Volume -1, Issue-4 (October-December), 2013 Available online at popularkheti.info

Transcription

1 Popular Kheti Volume -1, Issue-4 (October-December), 2013 Available online at popularkheti.info E. M. Technology and It s Impact in Organic Horticulture Issue Special on Organic Farming ISSN: (4) 2013 Mahesh G. G Bhoyar 1*, Omkar Gavkare 2, S. Vikas Ghumare 1, Kachi Babita 1, Dilip Singh Kachawaya 1 1 Dept. of Fruit science, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh, , India 2 Dept. of Entomology, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh, , India * of corresponding c author: mahesh.bhoyar@gmail.com E.M. is totally organic mixed cultures of beneficial naturally fermentative microorganisms that can be applied to increase the necessary microbial diversity in soil. The application of EM technology in horticulture has brought revolution in the field of floriculture, fruit science, crop husbandry and land reclamation. Introduction Increase in horticulture production is the priority need to meet the food requirements of population. The excessive use of inorganic fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides for maximizing crop yield resulted in deterioration of physical and biological health of the agricultural lands. This necessitated the inclusion of legume-cereal rotations & green manuring, use of organic manures, leaving fallow lands for the reclamation of physical properties and desirable soil microorganisms for nutrient mobilization and plant uptake. The situation has been further influenced alongwith the accumulation of salts on the plough layer in the cultivated lands, reducing the crop yield reasonably. The adaptation of mechanized cultivation reduced the production of farmyard manure as the animals at the farm have been minimized. Generally the farming community is not practicing the cultivation of green manure crops just because of shortage of irrigation water and time interval available between two crops. The situation has become a serious threat and it is presently imperative to understand the role of soil micro-flora and fauna in maintaining sustainable crop productivity. Recently, work done by Prof. Dr. Teruo Higa, University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan is commendable and worth mentioning. He developed the 1 st batch of Effective Microorganisms, which eventually called E.M. in 1980s. The application of EM Technology in horticulture has brought revolution in the field of floriculture, fruit science, crop husbandry and land reclamation. Recently, the use of EM Technology has helped to control pollution caused by the sewage as well as Industrial wastes. (Higa, 1991; Higa and Wididana, 1991) Popular Kheti ISSN:

2 What is Effective Microorganisms (E.M.) E.M.is totally organic mixed cultures of beneficial naturally fermentative microorganisms that can be applied to increase the necessary microbial diversity in soil. It is a combination of various useful, natural microorganisms mostly used or found in food produced through a natural process of fermentation and not chemically synthesized or genetically engineered. It is generally available in a form of liquid concentrate. What does EM contain? EM is an organic blend of unique microorganisms that when combined together create a beneficial effect on the environment on which they are applied. The principal microorganisms in EM are: Photosynthetic Bacteria (Rhodopseudomonas onas spp.): The photosynthetic or phototropic bacteria s are a group of independent, self-supporting microbes. These bacteria s synthesize useful substances which secrets from roots, organic matter or harmful gases (hydrogen sulphide) with the use of sunlight and heat of soil as source of energy. The useful substances developed by these microbes includes aminoacids, nucleic acid, bioactive substance and sugars, all of which promote plant growth and development. Lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus spp.): Lactic acid bacteria produce lactic acid from sugars and other carbohydrates, developed by photosynthetic bacteria and yeast. Lactic acid is a strong sterilizing compound and suppresses harmful microorganisms and enhances decomposition of organic matter. Moreover, Lactic acid bacteria promote the fermentation and decomposition of materials such as lignin and cellulose, thereby removing undesirable effects of undecomposed organic matter. Lactic acid bacteria have the ability to suppress diseaseinducing microorganisms such as Fusarium, which occurring continuous cropping programme. Yeast: Yeast synthesize anti-microbial and other useful substances required for plant growth from amino acids and sugars secreted by photosynthetic bacteria, organic matter and plant roots. The bioactive substances such as hormones and enzymes produced by yeasts promote active cell and root division. The following are some of the beneficial influences of EM: Promotes germination, flowering, fruiting and ripening in plants. Improves physical, chemical and biological environments of the soil and suppresses soil borne pathogens and pests. Enhances the photosynthetic capacity of crops. Popular Kheti ISSN:

3 Ensures better germination and plant establishment. Increases the efficacy of organic matter in a form of fertilizers. What Precautions to be Taken? (1) EM is a living thing: EM is completely different from chemical fertilizers or agrochemicals. EM does not work when applied in the same manner as chemical fertilizers or agrochemicals. It is important to note that EM increases population of beneficial microbes in the soil. (2) Use good quality water: It is important to use good quality water when watering crops, diluting EMI and preparing Bokashi. Using polluted water (high BOD, low DO) causes infection of pests and diseases, reduction of yields and crop quality. (3) Storage of diluted solution: It is desirable to utilize diluted EMI solutions within 3 days. Storage information: Store EMI up to 6 months in a closed container, in a cool and dark place, it should not be stored in refrigerator. How Does EM Work? EM works by naturally manufacturing beneficial substances to enhance plant growth. The unique mixture of EM creates amino acids, nucleic acids, bioactive substances and sugars, all of which promote plant growth and development. The metabolites developed by these microorganisms are then absorbed directly into plants and act as substrates for increasing beneficial populations. Lactic acid bacterium promotes the decomposition then fermentation of organic material, thereby removing the unpleasant smells associated with decomposing organic matter. The bioactive substances derived from the mixture, such as hormones and enzymes, promote active cell and root division. How to Look After EM? As EM is a living culture of microorganisms, it should be looked after to maximize the shelf life so: Keep EM in an airtight container Keep stored EM out of direct sunlight Store EM at room temperature Keep EM away from chemicals The quality of EM can be checked by testing ph levels. The optimum ph levels should be between 3.7 and 4. The simplest way of checking EM is to smell it: when good it should have a sweet and sour aroma. If EM smells unpleasant then dispose of it, it has gone off and should not be used. Popular Kheti ISSN:

4 How to Prepare EM EM-1 can be used immediately by diluting with clean water. However, it is better to be mixed with equal parts molasses or sugar and then applied i.e. 1 part molasses/sugar, 1 part EM-1 and 100 parts clean water. This is a 1:1:100 ratios. Adding a sugar source adds a direct boost to the microorganisms and provides instantaneous food for them. Molasses as the sugar source can be used (Anonymous 2013a). Activating EM-1 EM-1 should be activated by adding water and Liquid Cane Sugar (A+) at the rate of one part EM-1, one part molasses and twenty parts of water. 1:1:20 (Anonymous 2013b). EM Activated Recipe Ingredients for 1 Liter of EM Active (EMA): 50 ml EM-1, 50 ml Molasses (A+ Liquid Cane Sugar) and 900 ml Water = 1 liter EM Activated (EMA). Method: Always use clean equipment and additive free water. Take a 1 liter measure and half-fill the measure with hot water from a boiled kettle. Then dissolve 50 ml of A+ molasses in the warm water, stirring well to ensure the molasses is dissolved. Stir the 50 ml of EM-1 into the solution and stir well ensuring that the EM-1 and molasses mixes well. Pour the solution into a plastic container (Not glass due to pressure build up) and seal the top with a lid. Gas will be produced during the fermentation process so a mean of gas escape is necessary. An airlock as used by winemakers is ideal if you are making a larger amount. Alternatively loosen the lid on a daily basis to allow the gas to escape. Place the container in a warm, not hot place to ferment. You will need to release the produced fermentation gas by loosening the lid every day, or just leave the lid slightly loose so that the gas can escape. After seven days you will have a full strength bottle of EMA. EM has many significant benefits when used in gardening and horticulture and there are no health and safety issues in using EM. The continued use of EM significantly reduces any dependence on chemical fertilizers and improves plant growth naturally. This is factual, there have been many scientific studies that show EM will promote germination, will improve plant growth, and will produce bigger and tastier crops. Studies have also shown that EM increases the breakdown of organic matter and augments its effectiveness as a natural fertilizer. EM also helps plants develop natural resistance against pests and diseases and continued use of EM will improve the physical structure and biological environment of the soils, making it resistant to soil borne pests and pathogens. Crops grown with EM will also have a longer shelf life. Popular Kheti ISSN:

5 EM improves soil naturally and the more organic matter that can be incorporated into the soil helps to make the soil more productive. There are basically three types of soil: Disease inducing i soil oil: Soils having a high population of disease causing microbes that allows the larvae of pests to develop. The addition of organic matter to the soil produces an offensive smell and plants grow poorly due to the conditions. Disease suppressive soil s oil: Disease causing organisms do not survive in this type of soil as naturally occurring microorganisms provide the means to control the environment. The addition of organic matter to the soil produces a pleasant smell and the organic matter is incorporated quickly into the soil. Plants grow in this soils, however crop yields vary. Zymogenic soils oils: Soils that contains zymogenic organisms such as lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The addition of organic matter to the soil produces a pleasant smell and the organic matter is incorporated quickly into the soil. This soil has good characteristics and good water retention abilities. The natural nutrient available promotes strong growth in plants. EM Application in i Organic Horticulture EM can be used to inoculate plants, water and soil in various ways to achieve beneficial results. EM can be sprayed on soil as a pre-planting treatment, used to inoculate seeds, bulbs or transplants, and applied to growing crops as a foliar spray or through irrigation systems. EM is beneficial in growing nursery crops, container-grown plants, and even in hydroponics. EM can be applied to cover crops and green manures during growth and upon incorporation into the soil the EM will help the green manure to be absorbed into the soil. EM applied to pastures will produce good results and after crops are harvested, an application of EM will help to breakdown crop residues for incorporation into the soil. EM assists grasses to grow and produces lovely lawns. The continued use of EM eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Pre-planting has been shown to be the most effective time for applying EM as it prepares the soil for planting and gives a boost to plants and increased germination of seeds. Between two to three weeks before planting, apply a solution of EM and water to the soil at a 1:100 dilution rate. Then for most crop applications, EM-1 or EMA is diluted with water at a ratio of one part EM to 500 parts of water and applied at monthly intervals. However, do not apply EM at the same time as chemical pesticides or fungicides as these may affect EM. It is always best to start on a small scale and experiment with EM to determine the best methods and ratios for specific locations. EM can be applied as a spray, drench or introduced into an irrigation system. It has been proven that soaking seeds in a solution of EM before planting increases seed viability and produces strong healthy plants. Dilute EM with water at a 1:1000 dilution and soak the seeds in Popular Kheti ISSN:

6 the solution for minutes only. Plant immediately or air dry and plant as required. This also works with bulbs add the bulbs to the solution and leave for ten minutes air dry or plant as required. With transplants dip the roots into the solution and plant as normal. Conclusion The use of EM-Active in the horticulture means that artificial fertilizers and pesticides can be done away with. The EM solution ensures bigger & better crops, healthier plants and flowers and is ultimately cost effective. EM will improve the structure of the soil, increase its fertility and radically improve biological diversity. EM will suppress soil borne pathogens, both through their direct action and the pro biotic substances they reduce. EM works by being dominant over other soil microbes. As a result, this encourages the bulk of the other microbes in the soil to follow them and in doing so suppress the activity of the smaller group of negative or opportunistic microbes. References Anonymous. 2013a. Accessed Anonymous. 2013b. Accessed at ActivatedBokashiEM5 EM5.pdf Higa Teruo and James Parr Beneficial and Effective Microorganisms for a Sustainable Agriculture and Environment.. Atami, Japan: International Nature Farming Research Center. pp. 7. Higa T Effective microorganisms: A biotechnology for mankind.p In J.F. Parr, S.B. Hornick, and C.E. Whitman (ed.) Proceedings of thefirst International Conference on KyuseiNature Farming. U.S. Department of Agriculture,Washington, D.C., USA. Higa T and Wididana GN The concept and theories of EffectiveMicroorganisms. p In J. F. Parr, S.B. Hornick, and C.E. Whitman(ed.) Proceedings of the First International Conference on Kyusei Nature Farming, U.S. Department of Agriculture,Washington, D.C., USA. Popular Kheti ISSN: