How to use EM on crops and soils
EM-1 (or EM-A) can be used to accelerate the soil building process and promote beneficial microbial communities. The soil building process revolves around soil aggregate formation. Soil aggregates form as mineral and decomposed organic matter particles are bound together by microbial secretions that act as glues. Stable and well-formed soil aggregate is the key to overall soil function. EM-1 produces high levels of polysaccharides and other beneficial enzymes and organic acids that help build stable aggregate and soil structure. Increased aggregate stability prevents the pore spaces between the aggregates from collapsing during heavy, saturating rains and reduces compaction caused by machinery. Furthermore, improved soil aggregate stability reduces soil erosion and run-off. Soils are better able to absorb and retain moisture, as well as cycle nutrients.
The use of EM-1 to improve soil structure, organic matter management, and nutrient cycling compliments efforts to reduce reliance on mechanical and material inputs. Establishing EM-1 in soil ultimately results in increased profitability and sustainability.
The use of EM in arable farming is based on two important factors:
- EM-Bokashi (compost/manure) and EM-A liquid manure*
- Spraying with an EM-A solution
You can find these and many other EM related products in our onlineshop.
Manure and liquid manure treatment:
Add at least 1-2 l EM-A/m3 material (depending on the content) to the solid manure, preferably via the liquid manure drains. The addition of alkaline silicate rock meal with the largest possible surface area = 3 kg/m3 is recommended.
EM-Bokashi:
Spread EM-Bokashi on the fields and in a second procedure, the EM-A solution or EM-A liquid manure is sprayed on and subsequently worked in (approx. 5-10 cm) using a cultivator/disk harrows. These measures must take place at least 14 days before sowing or planting. The germination of weeds is also stimulated by the EM-Bokashi and EM-A solution spraying, therefore the weeds must be dealt with mechanically prior to sowing or planting (combing, chopping).
Soil enrichment:
1-2 times annually after the harvest or before sowing (winter and summer sowing) depending on the crop sequence.
| Quantity | Ingredients | |
|---|---|---|
| Min. 5-20t | EM-Bokashi (compost) depending on the organic substance content in the soil | per ha* |
| 3-5 kg | EM-X Super Cera C ceramic powder (depending on Bokashi quantity)** | |
| 100 kg | Ultra fine, alkaline silicate rock/basalt meal | |
| 30-60 l | EM-A | |
| 300-600 l | Water |
Regular spraying:
| Quantity | Ingredients | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg | EM-X Super Cera C ceramic powder | per ha* |
| 3 kg | Ultra fine, alkaline silicate rock/basalt meal | |
| 1 l | EM-5/EM-FPE (1:1) | |
| 30 l | EM-A | |
| 300 l | Water |
Straw rotting:
Per hectare:
Spray the chopped straw with 60 l of EM-A and as much water as possible, or spread 60 l EM-A with liquid manure (not in sunshine) and then work in immediately with a cultivator.
Spray 4-5 times during the growth phase.
Seed dressing / treatment:
Blend the seed with EM-A in a mixer and then add a mixture of:
3 parts ultra fine, alkaline silicate rock/basalt meal and 1 part EM-X Super Cera C ceramic powder until the seed can be poured.
Only apply using a well-cleaned sprayer (e.g. clean with activated carbon)!
Transplanting:
Water-in new transplants with a 1:750 EM-1/ water solution. EM-1 Agricultural can be added with other products, such as organic fertilizers, mineral supplements and compost teas during this process.
Cover Cropping:
Apply EM-1 as a foliar treatment at a 1:100 EM-1 / water dilution rate just before or after the cover crop is incorporated back into the soil. This is an important step to increase nutrient availability and humus production derived from the cover crop.
*Sprayer with running stirrer
**The less EM-Bokashi, the more EM-X Super Cera C ceramic powder