Episode 9

full
Published on:

3rd Aug 2023

The Biodynamic Compost Preparations at Troon Vineyard

Troon Vineyard

Andrew Beedy - andrew@andrewbeedy.com

Garett Long - garettl@troonvineyard.com

Craig Camp - craig@troonvineyard.com

The six compost preparations (502 - 507)

The humification of organic matter is essential in biodynamic agriculture. Biodynamic compost is made in a heap into which the six compost preparations are inserted. It is then covered with straw, old hay, earth, etc.

These preparations act on the compost and especially on the soil where it is spread. They don’t add nutrients to the soil, but mobilize elements in the soil and the cosmic environment. They work through the compost like a kind of “yeast”, increasing vitality and favoring soil health.

Yarrow preparation (502)

Achillea millefolium - Plays a specific role in mobilizing sulfur and potassium in the soil. Only the flowers (no stems) are used to make this preparation.

Camomile preparation (503)

Matricaria rectutita - This plant is related to the calcium metabolism and regulates the nitrogen process.

Nettle preparation (504)

Urtica dioïca - Related to nitrogen and iron, this preparation reinforces the influences of the first two preparations (502 et 503). It gives a certain sensitivity and “intelligence” to the soil and compost, promoting the formation of humus.

Oak bark preparation (505)

Quercus robur - Related to calcium, this preparation increases plant resistance to diseases due to excessive vigor.

Dandelion preparation (506)

Taraxacum dens leonis -  Among others, it plays an important role with regard to silicic acid and hydrogen. This preparation allows these elements to work in accordance with their intrinsic nature and acts upon the potash, limestone, and, ultimately nitrogen processes.

Valerian preparation (507)

Valeriana officinalis - Helps mobilize phosphorus in the soil and forms a kind of “warmth mantle” around and over the compost heap. It acts like a protective skin which is essential to all organisms. This preparation is also a powerful aid against stress..

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About the Podcast

Wine Camp
Digging deep into Biodynamic Regenerative Organic winegrowing and farming
Troon Vineyard is Oregon's only Demeter Biodynamic® and Regenerative Organic Certified® winery and farm. Our Troon Talk podcast episodes explore our voyage to farm like the world depends on it and to naturally craft fine wines and grow healthful, nutritionally rich produce.

About your host

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Craig Camp

Today I am a biodynamic winegrower in Oregon's Applegate Valley, but I was born and raised in Harvard, Illinois, a land of Manhattans, Pabst beer and Friday-night fish fries — wine was unknown. However, during a college semester spent studying in Europe I discovered fine wine and food.

After graduating from college, I worked as a photojournalist and food and wine writer for four years before my passion for food and wine overwhelmed my sense of reality. In 1980, I joined Direct Import Wine Company, where I assembled an elite portfolio of estate wines in the Chicago market. In 1996 the company was devoured by Paterno Imports (who later fed it to Southern Wine and Spirits), but I remained at Direct as president until 1999, when I left in a fit of sanity prompted by an outburst of ethics.

In 2000 I left to pursue an education in wine production. I spent the next three years happily working in Italy, where I studied winemaking and worked in the cellars of some of Italy’s most elite wine estates in Barolo and Barbaresco. Upon returning to the United States in 2004, I became President of Anne Amie Vineyards, previously known as Chateau Benoit. Over the next several years, I totally revolutionized the winemaking and marketing. In 2009 I moved to Napa Valley and did the same for Cornerstone Cellars.

Now I am general manager of Troon Vineyard, fomenting another revolution in the beautiful Applegate Valley of southern Oregon. Surrounded by the Siskiyou Mountains, we are making natural wines and are now Demeter Biodynamic® and Regenerative Organic Gold Certified® both in the vineyard and the cellar. I am currently president of both the Applegate Valley Vintners Association and the Rhone Rangers and serve on the Board of Directors of the Oregon Winegrowers Association and the Rogue Valley Vintners. I have served on the Board of Directors of the Howell Mountain Growers Association and on the Napa Valley Vintners Association Marketing Committee, of which I also served as chairman.

My single-minded goal is to make great wine and farm like the world depends on it.