Effective microorganism for ecological farming

By Our Agriculture Correspondent

IT IS a well established fact that various beneficial biological organisms, such as a host of soil micro-organisms and earthworms, contribute significantly in boosting crop growth. Several biofertilizers, Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae, benign micro nematodes are being now popularized by the State agricultural universities, departments of agriculture, agricultural cooperatives and some private agencies.

A wide range of ecologically-sound, growth promoting biological formulations and simple and low-cost biotechnology are available to the organic farmers. One of the promising biotechnologies is the ``effective microorganisms'' technology developed by Professor Teruo Higa of Japan. In his pursuit to identify a microbial species that could boost agricultural and horticultural production, Prof. Higa stumbled on an efficient culture of composite microorganisms in the 1970's.

The mixed culture of beneficial microorganisms was found to be more effective in boosting crop growth than any of its constituent species acting in isolation. He named this group of beneficial organisms, consisting of almost hundred organisms as ``Effective microorganisms'' (EM).

Since then he developed various cultures and tested them over different crops. It had been used extensively in waste water treatment, and in animal husbandry as well.

``The liquid culture of EM consists mainly of lacto bacillus, photosynthetic bacteria, yeast, fungi and actinomycetes. EM technology is well tested, and it is being used in ninety countries. In all the countries, EM is produced from locally- available microbes. It is now becoming popular in India since last year,'' says Dr. Lucas Dengel, of Auroannam, Grace at Auroville near Pondicherry.

The use of EM in agriculture and horticulture has not only resulted in increased yields, but also in improved quality and increased shelf-life of the produce, according to Dr.Dengel. In EM farming practices, special recipes are prepared to manage pests and diseases. EM application demands liberal addition of organic residues as these microbes feast on ``carbon'', and the organic wastes also encourage the synergy of all aerobic and anaerobic organisms.

Generally, the use of ``EM bokashi'', which is an EM fermented mixture made with rice bran, is recommended for boosting the activity of the microorganisms in the soil.

Detailed schedules for optimal use of EM to major cereals, vegetables and other commercial crops have been worked out. It was found that EM counteracts rot, odour and rust, and it led to its increased application treating wastes, he said.

EM technology has also been tried in dairy, poultry and aquaculture. A number of recipes and application schedules have been developed.

The results have been quite encouraging. ``In Auroville, we used EM in a small dairy and found the beneficial effect striking, and convincing within a few weeks of its use.

Bad odour and flies were controlled, and general health of the cattle improved.

Festering wounds, which defied various kinds of treatments, were healed, and the milk yield increased by 13 per cent,'' observed Dr. Dengel..

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