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EM-1 Microbial Inoculant

How to use EM-1®

Who Invented EM-1?

EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms) was invented by Professor Teruo Higa, a Japanese agricultural scientist. Professor Higa developed EM-1 in the 1980s while he was a professor at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan. His invention of EM-1 mar

What Does EM-1 Mean?

EM-1 stands for "Effective Microorganisms-1." It is a specific formulation of naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms. The term was coined by Professor Teruo Higa, who developed EM-1 in the 1980s. EM-1 is a liquid concentrate that contains a mi

What are EM-1 Microorganisms?

EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms-1) contains a specific blend of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms are naturally occurring and are not genetically modified. The primary groups of microorganisms in EM-1 include:. Lactic Acid Bacteria: Thes

What is EM-1 Microbial Soil Amendment?

EM-1 Microbial Soil Amendment is a liquid probiotic for plants and soil, developed to enhance the natural processes within the soil ecosystem. The term "EM" stands for Effective Microorganisms®, a concept and technology introduced by Japanese scienti

What is EM-1 Used For?

EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms-1) is used for a variety of purposes, primarily in the fields of agriculture, gardening, environmental management, and waste treatment. Its main uses include:. Soil Enhancement in Agriculture and Gardening: EM-1 improve

How Do You Activate EM-1?

Activating EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms-1) is a process of expanding it to increase the volume and make it more economical for use. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to activate EM-1:. Clean Container: Use a container large enough to hold the fina

What Smell, Color, and pH Indicate that EM-1 is Still Good for Use?

Smell: EM-1 should have a sweet, sour, or mildly fermentative aroma. It should not have an offensive or significantly unpleasant odor. Color: The color of EM-1 is usually a dark brown. It's important to note that slight variations in color can occur

What is the Best Way to Store EM-1?

To ensure the effectiveness and longevity of EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms), it should be stored properly following these guidelines:. Temperature Control: Store EM-1 in a cool and stable temperature environment. Ideally, the storage temperature sho

Is EM-1 Safe?

Yes, EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms) is generally considered safe for use. EM-1 is a naturally derived product containing a mix of beneficial microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria. These microorganisms are c

Is EM-1 Lactic Acid?

No, EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms) itself is not lactic acid, but it does contain lactic acid bacteria as one of its key components. EM-1 is a liquid probiotic mixture that includes various types of beneficial microorganisms. Among these are lactic

Is EM-1 a Fertilizer?

EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms-1) is not a fertilizer in the traditional sense. Instead, it is classified as a microbial inoculant or biofertilizer. Here's what distinguishes EM-1 from conventional fertilizers:. Microbial Content: EM-1 consists of a

Can You Use EM-1 in Hydroponics?

Yes, EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms-1) can be used in hydroponic systems. EM-1 is beneficial in hydroponics for enhancing the microbial environment, which can improve plant growth and health. Here are some guidelines on how to use EM-1 in hydroponic

What is the Difference Between EM-1 and Bokashi?

EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms-1) and Bokashi are both related to the concept of using beneficial microbes, but they serve different purposes and are used in different ways:. EM-1. Nature: EM-1 is a liquid microbial inoculant, a concentrated solution

How Often Should You Use EM-1?

The frequency of using EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms-1) depends on its intended application. Here's a general guide for different uses:. Soil Treatment: Apply EM-1 diluted in water to the soil approximately once every week or two. During periods of

Mixing EM-1 with Organic Fertilizer

Mixing EM-1® with organic fertilizers is safe and won’t hurt the microbes.  Apply to the soil not to the leaves unless the manufacturer of the fertilizer advises differently. If you are using any chemical fertilizers, wait unless 1 day before applyin

EM-1® and Trees

We recommend applying 25 gallons per acre per year for trees. It is best to divide this amount out as much as possible. Most farms irrigate on a 10-day cycle. Therefore, we have people spread the 25 gallons per acre out by each irrigation. We also

How can EM-1® be used to treat blight in tomatoes?

Tomato blight refers to two main diseases caused by different fungi: early blight (caused by Alternaria solani) and late blight (caused by Phytophthora infestans). While there is no complete "cure" for plants already severely infected by these diseas

Orchids & African Violets

EM-1 can be used on all plants. Specifically, for orchids dilute a little less than 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) EM1 Garden per quart of water. Apply wkly as a pot drench. You do need to continue to fertilize the plants with regular fertilizer as EM-1 does

Can you recommend any way to get rid of the jumping worms? Are they really bad for the soil?

Why are Jumping Worms bad?   Jumping worms turn rich organic soil into small crumbles that resemble coffee grounds. This depletes nutrients, disturbs the soil fungi and decreases the water-holding ability of soils. All this impacts the health and

How can EM-1® help with Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes?

Blossom End Rot: Blossom end rot is a common tomato plant issue caused by a calcium deficiency. Tomatoes will begin to rot from the bottom and make the inside of the fruit mealy and inedible. Although lack of calcium in the soil may be the issue, it

How to use EM-1® for better seed germination.

Use EM-1® to treat your seeds before planting. EM-1® can be used on any seed before planting. Be sure the seeds are not already pre-treated with synthetic antimicrobials or fungicides as this can kill the microorganisms in EM-1® . High-quality

Can I drink EM-1 or Activated EM-1 instead of ProEM-1?

Activated products are never safe for human consumption, as the activation is likely not done in a food grade lab.

How does EM-1® handle hot/cold temperatures?

EM-1 does great in high temperatures. When applying to leaf surface as a foliar, it is best to wait until evening or early morning. The product should not be stored in direct sunlight or left to freeze. The microbes in EM-1® do not survive when froze

What are the white flakes on my EM-1® or ProEM-1®?

The white flakes are the beneficial yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and are perfectly normal.

What is the storage, shelf life and viability of EM-1®

EM-1 Shelf Life or Expiration: EM-1 generally has a shelf life 9-10 months.   If stored properly and kept airtight EM can last long after the expiration date and will still not do any harm to plants or drains if disposed of after date. Test the PH of

Are there any mushrooms used in making the EM-1?

No mushrooms or mushroom bi-products are used in the manufacturing of our products, including EM-1®

Do weed killers affect EM-1® when applied on Lawns?

Most synthetic weed killers will kill the microbes, but as long as you are reapplying the EM-1® weekly you will be replacing the good microorganisms and creating a great soil environment. You will notice after consistent use of EM-1®, that you will b

Can EM-1 be mixed in a gallon of water that already has kelp meal in it and then used to water my plants? 

Yes, they work well together.

Once EM is diluted with water how long will it keep?

If simply mixing with water, use within 12-24 hours. If activating, use no later than 45 days.

Can EM-1 be used for Odor control?

EM-1 can be diluted to several different rates, generally 1:100 is the most often dilution used for odor control. Also see Apc500 for cleaning and odor control.

Is EM-1® OMRI Listed?

Yes, you can find our updated certificates on OMRI website here:   OMRI Certificates

How do I know if EM-1® is working for my vegetable garden?

1. You can do soil tests and see that pH will be more regulated 2. You can carefully pull out a few and see the stronger root system 3. If this isn't your first garden you will notice less compact soil, more moisture retention and your product may

Can I consume EM-1 instead of Pro EM-1, is there less of a benefit?

We have to recommend Pro EM-1 for human consumption as it is approved for that use. However, many customers do take EM-1 instead, but we can't endorse that use. EM-1 is not harmful to animals or humans though and would be equally effective as a

What are the different benefits in using just EM-1, just Bokashi or both?

Ideally you should use both. Bokashi provides your soil with high quality rice bran to help with moisture retention, increase soil structure and provide nutrients. EM-1 can be used for a variety of uses. EM-1 adds microorganisms to your soil, is a

What is EM-1 Microbial Soil Amendment?

EM-1 Microbial Soil Amendment is a liquid probiotic for plants and soil, developed to enhance the natural processes within the soil ecosystem. The term "EM" stands for Effective Microorganisms®, a concept and technology introduced by Japanese scienti

Does the pH of my water matter when diluting or activating EM-1?

No, you do not need to make any adjustments to any water used to dilute or activate. But you will need to check pH when activating. 

Can I use EM-1 with Bokashi for Composting?

Activated EM-1 can be used in addition to Bokashi in composting, especially in compost tumblers or piles, however it is best to only use Bokashi when using the airtight buckets for food waste as to not add more liquids.  Composting

EM-1 and Bokashi Combo for Worms:

For worms, many use EM-1 Microbial Inoculant to spray worm beds several times per week. The Bokashi food waste system can also be used once a bucket has finished fermenting. The fermented food waste can be put into worm bins. If the material is too

What is the pH of Bottled EM-1?

The pH of EM-1 Microbial Inoculant Soil Amendment when it's bottled is 3.3 - 3.45. If uncontaminated, it should stay the same pH throughout it's shelf life. Buy EM-1 Microbial Inoculant Soil Amendment