Effective Microorganisms Application Research Articles

IMPACT OF SOIL STERILIZATION FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WHEAT SEEDS CLEANING AND THEIR INTERACTIONS ON WEED CONTROL, AND YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

IMPACT OF SOIL STERILIZATION FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WHEAT SEEDS CLEANING AND THEIR INTERACTIONS ON WEED CONTROL, AND YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

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 Influence of Compost Bin Volume and Effective Microorganisms (EM) Quantity for Efficient Food Waste Composting

The utilization of effective microorganisms (EM) in composting has gained substantial prominence since this additional microorganism is believed to overcome natural composting issues, such as slow decomposition and odour generation. However, a lack of awareness and education about proper composting practices involving EM can result in errors that diminish the decomposition process's effectiveness. Thus, this study aims to enhance the decomposition process's efficiency with emphasis on the balance between EM and food waste, as well as the void space within the compost bin. The investigation employed a varying EM quantity ranging from 20 to 100 ml and compost bin volumes of 6, 9, and 21 L. The food waste is mixed with 60% of the volume of each compost bin. The parameters assessed during the composting process include temperature and pH profile. Additionally, the mature sample after 20 days was then examined through the organic matter (OM), total organic carbon (TOC), and nutrient content, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). A series of controlled experiments found that the 21L compost bin possessing over 65 % free space reached a thermophilic temperature of 51.5oC within a remarkably brief one-day period and attained maturity within seven days, accompanied by a pH level of 7.4. Conversely, the 6L and 9L compost bins did not progress into the thermophilic phase or reach maturity during the seven-day observation period. The findings also indicate that the optimal quantity of EM required to decompose 600 grams of food waste exceeds 80 mL. They reached thermophilic temperature within eight days. These conditions fostered an environment conducive to accelerated decomposition and nutrient preservation. Notably, the final compost produced from these settings met established criteria for high-quality organic compost. This paper provides practical insights into achieving optimal conditions for EM application, thereby maximizing its effectiveness in food waste composting at source. Beyond the technical aspects, the research gives the broader social and environmental effects of home food waste composting, including its contribution to reducing landfill waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and community engagement.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) production and grain quality resulting from compost application and rotation with faba bean

Rotation with legumes and compost application are two possible approaches for improving soil fertility in sustainable wheat production. However, the efficiencies of different compost types may vary. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of traditional compost, vermicompost, and compost with effective microorganisms (EM) in combination with crop rotation on wheat yield and grain nutrient concentration. The compost treatments were applied at three nitrogen levels and compared to mineral fertilizer alone or combined with mineral fertilizer in a randomized complete block design. All three composts, alone and combined with mineral fertilizer, resulted in a higher grain yield than the equivalent mineral fertilizer level. However, the combined treatments with EM compost (5025 kg ha −1 or 2034 kg acre −1 ) and vermicompost (4975 kg ha −1 or 2013 kg acre −1 ) in 2019 resulted in the highest yields. Wheat rotation with faba bean also had a higher grain yield and nutrient concentration than wheat production without rotation. A higher grain yield was found in the combined EM (5377 kg ha −1 or 2176 kg acre −1 ) and vermicompost (5324 kg ha −1 or 2155 kg acre −1 ). The wheat seed nutrient concentration revealed that EM and vermicompost application combined with mineral fertilizer in the faba bean plot rotation resulted in the highest grain concentrations of N, P, S, Zn, and Fe. • Three compost types were evaluated in wheat crop rotation with faba bean. • Compost with Effective microorganisms and vermicompost were better yielded. • Grain nutrients improved in compost with effective microorganisms and vermicompost. • All compost types performed better when combined with mineral fertilizer. • Wheat yield and grain nutrients increased in faba bean wheat rotation.

Response of Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties to the Application of Effective Microorganisms in the Water of the Turawa Reservoir

Effective microorganisms (EM) technology was used to find the optimal method of water restoration in the designated experimental area. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of EM biopreparation on selected physicochemical and microbiological properties using ISO methods. A week after the application of biopreparations, a slight decrease in the nitrates content (0.375–0.531 mg L−1) and a significant decrease in the content of phosphorus compounds (0.130–0.304 mg L−1) compared to the control date were observed. Moreover, on the second date, the decrease in most values of microbiological properties was noted. Two weeks after the application, in most cases, the values of water quality properties were shaped close to values obtained in the control date (before EM application). The EM effect was rather short-term, but optimization of application properties may prolong the effect and thus, include the EM technology among the best eco-friendly technologies used for freshwater ecosystem restoration.

Yield, nutrient uptake, and economic return of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in calcareous soil as affected by compost types

Compost application is a promising approach to improve soil fertility and the sustainability of plant production, but different types of compost may vary in their efficiency. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of traditional compost, vermicompost, and material composted with additional effective microorganisms (EM) on faba bean yield and related properties. The compost treatments were applied at three nitrogen levels (18, 27, and 36 kg ha −1 ) and compared to mineral fertilizer alone or in combination with compost in a two-factor randomized complete block design with four replicates. The economic effects of the different composts were assessed using partial budget analysis. All three composts resulted in significantly higher grain and biomass yields, as well as nutrient uptake into grain compared to mineral fertilizer. This was reflected in a higher number of nodules and higher residual soil nitrogen in the compost treatments. However, EM and vermicompost were most efficient, with a yield of approximately 3.6 and 3.45 t ha −1 , respectively, compared to traditional compost with a yield of 3.1 t. Similar results were found for other investigated properties. The economic analysis revealed that EM compost application at medium and high nitrogen rates was the most profitable among the treatments, with marginal rates of return varying between approximately 790 and 2800%. • EM compost and vermicompost addition resulted in significantly higher grain yield, biomass yield, number of nodules, and residual nitrogen than traditional compost and mineral fertilizer. • Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur uptake into grain and straw were significantly higher on EM and vermicompost treated plots. • EM compost application based on medium and high nitrogen rates and EM compost with mineral fertilizer resulted in the best economic performance among the treatments.

Effect of effective microorganisms on wheat growth under salt stress condition

Effective microorganisms (EM) are important beneficial fungi and bacteria mixed culture that is used as an inoculant to improve soil quality and health, enhance plant growth, yield, and quality. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inoculating various concentration of EM (50, 100 and 200 mL L-1) on growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings, grown under NaCl regime (6 dS m-1), including fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content, maximum fluorescence yield (Fm), variable fluorescence yield (Fv), optimum photosystem II (PSII) quantum yield (QY) and ratio of fluorescence decline in steady state (RFD). Seedlings subjected to salt treatment exhibited significantly 60% and 30% reduction in both fresh in dry weight; respectively, however, when seedlings under saline condition were treated with EM at both 50 and 100 mL-1, fresh weight was increased two folds. However, for both dry weight and plant length, EM at 100 mL-1 showed the highest significant values compared to salt treated seedlings (40% and 18%, respectively). Salinity treatment reduced significantly chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm and QY, however, the addition of EM at 200 mL L-1 alleviated the effect of salt stress on photosynthetic parameters. The application of both 100 and 200 mL L-1 alleviated the salt effect resulted in a similar chlorophylls content as the control (36.23 and 34.12 SPAD units) respectively. EM application at 200 mL L-1 significantly lowered electrical conductivity from 14.35 to 10.29 dS m-1 of the media. In conclusion, EM can be used to counter act salt effect in soil and improve growth behavior of wheat plants under salinity conditions.

Effects of exogenous germanium and effective microorganisms on germanium accumulation and nutritional qualities of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Organic germanium (Ge) compounds show vital beneficial effects for our health and are widely used as medical applications and dietary supplements. Inorganic Ge can be absorbed by plants and further accumulated and transformed into organic Ge compounds in plant tissues, which can be further consumed as Ge-rich foods. Meantime, the presence of Ge can improve the physiological functions of plants such as the salt tolerance and the peroxidase activities in leaves. Therefore, improving the Ge content of Ge-rich plants by fertilizing exogenous inorganic Ge is of important and an efficient way to obtain more organic germanium. Garlic is one of the natural Ge-rich plants and possesses prodigious medicinal and nutraceutical properties. The main edible parts of garlic include bulb, scape and seedling in China. However, the effects of exogenous Ge on the Ge accumulation and nutritional qualities of garlic are not apparent, and the suitable applying concentrations and frequencies are also poorly known. Here, using garlic cultivar G024 and GeO2 as exogenous Ge, two experiments were performed to reveal the effects of exogenous Ge on garlic. Besides, a third experiment that brings in the factor of effective microorganisms (EM) inoculation was also conducted to evaluate the combined effects of exogenous Ge and EM application on garlic seedlings. Results showed that foliar spraying 6–72 mg/L GeO2 solutions significantly affects the Ge accumulation and distribution in garlic plants; foliar spraying 9–12 mg/L GeO2 at the bolting period is appropriate for producing the Ge-rich garlic scapes and bulbs; soil supplying 100 mg GeO2 together with EM inoculation are suitable for obtaining Ge-rich garlic seedlings. The present study provided useful information for the field production of Ge-rich garlic.

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Organic germanium (Ge) compounds show vital beneficial effects for our health and are widely used as medical applications and dietary supplements. Inorganic Ge can be absorbed by plants and further accumulated and transformed into organic Ge compounds in plant tissues, which can be further consumed as Ge-rich foods. Meantime, the presence of Ge can improve the physiological functions of plants such as the salt tolerance and the peroxidase activities in leaves. Therefore, improving the Ge content of Ge-rich plants by fertilizing exogenous inorganic Ge is of important and an efficient way to obtain more organic germanium. Garlic is one of the natural Ge-rich plants and possesses prodigious medicinal and nutraceutical properties. The main edible parts of garlic include bulb, scape and seedling in China. However, the effects of exogenous Ge on the Ge accumulation and nutritional qualities of garlic are not apparent, and the suitable applying concentrations and frequencies are also poorly known. Here, using garlic cultivar G024 and GeO2 as exogenous Ge, two experiments were performed to reveal the effects of exogenous Ge on garlic. Besides, a third experiment that brings in the factor of effective microorganisms (EM) inoculation was also conducted to evaluate the combined effects of exogenous Ge and EM application on garlic seedlings. Results showed that foliar spraying 6–72 mg/L GeO2 solutions significantly affects the Ge accumulation and distribution in garlic plants; foliar spraying 9–12 mg/L GeO2 at the bolting period is appropriate for producing the Ge-rich garlic scapes and bulbs; soil supplying 100 mg GeO2 together with EM inoculation are suitable for obtaining Ge-rich garlic seedlings. The present study provided useful information for the field production of Ge-rich garlic.

Enhancing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal by Applying Effective Microorganisms to Constructed Wetlands

Rainfall occurs frequently in South China and results in recurring of drainage/discharge of nitrogen and phosphorus-rich water from paddy fields, which may cause serious non-point source pollution of receiving waters such as rivers. Moreover, time intervals between individual rainfall events are short (often only several days). Thus, not only is the treatment of discharge water needed, but a more rapid form of treatment is desired as well. On the basis of the literature, constructed wetlands could remove nitrogen and phosphorous from paddy field drainage/outflow, and effective microorganisms (EM) could also be added to enhance the removals. A field experiment was conducted to demonstrate the wetland effectiveness and EM enhancement. The experiment was conducted from June to October in 2016. By applying EM to constructed wetlands, after 8 days, concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4 +-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3 −-N), and total phosphorus (TP) were reduced by 88%, 91%, 89%, and 50%, respectively. Within the first 4 days, TN and TP concentrations were reduced by 78% and 40%, respectively, with EM application, in comparison to 50% and 20%, respectively, without EM application, representing additional respective reductions of 28% and 20% by applying EM. The results from the field experiment indicated a significant improvement of phosphorus and nitrogen removals by applying effective microorganisms.

Impact of Effective Microorganisms (EM) Application on the Physical Condition of Haplic Luvisol

The study set out to determine changes in the soil air-water properties, the water-stable aggregate share and organic carbon content as effects of a five-year application of effective microorganisms (EM-A). The hypothesis that long-term applied EM-A biopreparations have a positive effect on the soil physical condition has not been confirmed. Haplic Luvisols originating from silt were studied in a field experiment after EM-A biopreparation treatment. The soil samples with the natural structure preserved intact were collected three times each year. The properties of the soil determined in the study were: particle density, total organic carbon content, bulk density, total porosity, air capacity, air permeability, soil moisture at sampling, field water capacity, available water content, unavailable water content, and water-stable aggregate content. The ratio of field water capacity and total porosity (FC/TP) was calculated. It was found that EM-A application primarily leads to a decrease in the content of organic carbon and water-stable aggregates. This was an adverse effect. Total organic carbon (TOC) and water-stable aggregates proved to be very sensitive indicators for assessing the soil physical condition. However, changes in soil compaction and air–water properties did not show significant deterioration. Our research addresses the data gaps about EM application to soil.

Influence of the light color and microbiological inoculums on the zonal pelargonium quality and microbiological and enzymatic state of the substrate

Two inoculums: Effective Microorganisms (EM) specimen available on the market and microbiological BAF1 inoculum, were applied in the experiment. The plants were cultivated in the growth chamber equipped with shelves with fluorescent or LED lamps. The highest number of inflorescences was under the influence of white color of light emitted by fluorescent lamps and blue color of light emitted by LED lamps, especially after application of BAF1 inoculum. Irrespective of microbiological inoculum, no significant effect of the color of light and type of lamps on such traits as height of leaves layer, number of leaves, greening index of leaves (SPAD) and length of inflorescences, was found. The white color light emitted by fluorescent lamps stimulated actinobacteria multiplication, especially after EM application. Regardless of the inoculum application, it was the blue color light emitted by LED lamps that stimulated the multiplication of moldy fungi. After the use of fluorescent lamps, the increase in dehydrogenase activity was observed, especially after the application of BAF1 inoculum. The activity of acid phosphatase was stimulated by blue and white+blue light emitted by LED lamps. The increase in the activity of urease was observed under fluorescent lamps emitting the green, blue and white color of light, after the application of EM.

Effective microorganisms: An innovative tool for inducing common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) salt-tolerance by regulating photosynthetic rate and endogenous phytohormones production

Effective microorganisms (EM) is a microbial inoculant containing many species of microorganisms’ e.g. photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes, and fermenting fungi that can stimulate plant growth and improve soil fertility. The present study investigates the significance of EM application in alleviation of salinity stress in common bean by protecting photosynthesis apparatus. (Phaseolus vulgaris L. - cv. Nebraska) plants were treated or not with EM under different saline conditions [0.1 dS m–1 (non-saline), 2.5 and 5.0 dS m–1] and were sampled, 40 days after sowing. Plants grown in salty soils exhibited a significant decline in growth and yield components, photosynthetic pigments content, photochemical reactions of photosynthesis, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry, actual photochemical efficiency of PSII, electron transport rate, photochemical quenching coefficient, effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, activities of Rubisco, Rubisco activase, and carbonic anhydrase, seed carbohydrate content as well as leaf auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins concentration. EM application mitigated the inhibitory effect of salt stress and significantly improved the above parameters. Intercellular CO2 concentration, non-photochemical quenching coefficients, glycolate oxidase activity, and abscisic acid concentration were increased under soil salinization, whereas they were significantly decreased in salt-affected plants treated with EM. In sum, EM application mitigates salinity problems by regulating both mechanisms of photosynthetic apparatus adjustment and biosynthesis of endogenous phytohormone. EM application could be an effective approach to alleviate the harmful effects of salt stress and could be explored in an agricultural production system.

Water quality and phytoplankton structure changes under the influence of effective microorganisms (EM) and barley straw – Lake restoration case study

Many lakes worldwide, especially shallow, experience great changes due to eutrophication, manifested in severe, usually toxic water blooms, disqualifying them from recreation. In order to improve water quality, restoration programs are implemented, including numerous methods. Intense nutrient cycling resulting from detrimental role of sediments impede obtaining of clear water state. One of the restoration methods proposed in recent years was Effective Microorganisms (EM), i.e. the set of microorganisms aiming at the inhibition of harmful bacteria through competitive exclusion. This approach was introduced in shallow Konin Lake (Western Poland), suffering from severe cyanobacterial water blooms. Prior to the treatment, protective action was conducted i.e. the elimination of external nutrient loads with backwater from the river. Changes in water chemistry, phytoplankton structure and macrophytes distribution were noted during the 5-year studies (2011–2015), covering the treatment (2013–2015) as well as two previous years. Oscillatoriacean cyanobacteria were most abundant in (2011−2012), while Nostocales in summer 2014–2015, as a result of decreased phosphorus but increased nitrogen concentrations. Slight increase in Cladoceran zooplankton was observed, but none in submerged macrophytes due to low water transparency. EM application initiated positive changes in the ecosystem by means of excessive organic matter decomposition and increased diversity of phytoplankton, nevertheless cyanobacteria blooms were still present due to high nutrient content.

The effect of biofertilizer and nitrogen rates on quantitative and qualitative properties of strawberry cultivar 'Paros'

In order to investigate the effect of EM (Effective Microorganisms) application and various nitrogen levels on qualitative and quantitative traits of strawberry cultivar 'Paros'. The layout of the experiment was based on randomized complete block with three replications. The research was conducted in an experimental planting of strawberry cv. 'Paros' at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, during 2014-2015. EM was used at four rates (0, 1, 2, and 3%) in two ways (soil and foliar application) and nitrogen was used in three rates (50, 100 and 150 kg*ha-1 soil application). Leaf area, number of flowers per plant, number of fruit per plant, length, volume, fresh and dry weight of fruit, yield per plant, vitamin C content, total soluble solids content and total acidity were measured. There was significant difference between the EM and nitrogen treatments for all the traits except fruit shelf life. Mean comparison revealed that 2% concentration of EM had positive effect on most of the traits. Regarding nitrogen treatments, the best yield was obtained at application of 100 kg*ha-1.

Effective microorganisms modify protein and polyamine pools in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants grown under saline conditions

No information is available regarding the influence of effective microorganisms (EM) on protein synthesis and polyamine balance in plants grown under saline conditions. Thus, as a first approach, this study sheds light on some different mechanisms that may protect EM-treated plants against salt excess. The response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Nebraska to soil salinization [0.1dSm−1 (non-saline), 2.5 and 5.0dSm−1] and/or EM application was investigated. Plants grown in saline soils exhibited a significant decline in productivity, membrane stability index, nitrate reductase activity, nitrate and protein content, K+ concentration, and K+/Na+ ratio. However, EM application ameliorated the deleterious effects of salinity and significantly improved the above parameters. Soil salinity induced oxidative damage through increased lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content. EM application significantly reduced the oxidative damage. Polyamines responded to salinity stress by increasing its content, particularly putrescine level. The EM treatment changed the polyamine balance under saline conditions, a high increase in spermidine and spermine levels was observed. Moreover, EM application significantly reduced the activities of diamine oxidase and polyamine oxidase in salt-stressed plants. Both the modulation of polyamine pool and the regulation of protein synthesis can be one of the most important mechanisms used by EM-treated plants to improve plant adaptation to saline soils.

Effective microorganisms improve growth performance, alter nutrients acquisition and induce compatible solutes accumulation in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants subjected to salinity stress

No information is available concerning effective microorganisms (EM) influence on the ionic and osmotic responses in plants grown in salty soils. Therefore, as a first approach, this study focuses on the contribution of EM to nutrient acquisition and compatible solutes accumulation in salt-stressed plants. It assesses some mechanisms underlying alleviation of salt toxicity by EM application, and also directs to establish a possible interrelationship between EM application as well as ionic and osmotic stresses tolerance in plants exposed to saline soils. Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Nebraska plants were grown under non-saline or saline conditions (2.5 and 5.0 dS m−1) with and without EM application. Salinity stress significantly decreased growth, productivity, membrane stability index, relative water content, concentrations of N, P, K+, Fe, Zn and Cu, and the ratios of K+/Na+, Ca2+/Na+ and Mg2+/Na+. However, EM application protected plants against the detrimental effect of salinity and significantly improved the above parameters. Concentrations of Ca+2, Mg+2, soluble sugars, free amino acids, proline and glycinebetaine were increased under saline conditions; moreover they further increased in salt-stressed plants treated with EM. Lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide content, electrolyte leakage and Na+ level were increased in response to salinity and significantly decreased when stressed plants treated by EM. Reduction in Na uptake together with a concomitant increase in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu absorption and a high compatible solutes accumulation may be an efficient mechanism used by EM-treated plants to gain tolerance against salinity stress.

Effective microorganisms enhance the scavenging capacity of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants grown in salty soils

No information is available regarding effective microorganisms (EM) influence on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence system involved in the ascorbate–glutathione cycle under saline conditions. Therefore, as a first approach, this article focuses on the contribution of EM to the scavenging capacity of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle in salt-stressed plants. It investigates some mechanisms underlying alleviation of salt toxicity by EM application. Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Nebraska plants were grown under non-saline or saline conditions (2.5 and 5.0 dSm−1) with and without EM application. Lipid peroxidation and H2O2 content were significantly increased in response to salinity, while they decreased with EM application in both stressed and non-stressed plants. Activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2) increased under saline conditions; these increases were more significant in salt-stressed plants treated by EM. Activities of monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR; EC 1.6.5.4) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; EC 1.8.5.1) decreased in response to salinity; however, they were significantly increased in stressed plants treated with EM. Ascorbate and glutathione contents were increased with the increasing salt concentration; moreover they further increased in stressed plants treated with EM. Ratios of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG decreased under saline conditions, whereas they were significantly increased with EM treatment in the presence or in the absence of soil salinization. The EM treatment detoxified the stress generated by salinity and significantly improved plant growth and productivity. Enhancing the H2O2-scavenging capacity of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle in EM-treated plants may be an efficient mechanism to attenuate the activation of plant defences.

Effect of Some Agro-Management Systems on Growth and Production of Date Palm Off-Shoots under North Sinai Conditions

This study was conducted during two successive seasons (2012 and 2013) at Baloza Experimental Station, Desert Research Center, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt. This research aimed to study the effect of effective microorganisms (EM) applications, and some planting media on improving rooting and growth characteristics of survived Hayany offshoots date palm cultivar in the nursery. The effective microorganisms (EM) applications were 0, 50 and 100 ml/ palm/year. While, planting media were T1: control treatment (normal sandy soil), T2: mixture of cattle manure + sandy soil (1:2, v: v), T3: mixture of goat manure+ sandy soil (1:2, v: v), and T4: mixture of compost and sandy soil (1:2, v/v). The obtained results cleared that 100 ml of EM application was the best than other levels. Also, Hayany offshoots planted in T3 recorded the best root performance results as compared with the other planting media. In addition, T3 under 100 ml EM applications produced the highest offshoots survival ratio, rooting percentages and enhanced the other growth parameters.

Composting of rice straw with effective microorganisms (EM) and its influence on compost quality

This study aims to assess the effect of EM application on the composting process of rice straw with goat manure and green waste and to evaluate the quality of both compost treatments. There are two treatment piles in this study, in which one pile was applied with EM and another pile without EM. Each treatment was replicated three times with 90 days of composting duration. The parameters for the temperature, pH, TOC and C/N ratio, show that decomposition of organic matter occurs during the 90-day period. The t-test conducted shows that there is a significant difference between compost with EM and compost without EM. The application of EM in compost increases the macro and micronutrient content. The following parameters support this conclusion: compost applied with EM has more N, P and K content (P < 0.05) compared to compost without EM. Although the Fe in compost with EM is much higher (P < 0.05) than in the compost without EM, for Zn and Cu, there is no significant difference between treatments. This study suggests that the application of EM is suitable to increase the mineralization in the composting process. The final resultant compost indicated that it was in the range of the matured level and can be used without any restriction.