How Dr. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer Contributed to Organic Agriculture in Australia

John Paull Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University [email protected]

Who was Ehrenfried Pfeiffer? November 1953. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer was then aged 54 years. He was Ehrenfried Pfeiffer (1899-1961) was 25 described as the “Director of the years old when Biochemical Research Laboratory, (1861-1925) delivered his eight Threefold Farm, Spring Valley, New lectures on agriculture from 7th June to York” (FGD, 1953b, p.37). 16th June 1924. In those eight lectures at Koberwitz, Rudolf Steiner laid the Pfeiffer’s Australian lecture tour was basis for . advertised as including visits to New South Wales, Victoria and South Steiner advocated an agriculture Australia. The tour was cancelled informed by , and that “owing to the sudden illness of Dr. E. the ideas he expounded in the eight Pfeiffer” (FGD, 1953a, p.i). A later agriculture lectures should be opportunity did not arise, and Pfeiffer developed by experiments, practice and never managed a visit Australia. observation (Steiner, 1924). Ehrenfried Pfeiffer took on this task and he spent Nevertheless, the early advocates of the rest of his life in the pursuit. organic agriculture in Australia were familiar with the work of Ehrenfried Pfeiffer published his book ‘Bio- Pfeiffer. In 1949 and 1950 ten articles Dynamic Farming and Gardening’ in by Pfeiffer appeared in the periodical’s 1938. It was the first popular account of Australia’s earliest organic of bio-dynamic agriculture. In that agriculture society, the Australian book Pfeiffer presented the practical and Gardening results of more than a decade of Society. farming practice and experimentation. Pfeiffer and Australia Visit to Australia Biodynamic pioneer Ehrenfried A visit and lecturing tour by Pfeiffer to Pfeiffer was a major contributor to Australia was advertised by the Australia’s first organic farming ‘Australian Organic Farming and journal, the Organic Farming Digest. Gardening Society’ for October and

Issue 96 2009 ELEMENTALS - Journal of Bio-Dynamics Tasmania 21 He was the leading contributor from 1. Where Pfeiffer first uses the term the USA. “bio-dynamic”, the editor of the Organic Farming Digest, V. H. Kelly, Pfeiffer had worked at the added the following footnote: Anthroposophy headquarters at at Dornach in Switzerland “*Bio-dynamic Farming:- A from before Steiner’s 1924 Agriculture system embracing the use of herbal Course. The outbreak of WWII preparations in compost heaps to influenced Pfeiffer to migrate to the control and direct a balanced USA. Other than short trips abroad, he bacterial activity” (Editor's subsequently lived out the rest of his footnote in Pfeiffer, 1949, p.23). life in the USA (Selawry, 1992). Of Pfeiffer’s ten Australian articles, Pfeiffer was living in the USA when eight were credited to ‘Organic his articles appeared in the ‘Organic Gardening’ (USA) and one to ‘Bio- Farming Digest’ (later called the ‘Farm Dynamics’ (USA). Another, “The Use & Garden Digest’). The Digest was of Dolomite”, was a response to a letter Australia’s first organic journal, and the from Eve Balfour (UK). Pfeiffer world’s first organic journal to be advised that: “the use of dolomite is published by an organic association preferable to the use of ordinary (Paull, 2008). limestone” (1950f, p.23).

Pfeiffer’s articles published in Pfeiffer’s first Australian contribution Australia from 1949 to 1950 served to appeared in Volume 1, Number 12, of give Australia’s organic pioneers a taste the Organic Farming Digest, January of biodynamic thought and practice, 1949. It extolled the virtues of toads, and forged early links in Australia and in particular cane toads (“Bufo between biodynamic and other organic marinus”) which had recently (1932) practices. been imported into Hawaii. Pfeiffer related enthusiastically the work of Pfeiffer and Australia’s ‘Organic others reported in ‘The Hawaiian Farming Digest’ Planters’ Record’:

In ten articles in the journals of the “The toads were famous for their Australian Organic Farming and tremendous appetite, devouring Gardening Society, Pfeiffer presented insects in the sugar cane cultures the science and the practical lessons in Puerto Tico. One hundred and that can be drawn from the data. fifty-four toads were collected of which one hundred and forty-nine The titles and publication details of arrived in good condition in Pfeiffer’s articles are presented in Table Hawaii. These have since

22 ELEMENTALS - Journal of Bio-Dynamics Tasmania Issue 96 2009 multiplied and have become In “Mineral Relationships between valuable hunters of insects … At Soils and Plants” Pfeiffer (1950c, p.8) first, for a few years, they reported experiments on a “little remained inconspicuous and then investigated and understood” appeared in great numbers, phenomenon of “selective and i n c r e a s i n g r a p i d l y biocatalytic properties” of plant growth thereafter” (Pfeiffer, 1949, p.20). and soil interactions. He offered practical advice: “we like to interlayer Pfeiffer reported that the presence of a compost heap or even a manure heap toads stimulates plant growth. He with thin layers of earth … we see that reported on his own work that toad humus is the basis of all life, even of saliva “has a growth stimulating effect the mineral exchanges between soil on plants, even though it might not be and plants” (p.11). beneficial for animals, small animals in particular” (1949, p.23).

Title Issue Pages

The Toad - The Gardenerʼs Assistant 1949, OFD, Vol.1, No. 19 - 23 12

Mineral Relationships between Soils and Plants 1949, FGD, Vol.2, No.2 8 - 11

Trace Elements - Boron, Molybdenum, Cobalt, 1949, FGD, Vol.2, No.3 25 - 29 Iodine

More about Trace Elements - Iron, Copper, Zinc, 1950, FGD, Vol.2, No.4 5 - 9 Manganese

The Case of the Strawberry 1950, FGD, Vol.2, No.4 26 - 29

Mineral Resources in Plants 1950, FGD, Vol.2, No.5 13 - 18

Know your Vitamins 1950, FGD, Vol.2, No.5 20 - 26

The Use of Dolomite 1950, FGD, Vol.2, No.6 23

Know your Soil 1950, FGD, Vol.2, No.6 23 - 28

Vitamins, Growth Substances, Hormones to the Soil 1950, FGD, Vol.2, No.7 11 - 14

Table 1: Ehrenfried Pfeiffer’s publications in the Digests of the Australian Organic Farming and Gardening Society (OFD = Organic Farming Digest; FGD = Farm & Garden Digest incorporating Organic Farming Digest).

Issue 96 2009 ELEMENTALS - Journal of Bio-Dynamics Tasmania 23 In “Trace Elements - Boron, Organic methods, which mean Molybdenum, Cobalt, Iodine” Pfeiffer indeed the refinement of plant (1950g) considers four trace elements. growing methods, cannot overlook He stated that cobalt “is a vital element them … Certain weeds which we for the health of sheep” and that: “A use in our composts, are very rich rapidly progressing disease of sheep, in trace elements, while cultivated ending fatally, has been observed in plants growing nearby may be New Zealand, Australia and relatively poor. Farmers and Scotland… It did not occur on newly- gardeners frequently overlook this broken land but on land that had fact when supplying their soils carried sheep for several years” (p.28). with all the bulk He reported that: elements” (Pfeiffer, 1950d, p.5).

“Cobalt treated soils influence Throughout his life, Ehrenfried Pfeiffer plants to absorb an abnormally acknowledged the wisdom Rudolf large amount of molybdenum … Steiner as the first-mover of the bio- Such a fact demonstrates how dynamic enterprise. “Rudolf Steiner, dangerous it can be to cure a the founder of the bio-dynamic deficiency by simply adding what method, recommended having little is missing. The organic process is ‘gardens’ of mushrooms in the compost more complicated than that and it yard for their ‘beneficial effect’. For is always necessary to consider the many years we did not understand why, whole, the living balance, the but now it becomes clear that the selective properties of plants, the addition of mushrooms to a compost buffered state of the soil, the heap can be very helpful” (Pfeiffer, colloidal structure of humus, and 1950d, p.7). many other factors” (Pfeiffer, 1950g, p.28). In “The Case of the Strawberry”, Pfeiffer (1950e) lamented the In “More about Trace Elements - Iron, developing fast food culture. He wrote Copper, Zinc, Manganese”, Pfeiffer that: “City people who are used to the (1950d) reported further on trace luncheon counter type of eating - just elements that: like ‘Fill her up’ at a filling station - don’t know the fine differences in “Only during the last two decades flavour and quality. They eat calories, has it been discovered that these protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc., elements may play an important to get their fill” (p.27). In this article role, mainly as bio-catalysts. Their Pfeiffer promised his secrets of presence stimulates and also growing tasty strawberries: “how you sometimes hinders the living can have big berries and at the same process in the growing plants ... time good ones” (p.27).

24 ELEMENTALS - Journal of Bio-Dynamics Tasmania Issue 96 2009 In “Mineral Resources in Plants”, vitamin content in plants than run- Pfeiffer (1950c, p.13) advised that: down soils, or those which are forced to production in a one-sided “ … by using all possible organic way … Organic soils with a high wastes deriving from plants, humus content produce the highest animals and bacteria, one can amounts of vitamins. The best provide all the mineral procedure would be to label requirements of the soil … But all vegetables, fruit, etc., as to their compost is not yet enough to cover actual contents if one wishes to the organic requirements of the know which is the highest soil. It needs soil bacteria, fungi quality” (p.21). “Agricultural and earthworms to build up methods have a measurable sufficient humus … Compost is influence upon the presence or food for microlife. This in turn absence of vitamins in produces humus”. Pfeiffer advised plants” (Pfeiffer, 1950b, pp.21-22). that “If we know the mineral contents of plants, then we can Pfeiffer advocated for fresh fruits and counteract deficiencies by adding vegetables. He concluded with this specific plants to compost” (p.13). practical advice:

Pfeiffer advised readers that “In “one thing is sure, taking vitamin Australia, prospectors look out for a capsules may be of little use and handsome tree, Polycarpacae the odds are better for your spirostyles, as a sure indication of the receiving a sufficient amount in presence of copper ore” (p.15). your diet by growing your own vegetables with good garden In “Know your Vitamins” Pfeiffer practices. The practices that we (1950b, p.21) declared that “people just favour, of course, are organic don’t like to eat what is good for them. ones” (Pfeiffer, 1950b, p.26). This accounts for the typical meat eater who shuns fresh fruit, orange and In “Know your Soil”, Pfeiffer (1950a) lemon juice”. In considering vitamin discusses the issues and challenges of supplements, Pfeiffer stated that “One soil sampling and seasonal variations. thing is sure, however, that natural and He advised that “we find more balanced food is still the healthiest and available phosphates … in November cheapest supply” (p.21). He and March” (in the Southern commented that: hemisphere) (p.24). He also cautioned that: “ … different soils result in “ … plant tissues may contain different vitamin contents. Natural different minerals from those healthy soils will produce a better which show up in soil tests. Trace

Issue 96 2009 ELEMENTALS - Journal of Bio-Dynamics Tasmania 25 elements found in the plants may not be discovered at all in the soil Pfeiffer cautioned that “Care must be from which they were grown. taken in the use of all these growth- Plants have an accumulating and promoting substances, since doses selecting power. For example, oak which are too small have no effect and trees that are normally very high very big doses result in the opposite - in calcium have shown the highest inhibition ... In a compost pile and in content of this element when connection with humus, Nature grown on sandy soil very deficient produces a sound balance” (Pfeiffer, in it. Tobacco is rich in potassium 1950h, p.13). but its highest potassium content has been found in cases where the Pfeiffer looked to a future: “It may be soil was poor in potassium” (p. that one day we will go over our fields 24). “In the proper analysis of a with the spray-rig applying highly soil other factors besides the diluted cow urine instead of poisonous chemical findings need to be sprays” (1950h, p.13). He reported included, especially the amount of experiments where “in a dilution of organic matter present … Any test 1:100 billion the active force can still for organic matter ... should give be detected, while the optimum effect information as to its humus is at a dilution of 1:2 billion … we will state” (Pfeiffer, 1950a, p.25). have to re-learn our agricultural practices to make proper and Pfeiffer noted that “with all the successful use of this interesting new knowledge that science can now knowledge’’ (p.14). provide, we must acknowledge that we are just at the beginning of our A Biodynamic Legacy understanding of soil as a living dynamic system” (p.28). Ehrenfried Pfeiffer served as a bridge in bringing biodynamic concepts to the Pfeiffer’s final contribution to an English-speaking world. His book, Australian Organic Farming and ‘Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening Society journal was Gardening’ was very much a practical “Vitamins, Growth Substances, treatise, but it included a strong Hormones to the Soil” (Pfeiffer, esoteric element: 1950h). He told his readers: “That vitamins are necessary for the growth “The whole is not the mere sum of and health of animals and human its parts, but a harmonic unity of a beings is common knowledge. That higher order, which as organic vitamins are active in the soil and in being, as an organism with laws of the growth of plants is less known” (p. a higher order, lifts the world of 11). the physico-chemical inorganic to

26 ELEMENTALS - Journal of Bio-Dynamics Tasmania Issue 96 2009 the world of the organic- Preservation (F. Heckel, Trans.). : living” (Pfeiffer, 1938, p.vi). Anthroposophic Press. Pfeiffer, E. E. (1949). The toad - the Biodynamics was presented and gardener's assistant. Organic Farming integrated into Australian organic Digest, 1(12): 19-23; January. thought from the early days of organics Pfeiffer, E. E. (1950a). Know your soil. in Australia. In 1949, Farm and Garden Farm & Garden Digest (incorporating Digest invited readers “to attend an Organic Farming Digest), 2(6): 23-28; September. inspection of research work, accomplished by Bio-Dynamic Pfeiffer, E. E. (1950b). Know your vitamins. Farm & Garden Digest methods of agriculture” (FGD, 1949, (incorporating Organic Farming Digest), p.i). 2(5): 20-26; June. Pfeiffer, E. E. (1950c). Mineral resources in Of the total of 378 articles published plants. Farm & Garden Digest by the Australian Organic Farming (incorporating Organic Farming Digest), and Gardening Society (1944-1955), 2(5): 13-18; June. ten were by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer, E. E. (1950d). More about trace Pfeiffer was an articulate and elements - iron, copper, zinc, manganese. authoritative evangelist. At that time, Farm & Garden Digest (incorporating he was the leading advocate of bio- Organic Farming Digest), 2(4): 5-9; March. dynamics in the Anglo-world. Pfeiffer, E. E. (1950e). The case of the Pfeiffer’s insights and experience strawberry. Farm & Garden Digest traced back directly to his induction (incorporating Organic Farming Digest), 2(4): 26-29; March. with Rudolf Steiner at the Goetheanum in Switzerland. Pfeiffer, E. E. (1950f). The use of dolomite. Farm & Garden Digest (incorporating Organic Farming Digest), 2(6): 23; REFERENCES September. FGD (1949). Bio-Dynamic Methods of Pfeiffer, E. E. (1950g). Trace elements - Agriculture. Farm & Garden Digest boron, molybdenum, cobalt, iodine. Farm (FGD), 2(3): i; December. & Garden Digest (incorporating Organic FGD (1953a). Lectures by Dr. E. Pfeiffer. Farming Digest), 2(3): 25-29; December. Farm & Garden Digest (FGD), 3(4): i; Pfeiffer, E. E. (1950h). Vitamins, growth September. substances, hormones to the soil. Farm & FGD (1953b). Visit to Australia of Dr. E. E. Garden Digest (incorporating Organic Pfeiffer. Farm & Garden Digest (FGD), Farming Digest), 2(7): 11-14; December. 3(4): 37-38; September. Selawry, A. (1992). Ehrenfried Pfeiffer: Paull, J. (2008). The lost history of organic Pioneer of Spiritual Research and Practice. farming in Australia. Journal of Organic Spring Valley, NY: Mercury Press. Systems, 3(2): 2-17. Pfeiffer, E. (1938). Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening: Soil Fertility Renewal and

Issue 96 2009 ELEMENTALS - Journal of Bio-Dynamics Tasmania 27