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Effective Micro-organisms (EM) as Sustainable Components in Organic Farming: Principles, Applications and Validity

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Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture

Part of the book series: Sustainable Development and Biodiversity ((SDEB,volume 9))

Abstract

Sustainable farming systems presuppose perpetuity of yield for the present and future without compromising the environment biological and physical components where the production is taking place. One of the means of achieving this end is through the utilization of effective micro-organisms (EM) during the course of production. Thus, this paper seeks to review the rationale behind the EM concept, and X-ray recent advances in this essential aspect of modern organic agriculture systems. EM are mixed culture of beneficial micro-organisms. The concept of EM is based on the inoculation of the substrates with the intention of shifting the microbial equilibrium and thus creating an improved ecology that favors improved productivity. A couple of theories exist to justify the action of EM in agricultural production. These includes the biological suppression of pathogens theory, energy conservation theory, mineral solubilization theory, microbial ecological balance theory, photosynthetic efficiency theory, and biological nitrogen fixation theory. EM preparation was explored. Ongoing scientific experiment validating the EM technology was equally reviewed, so also its applications in different parts of the world.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, Federal College of Agriculture (FCA), Ishiagu, 491105, Nigeria

    Rasheed B. Balogun, Justin U. Ogbu & Ephraim C. Umeokechukwu

  2. Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Agriculture (FCA), Ishiagu, 491105, Nigeria

    Risqat B. Kalejaiye-Matti

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  1. Rasheed B. Balogun
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  2. Justin U. Ogbu
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  3. Ephraim C. Umeokechukwu
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  4. Risqat B. Kalejaiye-Matti
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Correspondence to Justin U. Ogbu .

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  1. Agricultural and Environmental Scie, Tennessee State University, Nashville Tennessee, Texas, USA

    Dilip Nandwani

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Balogun, R.B., Ogbu, J.U., Umeokechukwu, E.C., Kalejaiye-Matti, R.B. (2016). Effective Micro-organisms (EM) as Sustainable Components in Organic Farming: Principles, Applications and Validity. In: Nandwani, D. (eds) Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture. Sustainable Development and Biodiversity, vol 9. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26803-3_12

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