QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISMS (EM)
1. QUESTION: What is EM?
ANSWER: Effective microorganisms or EM are mixed cultures of
beneficial microorganisms that can be applied as inoculants to increase
the microbial diversity of soils and plants which, in turn, can improve
soil health, and the growth, yield, and quality of crops.
2. QUESTION: Where did the concept and technology of EM originate?
ANSWER: The concept of inoculating soils and plants with beneficial
microorganisms to create a more favorable microbiological environment
for plant growth has been discussed for decades by agricultural
research scientists. However, the technology behind this concept and
its practical application have now been significantly advanced by
Professor Teruo Higa, at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa,
Japan.
3. QUESTION: Are the microorganisms that comprise the EM formulations exotic or engineered organisms?
ANSWER: No, EM cultures do not contain any exotic or engineered
microorganisms. EM is made up of mixed cultures of naturally occurring
species of organisms that are found in natural environments worldwide.
4. QUESTION: If EM cultures contain only microorganisms that occur in nature, what is the advantage of using EM?
ANSWER: Professor Higa has devoted much of his scientific career to
isolating and selecting different microorganisms for their beneficial
effects on soils and plants. He has found organisms that can coexist in
mixed cultures and that are physiologically compatible with one
another. When these cultures are introduced back into the natural
environment, their individual beneficial effects are greatly magnified
in a synergistic fashion.
5. QUESTION: What kinds of beneficial microorganisms are contained in the EM cultures, and what are their functions?
ANSWER: EM contains a diverse mix of coexisting microorganisms. Main
families are; Lactic Acid Bacteria, Photosynthetic Bacteria, Yeasts,
Ray Fungi, other Fungi.
6. QUESTION: How does EM actually work?
ANSWER: There is documented scientific evidence to indicate that EM
cultures can (a) suppress soil-borne pathogens, (b) accelerate the
decomposition of organic wastes and residues, (c) increase the
availability of mineral nutrients and useful organic compounds to
plants, (d) enhance the activities of beneficial, indigenous
microorganisms, e.g., mycorrhizae, (e) fix atmospheric nitrogen, and
(f) reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Actually,
EM tends to simulate the 'rotation effect,' a term used by agronomists
to describe the regeneration of beneficial soil microorganisms and
suppression of harmful ones which results from crop rotation.
7. QUESTION: Don't some of these 'good' things also happen when naturally-occurring organic wastes are returned to the soil?
ANSWER: Most organic wastes including animal manures and composts do
have an indigenous population of microoganisms. Many of them are
beneficial, while others are not. However, upon introduction to the
soil they are soon overwhelmed by the existing soil microorganisms
which again become dominant. Thus, the beneficial effects of
microorganisms introduced with the application of organic wastes are
often short lived.
8. QUESTION: Are EM cultures not subject to the same fate when applied to the soil environment?
ANSWER: Yes, to some extent, but the advantage of EM is that
beneficial microorganisms in much greater numbers, and in
optimally-balanced populations, are introduced at the time of
application. And, if organic substrates are available, they remain
dominant in the soil for a much longer time.
9. QUESTION: How can the residual effectiveness of EM be extended in soils?
ANSWER: Research has shown that this can be achieved by applying EM
about three times (at 8 to 10-day intervals) during the first 3 to 4
weeks after planting a crop. This will insure that EM populations
remain high throughout this critical a period when young seedllngs and
plants are so vulnerable to environmental stresses (drought, heat,
weeds, and pathogens). This is when the greatest loss in crop yield and
quality occurs. Once through this critical period, the EM treated
plants are vigorous and healthy and can easily cope with stress.
10. QUESTION: Can EM cultures enhance the quality of organic wastes and residues?
ANSWER: Yes, EM cultures have been used effectively to inoculate
both farm wastes as well as urban wastes to suppress malodors and
hasten the treatment process. EM has also been used with great success
as an inoculant for composting a wide variety of organic wastes.
11. QUESTION: Are EM cultures effective on all soils and crops?
ANSWER: Research on EM has been conducted on many different soils
and crops over a wide range of agroecological conditions. Results
indicate that in most cases EM has given positive results.
12. QUESTION: Can EM technology be considered as a substitute for other management practices?
ANSWER: No, EM is not a substitute for other management practices.
EM technology is an added dimension for optimising our best soil and
crop management practices such as crop rotations, use of organic
amendments, conservation tillage, crop residue recycling, and
biocontrol of pests. If used properly, EM can significantly enhance the
beneficial effects of these practices. EM-mediated processes can
improve the growth, yield, and quality of crops, and the tilth,
fertility, and productivity of soils, and reduce the need for chemical
fertilisers and pesticides.
13. QUESTION: How much does EM cost?
ANSWER: EM inoculants are now being formulated in many different
countries, the cost is based on cost of production within each country.
The aim and philosophy is to make the product available as cheaply as
possible, so that cost is not a barrier to use.
14.QUESTION: Is EM certified for use on organically-grown crops
ANSWER: Microbial inoculants are generally on the allowed materials
list of certifying authorities. In New Zealand EM has Bio-Gro
certification as an approved product.
15. QUESTION: Since EM helps to control insects, nematodes, diseases, and weeds, is it a pesticide?
ANSWER: No, EM is not a pesticide and contains no chemicals that
could be construed as such. EM is a microbial inoculant that func tions
as a biocontrol measure in suppressing and/or controlling pests through
the introduction of beneficial microorganisms to soils and plants.
Pests and pathogens are suppressed or controlled through natural
processes by enhancing the competitive and antagonistic activities of
the microorganisms in the EM inoculants.
16. QUESTION: What are the different variations of EM ?
ANSWER: EM•1 is the original solution that is shipped out from your
supplier. EM-A is activated extended EM, made from the original
solution and extended out 20 times to activate and increase the
economics of EM, making it very cost effective.
17. QUESTION: How can I get some EM to try out? How can I order EM? How
can I get more information and technical assistance for using EM?
ANSWER: Contact: New Zealand Nature Farming Society |
