Back S. Kato, H. L. Xu, M. Fujita, K. Yamada, K. Katase and H. Umemura
International Nature Farming Research Center, Hata, Nagano 390-1401, Japan
Full Paper (PDF File: 153KB)
Abstract
Effective microorganisms (EM) containing lactic bacteria, Actinomyces and
various other bacteria and fungi have been introduced to nature farming.
In this study, effects of EM applications and organic fertilizations on
growth and plant-soil nutrition of potted sweet corn were examined. An
organic fertilizer, fermented with EM added using oil sludge, rice husk
and bran anguish processing by-product, was used in comparison with chemical
fertilizers, At the early stage, growth and dry matter production were
lower for organic fertilized plants than for chemical fertilized ones because
of lower nutrient availability from organic materials. However, organic
fertilized plants showed higher growth rate from the middle stage and the
final biomass and grain yield reached a level similar to or higher than
chemical fertilized plants. Notwithstanding the problem of low nutrient
availability at the early growth stage, the organic material fermented
with added EM could be used as an organic fertilizer comparable to chemical
fertilizers.