Experiencing the Life Quality of Our Soils
Welcome to the Biodynamic Research Group. We are an ad hoc group of gardeners, farmers, and scientists interested in research on biodynamics. Whether you are a farmer or a gardener, we invite you to participate in our first common research project in 2020.  The project involves you and your soil.
 
Objectives.
The first objective of the project is to understand the mysterious life quality of the soil and how it manifests through time. The second objective is for you to build your capacity to observe and do this research.
 
What the results will do. 
If you participate and inform us of your results it will help all of us to look for commonality in experience, and also look for ways to improve how we farm and garden. You can interact with us and others with your findings and questions by using the group forum we have formed.  If there is sufficient work done by all participants we hope to have a collaborative session at the Biodynamic Association’s annual meeting in Colorado. There it may be possible to present your results in the form of a poster or showing soil samples and pictures and to learn from your experiences and the experiences of others.
 
Method for assessing soil quality focusing on your qualitative experiences.
If you work with us, we ask that you pursue the exercise the specific methodology described below. Following this method is critical for you and for others to get the most out of this work.

Testing your soils for their physical and chemical characteristics.
The main point of this exercise is to focus your efforts on gaining genuine impressions of the life in your soils through the growing season. In case you want to do additional research on your soil’s type and history and on its physical, chemical and biological composition, we created a group  discussion site which will give you helpful tips for simple soil tests you might be interested in trying and who to contact for help. Doing such tests in parallel with soil observations may help you better understand how soil life and soil physical, chemical and biological properties are intertwined.
 
Register for participating so we know who we are:
Would you like to participate in the "Discovering the Life Quality of Our Soil" shared project? Please let us know by filling out THIS FORM. The information you provide in the form will be sent to the Biodynamic Research Group. We will then send you an invitation to join the project's discussion group where you can connect with other participants and share your soil's stories with others.
 
We look forward to your participation in this experiment with us.
 
For the Biodynamic Research Group Steering Committee: Walter Goldstein, Mike Biltonen, Patricia Frazier, Ryan Herring, Barry Lia, Stewart Lundy, Dewane Morgan, Guy McCarthy.