
The Foundations and Principles of Biodynamic Preparations
Manfred Klett(Author)
Floris Books (Publisher)
Published on 30. March 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-1-78250-843-4 (ISBN)
Description
At the heart of the biodynamic method are the eight preparations used to enhance the health and vitality of the soil: horn manure, horn silica, yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion and valerian. In this deeply insightful book, renowned biodynamic expert Manfred Klett explores the principles that underlie the preparations. He looks in detail at each preparation, describing their different properties, how their substances are enhanced and transformed through the stages of preparation, and the effect each preparation has on the soil and plants.
Throughout, Klett advocates a holistic approach, which sees farms and gardens as integrated living organisms with the preparations playing a key role in improving the quality of the soil and producing healthy plants.
This is essential reading for biodynamic practitioners who want to delve more deeply into the origins and theory of the preparations, and who want to better understand the spiritual principles that underpin how they work.
Throughout, Klett advocates a holistic approach, which sees farms and gardens as integrated living organisms with the preparations playing a key role in improving the quality of the soil and producing healthy plants.
This is essential reading for biodynamic practitioners who want to delve more deeply into the origins and theory of the preparations, and who want to better understand the spiritual principles that underpin how they work.
Reviews / Votes
'This must be the definitive book on the topic, based on Steiner's 1924 agriculture course that metamorphosed into biodynamics. Here he explained 'how the health of the soil and of the plants depends upon bringing nature into connection with spiritually creative forces that stream in from the cosmos.' The eight spray and compost preparations are intended to revitalise the soil and are based on the cycle of seasons characterised by summer, air and warmth, and winter, water and earth.'-- Paradigm Explorer
'For those engaged in trying to orientate themselves in the riddles that the agriculture course presents through theory and understanding, this book is recommended as a thorough and diligent attempt at providing some answers.'
-- Star and Furrow
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 213 mm
Width: 137 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
244 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78250-843-4 (9781782508434)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
04/2023
Floris Books
€26.49
Available for download
Persons
Dr Manfred Klett (1933-2025) was an important figure in the biodynamic movement. In 1965, he co-founded a 450 acre biodynamic farm near Frankfurt, Germany, which continues to thrive today. He was director of the Department of Agriculture at the Goetheanum, Switzerland from 1988 until 2002. Bernard Jarman is a biodynamic consultant based in Stroud, UK. He is a director of the UK Biodynamic Association.
Content
Foreword
The Spray Preparations
1: Horn Manure (500)
2: Horn Silica (501)
The Compost Preparations
3: Yarrow (502)
4: Chamomile (503)
5: Stinging Nettle (504)
6: Oak Bark (505)
7: Dandelion (506)
8: Valerian (507)
9: Equisetum Tea
10: How the Six Compost Preparations Work Together
Note on Sources
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index
The Spray Preparations
1: Horn Manure (500)
2: Horn Silica (501)
The Compost Preparations
3: Yarrow (502)
4: Chamomile (503)
5: Stinging Nettle (504)
6: Oak Bark (505)
7: Dandelion (506)
8: Valerian (507)
9: Equisetum Tea
10: How the Six Compost Preparations Work Together
Note on Sources
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index