Preparation name

Biodynamic preparation - Tree paste

How to make

Content: Clay, cow manure, sand and BD 500
Procedure The general mixture is 1/3 clay, 1/3 silica sand and and 1/3 cow manure, then water to create the appropriate dilution and followed by BD500. This ratio can be fine tuned depending on how it is being applied. If the paste is used on a relatively small number of trees, it could be applied by hand and in this case, the mixture could be quite course, so the 1/3 ratio would be OK. If it is to go onto a large number of trees, then it would be best to spray it and in this case, the mixture should be less course. Use less proportion of sand and make it diatomaceous earth instead of sand. The clay should be bentonite instead of general or potting clay.
It is best to mix the clay and sand first of all into a consistent blend with no lumps and then add the manure and blend again, then add the water. When this is finished add the BD500. Only a very small amount of BD 500 is needed, say 20 gms per bucket of mixture. For hand application the mixture should be the consistency of thick paint. For spray application it should be much thinner so it can go through a broad nozzle of a sprayer.
The mixture goes a long way, so if you have a small number of trees then no more than a large bucket full of the complete mixture would be sufficient.
Storage: You can store the tree paste in a plastic sealed bucket or other sealed container, preferrably in the shade.

Reasons for use

Strengthens bark and cambrian layer of the tree. Controls many fruit tree diseases and die back and significantly improves ttee fertility leading to better flowering and fruiting.

How to apply

When to apply: The paste should not be applied when the tree is flowering or fruiting. Apply when you have done pruning, after the fruiting has completed or before flowering occurs after winter, generally at a descending moon time. Put on the paste once per year.
Quantity: The quantity to be made depends entirely on the number and size of trees you have and how you plan to put it out. With hand application, for example, if you have about 10 trees, then a 20 litre bucket of the mixture would be sufficient. For spray application, the mixture is more diluted and will go much further since its being sprayed compared to brush of hand application.
How to apply: Before applying to trees it is important to remove any mould from the trees. A wire brush is useful for this task. For application of the paste to a small number of trees, use a horse hair brush or your hands. Put it as high as you can go on the tree trunk and all branches. For a larger number of trees, use a backpack sprayer and make sure you have strained the mixture before spraying. It can be sprayed over all of the tree, except for citrus, where its best to only spray around the base of the tree.

Country alternatives

None

Comments

This preparation is reasonably easy to make. You may be able to buy it from your local BD association, but because of its weight, most of the cost will be in freight.

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