Effective Micro-organisms

What is EM?

 

EM is the abbreviation for Effective Micro-Organisms. It is a combination of useful regenerated micro-organisms that exist freely in nature and are not manipulated in any way. EM is a unique microbial technology developed by Dr. Teruo Higa from Japan in the 1980's. This technology has gained rapid recognition and is now used in more than 160 countries around the globe and manufactured in more than 60 countries worldwide.

EM consists of many different kinds of effective, disease-suppressing micro-organisms. Each of these effective micro-organisms has a specific task. In addition, these micro-organisms enhance each other's working. This means that synergy occurs! This mixture has been shown to improve the natural resistance of soil, plants, water, humans, and animals.

Effective Micro-organisms, or EM is one of the most popular microbial technologies being used worldwide now and EM products have been on the market since 1983 in Japan. Throughout the world, EM applications are made in the farming, livestock, environmental clean-up (polluted waterways, lakes and lagoons), and health industries.

What EM is not, is harmful, pathogenic, genetically-engineered/modified (GMO), nor chemically-synthesized. Neither is EM a drug or fertilizer.

 

Riverside Community and EMnelson farmers market

For the last 5 years, Michel D'Hondt has been pioneering EM application at Riverside and producing EM based products for the local community. Following a residential stay at the Sarabundi Centre for EM research in Thailand, Michel has been maintaining a garden based on Nature Farm techniques and exploring ways of integrating EM techniques into traditional agriculture and horticulture. Michel D'Hondt produces EMA and bokashi at Riverside Community.

The possibilities and benefits in using EM are numerable and include the following;

 The recycling of kitchen waste and bokashi making.

  • Septic tank maintenance

  • Cleaning and suppression of household odours

  • Improving soil structure, increasing productivity and suppressing both disease and weeds in gardens.

  • Environmental management, especially water, air, and soil pollution;

  • In agriculture and horticulture, fruit and flower cultivation;

  • In animal husbandry and for all kinds of pets;

  • In fisheries, aquariums and swimming pools;

  • In personal bodily hygiene and for the prevention and treatment of health problems.

What microbes are in EM?


EM consists of the following three families of micro-organisms:

  1. Lactic acid bacteria: these bacteria are differentiated by their powerful sterilising properties. They suppress harmful micro-organisms and encourage quick breakdown of organic substances. In addition, they can suppress the reproduction of Fusarium, a harmful fungus.

  2. Yeasts: these manufacture anti-microbial and useful substances for plant growth. Their metabolites are food for other bacteria such as the lactic acid and actinomycete groups.

  3. Photosynthetic bacteria: these bacteria play the leading role in the activity of EM. They synthesize useful substances from secretions of roots, organic matter and/or harmful gases (e.g. hydrogen sulphide) by using sunlight and the heat of soil as sources of energy. They contribute to a better use of sunlight or, in other words, better photosynthesis. The metabolites developed by these micro-organisms are directly absorbed into plants. In addition, these bacteria increase the number of other bacteria and act as nitrogen binders.

 

Bokashi Bucket System

 

 The recycling of everyday kitchen waste has become a popular way of making   nutrient-rich compost by many keen gardeners. Unlike traditional methods of compost where the organic waste rots, the EM system ferments the kitchen waste inside the bucket. Because there is no rotting, there is no offensive smell which makes this system ideal for use in the kitchen. Bokashi is an organic bran which has been inoculated with EM Effective Micro-organisms. The effective micro-organisms have a detoxifying effect on the waste and exert antioxidants. The end product is a rich, fermented compost with a pro-biotic effect on your soil which ultimately makes your soil, and all that grows in it, less vulnerable to disease.

 

Bokashi Bucket sets are available at Riverside and come complete with 2 buckets, a set of detailed instructions and 1kg of bokashi bran. These sets are available for $50 each at Riverside Community or 2 sets for $85. A $15 discount is available for Tasman District residents under their Bokashi Composting scheme. For more information please contact the Michel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   035267033 ext.30

EM Products

Michel D'Hondt is passionate about EM and it implications for households, gardens and properties in New Zealand. He produces bokashi and EMA (expanded EM) which is available at wholesale prices through the Riverside office. 

   

    Bokashi 1kg - $10

    Bokashi 5kg - $40

 

    EMA - 3litre bladder $15

    EM Ceramics - $25

 

    Bokashi Bucket System - $50

    2x Bokashi Bucket System - $85