Effective Microorganisms
Effective Microorganisms (有用・微生物群, "Yūyō・Biseibutsugun") or EM is a technique first coined by Dr. Teruo Higa (比嘉照夫博) of Japan. It has since become an organization with affiliates worldwide. Unfortunately not all products are available in all countries.
In essence he realized that there are three general forms of soil microbes involved with the process growing plants. So he went to different areas around the world collecting soil samples from the esteemed agricultural areas. In turn combining the three classes of microbes from his samples. This new mixture was then combined with special compost to create EM-Bokashi (EMぼかし). Bokashi (ぼかし) is an old vernacular word in Japanese that infers a medicinal compost.
When the EM-Bokashi is applied to the garden soil dramatic results may be realized for the harvest season. Even more amazing is the application of EM-Bokashi to soils that are not fertile or denuded in some other way. In a remarkably short time the soil is productive.
Over the years this process has been expanded and refined. The three microbe classes maybe applied independently of one another (EM-1, EM-2, EM-3) and EM-5 (Stochu) for different needs in the agricultural and orcharding operations. Usually as a foliar spray activator. EM-FPE is used as a fertilizer.
In Japan they market special composting bins to cycle the EM for personal use. The technique used is very similar to traditional methods of vinegar production or the antique way of producing kombucha or kvass.
The EM is used in the home like an enzymatic disinfectant for the bath and kitchen, as well as for disinfection of the septic system, as a natural drain cleaner, and to reduce the biosolids in sewage treatment. The process is akin to the use of peptidases and ureases for proteolytic degradation. EM has now been impregnated into ceramic disks as a surfactant for laundry and water purification.
In fact whole towns in Kyoto Prefecture, using EM technology, are running on biogas from household organic matter. See Kyoto Protocol.
Recently it has been realized that these same microbes are the same as that in our beneficial intestinal flora. Thus EM-X is used internally with great results for intestinal problems like cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, IBS, and for liver cancer. Recently there has been a PRO-EM1 (probiotic) released into the health markets.
The EM Research Organization, EMRO, has also empoyed the use of its EM-Technology in the relief efforts of the tsunami ravaged Thailand in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake. EM treatments were sprayed along the beaches to prevent the spread of disease pathogens from all the decaying bodies.
There is EM Jojoba Soap and EM Rejuvenating Salt.
EM-Z is for the automotive industry.
Books
"英語版 地球を救う大変革 - An Earth Saving Revolution I", trnsl. Anja Kanal (1996) Sunmark Publ., ISBN 4763191578 {in English}
"英語版 地球を救う大変革〈2〉- An Earth Saving Revolution II", trnsl. Anja Kanal (1998) Sunmark Publ., ISBN 4763192140 {in English}
"Nature Farming and Microbial Applications", by Hui-Lian Xiu, J.F. Parr, ISBN 156022083X
"EM-Xが生命を救う―医師が実証する大いなる治癒力", 田畑茂 "Dr. Shigeru Tanaka" ISBN 4763194763
External Links