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Biodynamic agriculture performs significantly better in terms of soil fertility, environmental impact and climate adaptation. This is shown by the latest findings of the Swiss DOK trial, which has been comparing the effects of conventional, organic and biodynamic agriculture since 1978. The latest results were presented by Jürgen Fritz, at the scientific congress held in the Netherlands, on the occasion of 100 years of biodynamic agriculture.
Biodynamic agriculture improves soil fertility by 44% compared to conventional agriculture, with higher levels of humus, micro-organisms - part of the so-called soil microbiome - and mineral mobilisation. It also increases the resilience of crops, making them more resistant to climate stresses such as drought and heat. Compared to organic farming, biodynamic cultivation shows a 16% increase in humus, 34% more micro-organisms and 47% more mineral mobilisation.
Biodynamic practices also improve the nutritional value of crops. Research has shown that the use of biodynamic preparations, such as horn manure and horn gravel, increases antioxidants in pumpkins, for example, making them not only more nutritious but also more resilient.
With climate change leading to more extreme weather events, it is essential that farming systems are resilient to these changes. Biodynamic agriculture focuses on soil health and plant resilience, contributing to long-term sustainability.
The DOK trial findings mark an important step in the further development of biodynamic agriculture. It reinforces the belief that biodynamic methods not only contribute to healthier soil, but also to a more sustainable agricultural practice that can help combat climate change.
Want to know more? Read the full article on the presenration of the DOK trial results here
The overseas grape season starts in mid-December, but planning begins now. Demand for organic grapes remains strong and our growers need early visibility on the volumes they can reserve for fixed programmes. By aligning programmes in advance, we can secure organic volumes more effectively and are also in a stronger position to offer competitive pricing.
Along the Orange River in South Africa’s Northern Cape lies Carpe Diem, a long-standing and trusted partner for our organic grapes. Owner Gog van der Colff took over the family business in 2000 and made the deliberate decision to switch to organic farming in 2006. What began as a step that not everyone was initially convinced by has developed into a progressive organic farm producing grapes, pecans and raisins.
El Niño is clearly affecting the South American mango season this year. Higher temperatures and unusual rainfall patterns are disrupting flowering, making availability and harvest timing less predictable.
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