To improve soil fertility, farmers and owners of summer cottages use various methods, including products based on effective microorganisms. Before using EM preparations in the garden, it is worth understanding what they are and how to use them correctly in order to get the expected result. It must be remembered that such means are used in combination with other methods; only in this case will it be possible to improve the soil on the site.
What are EM drugs and their history
In recent years, more and more gardeners are giving preference to organic farming and using exclusively natural preparations in their dachas. The fertility of any soil depends not only on a sufficient amount of macro- and microelements in it, but also on the presence in the soil of beneficial bacteria that stimulate the functioning of soil microflora.
EM products are preparations that contain beneficial microorganisms. Such products contain fungi, yeast and bacteria, which help increase soil fertility and obtain a clean and rich harvest of fruit crops.
The first drug using EM technologies was invented by Japanese scientists in 1982 and was called “Kyussey EM1”. Later, similar products for enriching soil and increasing the immunity of cultivated crops began to be produced by manufacturers from different countries, including domestic companies.
Composition and principle of action
EM preparations contain various beneficial microorganisms, these are:
- fermenting mushrooms;
- nitrogen-fixing bacteria;
- yeast mushrooms;
- photosynthetic fungi;
- Actinomycetes bacteria.
Depending on the presence of beneficial microorganisms in a particular group, the product is used for:
- improving soil structure;
- accelerating the process of humus formation;
- enhancing plant photosynthesis;
- suppression of the activity of harmful microorganisms;
- increasing nitrogen fixation;
- stimulating the fastest germination of seed material;
- accelerating the decomposition of organic matter in the soil;
- stimulation of development and growth of crops.
What is it used for and how is it used?
After the working solution is prepared, it is used in gardening in several ways:
- for making compost;
- to improve the quality of soil and its composition;
- for pre-sowing stratification of seed material and processing of seedlings before planting in open ground;
- to destroy weeds;
- for feeding adult crops (both root and foliar);
- to start the process of decomposition of organic matter in cesspools and country toilets.
Depending on the purpose of application, the principle of use will differ:
- Soaking tubers and seed material. They are kept in the working solution for 2-10 hours before sowing into the ground.
- Processing of seedlings. The seedlings are sprayed before transplanting into open ground; the procedure is repeated after 10-14 days.
- Making compost. To create it, any organic waste is used, which is laid out in layers and irrigated with the working fluid of the EM preparation. This method allows you to speed up the ripening process of the fertilizer up to 1-3 months.
- Soil cultivation. EM preparations are used to enrich the soil both in the fall, after harvesting, and in the spring, before planting. You can also add the working solution to the wells. To increase the efficiency of microorganisms, it is recommended to apply the product under a layer of mulch.
Preparation of EM preparations
To activate the product, several factors are used - light, air, humidity or increased air temperature. Before use, it is enough to dilute the store-bought product with warm water in the concentration specified in the instructions from the manufacturer.
Precautionary measures
EM preparations are classified as organic substances, and therefore do not pose a danger either to humans or to honey-bearing insects and inhabitants of water bodies. When working with them, follow basic safety rules - wear work clothes and rubber gloves.
Terms and conditions of storage
Preparations based on beneficial bacteria have an unlimited shelf life, since the microorganisms in their composition are in a “dormant” form. However, to do this, you must follow the rules for storing funds. Keep EM preparations in a dark and cool room with air humidity no more than 60%.