What’s Effective Microorganisms (EM) ?

“Effective microorganisms” is a general name given for mixed cultures of microorganisms that are combined in a specific formula to achieve certain purposes. Every strain of microorganisms has its own characteristics and functions. In order to achieve well-rounded or wide-spectrum of desired functions or effectiveness under different circumstances, we might choose to put together multiple microorganisms to ensure the overall effectiveness.

In agriculture, Effective Microorganisms are usually used for:

1) Improving soil and plant condition: used as the inoculants to increase the microbial counts and diversity in the soil.

2) Improving Compost Efficiency or Odor Control: using the correct and beneficial microorganisms at sufficient amount is the key to improve compost efficiency and prevent odor from occurring. The right microorganisms can digest at quicker rate while reducing the occurrence of the source of odor. Microorganisms are small, but they work in groups. The ones that have advantages on its population and density usually win the fight over other weaker ones. So we need beneficial microorganisms in sufficient amount to achieve desirable results.

3) Making Fermented Liquid Fertilizer (or Compost Tea): similar to composting, we also need to introduce effective microorganisms to ensure that raw materials in liquid fertilizer or compost tea is fermented efficiently and completely while reducing the source of odor.