Back T. Higa
College of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
Good morning ladies and gentlemen. The video you have just seen illustrates
a multitude of benefits that can be derived from using Effective Microorganisms
(EM) in over-coming many of the problems that are associated with modern
agriculture and its impact on the environment. It is difficult to believe
that such small amounts of EM inoculants could be so effective in solving
the problems that were discussed in the video.
The fact is that over the past three decades or so, the microbiological
component of soil and crop management has been largely neglected in favor
of chemical and physical relationships and their analysis in the soil-plant-water-environmental
continuum. There are many beneficial microorganisms in the natural environment
and when they are selected, cultured and combined with others for use as
microbial inoculants it provides a very powerful tool for enhancing and
improving soil fertility, crop growth and yield, plant protection, food
safety and quality, and human health. This is the premise upon which I
have devoted my time and effort to develop the concept and practical applications
of EM technology.
Kyusei Nature Farming is a method of farming without the use of agrichemicals
(i.e., synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides) and in this regard
is similar to other versions of organic farming. However, Kyusei Nature
Farming goes beyond organic farming because it must satisfy the following
five requirements:
EM
technology has become an integral part of Kyusei Nature Farming. The technology
has been extended to a large number of countries throughout the world and
beneficial results are being reported for a diverse range of environments,
under both laboratory and field conditions. Some countries have adopted EM technology
as part of their national agricultural policy, and you will be informed of
these developments and the resulting benefits to agriculture and the
environment during this conference.
The
basis of action of EM is related to a general method classifying microorganisms
into reviving, neutral or disintegrating types. The microorganisms that
comprise EM are also found in nature and can be classified as reviving types.
They act harmoniously to develop a more productive and sustainable system of
agriculture. For example, the reviving types enhance the soil biological,
chemical and physical properties while acting as synergists. The reviving types
could also change the neutral ones to beneficial types. A11 of the EM cultures
decompose organic materials to produce available nutrients and growth factors
for crops; EM also reduces environmental pollution and suppresses malodors of organic wastes. In contrast, the disintegrating
types of microorganisms cause diseases, but can be suppressed by EM.
The action of EM does not occur in isolation. The microorganisms
in EM cultures are mostly heterotrophic, i.e., they require complex organic
compounds of carbon and nitrogen for metabolism and biosynthesis. Thus, the
effectiveness and benefits of EM are maximized when it is applied with organic
amendments such as crop residues and green manures. The EM microorganisms have
the ability to breakdown organic materials thereby releasing simpler compounds
such as amino acids, sugars and auxins (i.e., plant hormones). These compounds
can be absorbed directly by plants to enhance growth and yield. In animal
husbandry, EM can accelerate the decomposition of manures, suppress malodors,
and produce good quality organic amendments such as compost. In this process,
EM suppresses disease-causing organisms.
EM can best be described as a technology that is capable of
providing solutions to the problems of crop production, food safety and
quality, resource conservation, organic recycling, environmental quality, human
and animal health, and soil quality. However, the benefits of EM do not end
here. More recent developments include the use of EM in health and sanitation
programs in Japan and other Asian countries. We have also developed special EM
products for industrial use. Results of these initiatives will be reported at
other conferences that deal with such topics. However, at our concluding
sessions later this week I will discuss in greater detail the theories,
concepts and recent advances in EM technology that can lead to a more sustainable
agriculture, environment and quality of life.
Again, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation
to everyone who contributed their time and effort to ensure that this Fourth
International Conference on Kyusei Nature Fanning and EM Technology is a great
success. My best wishes to all of you for a highly informative and productive
conference.