Biodynamic Preparation #500 Cow Horn Manure

• Stimulates soil activity
• Promotes root growth
• Activates the soil’s own life
• Supports soil loosening
• Supports water and nutrient absorption
• Promotes nitrogen fixation of the nodule bacteria

BD #500 stimulates seed germination, root growth, and humus formation. Use when planting, transplanting or turning in cover crops.

How to use BD #500

Stir for one hour in 3 to 5 gallons of water. BD #500 should be applied in the afternoon. Spray immediately after stirring. One unit per acre is the established minimum for noticeable results.

But Rudolf Steiner's original indications recommended much more per acre:

"As regards quantities and dilution, I have ascertained by repeated observation that an area of about 1500 square yards (near one-third of an acre) can be served with the contents of such a cow horn, diluted in about half a bucket full of water." Rudolf Steiner, Agriculture Course, Lecture IV

For those who wish to follow Steiner's original indications, one horn's worth is generally 3 units. If we were using Steiner's initial indications, it would be 9 units of 500 per acre (though he does suggest that less would be needed per acre as the size of the treated land increased). We recommend at least 3 units of 500 per acre for a stronger effect and we also recommend considering Steiner's additional indications:

"Before you make use of the manure thus prepared, press out the flowers of Valerian. Dilute the extract very highly. (You can do it at any time and keep it, especially if you use warm water in dilution). Add this diluted juice of the Valerian flower to the manure in very fine proportions. There you will stimulate it to behave in the right way in relation to what we call the 'phosphoric' substance." Rudolf Steiner, Agriculture Course, Lecture V

For best results, 500 should be combined with 507. One unit of 507 (~20 drops, 1ml) per acre is a minimum, though if you wish to see more dramatic regenerative effects, more is suggested. 

"To build a nourishing blaze, we need to use good kindling, but if we really want to “fire up” the release of ethericity, we must accelerate the decomposition of what is stored in the soil. To do so, we must look for the biodynamic analog for lighter fluid–we introduce something volatile, easily combustible, and rich with etheric life potential–the special juice of pressed flowers of Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), which is especially rich in essential oil." Fanning the Flame of Life with Biodynamics by Stewart Lundy

For best results, use 3 units of 500 plus 1 unit of 507 per acre. Begin the one-hour stirring 500 as usual. After 40 minutes, add the appropriate amount of Valerian for the final 20 minutes

For additional information, visit: JPI Preparation Articles ; Instruction Handouts

Additional Article: BD #500: Reflections on Making BD #500