This very useful booklet is packed with information about using chromatography. Many examples are given of tests and trials to determine the quality of soils and compost, but also of select crop plants. This classic is an informative and scientific work by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, an early biodynamic pioneer. A critical part of the serious biodynamic practitioner’s library. Color chromatograms help the reader visualize the application.

Contents include:

• The art and science of composting
• A qualitative chromatographic method for the determination of biological factors
• Studies of vitamin preparations
• Chromatograms of grain and flour

Excerpts:
“It is obvious that the chemical analysis of a compost with regard to its nitrogen, phosphate and potash content (NPK) gives only limited and incomplete information as to its biological value. Nor does it really tell how good a compost is. There are plants, the roots of which are very sensitive to raw, crude, decaying materials, which demand the very best humus — for instance, legumes and fine grasses; there are others — such as corn, tomatoes, grapevines — which thrive well on crude matter. There is not just one compost for everything, nor is all the organic material or waste (from the moment it arrives in the dump or compost yard, and on through all stages of fermentation and decay) yet to be defined as compost.”

“The test described is a qualitative one in order to separate different fractions of humus extracts by means of the capillarity of suitable filter papers.... The distance, the pattern, the color and the shape of the reaction area are significant for an interpretation of the substances contained in the extracts.”

Author: Ehrenfried Pfeiffer
Paperback: booklet, 44 pages
Illustrations: Color plates
Publisher: Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association (1984)
Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 inches