EM America

Equipment

Application Equipment Consideration
Best results are achieved when foliar sprays are finely atomized with a drifting mist. Any piece of equipment listed below will suit this purpose.

Orchard Fan Spray Rig	Both 3-point type and larger pull-behind PTO units work well (usually used for large acreage applications)
Boom-Type Sprayers	Some advantage can be gained by increasing sprayer pressure, tilting the nozzles back to a 45º angle to allow the spray to drift onto the plants.
Backpack Leaf Blower with Liquid Attachment	Good for applications from backyard up to 5 acres. Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site
Hand Pump Sprayer	Backpack units designed for up to 90 psi are good for backyard gardens up to 1 acre.
Electrostatic Sprayer	Units impart a charge to the spray particles, causing them to adhere more readily to plants.

Tips

When to Foliar Spray:

• Some of the most effective foliar feeding is done late in the evening or in the early dawn, when temperatures are mild and wind is minimal.
• When wind is minimal, finely atomized sprays drift readily.
• Absorption is further enhanced when weather conditions are humid and moist. The presence of dew on the leaves facilitates foliar feeding.
• Absorption is improved when sprays also reach and coat the undersides of leaves where the majority of the plant's stomata are located.

When NOT to foliar Spray:

• When the air temperature is 80ºF or higher, absorption is very poor because plants stomata are closed.
• When the readings of the air temperature and the humidity are added together and equal 135 or higher.
• Avoid spraying during the height of solar indexing (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

For Best Results:

• Be certain to read all product labels and do test jars if uncertain.
• A surfactant added to the solution decreases surface tension on the leaf and facilitates absorption.
• Take note of possible physical/chemcial interactions among different compounds.
• When addition of molasses is called for, it should be the very last item added into the mixture just prior to foliar feeding.

Assessing the results:

Within as little as four hours of day light after the foliar application the progress of the plants can be checked with a refractometer in a relatively simple process.  Begin by extracting a sample of sap from several of the crop plants before foliar applications.  By testing several possible blends using several spray bottles, you can determine the best blend to use. Then follow the instructions below:

• Squeeze the leaves or stems with a garlic press or some other tool
• Place the extracted sap in the refractometer to measure and record the reading.
• Use a spray bottle to mist a small sample of foliar spray blend onto the plants.
• After a short time, extract and measure another sap sample.
• If the Brix has increased, apply foliar feeding with that specific blend.
• A "placebo" spray of distilled water should be tested at the same time to discount any changes.

Activated EM•1®

Materials

Tools to help the preparation process

• Molasses
• Clean Water
• EM•1^®
• A funnel
• A measuring cup and spoon
• pH paper to check pH.

Recipes

To Make 1 liter or quart:

1. Add water to fill 80% of the plastic bottle
2. Then add 50ml (1.7oz) of molasses and 50ml (1.7oz) of EM-1^® in the bottle
3. Shake the bottle to dissolve the molasses. Top off with water.
4. Cap the bottle tightly and keep in a warm place.

Making 5 gallons of Activated EM-1^®:

1. Add water to fill 50% of the plastic container
2. Then add 28 oz. of molasses and 28 oz of EM-1^® in the bottle*
3. Shake the container to dissolve the molasses and top off the container with warm water.
4. Cap the container tightly and keep in a warm place

*Dissolve the molasses with warm or hot water before adding it to the container. This makes the preparation easier.

Making 55 gallons (208 liters) Activated EM-1^®

1. Add 30 gallons 100oF Water
2. Add 2.5 gallons molasses
3. Add EM-1^® Microbial Inoculant
4. Fill drum with 100oF Water
5. Seal drum and keep in warm place
   

Making a tote of (275 gallons) or 1,000 liters of Activated EM-1^®

1. Add water to fill half of the tank
2. Then add 12 gallons of molasses and 12 gallons of EM-1^® to the tank*
3. Top off the tank with more warm water to prevent excess airspace.
4. Cap the tank tightly and keep in a warm place

When is it ready?

When the pH of the solution drops to 3.7 or below and has rested at this pH for 5-7 days, the Activated EM-1^® is ready to use. You will have about 30-45 days to use it at this point.

* Dissolve the molasses with warm or hot water before adding it to the tank.
This makes the preparation easier.

**During the fermentation process pressure builds up in the containers as the microbes digest the sugars. To avoid rupturing the container, "burp" it and reseal. Burping may have to be done one or more times per day. You may also use airlocks or blow off tubes similar to what is done in brewing wine or beer. For an example of what an airlock looks like and costs, click here. Airlocks and other brewing equipment can be found online through many home brewing suppliers or at a local home brew supply.

EM Activation Slideshow

Making Activated EM-1 step-by-step. Even a kid can do it.

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NOTE

EM-1^® likes warm conditions. A suitable temperature for fermentation (propagation) of EM-1^® is from 86F to 104F (30C to 40C). In the winter, and other times when the temperature is low, after making the Activated EM-1^®(dissolving the molasses in hot water), place the EM-1^® next to a radiator, space heater, or other warm device, or even wrap it in a blanket or an insulator, in order to promote EM-1^® fermentation.

STORAGE

Activated EM-1^® should be kept in an expandable (plastic) air-tight container to keep it anaerobic and used within 30 days after the pH drops below 4.0.

Store Activated EM-1^® at room temperature, 68F to 86F (20C-30C). Refrigeration is not necessary.

In containers that are not completely airtight, a white layer of yeast will form on the surface. Since this may lead to putrefaction, remove the layer as needed and transfer to a container that can be closed tightly. Be sure to leave as little airspace in the bottle as possible.

If Activated EM-1^® has a foul smell or the pH rises above 4.0, the solution could be contaminated with undesirable microbes and should be discarded. This material is fine to pour into a long-term compost pile.

EM5

EM5 is used to deter pests. This is an all-natural concoction that can be made by anyone and is in no way harmful to humans or animals. It combines water, EM-1^®, a distilled spirit, molasses, and vinegar. The most successful programs with EM5 involve alternating its applications with Activated EM-1^® and EMFPE. EM5 is effective for reducing pest populations because EM5 contains esters formed by mixing acetic acid and alcohol, which provokes intestinal intoxication.

The formula for one gallon of EM5 is as follows (1:1:1:1:20):

1. 3/4C EM-1^®
2. 3/4C Molasses
3. 3/4C Vinegar (white or apple cider)
4. 3/4C distilled alcohol (vodka, whiskey, tequila)
5. Add some other plant material*
6. Fill the gallon container with warm water (110-120ºF)
7. Seal and ferment until pH goes below 4.0
   

*People often mix in hot peppers and/or garlic for added benefits.

Spray EM5 alternately with EM-1^® or EM-1^® Fermented Plant Extract through a hose-end sprayer. The thought here is to prevent the pests from getting used to or building a tolerance to the same product.

Often people will set up an informal program as follows:
Week One: Apply AEM-1^®, 1 gallon for 1/2 acre property
Week Two: Apply EM5 . 1 gallon for 1/2 acre property
Week Three: Apply EM FPE. 1 gallon for 1/2 acre property
Week Four: Apply AEM-1^®. 1 gallon for 1/2 acre property

This pattern is repeated throughout the growing season.

EM FPE

EM•1^® FERMENTED PLANT EXTRACT (EM•1^®-F.P.E.)

EM•1^® fermented plant extract is prepared by using fresh weeds and EM•1®.

EM-F.P.E. includes organic acids, bioactive substances, minerals and other useful substances from weeds. The production cost of EM•1^®-F.P.E.. is very low, because of the use of weeds.

Preparation of EM^® Fermented Plant Extract

The following is a standard set of ingredients for making EM-F.P.E.

Ingredients (for 5 gallon bucket or drum)

1.Chopped fresh weeds#1	3.5 gallons
2. Water #2	3.5 gallons
3. Molasses #3	14.5oz
4. EM-1® #4	14.5oz

#1 Use weeds, which have strong life such as mugwort, artemisia, clover and grass which are considered to be of medicinal value. Pruned green fruits and young shoots could be incorporated. The use of various types of weeds is recommended in order to increase bio-active substances and microbial diversity. The weeds should be cut in the morning.

#2 Well water is preferred since tap water is chlorinated. Adding a little amount of seawater (0.1%) is useful to supply minerals to crops.

#3 3% of water.

#4 3% of water.

Items needed in making of EM-F.P.E.
Large plastic bucket or drum, weight to press chopped weed, black vinyl bag, and wooden lid.

Preparation

• Cut weeds and chop well (2-5cm).
• Put chopped weeds into bucket.
• Mix EM•1^® and molasses into water and pour the solution into bucket.
• Cover the top of bucket with black vinyl bag.
• Put lid on the vinyl, and then put weight on the lid. At the time, take care not to leave air in the bucket.
• Store the bucket in a warm place (20 - 35 °C), away from direct sunlight.
• Fermentation begins and gas is generated within 25 days. (depending on temperature).
• Stir the weeds in the bucket regularly to release the gas.
• The EM•1^®-F.P.E . is ready for use when pH of the solution is below 3.5. Put EM•1^®-F.P.E. into plastic bottle after removing the weeds by filtration (use gauze or cloth).

Storage:

EM•1^®-F.P.E. should be stored in a dark cool place, which has a uniform temperature. Do not store in the refrigerator or in direct sunlight. EM•1^®-F.P.E. should be used within one month after preparation.

7.2 Using EM^®-F.P.E.

• Watering into the soil (1:1,000) by watering cans, sprinkler or irrigation system.
• Spray EM•1^®-F.P.E. diluted solution (1:500-1:1,000) to wet the crop.
• Start spraying after germination, before pests and diseases appear.
• Spray in the morning or after heavy rains.
• Apply EM•1^®-F.P.E. regularly.
• The combination of EM•1^®-F.P.E. and EM5 is more effective.

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OMRI Listing

MSDS

EM-1^® (Effective Microorganisms™) Microbial Inoculant: Agriculture

PREPARED: 09/01/06

PRODUCT NAME: EM-1^® Microbial Inoculant

PRODUCED BY:
EMRO USA, Inc. dba EMRO USA Effective Microorganisms
2440 N. Coyote Drive Suite 126
Tucson, AZ 85745
Phone: (520) 792-3143 Fax: (928) 563-1037>

SECTION I - PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
GENERAL OR GENERIC NAME: Liquid Microbial Inoculant
HAZARD RATING:
HEALTH - 0 Normal Material
FIRE - 0 Will not burn
REACTIVITY - 0 Stable

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
If present, carcinogens and chemicals subject to reporting are identified in this section:

INGREDIENTS %(By Volume) Note

No hazardous ingredients present; not hazardous to humans, animals or plants.

SECTION III - PHYSICAL DATA
BOILING POINT: >100 °C
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.2 (25°c)
VAPOR PRESSURE: N/D
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Complete
VAPOR DENSITY: Air = 1
MELTING POINT: N/A
% VOLATILE BY VOLUME: 0
EVAPORATION RATE: Equal to water
APPERANCE AND ODOR: Brown liquid; mild
pH OF SOLUTION: 3.5

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION INFORMATION
FLASH POINT: N/A
EXPLOSION LIMIT: 0
EXTINGUISHING: N/A
FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: N/A
SPECIAL FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS: None
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION BYPRODUCTS: None

SECTION V - HEALTH HAZARD DATA
HEALTH HAZARDS: None
CARCINOGENICITY: Non-carcinogenic
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC OVEREXPOSURE: None
PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LEVEL: None; see Section II
PRIMARY ROUTES OF ENTRY: Skin contact, Eye contact, Ingestion, Inhalation
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE:
SKIN - None
EYES - May cause eye irritation
INHALATION - None
INGESTION - May cause gas

FIRST AID:
IF ON SKIN - None
IF ON EYES - Flush with fresh water
IF INHALED - None
IF INGESTED - Drink fresh water

SECTION VI - REACTIVITY DATA
INCOMPATIBILITY: None
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION OR BYPRODUCTS: None; biodegradable
STABILITY: Stable, not effected by freezing. No toxic fumes.

SECTION VII - SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
IN CASE OF LEAK OR SPILL: Mop up with fresh water, sewer disposal
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Sewer disposal
HANDLING AND STORING PRECAUTIONS: Store at room temperature
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: Not recommended for human consumption

SECTION VIII - PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO BE USED
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: None
VENTILATION: None
PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Optional
EYE PROTECTION: Safety glasses recommended
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: None
WORK PRACTICES: Clean up spills immediately; floor will be slick