Effective Microorganisms
Edna M Weigel (eweigel@juno.com)
Thu, 16 Dec 1999 11:03:27 -0700
A friend gave me some information on EM supplied by EM
Technologies, Inc. in Tucson, AZ. According to their literature, at
least one of their foumulations is patented but they are a non-profit
organization. They credit Dr. Teruo Higa in Okinawa, Japan for
developing EM.
My reaction to reading their material was positive, but on the
skeptical side. I have no idea what the products cost, but other than a
possible hit to the wallet, I doubt if they do any harm (in contrast to
many other products a farmer can spend his money on). If they do nothing
but help a farmer/gardener resolve not to use biocides (which would kill
the EM's he/she paid good money for), they can be VERY valuable.
From a gardener's point of view, I wonder if the products they
sell supply anything a good organic soil won't already have, or that
can't be supplied by a good application of compost. On the other hand,as
they suggest, it might very well be useful on a sterile soil that has
previously been treated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. (Would
it be any better than compost?)
Part of my skepticism comes from their suggestion that, unless it
is necessary to economize, the soil be treated prior to planting, with
planting, every 3-4 weeks during growth, and when the residue is turned
under. If those organisims are so effective, why aren't they busy
reproducing themselves making re-inoculation unnecessary?
My friend is considering it for an institutional setting for
composting food waste and I can see some potential value simply in
letting the "commercial hype" convince the administrators they really can
compost. (I gather that technical support is available if they have
problems.) It might even make it easier for them to compost, which
certainly has value.
I wonder if any SANETers have experience or knowledge about EM
Technologies' various formulations.
I look forward to any information you might provide.
Sincerely,
Edna
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