Effective Microorganisms in Aquaculture
Commercial aquaculture covers a variety of crops from vegetables to fish. The system designs vary from indoor systems to outdoor pond systems. Depending on the fish, the water may be fresh, brackish, or salt water. Another factor to consider is the evaporation rate.
EM-1/EM-A can be used in someone's pond or aquaculture system. The general problems that fish farms have are due to over-stocking of the farms and creation of excess ammonium nitrogen in the water. Basically, there is a population problem and too much wastes are causing the fish to be susceptible to diseases. The concentration of wastes increases microbial activity and drop dissolved oxygen in the ponds or tanks.
The application ratio for water applications are the same across the board, whether a fresh water pond or a stock pond. It is one part Activated EM-1 per 10,000 parts water in the system. Frequency of application varies according to the type of fish grown and the type of system being used. Sometimes a weekly application is done, alternating EM-5 with EM-1. Some pond systems are used year-round and not drained while others are cleaned on a rotating yearly basis. Fertilizing of these ponds is done and EM-1 can be mixed in with this initial fertilizer application to make a bio-available fertilizer and start the pond off with a strong culture of beneficial microbes.
Please review the shrimp paper for an full program used in shrimp farming. This program is used in several countries with much success.
Methodology for the Use of EM Technology in Shrimp Production in Ecuador
The use of EM technology for shrimp production was introduced in Ecuador during the year 2001. EM offers a simple and practical methodology that can be easily implemented in the different areas and methods of crustacean raising. This particular methodology was developed in Ecuador through a joint effort with El Rosario, Agearth Ecuador, and Sambito S.A.
Use of EM technology in shrimp production had been implemented in Costa Rica, Perú, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand, having promising results, basically on three parameters: survival percentage, feed conversion and better weekly growth. In addition, the entire shrimp environment (soil and water) is improved. When these parameters are better we, logically, get other benefits of production including: shorter cycle production, feed savings, disease and viral resistance, and other benefits resulting from a healthier growing environment.
EM technology bases its activity on the theory of co-existence and competitive exclusion. The philosophy of the EM creator, Prof. Dr. Teruo Higa, is to produce healthy food in harmony with the environment. This is achieved in a medium or long period of time balancing the constituents of the system where we live.
What are the EM Technology goals in aquaculture?
To create a friendly environment for the shrimp growth through the displacement of pathogenic microorganisms and diminishing stress factors, therefore, leading to a healthier operation. EM promotes the digestive process of wastes, preventing rotting. This directly reduces production costs and, most importantly, it does this while in harmony with the environment.
Preparing the EM-1 protocol for shrimp production
Before setting up the EM-1 Protocol for a shrimp farm it is necessary to analyse the production history, that will serve as a starting point, to make an efficient application of the product. Observe the following parameters:
Water quality: Source, pH, salinity, organic material and the dominant pathogens of the area. Investigate if the water supply was used in another activity and what chemical traces it may have. Water temperature and oxygenation are also important to take into consideration. It is useful and necessary to conduct a chemical and microbiological analysis of the reservoir, channel or any other source of the water used to fill the ponds. In the base of all these results the doses and advices are given.
Soil Quality: type of soil, mineral content, organic material percentage, pathogenic charge, quantity and type. A chemical and microbiological analysis of the soil of the pond is necessary.
Shrimp variety: it is important to know the variety or hybrid that are being used; to know the tolerance to diseases and environment. Take note of relevant information of the ponds to be treated with EM-1, in other words, a "historic/performance" of every pond. We can get to know how the production has behaved, survival percentage, feed conversion, and disease incidence; with the objective to set up reachable goals. Water, soil, and animal sources are the most important parameters, because they are controlled factors. These factors can be improved if we know the limitations and strengths.
Methodology development EM-1 activation
A mixture is prepared with 1 litre of EM-1, 1 litre of molasses, 20 litres of clean water (without the use of chlorine and/or any chemical residual), this is a EM-1 relation of 5% or 1:1:20 activation ratio. This mixture must be stored under totally anaerobic conditions and protected from direct sun light at temperatures preferred 25 - 40°C. The activation process it is done in about 5-7 days, during this time evaluate the pH or the mixture. The activated EM-1, (from know we will call it EM-A), is ready to be used when the pH is between 3.5-3.9 and must have a fermented smell similar to EM-1. The result of this activation is 22 litres of EM-A. The EM-1 activation is done at a 5%, and according to this formula another volume can be activated.
Water dilution and EM-A application on raceways EM-A to the water
The EM-A to use on raceways is at a 1:7000 relation, that will be applied divided during the days the shrimps stay in this place. For example, if the raceway has 70 TM (Metric Tons) and the shrimps are going to stay 25 days, the doses of the EM-A will be 450-500 ml (Millilitre) per day. This quantity of EM-A will be extended or diluted in 19.5 l of water, to homogenize the application. Nevertheless, these doses are referential; it will be changed due to measurable parameters, such as ammonia concentrations, animal charge, organic material, oxygen level and water exchange. Until the end of the cycle, the EM-A consumption will be 11.25-12.5 litres of, and this is 0.625 litres of EM-1.
Dilution and application of the EM-A on extensive systems.
Application of the EM-A extended to the pond soil
This type of application is done after the pond had been harvested and the water levels are totally down, and, of course, a new production cycle is starting.
Dilution of EM-A Solution
| Quantity | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 8 l | EM-A |
| 1 l | Molasses |
| 191 l | Pond Water |
The 200 l of the mixture are placed in a plastic tank and is fermented from 6 to 7 days nearby the pond easy access. After the seven day fermentation period, it is applied on the soil and the side walls (up to the full water level), covering this quantity per 1 hectare. The objective of this application is to inoculate the soil with the beneficial microorganisms that will start to distribute over the soil colloids, colonizing and displacing pathogens.
Bokashi application to the pond soil
Bokashi is a Japanese word that means "fermented organic matter". Japanese agricultors utilize organic material such as rice meal, soy cake, fish meal, and forest soil (for inoculants or efficient microorganisms). This type of fertilizer is used to improve the soil conditions, because when the diversity of microorganisms have grown, they work on the organic material decomposition, promoting biochemical process favourable for the development of other alive beings. For reasons of stability and quality control, EM-1 is used in place of forest soils.
Bokashi is applied to the pond with two objectives; first to inoculate beneficial microorganisms to the soil and second to nourish the soil with useful minerals for the growth of algae and phytoplankton that are the main feed for the shrimp on the first days on the pond. Besides, the Bokashi is a source of feed for the shrimp, analysis had shown that this type of fertilizer have between 10-15% of protein, depending on the raw material used.
The quality of the Bokashi depends on the materials used and is applied according the soil needs. The Bokashi doses per acre (0.4 hectare) are 600 kg, for shrimp farms that are starting with the EM technology. This dose is reduced for the second cycle to 500 kg/ha, and from the third cycle on is stabilized at 400-450 kg/ha.
Soils that have a good percentage of organic material (|2.5%) do not need a Bokashi application to the soil. But it is recommended to be applied at 250 kg/ha, fractionally applied to the water during the cycle.
It is important to note that the Bokashi (in the recommended quantities) do not supply entirely the needs of the soil, the levels of organic material on the majority of the soils on shrimp farms are extremely low. During the summer the environmental conditions make the growth of phytoplankton or primary feed very difficult. Our technicians, based on results from the last cycle, are recommending the use of inorganic fertilizers like sodium meta silicate or ammonium nitrate. This procedure is compatible with the protocol when the physiochemical conditions and biological of the area do not show any positive changes.
Application of calcium carbonate to the pond soil
Many people will ask if we are using microorganisms, why are we going to apply calcium carbonate? Because what we want to have is a regulated pH, especially if the soil is magnesium and calcium deficient. This calcium product is not abrasive; it is not going to cause any negative effect to the survival of the microorganisms inoculated. We have to take note that the proposed doses for our method are the regulations and not the elimination of micro organic. 200-250 kg/ha of calcium carbonate is the recommended doses (preferably 100 mesh).
Application of sodium pentahidratate metasilicate and triple super phosphate to the soil or fill up starting of the pond
It is crucial to start with a good soil preparation, for this reason we propose to reinforce the bio fertilizer properties of the organic substrate or Bokashi, with this we assure that the biochemical mechanisms that are in the medium are back up for a considerable quantity of beneficial microorganisms and stable ranges of silica in quelate state and super phosphate at a 1:3 ratio that is 2 kg/ha and 6 kg/ha. What do we want to achieve with this? Simply, a real reactivation of the pond soil using the work of the Bacteria-Nutrient and to reach excellent levels of plankton, mainly phytoplankton of the diatomite family offering a good primary food source for the shrimp.
Bokashi application to the pond water
Starting the second week after the post larvae stocking, start with bi-weekly applications of Bokashi to the water. The type of Bokashi to be applied to the ponds must be rich in proteins; the reason for this is to feed the shrimps and to inoculate the medium with beneficial microorganisms.
When the Bokashi is applied shrimps are not fed with the extruded feed, and the applied doses is 20-25 kg per hectare. The application system is similar to the feed system.
Extended EM-A use on the pond water
The application of the extended EM-A on the water column is necessary to dilute 8 l of EM-A + 8 kg of molasses + 190 l of water, let stand in a closed plastic tank for 5-6 days, on the pond border. Apply 200 l of the mixture per hectare of a pond.
Dilution of EM-A
| Quantity | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 8 l | EM-A |
| 8 l | Molasses |
| 191 l | Pond Water |
Let the mixture rest for 5-6 days.
The first application of extended EM-A to the water is done when the water level is up to 50% of normal height. After that, continuously applied with a weekly frequency during the cycle. The method to apply is siphoned or dispersed to guarantee the product will be evenly distributed on the bottom and surface of the pond.
Making an EM-5 solution
To make EM-5, you will need: EM-1, molasses, alcohol, water, and Vinegar. The combinations of these materials make a non-toxic repellent for living beings that tolerate alcohol. We can say that EM-5 works like a natural disinfectant having alcohol esters and phenols, but at levels of 5-7%. The proportions are followed:
| Quantity | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 20 l (10%) | EM-A |
| 20 l (10%) | Molasses |
| 20 l (10%) | Natural Vinegar |
| 20 l (10%) | Alcohol (95%) |
| 120 l (60%) | Water |
These ingredients are mixed homogeneously and stored at anaerobic conditions for a minimum of 5 days. After this time EM-5 is ready to use.
Application of EM-5 extended to the water
| Quantity | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 2 l | EM-5 |
| 98 l | Water |
This solution of EM-5 to the 2% is applied or distributed on 1 ha, using the siphon or dispersed system. The first application of EM-5 is done when the pond has 21 days of stocking, taking care that a first application must be done at least two days before stocking pl's.