Crop and Soil

EM-1®  Microbial Inoculant 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.

Many nutrients are held in the top layers of soil due to the cation exchange capacity (CEC). The CEC increases as aggregate formation mature because the aggregate are providing the surface area for the nutrients to adsorb or stick to (not absorb). EM-1® efficiently breaks down organic matter into stable humus, a key component to aggregate formation, by reducing oxidative forces that primarily rob the soil of Carbon and Nitrogen in the form of methane and ammonium gases, respectively. This is achieved from a reduction of available Hydrogen ions due to a favorable change of organic acid composition and concentration in the soil. The result is that a greater amount of organic matter is converted to humus, aiding in aggregate formation.

Nitrate is an anion (not involved in CEC), and is prone to leach into the sub-soil if not readily used, and becomes part of amino acid chains.  Amino acids are not negatively charged and can be utilized as plant food over a long period of time. EM-1® helps to improve Nitrogen cycling at two points. First, when EM-1® creates a reducing environment as raw organic nitrogen is decomposed eventually into nitrate ,reducing the amount of mineralization of Nitrogen and Carbon.  Second, when forming amino acids that provide a slow release food source for  plants.

Added Benefits:
The benefits of EM-1® Microbial Inoculant are not just limited to direct soil applications. The foundation of a healthy plant is healthy soil.  Crop quality standards can be strict and EM-1® foliar applications can be an important technique to improve crop quality and consistency. EM-1® foliar treatments help build leaf, stem, fruit, and flower tissue. Airborne diseases spread from plant to plant by wind, rain, and insects. EM-1® can significantly improve the plant's ability to fend off these disease vectors by reducing the space and moisture available to the pathogens on the plant surface. Improved crop sizing, consistency, post-harvest shelf life, color, flavor, and density are all benefits of foliar treatments. Results will vary depending on the crop. Spraying  crops with EM-1® Microbial Inoculant™ on a regular basis will improve overall crop quality during harvest and maintain quality during storage and pack-out.

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® Microbial Inoculant™ in soil ultimately results in increased profitability and sustainability.

***Note to first time users: It is important to apply EM-1® Microbial Inoculant consistently the first year to establish the cultures in soils. Once EM-1® is thoroughly established it works with reduced dependency.***

Summary:

1. Maximize the conversion of organic matter into stable humus and the efficiency of C and N cycling in the soil.
2. Improve crop consistency and post harvest quality.
3. Resistance to soil compaction and erosion due to improved soil structure and aggregate stability.
4. Promote the native beneficial microbial populations that naturally occur in your soils.