Back

Effect of EM on Growth and Yield of Corn

S. Panchaban

Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Full Paper (PDF File: 200KB)

Abstract

Crop yields in Northeast Thailand are often limited by unproductive marginal soils, and erratic and insufficient rainfall. The soil factors that limit yields, such as low fertility, low water retention, low organic content, and soil crusting, can be largely overcome by regular additions of organic amendments which offer the best means of improving soil productivity. To further enhance the rehabilitation of these soils, there is a growing interest in the principles of nature farming and the use of effective microorganisms (EM).
Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of EM cultures, organic waste materials, and chemical fertilizer on the growth and yield of corn. In the greenhouse study, corn yields were highest where soils were amended with composts that had been prepared by inoculation with EM 1 and EM 4. There was no significant yield increase from adding chemical fertilizers to these treatments. The field experiment showed no significant difference in corn stover yields from soils amended with animal manure and chemical fertilizer, either singly or combined, and sugarcane bagasse applied with EM 2, EM 3, and EM 4.