Objective Science is Good Science

As a product of an upbringing in an academic household and a traditional university education, I was indoctrinated early on about what good science was supposed to be all about. Although I have spent the better part of the last few decades attempting to extricate myself from that mode of thinking, I still find myself contemplating science in an ‘ivory-tower’ sort of way from time to time. However, for two scientific modes that often seem at odds with each other, they must each be objectively embraced by the entire scientific community if biodynamic agriculture is to grow beyond its current curious appeal.

What are those two approaches? One is the traditional, reductionist, statistically driven approach that’s designed to generate publishable papers in peer-reviewed journals. I oversimplify of course, but it often seems that current science is driven by publishability rather than a thirst for knowledge and truth. The other mode is a more empirical, observational approach (i.e., phenomenology) that requires the scientist to actually observe and interpret what is going on directly and in a relatively statistics-free environment.

Traditional scientific approaches yield structured experiments with an often dry, isolated approach that gives valid statistical results with solid conclusions. But it doesn’t usually allow the scientist to understand or interpret an organism or system outside of the statistics. On the other hand, biodynamic science is often described by some as wishful thinking and is usually marginalized in the world of professional science. However, asking someone to describe what they think happened seems so much more useful than ensuring they used or achieved the proper confidence intervals or p-values.

But as I started out saying, each mode can benefit from the other. If we can objectively realize their union we can perhaps begin to arrive at a more human-connected science on one hand and more “proof” on the other. If biodynamics is ever to reach a larger audience, it will certainly need to convince many that it is more than wishful thinking or woo-woo. The requires a meeting of the minds in a way that we’re only starting to realize is possible.

How a researcher affects (and I am not saying manipulates) the experiment is a critical aspect of why any research rigor is so important; it has to be considered. Traditional science wants to eliminate the effect of the observer, phenomenological science wants to include it. Given that, there is absolutely no reason that biodynamic scientific research cannot be conducted as rigorously as that conducted at traditional ivory tower universities.

Take for example the science of chromatography. Chromatography is an old science that is gaining new ground for the assessment of soil, compost, juice, biodynamic preps, water, wine, food, poop, etc. quality. There is no numerical way I know of to interpret the resultant chromas (or pictures), it’s all qualitative and based on the observer’s own interpretations. Of course, there are standards – we can’t just be willy nilly interpreting things any old way we want. But the observer is involved, not dismissed, from that process and not simply relying on cold statistics or scientific dogma.

Having just returned from the Fellowship of Biodynamic Prepmakers Gathering in Wisconsin, I began thinking about an old thought in new light. The gathering gave me new insights and energy for digging into the broad theme of “what is science” and to begin thinking again about what really constitutes objective science. As a farmer and a scientist, I believe we need to quit wishing and start proving that biodynamics is real. If we want to get biodynamic agriculture adopted on a larger scale, we have to show that the principles and practices work. We know intimately that biodynamics does have a positive impact on food production systems and the planet in a way that’s diametrically opposed to the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, and fossil fuels. But to “prove” that, we must be as objective and honest with what biodynamics is capable of as what it’s not capable of. But it also doesn’t mean we need to capitulate to statistics and stodgy peer-reviewed journals. We just need to be honest and transparent with regard to our objectives and let the science speak for itself.

As a product of an upbringing in an academic household and a traditional university education, I was indoctrinated early on about what good science was supposed to be all about. Although I have spent the better part of the last few decades attempting to extricate myself from that mode of thinking, I still find myself contemplating science in an ‘ivory-tower’ sort of way from time to time. For two scientific modes that often seem at odds with each other, they must each be objectively embraced by the scientific community if biodynamic agriculture is to grow beyond its current curious appeal.

What are those two approaches? One is the traditional, reductionist, statistically driven approach that’s designed to generate publishable papers in peer-reviewed journals. I oversimplify of course, but it often seems that current science is driven by publishability rather than a thirst for knowledge. The other mode is a more empirical, observational approach that requires the scientist to actually observe and interpret what is going on in a relatively statistics-free environment.

Traditional scientific approaches yield structured experiments in an often dry, isolated approach that gives valid statistical results with solid conclusions. But it doesn’t often allow the scientist to understand or interpret an organism or system outside of the statistics. On the other hand, biodynamic science is often described by some as wishful thinking and us usually marginalized in the world of professional science. The reductionists want to see the data and statistical comparisons in order to assess the real outcomes of an experiment. However, asking someone “what do you think happened” seems so much more useful than ensuring they used or achieved the proper confidence intervals or p-values.

But as I started out saying, each mode can benefit from the other. If we can objectively realize their union we can perhaps begin to arrive at a more human-connected science on one hand and more “proof” on the other. If biodynamics is ever to reach a larger audience, it will certainly need to convince many that it is more than wishful thinking or woo-woo. The requires a meeting of the minds in a way that we’re only starting to realize is possible.

How a researcher affects (and I am not saying manipulates) the experiment is a critical aspect of why any research rigor is so important; it has to be considered. Given that, there is absolutely no reason that biodynamic scientific research cannot be conducted as rigorously as that conducted at traditional ivory tower universities.

Take for example the science of chromatography. Chromatography is an old science that is gaining new ground for the assessment of soil, compost, juice, biodynamic preps, water, wine, food, poop, etc. quality. There is no numerical way I know of to interpret the resultant chromas (or pictures), it’s all qualitative and based on the observer’s own interpretations. Of course, there are standards – we can’t just be willy nilly interpreting things any old way we want. But the observer is involved, not dismissed, from that process and not simply relying on cold statistics or scientific dogma.

Having just returned from the Fellowship of Biodynamic Prepmakers Gathering in Wisconsin, I began thinking about this blog in new light. The gathering gave me new insights and energy for digging into the broad theme of “what is science” and to begin thinking again about what really constitutes objective science. As a farmer and a scientist, we need to quite wishing and start proving that biodynamics is real. If we want to get biodynamic agriculture adopted on a larger scale, we have to show that the principles and practices work. We know intimately that biodynamics does have a positive impact on food production systems and the planet in a way that’s diametrically opposed to the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, and fossil fuels. But to “prove” that, we must be as objective and honest with what biodynamics is capable of as what it’s not capable of. But it doesn’t mean we need to capitulate to statistics and stodgy peer-reviewed journals. We just need to be honest and transparent with regard to our objectives and let the science speak for itself.

Orchard People Podcast #52 - Developing a Spray Schedule

On New Year's Eve I spent a little over an hour with Susan Poizner of Orchard People discussing developing a spray schedule, the ins and outs of various sprays, disease and insect development, and a variety of other issues related to good orchard management. The podcast link and YouTube distillation are up and running for your listening and viewing pleasure

Full Podcast: Orchard People podcast #52
YouTube: Orchard People podcast #52

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SOCIAL MEDIA:
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Know Your Roots 2020- Workshop and Seminar Schedule
Sign up for all Know Your Roots orchard workshops for just $275. The Cornell CCE and Midsummer Farm workshops not included. For more information or register go to: https://knowyouroots.com/orchard-classes1.html. Or contact Mike Biltonen at mike@knowyouroots.com

The Promise of Biodynamics 2020
Saturday, March 14, 2020 – 10am-4pm
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific location - TBD
Rudolf Steiner framed the need for biodynamics by saying the poor quality of food we were eating was seriously diminishing our capacity to interact on a spiritual level and achieve the things we were capable of as a species. And this was in the 1920s! The Promise of Biodynamics 2020 focuses on creating an agronomic foundation for the practical use of biodynamics in most farm and orchard settings. Revitalizing our farms and orchards so that the food we produce and eat allows us to achieve a higher energetic level in concert with nature as a clear path to healing ourselves and the planet. In this course, we will cover basic and advanced concepts of biodynamics tying them to practical farming and orcharding techniques. And since we’re on the cusp of a new spring, we’ll also discuss waking up your farm and orchard biodynamically.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by March 1)

Transitioning Conventional Perennial Crops to Organic and Beyond!!
Monday, March 23, 2020 – 6-8pm
Location – Human Services Complex, Rm 120, Montour Falls, NY
Thinking of transitioning an apple orchard and perennial fruiting system from conventional system to an organic/holistic/biodynamic system? This workshop focuses on the practices you’ll need to consider in order to complete a successful transition. Brought to you by Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County.
Workshop fee is $30, pre-registration is required. https://www.facebook.com/events/756892041463247/

The Promise of Biodynamics 2020
Sunday, March 29, 2020 – 10am-4pm
Location – Midsummer Farm, Warwick, NY.
Rudolf Steiner framed the need for biodynamics by saying the poor quality of food we were eating was seriously diminishing our capacity to interact on a spiritual level and achieve the things we were capable of as a species. And this was in the 1920s! The Promise of Biodynamics 2020 focuses on creating an agronomic foundation for the practical use of biodynamics in most farm and orchard settings. Revitalizing our farms and orchards so that the food we produce and eat allows us to achieve a higher energetic level in concert with nature as a clear path to healing ourselves and the planet. In this course, we will cover basic and advanced concepts of biodynamics tying them to practical farming and orcharding techniques. And since we’re on the cusp of a new spring, we’ll also discuss waking up your farm and orchard biodynamically.
Register with Midsummer Farm at their web site.
http://www.midsummerfarm.com/pdc-guest-teachers.html

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Regenerative Orchardists
Saturday, April 18, 2020 – 10am-4pm
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is not a static science or set of practices, it is a dynamic and practical toolkit that serves all growers equally...if they know how to use it. As we move towards a more holistic future, the power of IPM as science and practice increases our ability to manage pest pressures and ensure crop productivity without the use of toxic chemicals and fertilizers. In this workshop, we’ll discuss primary and secondary spring insect and disease pests of apples, IPM tools and strategies, use of biodynamic preps, developing a disease suppressive soil, and even create a skeleton spray program for a typical northeastern apple grower. We'll cover basic spray application theory and practice, as well. We'll spend a good portion of the time in the field [weather pending], so come prepared.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Apr 4)

Radical Pomology! Orchard Ecosystem Management
Saturday, May 9, 2020 – 10am-4pm
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
As Regenerative Agriculture becomes the rallying cry of progressive farmers everywhere, comprehensively understanding Soil Health, Plant Stress, & Understory Management is critical to stewarding your orchard ecosystem towards a balanced and vibrant state. Soil health is no longer just viewed as simple chemical and mineral inputs, but on managing the underlying soil food web (biology), as well as biochemical and mineral interactions. Good soil health drives healthy plants which in turn feed the soil food web that creates a disease suppressive soil. Managing plant stress ensures healthy plant compounds that drive its own immunity process are fully functioning. Ecosystem Management is a comprehensive, holistic approach underlying a basic understanding that the orchard is an interactive biologically-driven organism unto itself. Cabon sequestration, composting, Indigenous MicroOrganisms, compost teas, biochar, and other regenerative practices will be discussed.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Apr 25)

Regenerative Orcharding for the Summer Season
Saturday, June 27, 2020 – 10am-4pm
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
We're at the midpoint of the season. The crop is set. The bulk of the insect and disease pests are out of the way, now all we have to do is guide the orchard to the finish line. Right! Now the fun really begins. Summer disease and insect pests can be as problematic as the early spring ones. Setting the orchard up for a quality productive crop, but also good return bloom are critical steps in the life cycle of any apple orchard. We'll also cover primary and secondary summer insect and disease pests of apples, IPM tools and strategies, use of biodynamic preps, and even create a summer spray program for the typical northeastern apple grower. We'll spend a good portion of the time in the field [weather pending], so come prepared.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Jun 13)

Fundamentals of Plant Communication
Saturday, July 18, 2020 – 10am-4pm
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
The fact that plants do in fact communicate with each other is no longer highly controversial. They may not communicate in the way the way humans or other organisms communicate with each other, but they do send out signals in times of need or stress – or just to say hi. This communication system runs through what I call the plant's neural network. That is, a network of 'synapses' and 'neurons' maintained and enhanced by appropriate soil and plant health. As we begin to understand the physiological, biochemical and spiritual aspects of how plants communicate and how we can interact with plants [as stewards], we can use this knowledge and wisdom to encourage a holistic plant ecosystem beneficial to growing nutritious food.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Jul 4)

Putting the Orchard to Bed
Saturday, October 17, 2020 – 10am – 4pm
Location – Trumansburg, NY. Specific Location – TBD
The end of another long growing season is nearly upon us. Now is the time to help the orchard relax and settle into its winter slumber. The winter season is the time when the orchard and trees rest and contract, breathing in the cosmic forces as they re-energize in preparation for another growing season that's just around the corner. Practices may include the use of biodynamic tree paste, use of other biodynamic preparations, nutrient applications for bud health, lime or compost applications, tree painting, weeding, rodent control, and more. We'll discuss strategies for ensuring that your orchard goes into the winter healthy and strong, ready to get ready for the next growing season.
Cost: $55/$45 (pre-register by Oct 3)

17-19 Jan - NOFA-NY Winter Conference 2020. Syracuse, NY. For more information Click HERE.

25-26 Feb - 2020 ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference. Albany, NY. For more information Click HERE .

18-20 Mar - Living Soils Symposium. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. For more information Click HERE.

24-26 Mar (2020) - Northeastern Cider Conference. Albany, NY. For more information Click HERE.

Know Your Roots
Orchard Workshops
2020
*

For more information or register go to: https://knowyouroots.com/orchard-classes1.html. Or contact Mike Biltonen at mike@knowyouroots.com

The Promise of Biodynamics 2020
Saturday, March 14, 2020 – 10am-4pm

Transitioning Conventional Perennial Crops to Organic and Beyond!!
Monday, March 23, 2020 – 6-8pm
Cornell CCE - Montour Falls
Workshop fee is $30, pre-registration is required.
https://www.facebook.com/events/756892041463247/

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Regenerative Orchardists
Saturday, April 18, 2020 – 10am-4pm

Radical Pomology! Orchard Ecosystem Management
Saturday, May 9, 2020 – 10am-4pm

Regenerative Orcharding for the Summer Season
Saturday, June 27, 2020 – 10am-4pm

Fundamentals of Plant Communication
Saturday, July 18, 2020 – 10am-4pm

Putting the Orchard to Bed
Saturday, October 17, 2020 – 10am – 4pm