Food Grade Efficient Microbes (EM) Concentrate
SCD EM Food Grade™ is a specially formulated food-grade probiotic "mother culture" suitable for human and animal consumption. SCD Mother Cultures are produced using the highest quality seeds, proprietary formulas and culturing process. SCD EM Food Grade™ introduces beneficial and effective microorganisms which work to repopulate the body or living system with healthy bacteria. SCD EM Food Grade™ can be used as a feed additive for animals and as a safe cleaner/sanitizer for livestock production areas.
SCD EM Food Grade™ is produced in a food grade facility under food grade conditions. This facility has been assessed by NSF International and found to be in compliance with GMP Requirements in NSF/ANSI Standard 173, Section 8 Dietary Supplements. This assessment recognizes the high degree of quality control processes consistently employed by SCD manufacturing in producing SCD EM Food Grade™.
EM Technology
The concept behind beneficial and effective microorganisms ("EM") technology, was developed by Professor Teruo Higa, at the University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. Dr. Higa is also the author of An Earth Saving Revolution I and II.
The fundamental principle of this technology, was the introduction of a group of beneficial and effective microorganisms to improve soil conditions, suppress putrefying (disease inducing) microbes and improve the efficacy of organic matter utilization by crops. Lactic acid bacteria, a major component of EM, will supress pathogenic microbes both directly and indirectly, through the production of antinomycetes. (Also known as EM's antioxidation effect, which improves the immune system of plants and animals.)
The beneficial microorganisms in Efficient Microbes (EM) have been used in a wide variety of fields for centuries.
In agriculture, these microorganisms have been used to enrich the soil and produce quality, healthy crops at a greater yield with decreases in pests, diseases, the need for weeding and tilling and agricultural chemicals.
In animal husbandry, they have been used with noticeable decreases in foul odors, the appearance of sickness and insect infestations, with noticeable increases in fertility from artificial insemination, and increases in the quality of meat, dairy and eggs.
In the environment, they have been used to cleanup polluted waters in ponds, lakes, reservoirs and seashores, including the cleanup of oil spills, the recycling of water from sewage facilities into uses for general cleaning, and the recycling of organic waste into quality fertilizer. A list of just some of the countless ways various industries worldwide are using beneficial microorganisms include:
- improve soil quality and the growth, yield and quality of crops
- suppress malodors associated with livestock production
- enhance the growth and market weight of swine and poultry when used as a probiotic food additive
- improve the quality and shelf-life of fruits and vegetables
- improve the process technology for composting municipal waste (i.e.,garbage) and kitchen waste into high quality soil conditioner and biofertilizer
- improve the process technology for recycling other waste materials including plastics, paper, rubber, and textiles
- enhance human and animal health through the use of EM as a probiotic
- and around the house, EM can be used for household cleaner, for use in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry equipment and to assist in the control of pet odors and waste.
The principal microorganisms in EM are:
- Photosynthetic Bacteria
The photosynthetic or phototropic bacteria are a group of independent, self supporting microbes. These bacteria synthesize useful substances from secretions of roots, organic matter and/or harmful gases (eg. hydrogen sulphide), by using sunlight and the heat of soil as sources of energy. Useful substances developed by these microbes include amino acids, nucleic acids, bioactive substances and sugars, all of which promote plant growth and development. The metabolites developed by these microorganisms are absorbed directly into plants and act as substrates for increasing beneficial populations.
- Lactic acid bacteria
Lactic acid bacteria produce lactic acid from sugars and other carbohydrates, developed by photosynthetic bacteria and yeast. Therefore, some foods and drinks such as yogurt and pickles have been made with lactic acid bacteria for decades. However, lactic acid is a strong sterilizing compound, and suppresses harmful microorganisms and enhances decomposition of organic matter. Moreover, lactic acid bacteria promote the decomposition of material such as lignin and cellulose and ferments these materials, thereby removing undesirable effects of undecomposed organic matter.
Lactic acid bacteria have the ability to suppress disease inducing microorganisms such as Fusarium, which occur in continuous cropping programs. Under normal circumstances, species such as Fusarium weaken crop plants, thereby exposing plants to diseases and increased pest populations such as nematodes. The use of lactic acid bacteria reduces nematode populations and controls propagation and spread of Fusarium, thereby inducing a better environment for crop growth.
- Yeast
Yeasts synthesize antimicrobial and other useful substances required for plant growth from amino acids and sugars secreted by photosynthetic bacteria, organic matter and plant roots. The bioactive substances such as hormones and enzymes produced by yeasts promote active cell and root division. These secretions are also useful substrates for effective microbes such as lactic acid bacteria and actinomycetes.
Summary
The different species of effective microorganisms (Photosynthetic, Lactic acid bacteria and Yeast) have their respective functions. However, photosynthetic bacteria could be considered the focus of EM activity.
Photosynthetic bacteria support the activities of the other microbes. This phenomenon is termed 'Coexistence' and 'Coprosperity'.
The enhancement of populations of EM in soils by its application promotes the development of existing beneficial soil microorganisms. Thus, the micro flora of the soil becomes abundant; thereby the soil develops a well balanced microbial system. In this process harmful species are suppressed, thereby reducing microbial species that cause soil born diseases. This results in plants growing exceptionally well in soils which are dominated by beneficial and effective microorganisms. Use of EM improves soil conditions resulting in greater yields, and healthier more nutritious plants.
EM is produced through a natural fermentation process therefore it is not chemically synthesized or genetically engineered. EM is sold as a concentrate and can be added to water and applied as is or activated and extended up to 22 times its volume.
