Effective Microorganisms (EM™)

EM™ is a brand name for a series of products created in Japan over 25 years ago by Dr. Teruo Higa, professor of horticulture at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan. When applied, it can help to promote life, degrade toxic compound, and clean the environment.

It was first developed in 1982 as an alternative to chemicals in the field of agriculture. Through extensive research and experiments over time, EM™ became recognized as effective in various fields, including environmental remediation, composting organic waste, reducing odor in livestock operations, treating wastewater and many more.

EM•1® is a concentrated liquid containing many co-existing beneficial microorganisms. The major groups of these microorganisms are:

Lactic Acid Bacteria is a generic term for bacteria that convert large amounts of sugars into lactic acid through lactic acid fermentation. Through its production, lactic acid bacteria can help to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and other various microorganisms by lowering the pH. It is widely known in the production of fermented foods such as cheese and yogurt that can be naturally preserved for a long period of time. Ever since Louis Pasteur discovered lactic acid bacteria in 1857, it has been noted for its beneficial effects on health and longevity. Recent research indicates that besides regulating the intestines, lactic acid bacteria also are known for being involved in stimulating the immune response activity; lowering cholesterol; and for having a lowering blood pressure effect. 

Yeast – known as a fermentation starter, is a microorganism necessary for the brewing of alcohol and the making of bread. It was discovered by the Dutch merchant Antony Van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723), who first discovered the world of microorganisms. Taxonomically, yeast is a eukaryotic. It differs from fungus in that it generally is unicellular throughout its life. Within the microbial world it is a small group of microorganisms, yet it is essential for human life. Yeast live in sugar-rich environments such as in nectar and the surface of fruits. In EM•1®, yeast produces many biologically active agents such as amino acids and polysaccharides.

Phototrophic Bacteria (also known as photosynthetic bacteria) are an ancient type of bacteria in existence before the Earth had its present concentration of oxygen. As its name indicates, these bacteria utilize solar energy to metabolize organic and inorganic substances. Phototrophic bacteria exist in rice fields and lakes, and everywhere on Earth. In practical terms, the potential of phototrophic bacteria is particularly seen in the environmental fields. Because it decomposes organic materials well, among these applications is its use in wastewater treatment. It is also effective for application in agriculture, aquaculture, and animal husbandry. Phototrophic bacteria are involved in various metabolic systems, and play a major role in nitrogen cycling and carbon cycling. Because this role allows the other microorganisms in EM•1® to co-exist, phototrophic bacteria are the essential element of EM•1®. 

EM-1® is safe for humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Application is easy, and cost effective, because it does not require changes to the existing system.

EM Technology^TM is widely used in over 155 countries on 6 continents.