A vital part of biodynamic practice is the application of biodynamic preparations. These are often made within a biodynamic organisation as much time, patience and specific knowledge is required to produce them. The application of preparations happens at specific times depending on the preparation, all have different uses.
The health and vitality of the soil life is enhanced through the spray of BD 500, otherwise known as the cow horn manure. This is neither a foliar spray nor a liquid manure, but rather a biological stimulant devised to increase the microbial activity within the soil. In its working with Calcium, 500 promotes a balance of soil pH and lushness of plant growth. Soil treated with 500 develops a crumbly open texture, is more easily penetrated by plant roots, and contains a greater quantity of humus and soil life.
Cow horns and finely ground quartz are used to produce a silica preparation, used as a fine spray. This gives structure and strength to plants, enhancing photosynthesis. 501 improves the flavour, ripening, and keeping qualities of fruits and seeds.
These are made from complementary herbs and animal organs, and are used as a set of 6. They enhance and guide the breakdown and assimilation of materials and enliven the activity of particular minerals and bacteria within the digesting compost heap, Cow Pat Pit or liquid brew. They also help to prevent the leaching out of nutrients into the environment. The result is a richer, more balanced product, which when applied to the land spreads out the beneficial influences of the preparations.