As New Zealand cereal growers face increasing pressure to reduce synthetic inputs while maintaining high yields, more are turning to Effective Microorganisms (EM) to enhance soil and plant performance naturally. EMNZ’s recent trials in Canterbury, alongside long-term international studies, provide compelling evidence for the role of EM in wheat and other cereal crops.
🌾 What is EM?
EM (Effective Microorganisms) is a blend of beneficial soil microbes — including lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, and yeasts — that work together to restore balance to the soil microbiome. These organisms stimulate nutrient cycling, suppress pathogens, and boost plant resilience and growth.
📈 NZ Wheat Trial 2024 – Strong Yield Gains with EM Products
A replicated wheat trial was run at Seatons Farm, Aylesbury, Canterbury using EMNZ's range of foliar and soil-applied products. All treatments were harvested and analysed independently by Cropmark Seeds using precision plot harvesting.
Key outcomes:
| Product | Yield Increase (t/ha) | Extra Revenue ($/ha) | Profit ($/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EM Soil & Crop | +2.14 | $918 | $814 |
| EM Foliar Enhance | +1.84 | $789 | $673 |
| EM Amino | +1.47 | $633 | $406 |
| Plant-Stim | +1.76 | $756 | $726 |
✅ All EMNZ products showed statistically significant yield increases
✅ Grain weight and reduced screenings confirmed superior grain quality
✅ Foliar Enhance had the highest grain quality improvement
“This trial clearly shows that EM-based solutions don’t just improve yield — they improve profitability and grain quality too.” — EMNZ
🌍 Global Backing: Long-Term EM Trials in Wheat
China Agricultural University (11-year study):
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EM + compost treatments outperformed traditional compost and synthetic fertiliser across all metrics.
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Wheat yield was 264% higher than control plots and 14% higher than chemical fertiliser plots.
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EM improved nutrient density in wheat (higher N, P, K levels in grains and straw).
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EM-enhanced soils showed greater microbial diversity and fertility, particularly increased free-living and bacterial-feeding nematodes, which correlated strongly with yield (R² = 0.88)EM and Compost effect o…European Journal of Agr….
🧪 Why EM Works in Cereal Systems
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Stronger Root Development: Enhanced early root biomass supports tillering and nutrient uptake.
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Improved Soil Structure: EM aggregates soil particles, improving aeration, moisture retention, and microbial colonization.
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Higher Nutrient Availability: EM microbes unlock bound phosphorus and potassium while enhancing nitrogen-use efficiency.
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Disease Resistance: Competitive exclusion of soil pathogens (e.g., Fusarium, Take-all).
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Microbial Synergy: EM supports beneficial nematodes, microbial enzymes, and organic matter breakdown.
🌱 Application Program for Cereals
Recommended approach:
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Pre-sowing or tank mix with herbicide: 10L/ha EM Balance
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Early tillering (GS21–25): 5L/ha Plant-Stim or EM Foliar
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Booting to heading: Optional foliar with Plant-Stim or Amino for grain fill boost
These integrate easily into standard agronomy programs and are compatible with most common inputs.
📣 The Takeaway
Across New Zealand and globally, EM is proving its value as a biological tool for modern cereal farming. With increased yields, better grain quality, improved soil health, and strong ROI, EMNZ products like EM Balance, Foliar Enhance, and Plant-Stim are helping growers produce more — with less environmental cost.
➡️ To start trialling EM in your cereal program, contact EMNZ or your local distributor.
