Back T. Hussain, G. Jilani, T. Javaid, and S. H. Tahir
Nature Farming Research Center and Development of Horticulture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Full Paper (PDF File: 123KB)
Abstract
A large number of field and greenhouse experiments have been conducted in Pakistan since 1990 to evaluate the use of Effective Microorganisms (EM) as an alternative to chemical fertilizers in crop production. One such study was a long-term field experiment conducted for five years on a rice-wheat rotation with the following treatments: control, chemical fertilizer (NPK), green manure (GM), and farmyard manure (FYM), all with and without the application of Effective Microorganisms (EM). Results showed that EM increased crop yields and improved soil physical properties, especially when applied with organic amendments. On-farm trials comparing EM-Biokasht (a mixed organic amendment inoculated and fermented with EM) with chemical fertilizer were conducted on rice. The average paddy yield for nine sites was essentially the same for both treatments.
A lysimeter study on wheat under controlled conditions showed that the
yield from EM-Biokasht plus one-half the recommended rate of NPK fertilizer
was essentially the same as obtained with the full rate of chemical fertilizer.
In another study, EM applied with VA mycorrhizae produced a higher yield
of maize fodder compared with each inoculant applied alone. An experiment
on citrus showed that EM applied in irrigation water increased the total
soluble sugar concentration, juice content and average weight of fruit.
The feasibility of EM technology in poultry production was also evaluated.
Results indicated that EM provided to broiler chicks in drinking water
significantly increased the live weight of chicks.
In addition to these experiments, there has been considerable time and effort devoted to promote EM technology in Pakistan. For example, the Nature Farming Research Center (NFRC) was established in 1993 followed by founding of the Nature Farming Research and Development Foundation (NFRDF). A series of annual national seminars on nature farming began in 1993, and a research and development farm was established for studies on EM technology. The government of Pakistan has provided invaluable assistance in establishing a pilot plant for the production of EM cultures to ensure that our farmers can receive the benefits of EM technology.