Effective microorganisms, often abbreviated as "EM", is a generic and descriptive phrase and acronym to describe the theories, technology and applications of beneficial microorganisms, such as phototrophic bacteria, yeast, lactic acid bacteria and actinomycetes. This technology is all natural, utilizing beneficial and effective microbes to repopulate environments with healthy microorganisms. It is a natural and organic technology that has been found to be useful in numerous ways to benefit mankind,
including:
- Human health
- Eco-friendly cleaning
- Waste management and recycling
- Environmental remediation
- Odor control
- Sustainable agriculture and gardening
- Livestock and pet health
The concept behind beneficial and effective microorganisms was pioneered
by Dr. Teuro Higa, at the University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. This natural
pro-bacterial technology has been in use around the world for over 20 years.
Dr. Higa has clearly stated his goal to make this technology available
for all of humankind: "it was not my intention to make EM technology
into a monopoly but rather to make it freely available to everyone"
(Higa, T., 1994, 'An Earth Saving Revolution') Subsequently, EM technology has been researched and developed
by academics worldwide, resulting in thousands of scientific papers and
case studies.
EM technology is an overarching term to describe a type of technology
using beneficial and effective microorganisms. There are over 80 strains of
microorganisms that have been identified as having beneficial characteristics
and there are innumerable combinations of these species to create different
formulas. The number of strains utilized, the levels at which they are used in a
formula, temperature, and use of other ingredients creates unique formulas.
