Technologies

Application of 'Preparation 500' in agricultural soils under a biodynamic management [Spain]

Cow horn manure applied in biodynamic agricultural management.

technologies_2690 - Spain

Completeness: 92%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

land user:
Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Interactive Soil Quality assessment in Europe and China for Agricultural productivity and Environmental Resilience (EU-iSQAPER)
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Agrochesmistry and Environment Department, University Miguel Hernandez (UMH) - Spain

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

Fruit trees under biodynamic agricultural management in southern Spain
approaches

Fruit trees under biodynamic agricultural management in southern … [Spain]

Biodynamic farming is a method of farming that aims to treat the farm as a living system, based on the application of specific organic preparations which stimulate the natural functions of the farm soils and provide the necessary component towards a self-sustaining agro-ecological farm management.

  • Compiler: Alicia Morugán-Coronado

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Application of 'preparation number 500', commonly known as cow horn manure. Preparation 500 is made by filling a cow's horn with cow dung, and burying it in the soil during the cooler months to turn into dark humus. This is then sprayed up to four times a year over the orchard.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

1. Preparation 500 application in agricultural soils under a biodynamic management is applied in a flat orchard of 40 ha located in Jumilla in southeastern Spain. It is sited in the north east of the Murcia region, on the Altiplano area, close to the towns of Cieza and Yecla. This area has an important agricultural activity where the main plantations are vineyards, but as well orchards of different mediterranean fruits. Jumilla is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines that extends over the north of the region of Murcia.

2. This technology is based on the application of the preparation number 500, commonly known as cow horn manure. Preparation 500 is made by filling a cow's horn with cow dung every year, and burying it in the soil during the cooler months (November through February). The horns should be buried open end down so that they will not become water logged if the pit is over watered. When the preparation is ready after 4 months it should have turned into dark humus. It should then be stored in a cool place and in glazed, isolated pots. It is sprayed up to four times a year. The best times are in October and November and then again in February and March. It is stirred for one hour making a vortex. The Horn Manure preparation 500 should be diluted in good-quality rainwater that has been properly stored. The preparation is then stirred vigorously for exactly one hour before spraying. The water should be heated before stirring, ideally to body temperature. Spraying in the field area should be done in the evening, not before 5 pm (4 pm in winter) on a day that is not too windy or too hot, avoiding direct sunlight. A slightly overcast, late afternoon is ideal. Avoid spraying in the rain, or if heavy rains are forecasted after spraying. Don't spray if night frost is expected, in order to ensure the correct working of preparation 500.

3. The main purpose of this technology is to sustain living soils, since application of ‘Preparation 500’ is intended to increase soil bacteria life, enhance the earthworm activity, promote rooting and greater absorption and retention of water.

4. The flat tree orchard was already under organic farming management (since 1998) before the current technology was applied. In 2014 the farmer changed the agricultural management on his own initiative to biodynamic practice with the same crop. The major new activity was the elaboration of the preparation 500, that is sprayed out in the orchard after the weeds are cutted. Secondary activities focus on maintaining the preparation 500 during the rest of the year and on improving the soil by keeping a permanent vegetation cover and reducing the tillage.

5. There were several benefits observed after this technology was applied: regarding the soil quality a strong humus layer was formed and organic matter increased. In general the soil structure improved. Another positive impact was the response against plagues: the establishment of this self-sustaining agro-ecosystem as a whole increases the biodiversity and the beneficial species in the orchard.

6. The land user is satisfied with the results of this technology in his orchard because it opened him a new market sector - the biodynamic farm market. The fruit quality and the soil characteristics improved, soil organic matter, soil structure and response against plagues were enhanced. On the other hand, the land user mentioned as challenging factors the big amount of money to change the agricultural management to biodynamic farming and the great effort to get the Preparation 500 and the external organization certifications, which are expensive.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

Comments, short description:

The spontaneous plants are cut during may in biodynamic agricultural land in southern Spain

Date:

05/05/2017

Location:

Jumilla

Name of videographer:

Alicia Morugán Coronado

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Spain

Region/ State/ Province:

Murcia

Further specification of location:

Jumilla

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:
  • 0.1-1 km2

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2014

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through land users' innovation

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):
  • Agroforestry

Cropland

Cropland

  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
  • Tree and shrub cropping
Tree and shrub cropping - Specify crops:
  • grapes
  • flat peaches (Prunus persica var. platycarpa), mediterranean fruits
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 1
Comments:

Organic farming was established in 1998. In 2014 the farmer changed the agricultural management to biodynamic practice with the same crop on his own initiative.

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • full irrigation

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A2: Organic matter/ soil fertility
  • A3: Soil surface treatment

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
physical soil deterioration

physical soil deterioration

  • Pk: slaking and crusting
  • Pu: loss of bio-productive function due to other activities
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bq: quantity/ biomass decline
  • Bs: quality and species composition/ diversity decline

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • prevent land degradation
  • reduce land degradation

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Species used: Flat peaches (Prunus persica var. platycarpa)
Flat peach tree root depth: 0.4m
Spacing between plants: 1.5m
Intervals between trees rows: 4m
Preparation 500 consist of cow manure without straw applied 4-5 times per year by spray.
Before application, the cow manure is buried in cow horn during the winter.

Author:

Alicia Morugán Coronado

Date:

05/05/2017

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
  • per Technology area
Indicate size and area unit:

40 hectares

other/ national currency (specify):

Euro

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

0.944508

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

60 Euro

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. weed cutting october
2. filling a cow's horns with cow dung november
3. burying the cow's horns it in the soil november-february
4. store the cow's horns in a cool place in glazed pots after 4 months burying
5. mix with water and spray in the orchard october-november and february-march
Comments:

all the costs are for the 40 ha together

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Weed cutting person-day 2.0 60.0 120.0 100.0
Labour Elaboration process Preparation 500 persona/dia 15.0 60.0 900.0 100.0
Labour organic amendment persona/dia 5.0 60.0 300.0 100.0
Equipment picks and shovels to dig the cow horns during winter item 2.0 18.0 36.0 100.0
Equipment glazed storing pots for Preparation 500 item 100.0 10.0 1000.0 100.0
Equipment Cow horns to be filled with cow dung item 3.0 50.0 150.0 100.0
Equipment tractor with trailer (hire per day) pieza 1.0 30.0 30.0 100.0
Equipment cow dung item 5.0 60.0 300.0 100.0
Plant material shovel item 1.0 15.0 15.0 100.0
Plant material tank item 1.0 10.0 10.0 100.0
Plant material Ride-on Mowers item 1.0 3000.0 3000.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides cow manure needed to produce Preparation 500 kg 10.0 10.0 100.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides organic amendment
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 5961.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD 6311.22
Comments:

all the costs are for the 40 ha together

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. weed cutting October
2. filling a cow's horns with cow dung November-December
3. burying the cow's horns it in the soil November-February
4. store the cow's horns in a cool place in glazed pots After 4 months burying
5. mix with water and spray in the orchard october-november and february-march
Comments:

all the costs are for the 40 ha together

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Elaboration process Preparation 500 person/day 15.0 60.0 900.0 100.0
Labour organic amendment person/day 5.0 60.0 300.0 100.0
Labour weed cutting person/day 2.0 60.0 120.0 100.0
Equipment tractor with trailer (hire per day) day 8.0 30.0 240.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides cow manure needed to produce Preparation 500 kg 10.0 10.0 100.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides manure item
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 1660.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD 1757.53
Comments:

The price of external certification is very high.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Unforseen weather is always a risk in conventional as well as in bio-dynamic agriculture. The rainy days, high temperatures and direct sunlight can affect the correct application of preparation 500 and could cause a decrease in the orchard production.

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specify average annual rainfall (if known), in mm:

369.00

Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

Torrential rains occur on September and October

Agro-climatic zone
  • semi-arid

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
  • not relevant
Comments and further specifications on topography:

411 m a.s.l.

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • high (>3%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

1157 µS/cm; pH 8; 12% clay, 36% silt; 52% sand; 5.7% organic matter; 5 g/kg Nitrogen; 265 mg (kg available phosphorus).

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

good

Water quality (untreated):

for agricultural use only (irrigation)

Is water salinity a problem?

Yes

Specify:

Excessive salt content in the irrigation water

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • medium
Habitat diversity:
  • medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Sedentary or nomadic:
  • Sedentary
Market orientation of production system:
  • commercial/ market
Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
  • men
Age of land users:
  • middle-aged

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • medium-scale

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • communal (organized)

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop quality

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The product quality improved with preparation 500 and higher resistance to plagues was observed.

production area

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

New production areas were acquired for new market opportunities thanks to the biodynamic product.

Income and costs

expenses on agricultural inputs

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Expenses on agricultural inputs increased after the application of preparation 500.

farm income

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

After the preparation 500 application, the incomes in the farm increased because new market opportunities appear in biodynamic sector, and the land user can establish the product price because the flat peaches in biodynamic market is a new product in markets.

Socio-cultural impacts

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Biodynamic farming reduces soil degradation

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

water quantity

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The application of preparation 500 increases the moisture in soil.

Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The soil keeps the moisture because of the organic amendment applied through preparation 500.

soil loss

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

After application of preparation 500 the tillage was reduced and the soil loss decreased.

soil crusting/ sealing

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

Soil structure was improved after preparation 500 application.

soil compaction

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

Soil structure was improved after preparation 500 application.

nutrient cycling/ recharge

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Soil nutrient was improved after preparation 500 application.

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Soil organic matter was enhanced after preparation 500 application.

acidity

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

Reduction of soil pH was observed after the application of organic amendment in preparation 500.

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Biomass was enhanced after preparation 500 application.

invasive alien species

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

The response of the soil and the orchard against invasive species was empowered after preparation 500 application.

beneficial species

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Beneficial species have appeared in the agro-ecosystem after preparation 500 application

habitat diversity

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

After preparation 500 application a self-sustainable agro-ecosystem was formed.

pest/ disease control

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The response of the soil and the orchard against disease or pest were empowered after preparation 500 application.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

groundwater/ river pollution

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

With the application of preparation 500 inorganic fertilizers and plaguicides are not needed anymore, and therefore groundwater pollution was reduced.

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change
Season increase or decrease How does the Technology cope with it?
seasonal rainfall autumn increase not well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
heatwave not well at all
drought not well at all
Biological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
epidemic diseases moderately

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

very positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • single cases/ experimental
Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 91-100%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Strong humus formation.
Improvement against plagues.
Greater water absorption and retention.
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Increase of organic matter.
Enhancement of soil structure.
Increase of soil biodiversity.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
Short response time to the weather risks. The land user must apply the preparation 500 avoiding rainy days, high temperatures and direct sunlight. The application of preparation 500 around the orchard must be in the afternoon 4 times per year to ensure the effectiveness of this preparation.
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
The high dependency on climatological conditions The land user must apply the preparation 500 avoiding rainy days, high temperatures and direct sunlight. The application of preparation 500 around the orchard must be in the afternoon 4 times per year to ensure the effectiveness of this preparation.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

2

  • interviews with land users

1

  • interviews with SLM specialists/ experts

2

  • compilation from reports and other existing documentation

4

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

05/05/2017

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

no

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Web page

URL:

http://www.frutasvargas.com/

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