Biodynamic Preparations
These are the Biodynamic preparations that are used on this ranch:
- Horn manure - triggers soil biological activity. Stimulates root growth.
- Horn silica - enhances the process of photosynthesis. Influences color, aroma, flavor and the shelf keeping quality of crops.
- Yarrow - aids a plants ability to absorb important trace elements.
- Chamomile - stabilizes nitrogen, stimulates growth.
- Stinging nettle - stimulates soil health, enlivens soil microorganisms.
- Oak bark - stimulates plants immune systems and promotes healing.
- Dandelion - balances the important relationship between silica and potassium. Regulates healthy growth.
- Valerian - regulates compost activity. Also mediates phosphorus component. Phosphorous is important for photosynthesis.
- Equisetum - strengthens a plants resistance to molds and fungus.
Horn manure is buried over the winter. Horn silica is buried over the summer. All other preparations are put into the compost and applied through this medium.
The Biodynamic preparations are triggers or catalysts that initiate different biological activities. For instance, the use of horn manure which is mixed in water for an hour then sprayed out on the vineyard floor just before sunset in the fall after harvest, acts to stimulate and enliven biological activity and is timed to coincide with the root growth activity of a vine.
Horn silica which is mixed in water for an hour is misted into the air at sunrise during the summer and just before harvest to enhance photosynthesis. The effect is to increase color, flavor, aroma and shelf-keeping qualities of our grapes.