Effective Microorganisms Technology (EM)

Abstract

This article presents Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology, developed by Japanese professor Teruo Higa in 1982, consisting of a combination of phototrophic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts that, upon contact with organic matter, secrete beneficial substances such as vitamins and antioxidants. The authors describe the specific functions of each microbial group and their applications in agriculture, animal production, solid organic-waste management (accelerating composting to a third of conventional time), and wastewater treatment. The text includes a practical guide for making homemade organic fertilizer using the Bokashi system, which combines kitchen waste with wheat bran or sawdust inoculated with EM.