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Effect of EM and Green Manure on Soil Productivity in Brazil

H. Tokeshi¹, M. A. T. Lima² and M. J. A. Jorge²

Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil¹ and
Mokich Okada Foundation, Ipeuna, SP, Brazil²

Full Paper (PDF File: 337KB)

Abstract

Applications of EM and green manure increased crop productivity while soil erosion and the incidence of plant diseases declined. A farm with compacted soil, severe soil erosion and low crop productivity solved these problems by using EM for 2 to 3 years. Soils with and without EM were compared for a) compaction, b) basic water infiltration rate (BWZR), c) paint penetration, and d) soil porosity. Despite 2 to 4 annual vegetable cropping cycles, the soils treated with EM had higher particle aggregation, porosity, and BWIR; lower disease incidence; and increased crop productivity and profitability than soils without EM. Lower soil compaction was statistically significant and an increase in BWTR from 232 to 1762 percent was obtained in the areas treated with EM as compared with the controls.