What is EM (Effective Microorganisms)
Effective Microorganisms (EM) are mixed cultures of beneficial naturally-occurring organisms that can be applied as inoculants to increase the microbial diversity of soil ecosystem. They consist mainly of the photosynthesizing bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes and fermenting fungi. These microorganisms are physiologically compatible with one another and can coexist in liquid culture. Effective microorganisms enhance soil fertility and promote growth, flowering, fruit development and ripening in crops. It can increase crop yields and improve crop quality as well as accelerating the breakdown of organic matter from crop residues. Healthy soil ecology has the capability of protecting plants against soil associated diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. The presence of these beneficial microorganisms in any soil system is what precisely distinguishes a “living soil” from a “dead soil”. They decompose and ferment organic fraction of the soil system converting it into humus containing nutrients while releasing hormones that facilitate plant growth. They are responsible for providing hormones, nutrients and minerals in a useable form to the plants through the root system. In addition, they bring together soil particles in the soil structure enabling it to retain nutrients and moisture.
Beneficial Effects of Effective Microorganisms:
The beneficial effects of micro-organisms introduced with the application of composts, animal manure and “compost tea” are often short-lived leaving crop plants exposed to soil associated conditions. On application, EM mixtures are also subjected to the same conditions in the soil environment. However, the main advantage the effective microorganisms have over natural organisms in organic amendments is that in EM, beneficial microorganisms are in much greater numbers, and in optimally-balanced populations when introduced. They would therefore persist in the soil environment for a much longer time enough to bring about the beneficial effects. Healthy soil and clean water are maintained by the diversity and balance of the community of microorganisms within them. For example, when the balance of microorganisms in the soil is disrupted, soil will be impoverished and crops will not grow well. When the soil microbiology is in balance, plants will be healthy, thus more resistant to damage caused by stressors such as disease or harmful insects.
Studies have shown that, not only does the use of effective microorganisms in agricultural soil suppress soil-borne pathogens, but also increases the decomposition of organic materials and consequently the availability of mineral nutrients and important organic compounds to plants. #sustainableagriculture #EffectiveMicroorganisms #Fungi #Yeast #Soilproduvtivity #plantnutrition #Waterhealth #cropyield #agriculture #environmentalsustainability #environmentalhealth #soilscience #soilconservation #Microbsactivity