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The quality of crops was usually determined on the basis of ingredients, physiological or microbiological parameters as well as on storage performance (post harvest life).
Under optimal storage conditions, frequently no differences between the treatments with preparations or fertilizers could be observed. Under stress conditions (unfavorable temperature, humidity, chopping up) however, positive effects of biodynamic preparations and of moderate organic fertilization were found for some cases (Abele, 1987).
More about this trial..

Reference:
ABELE, U. (1987): Produktqualität und Düngung - mineralisch, organisch, biologisch-dynamisch. Schr. Bundesmin. Ernähr., Landw., For., Reihe A: Angewandte Wissenschaft, Heft 345; Münster-Hiltrup

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In another experiment, the storage life of carrots subject to fertilization (1. mineral fertilizer, 2. rotted manure with compost preparations, 3. rotted manure with compost preparations plus horn manure and horn silica) and sowing date (a. March, b. April, c. May) was investigated. After harvest (late October), the carrots were stored in porous clay vessels in a burrow until early April. The treatment with all biodynamic preparations had the lowest storage losses, which apparently was mainly due to the application of spray preparations.

Effect of fertilization, biodynamic preparations and sowing date on the storage losses of carrots after 5 months; total losses in % of the initial weight; factor fertilization: LSD05 = 40.0                         Wistinghausen (1979)

 

Reference:
WISTINGHAUSEN, E.v. (1979): Was ist Qualität? Wie entsteht sie und wie ist sie nachzuweisen? Versuche zur Qualitätsfindung im Feldgemüsebau. Verlag Lebendige Erde, Darmstadt

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In an experiment with potatoes, the application of the biodynamic preparations did not affect  storage losses. However, the losses were generally at a very low level.








In addition to storage losses, physiological and microbiological quality of crops were determined in some analyses (e.g. by Samaras, 1978). However, it is difficult to assess the influence of preparations on these results.












Reference:
WISTINGHAUSEN, E.v. (1984): Düngung und biologisch-dynamische Präparate. Verlag Lebendige Erde, Darmstadt

SAMARAS, I. (1978): Nachernteverhalten unterschiedlich gedüngter Gemüsearten mit besonderer Berücksichtigung physiologischer und mikrobiologischer Parameter. Diss. Uni Giessen

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		Effect of light conditions, manuring and timing of horn silica application upon the emergence of the harvested seed of dwarf beans Fritz & Köpke (2005)

In a multivariate field trial on dwarf beans (Fritz & Köpke, 2005), the following factors were tested: light intensity, manuring and stage of horn silica application. Germination characteristics of harvested seeds from the field trial were tested in growth chambers under standardized conditions. In the first year (1994), emergence of seeds from horn silicia treated plants was highly significantly increased compared to the control. However, in the following two years this effect could not be found.





Reference:
FRITZ, J.; KÖPKE, U. (2005): Einfluss von Licht, Düngung und biologisch-dynamischem Spritzpräparat Hornkiesel bei Buschbohne (Phaseolus vulgaris L var nanus) auf die Keimeigenschaften der neu gebildeten Samen. Mitt. Ges. Pflanzenbauwissenschaften 9, 55-60

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Koepf et al. (1976): The preparations horn manure and horn silica can be understood regarding the polarity of earthly and cosmic influences under which the plant grows. The cosmic and earthly growth conditions in the environment are supported and their influence is improved.

Reference:
KOEPF, H.H.; PETTERSSON, B.D.; SCHAUMANN, W.; (1976): Bio-dynamic Agriculture: An Introduction. The Anthroposophic Press, Spring Valley, New York; p. 139