Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare a plan for a biodynamic farming enterprise
- Work is undertaken in an environmentally appropriate manner and according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and enterprise guidelines.
- Requirements for biodynamic certification are identified.
- Personal, ecological and financial goals for a biodynamic enterprise are incorporated into an enterprise plan.
- Marketing plan for biodynamic produce is developed which maintains product quality and integrity.
- Research findings for biodynamic agriculture are trialled within enterprise and incorporated into plans where appropriate.
- Make and apply biodynamic field spray preparations
- Horn Manure (500), Horn Silica (501) and Horn Clay preparations are made and stored correctly.
- Preparations are stirred by creating vortex and chaos.
- Equipment for application of biodynamic preparations is selected.
- Equipment is calibrated and adjusted for suitable application rate.
- Preparations are applied according to biodynamic principles.
- Use biodynamic compost preparations, composts and liquid brews
- Biodynamic compost preparations are used and stored according to biodynamic principles.
- Materials and mineral inputs for compost are identified from farm production plan.
- Compost heap is built.
- Biodynamic preparations are applied to compost according to biodynamic principles.
- Aeration, moisture and temperature of compost heap are monitored.
- Compost is applied to enhance natural cycles.
- Apply biodynamic principles and techniques to enhance soil and plant health
- Planting, harvest and pruning times are planned with regard to moon rhythms and planetary patterns.
- Soil and plant health is optimised using biodynamic preparations, cover crops, crop rotation, mulching and composting and through application of farm-based fertility products.
- Weeds and insect pests in enterprise are identified.
- Options for managing weeds and insects are evaluated that consider natural predators, life cycles, cultural practices, soil health and the plant community.
- Plan for managing pests and weeds is developed and implemented.
- Manage animals within a biodynamic production system