Soil Nitrogen levels increase
Grass sward becomes more complex
Sclerotinia is greatly reduced
Fruit storage is enhanced
Premium prices are achieved
Supported by soil consultants observations and industry data.
Grass sward developed dramatically
Pastures needing to be over sown were not & immediately began growing Rye-grass
and clover.
Hay cut in January from these paddocks.
Production raised from 17K KGs to 22K KGs
Vet was not called in all season
95% submission rate 1st round.
85% rate of empties
10% increase was achieved in daily production between cows feeding on treated
and untreated paddocks
More grass was left in the paddock after each feeding session.
Data provided - Grant -Paton BAg Sc.
Better rooting leading to faster growth rates when planted out.
Major reduction in pest & fungal attack.
Better soil development
More control over ripening of crops
No withholding periods
Slugs disappear in the second season
Composts fixed 1% more N ,1.5% more S
PO Box 9lO3 Greerton TAURANGA N.Z. Ph. (07)543-1211 Fax (07)543-0096 Email: centrpac@wave.co.nz
8 September 1998
To Whom It May Concern,
RE : Glen Atkinson Reference
In 1992 I first met Glen on a recommendation from organic industry sources suggesting that he was an expert in the field of bio-dynamics in agriculture and horticulture. Since then Glen has become a regular contact for me at both a personal level and for my Company in providing useful advice and assistance to our many clients. He was instrumental in giving us the confidence to embark fully into organic farming.
We have found Glen to be a very astute man with an extensive knowledge on a wide and diverse range of subjects and issues He possesses a good outward personality and sense of humour and communicates very well with all whom he associates with.
Glen has produced good quality and regular written publications to his clients and has in our experience always been a willing, helpful and repected adviser to kiwifruit growers making the transition from conventional to organic methods or management.
Please contact the writer for further information if required.
Yours faithfully,
David Church
MANAGER
TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN,
This is to acknowledge in writing that I have bean aware of a research and development progran for specific areas in Bio-dynamic Managenent practices, conducted by Mr. Glen Atkinson (Dip. hort.) since 1979, here in New Zealand. This letter is to state my full support, as a Goethean Scientist and as one who has at times, contributed practically and/or conceptually to this research.
In the field of Ecological- and sustainable Agri- and Horticultural management practices, thare are numerous areas of research and development. Particularly in Bio-dynamics there have been, and still are continuous research programs in progress worid wide, since the 1920's.
One such research program, concerning the foundations of Bio-dynamic practices, with special emphasis on the areas of pest and disease control, is undertaken by Mr Glen Atkinson. This has been continuous since 1979 and concentrates on the Bio-dynamic "preparations 500 - 507 " and their degree of impact in plant grouth and animal health. Other general areas of Bio- dynamic practices, have also been included in this research program.
Mr Atkinson's publication of "Bio dynamics Decoded" in 1989, presents a high degree of work and study input based on consistent trial work with detailed observations, including Goethean Scientific methods of observation.
This research program continues and includes a wide spectrum of field testing, throughout New Zealand, of specific agri- and horticultural remedies, (some of which are now available through "Garuda Consultants Ltd." .).
In my opinion, the level of applied background study and information is impressive indeed. For example: studies in medicine, homeopathics, astronony, botany, zoology and nutrition were undertaken, leading to the development of a working understanding of the role of pests and diseases in plant growth and animal health.
The applied methods and the consistency of the work in related studies has made this research program of particular importance to Bio Dynamics world wide. It therefore can be regarded as relevant and as important as some of the work done in Germany, Holland, Norway and Switzerland.
Personally I an intrigued by the innovative approach that this research program presents, and the results thus far, (i.e. a number of plant and animal heath protection remedies), point to the necessity of this work to continue.
This work is in my opinion at the fore front of the research work already done, and needing to be done for the development of sustainable land use and ecologically sound management practices.
The implications of this work can be far reaching, for some of New Zealand's ecological problems such as eg. the Brush tail possums and the over population of rabbits, over and above the present and future Horticultural appllcations.
Menzo de Boam.
E.D.R.I. Research Dept.