EM (Effective Microorganisms) was originally developed as a soil microbial inoculant in1982, based on concept that crops grow healthily by nurturingthe soil without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Its range of application, since then, has expanded to animal husbandry, aquaculture, garbage treatment, and sanitation. EM has especially been proven to be very effective in improving water quality.
The Earth Exists in the Sea of Microorganisms
Some microorganisms are beneficial to human beings (good microbes), while others are harmful (bad microbes). if milk is left in a room, for example, putrefactive (bad) microorganisms willy occupy it, making the milk poisonous to us. on the other hand, if lacitc acid bacteria (fermentative bacteria which are good for us) occupy it, it will become yogurt or cheese.
Depending on whether good or bad microorganisms become predominant, water, soil, or living organisms change toward vitalization or decay. Therefore, microorganisms have a great influence on nature and its products. It is said that more than 100 trillion microorganisms exist on and in a human body. A fist holds 6 billion microorganisms, the same population as human beings on thr globe. The number of microorganisms on the earth is just astronomical. We are living in the sea of microorganisms.
EM is Safe
EM contains various good microorganisms, such as photosynthetic (phototrophic) bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts. They are naturally occuring microorganisms beneficial to human beings and used for making fermented food, such as bread, soybean paste, cheese, yogurt, and wine.
Fermented filamentous fungi and Gram-positive actinomyctes are also in EM, and become active in suitable environments.
When applied to soil or water, EM activates the existing good microorganisms. EM is like a cheerleader for good microorganisms, and can coorperate with useful microorganisms existing anywhere in the world.
EM has been proven to be nontoxic through tests on rice fish for acute activity and on mice and minnows for chronic toxicity. Besides, since its first developement more than 20 years ago, EM has been introduced to over 116 countries and over 500 municipalities in Japan, with no reports of adverse effects. (as of 2003)
EM Natural Technology from Japan
The concept behind beneficial and effective microorganisms was pioneered by Dr. Teruo 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.
- Human Health
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning
- Waste Management and Recycling
- Environmental Remediation
- Odor Control
- Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening
- Livestock and Pet Health
