Biodynamic Preparations
BD 500-COW HORN MANURE

It is fermented cow dung. It is the basis for soil fertility and the renewal of degraded soils. It is buried in October/ November and lifted in March/April. “Tis is the period when the earth is breathing in and comic earth forces are most active (winter).

Materials

  • Cow horns. A well-formed cow horn should be used. Cows should have calved at least once and can be recognized by their calving rings.
  • Fresh cow dung from a lactating cow. Average 50-150 gms of dung/horn (depends on horn size). Fresh, well-formed, grass-fed lactating cow. In case you don’t have enough manure, you can use manure from heifers. Straw or other plant parts must be removed from the manure.

Making Details

  1. Good quality cow manure (a grass-fed lactating cow) is collected. Straw and other plant residual parts must be removed.
  2. At the same time, knead the cow manure well with hands or tools.
  3. Manure is filled into the horns by hands or with tools (spoon, wooden stick etc) to avoid cavities. “The horns can be tapped with the tip of the horn on a solid surface or a stone
  4. Prepare a pit between 50-60cm deep with a size that #ts the number of cow horns. Take note that when choosing a place for the pit, ensure that it is not in the root area of trees or shrubs. Wetlands should also be avoided.
  5. Placed the horns with two fingers apart, with the opening facing downwards to prevent water from penetrating. Each horn should be surrounded by good soil.
  6. Cover the pit with soil. If the surrounding soil is not in good condition, fermented compost can be used.
  7. Cover with a thick layer of mulch to prevent drying up.
  8. Mark the pit clearly with wood or stick with details written clearly (date, numbers of horns and time to harvest).
  9. Keep an eye on the pit from time to time. Weeding and re-mulching when needed.

Harvesting the horns

In Malaysia, the horns remain in the ground for four to five months until April. Before all horns are lifted, the quality of some horns should be checked.

The manure should be dark brown homogeneous consistency and have a pleasant smell of humus or forest soil. If the material is still wet or smells of manure, the horns should remain in the soil for a bit longer.

  1. Lifting the horns at the marked place with tools.
  2. Clean the horns carefully.
  3. Remove the content by tapping the horns on a stone. A spoon or spatula can be used to help to remove the remaining preparations inside the horns.
  4. Put the horn manure in a clean container.
  5. Store the cow manure.
  6. Clean the cow horns and store them in a dry place. The horns can be used up to 3 to 5 times.

Summary Of BD 500-COW HORN MANURE Preparations

GroupA Polarity
CodeBD500
IngredientCow Horn Manure
DescriptionsEarthly polarity: made from cow manure, which is filled into cow horns and buried in the soil over winter. It brings in the earthly forces and helps the soil develop humus and structure. It also attracts earthworms and soil microorganisms.