Conventional Viticulture

Question 1

Who developed the principles behind biodynamic agriculture?

Answer 1

Rudolf Steiner

Maria Thun

Question 2

Describe the basics of biodynamic viticulture.

Answer 2

• builds upon organic
• the vineyard soil is seen as part of a connected system with the planet Earth, the air, and other planets
• practitioners adapt their grape growing practices to coincide with the cycles of the planets, moon, and stars
• special biodynamic preparations are used to treat the vines

Question 3

What is the biodynamic calendar?

Answer 3

A calendar to advise grape growers on root, leaf, flower, or fruit days, which indicate the best days for certain activities

developed by Maria Thun

Question 4

What are preparations?

Answer 4

• homeopathic remedies based on natural treatments
• used to fertilize the soils, treat diseases, and ward off pests

Question 5

What is Preparation 500?

Answer 5

A dilute fertilizer based on cow manure

• cow manure is stuffed into cow’s horn
• bury the horn in the soil throughout the winter
• later dug up and contents are dynamized (stirring the contents of the horn into water)
• sprayed as a homeopathic compost

Goal: manure is believed to catalyze humus formation

Question 6

What is Preparation 501?

Answer 6

A treatment based on silica

• fill a cow’s horn with ground quartz (silica)
• bury it for 6 months
• dug up, dynamized, and sprayed onto the soil

Goal: silica is thought to encourage plant growth

Question 7

What are Preparations 502-507?

Answer 7

Belief: compost has to be first “activated” by a series of starters added in tiny quantities

Starters: yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion or valerian prepared in various ways (e.g. yarrow in a deer’s bladder)

Goal: assist with the decomposition of the compost

Question 8

What can biodynamic grape growers also use to ward off disease?

Answer 8

Traditional chemicals, including sulfur and copper sprays

Question 9

What is ashing?

Answer 9

Spreading the ashes of burnt weed seeds or harmful animals (e.g. rats or sparrows) on the vineyards to ward off these hazards

Question 9

What is the most common certification body for biodynamic grape growers?

Answer 9

Demeter

Question 10

Why are costs associated with biodynamic grape growing higher than organic growing?

Answer 10

Due to the need for additional labor to attend the vineyard

Question 11

Name one of the most prestigious domaines in Burgundy that practices biodynamic farming

Answer 11

Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

Question 12

Name one region where biodynamic farming is very popular.

Answer 12

The Loire Valley