Effective Microorganisms (EM)

[svc]

Hi all

I have recently been reading a few organic farming books. Something that keeps getting mentioned is EM, a mix of effective microbe's claiming to do everything from increasing soil fertility to restoring waterways and reseeding septic tanks, some people even drink it. I have recently bought a litre bottle and am in the process of brewing it up into more. Does anyone have any experience with this stuff? I will try and get an experiment with a control going shortly and get back with the results.

[cdelapaz]

I know this is an old thread. I'm just curious though, is this the same as using fermented plant juice, fermented fruit juice and indigenous micro-organisms?

[svc]

I think it is brewed in mollases, but yeah sounds about the same. from Naturefarm website....
What microbes are in EM?

EM consists of mixed cultures of beneficial and natural occurring microorganisms that can be applied as inoculants to increase the microbial diversity of soils and plants.
EM contains three main families:

1.

Lactic acid bacteria
2.

Yeast
3.

Photosynthetic bacteria
and also...

Actinomycetes and other types of microorganisms

Research has shown that the inoculation of EM cultures to the soil/plant ecosystem can improve soil quality, soil health, and the growth, yield, and quality of crops. Also when used in animal systems similar benefits have been shown. These microorganisms have a reviving action on growing systems and are completely safe to use.

I haven't done the experiment i promised, I have been sprinkling it on the compost heap and around the garden, can't say I'm entirely convinced of the benefit's. Can't hurt though