Domaine Leroy and Romanée Conti in Burgundy, Château Pontet-Canet (Pauillac), Château Palmer (Margaux), Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (Pfalz), Lageder and Manincor (South Tyrol), as well as many others. But why? “The châteaux were only concerned with quality. They were not convinced anthroposophists. The biodynamic consultant Pierre Masson accompanied many French top estates during the transition; I was often with him. He always treated only a few rows of vines with the preparations, and then the winemakers saw the differences and the vitality of the vines with their own eyes. In the end, they were all convinced of the method,” says Georg Meißner.
Indeed, there is evidence that the quality of grapes, sugar content, phenolic ripeness, and aroma diversity can be improved under biodynamic conditions. But caution: Not every biodynamic winemaker is a gifted winemaker. The statement that biodynamic wines are inherently better than conventional or “only” organic wines is simply false. Biodynamic wines can often score points with higher quality and a strong terroir connection, but they are not automatically better than conventional wines.
It must also be emphasized that each winemaker has their individual approach to biodynamic practice. Not all have internalized the spiritual considerations behind it; rather, they pursue very pragmatic goals that they can observe in the vineyard, such as stronger and more resilient vines.
For Steiner, the farmer should nourish the soil life, not the plants.
Serra Ferdinandea“The Agricultural Course should be seen as an impulse and not as dogma. Steiner wanted his ideas to be further developed and adapted to different conditions. They can also be adapted to the location; everyone must find their individual balance,” says Georg Meißner. There are still many things from the Agricultural Course that have not been fully understood to this day. Thus, many pioneers have further developed biodynamics in their countries. And they will continue to do so in the future.