Horn manure (500) for soil vitality
The contribution, measured
Time horizon: Several seasons
How it contributes
It is biodynamics’ central soil preparation, applied to stimulate biological activity, structure and rooting.
What to measure for this pairing
Why this goal matters
Biodynamics puts soil life at the centre. The preparations and biodynamic compost aim to stimulate biological activity, humus formation and rooting — a living soil as the base of a balanced vine.
In practice this is measured as in any good soil management: organic matter, structure, biological activity and rooting. What sets biodynamics apart is the systematic use of the preparations and the logging of applications across the calendar.
Goal indicators
Market & certification: Soil vitality is the pillar of the biodynamic story and a practical requirement of Demeter certification.
How to apply the practice
- 1Dynamise the preparation in warm water for an hour.
- 2Spray onto the soil at day’s end, in coarse droplets.
- 3Favour root days and the descending calendar phase.
- 4Log rate, plot and date for certification.
Frequently asked
When is 500 applied?
Typically in the late afternoon/evening, on root days and descending-sap phases, over moist soil — a few times a year.
Can I make 500 on my own farm?
Yes — many growers bury the horns and make the preparation, which reinforces the self-sufficiency Demeter values. Ready-made preparation can also be bought.
Same practice, other goals
Same goal, other practices — Soil
How GrapeFlow helps
The proof Demeter certification demands — logged by plot and date.
Biodynamic calendar
Root, leaf, flower and fruit days and the lunar phases in GrapeFlow, to plan preparation applications and work in step with the calendar.
Preparations & application log
Every application of 500, 501 and the other preparations logged by plot, date and rate — the history the Demeter audit asks for.
Electronic field notebook
All operations — compost, cover, animals, dynamisation — logged by plot, ready for certification.