Application Of Effective Microorganisms Research Articles

Enhancing sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) resilience grown in cadmium-contaminated saline soil: a synergistic approach using Moringa leaf extract and effective microorganisms application

Raising soil contamination with cadmium (Cd2+) and salinization necessitates the development of green approaches using bio-elicitors to ensure sustainable crop production and mitigate the detrimental health impacts. Two field trials were carried out to study the individual and combined effects of foliage spraying of Moringa leaf extract (MLE) and soil application of effective microorganisms (EMs) on the physio-biochemical, osmolytes, antioxidants, and performance of sweet potato grown in Cd2+-contaminated salty soil (Cd2+ = 17.42 mg kg−1 soil and soil salinity ECe = 7.42 dS m−1). Application of MLE, EMs, or MLE plus EMs significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd2+ in roots by 55.6%, 50.0%, or 68.1% and in leaves by 31.4%, 27.6%, or 38.0%, respectively, compared to the control. Co-application of MLE and EMs reduced Na+ concentration while substantially raising N, P, K+, and Ca2+ acquisition in the leaves. MLE and EMs-treated plants exhibited higher concentrations of total soluble sugar by 69.6%, free proline by 47.7%, total free amino acids by 29.0%, and protein by 125.7% compared to the control. The enzymatic (SOD, APX, GR, and CAT) and non-enzymatic (phenolic acids, GSH, and AsA) antioxidants increased in plants treated with MLE and/or EMs application. Applying MLE and/or EMs increased the leaf photosynthetic pigment contents, membrane stability, relative water content, water productivity, growth traits, and tuber yield of Cd2+ and salt-stressed sweet potato. Consequently, the integrative application of MLE and EMs achieved the best results exceeding the single treatments recommended in future application to sweet potato in saline soil contaminated with Cd2+.

The Effect of Using Elements of Sustainable Agrotechnology in Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Monoculture

In sustainable cultivation technologies, the method of managing crop residues and the microbiological activity of the soil, supported by the application of effective microorganisms, is of particular importance. Unfortunately, wheat monocultures are still common. Therefore, there is also a need to introduce elements of sustainable agrotechnics to such crops. The aim of the research was to compare the effect of 18 spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation technologies in a monoculture. Therefore, a four-year two-factor experiment was carried out with a spring wheat monoculture. Six ways managing the organic matter before sowing and tillage (first factor) and the application of microbiological preparations (second factor) were tested, leasing to a total of 18 experimental objects. The parameterized weed infestation, chlorophyll index, and leaf area index, elements of the yield structure, and spring wheat yield were determined through tillage technology. In most cases, the application of biopreparations was not found to have a significant impact on the tested features. The highest yields of spring wheat were obtained through the following technologies: application of EM or UGmax microbiological preparations on the shredded straw of the forecrop; mixing the forecrop with the soil using a grubber immediately after harvest; sowing the white mustard catch crop; winter plowing.

Effective microorganism water treatment method for rapid eutrophic reservoir restoration

Since reservoirs perform many important functions, they are exposed to various types of unfavorable phenomena, e.g., eutrophication which leads to a rapid growth of algae (blooms) that degrade water quality. One of the solutions to combat phytoplankton blooms are effective microorganisms (EM). The study aims to evaluate the potential of EM in improving the water quality of the Turawa reservoir on the Mała Panew River in Poland. It is one of the first studies providing insights into the effectiveness of using EM in the bioremediation of water in a eutrophic reservoir. Samples for the study were collected in 2019–2021. The analysis showed that EM could be one of the most effective methods for cleaning water from unfavorable microorganisms (HBN22, HBN36, CBN, FCBN, FEN) — after the application of EM, a reduction in their concentration was observed (from 46.44 to 58.38% on average). The duration of their effect ranged from 17.6 to 34.1 days. The application of EM improved the trophic status of the Turawa reservoir, expressed by the Carlson index, by 7.78%. As shown in the literature review, the use of other methods of water purification (e.g., constructed wetlands, floating beds, or intermittent aeration) leads to an increase in the effectiveness and a prolongation of the duration of the EM action. The findings of the study might serve as a guide for the restoration of eutrophic reservoirs by supporting sustainable management of water resources. Nevertheless, further research should be conducted on the effectiveness of EM and their application in the remediation of eutrophic water reservoirs.

The microbiological activity of lake sediments before and after application of EM (effective microorganisms)

The study objective was to assess microbiological activity of sediments during the application of an EM preparation on the in Lake Skiertąg. Samples were taken before and after microbial bioremediation in the period 2020–2021 from five sediment layers. The abundance, biomass, and efficiency of the respiratory chain of sediment bacteria were determined by the direct methods in a fluorescence microscope. The rate of organic carbon oxidation was measured by the respiratory method. The abundance of benthic bacteria showed significant variability in the profile of each core, and decreased with an increase in sediment depth. The significant decrease in the number and biomass of bacteria in the sediment after the application of the EM technology, was observed during the second year of application of the preparation, and not immediately after its application. In the tested sediments, an significant increase in the percentage of cell with active dehydrogenases ETS+ in the total number of bacteria after application of the preparation was found, but at the same time significantly higher values of this parameter were demonstrated in 2021 compared to the first year of using microbial bioremediation. A significant positive correlation between the potential rate of organic carbon oxidation in the surface layer of sediments and the temperature in the water above the sediment indicates that the temperature conditions stimulated the respiration activity of the sediment microflora.

Effect of Fertilizing Method, Silt Soil, and Application of Effective Microorganism on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in a Greenhouse

The experiment was conducted on a private farm at Northern Elselait Scheme, Khartoum State, Sudan to study the effect of fertilization method, soil type, and microorganism application on the growth and yield of tomatoes crop op under greenhouse conditions. Silt soil and two types of fertilizing units (injector and by-pass) were used for applying effective microorganisms (EM) in two levels (0 and 12 L/ha), at fortnight intervals after 45 days to 90 days from planting. A split-plot design was used with three replications. The data collected were: plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, number of flowers, number of fruits, and weight of fruits per plant. . The production indicators showed that tomato crop agronomic parameters were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by the method of fertigation and application of effective microorganisms. A mean yield of 5.4 tons per hectare of plants grown on silt soil and fertilized with effective microorganisms (EM) using an injector fertilizing unit, when fertilization was done by a by-pass fertilizer system applying effective microorganisms (EM) gave a yield of 4.6 ton/ha and yield ton per hectare of silt soil fertilized by injector fertilizer with non-applied effective microorganisms (EM0) was 7.3 ton/ha, while with silt soil fertilized by a by-pass fertilizer unit with non-applied effective microorganisms (EM0) it was 5.5 ton/ha.

Soil application of effective microorganisms and nitrogen alleviates salt stress in hot pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants.

The application of effective microorganisms (EMs) and/or nitrogen (N) have a stimulating effect on plants against abiotic stress conditions. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of the co-application of EMs and N on growth, physio-biochemical attributes, anatomical structures, nutrients acquisition, capsaicin, protein, and osmoprotectant contents, as well as the antioxidative defense system of hot pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants. In the field trials, EMs were not applied (EMs-) or applied (EMs+) along with three N rates of 120, 150, and 180kg unit N ha-1 (designated as N120, N150, and N180, respectively) to hot pepper plants grown in saline soils (9.6 dS m-1). The application of EMs and/or high N levels attenuated the salt-induced damages to hot pepper growth and yield. The application of EMs+ with either N150 or N180 increased the number, average weight and yield of fruits by 14.4 or 17.0%, 20.8 or 20.8% and 28.4 or 27.5%, respectively, compared to hot pepper plants treated with the recommended dose (EMs- × N150). When EMs+ was individually applied or combined with either N150 or N180, increased accumulation of capsaicin were observed by 16.7 or 20.8%, protein by 12.5 or 16.7%, proline by 19.0 or 14.3%, and total soluble sugars by 3.7 or 7.4%, respectively, in comparison with those treated with the integrative EMs- × N150. In addition, the non-enzymatic contents (ascorbate, and glutathione) and enzymatic activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) of the antioxidant defense systems significantly increased in hot pepper plants treated with EMs+ alone or combined with N150 or N180 under salt stress conditions. Higher accumulation of nutrients (N, P, K+, and Ca2+) along with reduced Na+ acquisition was also evidenced in response to EMs+ or/and high N levels. Most anatomical features of stems and leaves recovered in hot pepper plants grown in saline soils and supplied with EMs+ and N. The application of EMs and N is undoubtedly opening new sustainable approaches toward enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in crops (e.g. hot pepper).

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) to Biostimulants Application and Substrate Additives under Salinity Stress

The issue of high concentration of salt in soil is not restricted to coastal areas, but also expands to cultivated lands, complicating, or even intercepting, the growth of plants. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of zeolite, compost and effective microorganisms (EM), seaweed extract, and ceramic powder on MM106 apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) plants in normal and saline conditions. More specifically, the weight of the dry matter of the plants, physiological parameters, proline, carbohydrate, carotenoid, phenolic, and flavonoid concentrations in leaf tissues and antioxidant capacity were determined. At the end of the experiment, it was ascertained that the plants of the treatments which included zeolite or EM exhibited the highest dry matter weight of the leaves in normal (5.07 g and 4.68 g, respectively) and saline conditions (4.14 g and 3.02 g, respectively), while the leaf dry weight in the control treatment was 4.37 g in the absence and 2.34 g in the presence of NaCl. Furthermore, these treatments resulted in significantly higher proline concentration in plant leaves under salinity with values of 5.63 in the EM treatment, 2.44 in the zeolite treatment, and 0.75 μmol/g of leaf fresh weight in the control. At the same time, the application of ceramic powder in combination with effective microorganisms led to the highest rate of photosynthesis in salinity conditions (12.8 μmol CO2/m2s), while the seaweed extract spraying was associated with low stomatal conductance in all treatments (0.09–0.13 mol H2O/m2s). Overall, the application of effective microorganisms appeared to associate more with plant vigor in both normal and salinity conditions. In this context, the implementation of EM could improve the growth of potted plants, but it could also be used in orchards before and after their establishment.

Comparing the Effects of Indigenous, Effective Microorganisms and NPK Fertilizers on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Groundnut in the Western Region of Cameroon

Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i>) is one of the main legumes consumed because of its nutritional importance to humans and animals, and is currently produced in Cameroon below the national demand. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of indigenous microorganism fertilizers (IMO), effective fertilizers (EM) and NPK on soil fertility and productivity of <i>Arachis hypogaea</i>. The experiment was conducted in the West region of Cameroon (Baboutcha-Fongam). It was based on a field trial with an experimental design consisting of completely randomized blocks with three treatments: Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), Effective Microorganisms (EM) and NPK. The blocks were separated into plots, and each of them was enriched with different doses of EM, IMO and NPK (0, 10, 20, 40 g) and (3.2 g) with three replications each. Results showed that EM, IMO and NPK increased soil fertility. Overall, the application of EM, IMO and NPK significantly (p-value < 0.05) increased the growth parameters compared to the control. The best pod and seed yields were obtained at the 10 g (2.3 ± 0.2 and 2.05 ± 0.3 t/ha), 20 g (1.9 ± 0.3 and 1.99 ± 0.14 t/ha) and 3.2 g (2.3 ± 1 and 2.03 ± 0.24 t/ha) doses of IMO, EM and NPK respectively. These yields were higher or similar in plots amended with IMO and EM fertilizers than in plots amended with NPK. IMO and EM fertilizers worked at lower doses and can be considered as valuable fertilizers to serve as a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Assessing The Effects of Microorganisms (EM) and Bokashi on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Towards Plant Growth and Yield Performance

The fertilizer application can impact crop production, quality, and growth performance. However, excessive use of chemical fertilisers in farming can cause in poor soil conditions, contamination, environmental pollution and decreased yield. Thus, this study aims to investigate the possible impacts of Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Bokashi on the quality, growth, and yield performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The field study was conducted at the Agropark, UMK Jeli Campus,Kelantan . The study's treatments included in the study were as follows: (T0) control; (T1) EM solution; (T2) bokashi fertiliser; and (T3) EM solution and bokashi fertilizer combined. The experiment layout was designed in a completely randomised design (CRD) with 16 samples. Data regarding quality, plant growth, and yield performance were gathered, including the germination date, harvesting date, plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits produced, dry weight of fruit, and fresh weight of fruit. Compared to the other treatments, Bokashi alone (T2) delivers the highest mean value of products in terms of number of leaves, number of fruits, fresh weight of fruits, the dried weight of fruits, and germination date of okra seeds. Whereas the combined application of EM and Bokashi (T3) has produced the highest plant height and the earliest harvesting date as the first to produce their yield that developed into mature and ready to be harvested relatively than others. The control treatment (T0) showed the slowest growth rate and okra plant yield. However, it can be concluded that individual applications of Bokashi had a significant effect on the plant development and yield performance of okra plants. This study hoped to improve okra’s yields and growth performance and aid in its production effort

Coapplication of Effective Microorganisms and Nanomagnesium Boosts the Agronomic, Physio-Biochemical, Osmolytes, and Antioxidants Defenses Against Salt Stress in Ipomoea batatas

The application of bio- and nanofertilizers are undoubtedly opening new sustainable approaches toward enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in crops. In this study, we evaluated the application of effective microorganisms (EMs) of five groups belonging to photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, actinobacteria, and fermenting fungi combined with magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (MgO-NP) on the growth and productivity of sweet potato plants grown in salt-affected soils. In two field experiments carried out in 2020 and 2021, we tested the impacts of EMs using two treatments (with vs. without EMs as soil drench) coupled with three foliar applications of MgO-NP (0, 50, and 100 μg ml–1 of MgO, representing MgO-NP0, MgO-NP50, and MgO-NP100, respectively). In our efforts to investigate the EMs:MgO-NP effects, the performance (growth and yield), nutrient acquisition, and physio-biochemical attributes of sweet potatoes grown in salt-affected soil (7.56 dS m–1) were assessed. Our results revealed that salinity stress significantly reduced the growth parameters, yield traits, photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids), cell membrane stability, relative water content, and nutrient acquisition of sweet potatoes. However, the EMs+ and/or MgO-NP-treated plants showed high tolerance to salt stress, specifically with a relatively superior increase when any of the biostimulants were combined. The application of EMs and/or MgO-NP improved osmotic stress tolerance by increasing the relative water content and membrane integrity. These positive responses owed to increase the osmolytes level (proline, free amino acids, and soluble sugars) and antioxidative compounds (non-enzymatic concentration, enzymatic activities, phenolic acid, and carotenoids). We also noticed that soil salinity significantly increased the Na+ content, whereas EMS+ and/or MgO-NP-treated plants exhibited lower Na+ concentration and increased K+ concentration and K+/Na+ ratio. These improvements contributed to increasing the photosynthetic pigments, growth, and yield under salinity stress. The integrative application of EMs and MgO-NP showed higher efficacy bypassing all single treatments. Our findings indicated the potential of coapplying EMs and MgO-NP for future use in attenuating salt-induced damage beneficially promoting crop performance.

Effects of organic amendments on soil properties and growth characteristics of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) under saline irrigation

Establishing strategies of organic amendments application to mitigate the adverse effects of saline irrigation are essential for the sustainable agriculture. A two-year pot experiment was conducted using combinations of organic amendments including effective microorganisms (EM), biochar (BC) and digestate (Di) to investigate their effects on soil and melon (Cucumis melo L.) compared with the recommended NPK fertilizer and Control (CK) under two levels of irrigation water salinity (SL0: 0.25 dS/m, SL1: 2.0 dS/m). Results showed combined applications of organic amendments could significantly (p<0.05) increase soil pH and organic matter (OM) compared to NPK and CK. Application of organic amendments containing BC evidently increased the sodium adsorptive capacity (SAC) under saline water solution. The combined application of EM, BC and Di (EM+BC+Di) could significantly (p<0.05) improve soil available water retention under SL0 and SL1 compared with other treatments. Results also showed organic amendments application can significantly (p<0.05) enhance the photosynthetic rate (Pr) and reduce sodium ion (Na+) content in melon leaves. EM+BC+Di could significantly (p<0.05) increase water use efficiency (WUE) and fruit yield of melon under SL0 and SL1 in comparison to other treatments. It proved that EM+BC+Di had a positive effect on soil improvement, melon growth, WUE and fruit yield. Moreover, EM+BC+Di could be used as an alternative strategy for mineral NPK fertilization of melon at reasonable dosages and frequencies under saline irrigation. Keywords: organic amendments, saline irrigation, soil improvement, melon, water use efficiency DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211405.6607 Citation: Elbashier M M A, Shao Y L, Wang L K, Chen D L, Zhong H. Effects of organic amendments on soil properties and growth characteristics of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) under saline irrigation. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(5): 123–129.

Exogenously applied nitrogenous fertilizers and effective microorganisms improve plant growth of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) and soil fertility

The effects of different fertilizers and biofertilizers on crop production to increase plant growth, improve quality and yield components (dry leaves yield, leaf protein, and stevioside) of crops has been extensively studied. However, the combination of both types of fertilizers have rarely been investigated. To explore the effect of different fertilizers and biofertilizers on stevia plant, a two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the growth response of stevia plants under the influence of nitrogenous fertilizers (NFs) and effective microorganisms (EM). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, with EM as the main plot factor (−EM and +EM) and NFs as the subplot factor [control, chemical NFs (Ch-N) and organic NFs (Org-N)]. The results showed that, plants treated with EM and Org-N showed 2-, 2.2-, 2.4-, 2.5-, 3.3- and 3-fold increases in plant height, number of branches, total leaf area, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight and leaf dry yield, respectively, compared to untreated plants. Similarly, plants receiving EM along with Ch-N showed 1.86-, 1.7-, 2.2-, 2.12-, 3-, and 2.72-fold increases in the same traits. Total chlorophyll, protein, N, P, K and sativoside contents were increased by 88.8, 152, 138, 151.5, 43 and 137.5% when EM and Org-N were applied to stevia plants. Application of EM together with Ch-N increased these properties by 0.5, 127.7, 115, 216, 42.6 and 83.8%, respectively in the same traits. Overall, the combined application of NFs and EM improved growth, yield and nutrient accumulation in stevia plants.

The Effect of Additional Effective Microorganisms in Vegetative Growth of Aerobic Paddy

The influence of effective microorganisms (EM), microbial inoculant containing yeasts, fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes was evaluated in field trials of Aerob 1 paddy cultivation in Jasin, Melaka. Aerobic paddy is a new way of rice cultivation in areas where water resources have been scare and affected by the climate change. As water shortage and climate change is becoming severe, the technology of growing rice with aerobic rice systems need to be further refined or developed to ensure the quality of rice production in water-short areas. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of additional EM on the growth pattern, and to evaluate the efficiency of EM uptake on the aerobic plant. This experiment was carried out by using random controlled Randomized Controlled Block Design (RCBD) consisted of three treatments with two replications in four blocks. Aerobic seed cv. Aeron1 was used as planting materials and has been applied by three different treatments of EM during vegetative growth. The treatment for this study was T1 = 1.8 g NPK with urea (control) while T2 was 1.8 g NPK and T3, with 0.9 g NP with 100 mL of EM respectively during 15 (early vegetative stage) and 45 DAS (late vegetative stage). The RCBD experimental design was used with two replications in each treatment in four blocks. There are three series of harvesting (35, 50 and 60 DAS) was conducted throughout this study. The growth parameter studied was shoot and root dry biomass, number of tillers, RGR at each of harvesting. Our finding revealed that the application of EM did not improve plant growth parameter but the growth pattern of T2 and T3 showed steady improvement, although not significant compared to T1. The application of EM at different growth stages did not enhance the relative plant growth rate of Aeron 1 under aerobic condition, but in comparison to T1 and T2, T3 treatment with 50% reduction of NPK and EM could significantly reduce the cost of land management and fertilizer.

English

Soil fertility, growth, nutrient uptake and yield traits of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. var. JL24) were investigated under two organic fertilizers (indigenous microorganisms (IMO) or effective microorganisms (EM) with three replications. Application of IMO or EM fertilizers had significant effects on soils fertility compared to untreated soils. Total nitrogen, organic carbon, total phosphorus, calcium and magnesium led to a significant increase under organic fertilizers. IMO fertilizer supply at 20 g significantly increased the shoot length and the number of leaves compared to the EM fertilizer and untreated plants. In contrast, the highest values of stem diameter and leaf area were recorded at 40 g of EM supply. The highest values of pod (1.25 and 1.18 t/ha) and grain yield (0.96 and 0.98 t/ha) were recorded at 10 and 20 g for IMO and EM, respectively. Application of EM and IMO at 10 or 20 g led to a significant increase in nitrogen and phosphorus contents in leaves and roots with the highest accumulation of nitrogen at the roots level of treated plants. Nitrogen and proteins contents of peanut seeds were positively influenced by IMO and EM supply at 10 and 20 g, respectively. The use of IMO and EM fertilizers could enhance peanut growth performance in sandy ferralitic soils. Key words: Field performance, plant growth, fertilizers, yield traits, Arachis hypogaea.

Myrtillocactus geometrizans fruit plant stimulated with Effective microorganisms

The aim of this work is to develop an innovative technology for the cultivation of Myrtillocactus geometrizans, introducing the use of Effective microorganisms and at the same time, limiting the use of mineral fertilizers, plant protection products and improving the physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics of garambullos for consumption and processing. The trial showed a significant improvement in the agronomic parameters analysed on Myrtillocactus geometrizans plants treated with Effective microorganisms. In particular, there was an increase in plant height and circumference, vegetative and root weight, number of flowers and fruits, number and length of thornes in plants treated with microorganisms. In addition, the use of EM microorganisms showed a significant increase in total betalains, ascorbic acid, phenols and total flavonoids in garambullos. It was important to underline how the use of Effective microorganisms guaranteed, despite the reduction of irrigation and fertilisation by 50% in the growing medium, the same results in terms of agronomic parameters and fruit production and quality as the control with irrigation and fertilisation under optimal conditions. The application of Effective microorganisms in agricultural processing can therefore guarantee higher production standards, with a possible reduction in costs fertilizer and water. Particularly for those farms that want to focus on the production of ornamental and fruit cacti. Fruits obtained from growing plants treated with Effective microorganisms have a high antioxidant and nutraceutical potential, which is very important especially in this age where food is also a medicine.

Optimization of tobacco water‐fertilizer coupling scheme under effective microorganisms biochar‐based fertilizer application condition

AbstractAn appropriate coupling of water fertilizer can improve the quality and yield of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). However, the optimal scheme of that is still unknown under the condition of effective microorganisms (EM) biochar‐based fertilizer application. In this study, 12 treatments were set up, which were divided into four fertilization gradients (0, 100, 300, and 600 g pot–1, represented CK1–CK3, T1–T3, T4–T6, and T7–T9, respectively), and each fertilization gradient had three irrigation gradients (40, 80, and 120 L pot–1). Each treatment was set in triplicate. Compared to CK, the nicotine content, reducing sugar, total nitrogen, potassium, chlorine, and yield of flue‐cured tobacco increased by 13.22–48.87%, 1.53–13.46%, 7.68–29.23%, 7.73–21.76%, 6.48–34.55%, and 7.93–65.51% after the application of EM biochar‐based fertilizer. The quality of flue‐cured tobacco was less affected by the amount of irrigation (P &gt; .05), and the yield was positively correlated with the amount of irrigation and EM biochar‐based fertilizer (P &lt; .05). The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on all indexes of flue‐cured tobacco quality and established the comprehensive evaluation system. Analytic hierarchy process–entropy weight method (AHP–EWM) and projection pursuit classification (PPC) algorithms were utilized to build the model, and the optimal water–fertilizer coupling scheme was selected according to AHP–EWM score and projection values. In conclusion, 120 L pot–1 irrigation combined with 100 g pot–1 of EM biochar‐based fertilizer application treatment was the best water‐fertilizer coupling scheme, and the AHP–EWM score and projection value were .632 and 1.169. The results of this study might provide theoretical and practical guidance for the plantation of flue‐cured tobacco in production areas.

Productivity and Nutritional Trait Improvements of Different Tomatoes Cultivated with Effective Microorganisms Technology

The use of ecofriendly strategies, such as the use of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria, to improve the yield and quality of crops has become necessary to satisfy the growing demand of food and to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In this study, we report the effects of an innovative microbial inoculation technique, namely Effective Microorganisms (EM), compared with traditional approaches, on productivity and nutritional aspect of four tomato varieties: Brandywine, Corbarino Giallo, S. Marzano Cirio 3, S. Marzano Antico. Results showed an increase of plant productivity as well as an enhanced antioxidant activity mainly in San Marzano Antico and Brandywine varieties treated with EM technology. Moreover, the polyphenol and carotenoid contents also changed, in response to the plant treatments. In conclusion, the application of EM® technology in agriculture could represent a very promising strategy in agricultural sustainability.

Biochar and effective microorganisms promote Sesbania cannabina growth and soil quality in the coastal saline-alkali soil of the Yellow River Delta, China

Soil salinization and nutrient deficiency have emerged as the major factors negatively impacting soil quality and primary productivity in the coastal saline-alkali soil of the Yellow River Delta. Biochar has been proposed as an efficient strategy for promoting plant growth and restoring degraded saline-alkali soil. However, knowledge is inadequate regarding the effects of adding Spartina alterniflora-derived biochar alone or in combination with effective microorganisms (EM) on the growth of Sesbania cannabina and soil quality in saline-alkali soil. To enhance this knowledge, a pot experiment with different EM treatments (without EM addition, EM-; with EM addition, EM+) and a gradient of biochar treatments (0%, B0; 0.5%, B1; 1.5%, B2; and 3%, B3; biochar weight/soil weight) was conducted. Our results showed that biochar addition alone and in combination with EM significantly increased seed germination, plant height, stem diameter, total biomass and plant nutrient uptake of S. cannabina. Biochar addition, EM addition and their interaction significantly decreased soil salt content efficiently and increased soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) but had little effect on soil pH. Biochar addition increased soil organic carbon, soil NH4+ and NO3−, microbial biomass carbon, and soil enzyme activities and these effects increased in strength when biochar and EM were present simultaneously. Of the treatments, the EM + B3 treatment had the largest effects in terms of inhibiting salinization, increasing soil fertility, elevating soil nutrients and enzyme activities, and improving plant growth. Moreover, the application of biochar and EM promoted the growth of S. cannabina by enhancing plant nutrient uptake, improving soil fertility (e.g., TN, AP, AK, NH4+ and NO3−), and elevating soil enzyme activities (urease and alkaline phosphatase activity). Overall, the integrated use of an appropriate biochar rate (3%) and EM for coastal saline-alkali soil could be an effective strategy to ameliorate soil salinity, improve soil quality and promote plant productivity.

A study on the effectiveness of a defined microbial consortium to enhance the microbiological safety of cattle manure.

Animal manure frequently harbors pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella spp. and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. A defined microbial consortium such as effective microorganisms (EM) can potentially be used as a biocontrol against manure-borne human pathogens such as Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of EM to decontaminate cattle manure. EM was first characterized by enumeration and identification of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts, actinomycetes and phototrophic bacteria (PB). The population density of LAB, yeasts, actinomycetes and presumptive PB was 6.9, 5.2, 5.9 and 3.9 log CFU g-1 respectively. LAB and yeast isolates were molecularly confirmed as Lactobacillus plantarum and L. casei (LAB) and Yarrowia lipolytica, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Picha manshurica (yeasts) respectively. Culture-independent molecular analysis revealed the presence of additional species including L. parabuchneri and Enterococcus faecium (LAB) and bacterial spore-formers Bacillus cereus and Clostridium spp. Application of EM to fresh cattle manure, inoculated with ~5-6 log CFU g-1 of antibiotic-resistant strain of indicator organism E. coli ATCC 25922, resulted in complete elimination of the organism in 20 days, while survivors were still detected in the untreated counterpart. EM can potentially be used for sustainable pathogen control in cattle manure for enhanced food safety and environmental health. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

EFFECTS OF ORGANIC CULTIVATION PATTERN ON TOMATO PRODUCTION: PLANT GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS, QUALITY, DISEASE RESISTANCE, AND SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the world’s most important cultivated vegetable. In the traditionalcultivation methods, the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers leads to an imbalance of nutrient elements in the soil, an increase in pests and diseases and a decrease in vegetable quality and yield. In the face of increasingly serious environmental and food problems, organic agriculture is considered to be an effective solution. In this experiment, the effects of organic cultivation patterns on the growth, quality, disease resistance in tomatoes, and the physical and chemical properties of soil were studied by different treatments. The results showed that the application of effective microorganisms (EM) bio-organic fertilizer in the cultivation process can significantly improve the yield, quality, and antioxidant enzyme activity of tomato. The use of straw mulching was found to significantly increase the growth, chlorophyll content, transpiration rate, and soluble sugar content of tomatoes. The application of EM bio-organic fertilizer or straw mulching significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzyme and the expression of LeCHI gene in tomato leaves and enhanced tomato resistance to diseases. Organic production practices were found to significantly improve the soil.