EM drugs: what they are and their use in horticulture, preparation

To improve the fertility of the soil, 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 funds are used in combination with other methods, only in this case it will be possible to improve the soil on the site.

What are EM drugs and their history

In recent years, more and more gardeners prefer organic farming and use only natural preparations in the country.The fertility of any soil depends not only on the sufficient amount of macro- and microelements in it, but also on the presence of beneficial bacteria in the soil that stimulate the work of soil microflora.

EM products are drugs that contain beneficial microorganisms. These products contain fungi, yeast and bacteria, which help to increase the fertility of the soil and obtain a clean and rich harvest of fruit crops.

The first drug using EM technology was invented by Japanese scientists in 1982 and was called Kyussei EM1. Later, manufacturers from different countries, including domestic firms, began to produce similar products for enriching the soil and increasing the immunity of cultivated crops.

Composition and principle of operation

The composition of EM preparations contains various beneficial microorganisms, these are:

fermenting mushrooms;
nitrogen-fixing bacteria;
yeast mushrooms;
photosynthetic fungi;
bacteria actinomycetes.

Depending on the presence of a particular group of beneficial microorganisms, the product is used for:

improving soil structure;
acceleration of the process of humus formation;
enhance plant photosynthesis;
suppression of harmful microorganisms;
increase nitrogen fixation;
stimulating the fastest germination of seed material;
accelerate the decomposition of organic matter in the ground;
stimulate the development and growth of crops.

As a result of the activity of beneficial bacteria, the amount of the harvested crop, the immunity of plants and the keeping quality of fruits during storage in winter increase. One preparation may contain microorganisms of one group, or several. They are in an inactive form, so the funds have a long shelf life. Before use, the bacteria must be "awakened". So, once in the ground, they will begin their work.

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 composting;
to improve soil quality and composition;
for pre-sowing stratification of seed material and processing of seedlings before planting in open ground;
for weed control;
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 use, the principle of use will be different:

Soaking tubers and seeds. They are kept in the working solution for 2-10 hours before sowing into the ground.
Processing seedlings. Spray seedlings before transplanting into open ground, repeat the procedure after 10-14 days.
Composting. 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 process of maturation of the fertilizer up to 1-3 months.
Tillage. EM preparations are used to enrich the soil both in autumn, after harvesting, and in spring, before planting. You can also add working solution to the wells. To increase the efficiency of microorganisms, it is recommended to apply the agent under a layer of mulch.

Preparation of EM drugs

To activate the product, several factors are used - light, air, humidity or an increase in air temperature. Before use, it is enough to dilute a store-bought product with warm water at the concentration indicated in the manufacturer's instructions.

Precautions

EM preparations are organic substances, therefore they do not pose a danger to humans, honey-bearing insects and water inhabitants. When working with them, they adhere to elementary safety rules - they 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 "sleeping" form.However, for this you must follow the rules of storage of funds. Keep EM preparations in a dark and cool room with air humidity not more than 60%.