You don't see them, but they are everywhere: microorganisms. In the soil, on plants, in the air, on our skin, in our intestines – they are literally the silent force behind all life. And with EM, or Effective Microorganisms, you can deliberately harness this power. In your garden, your stable, your compost heap, or even just in your home.

What exactly is EM?

EM stands for a mixture of positive bacteria, yeasts, and fungi that work together in a powerful symbiosis. Think of lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, and yeasts. What makes EM special is that they are brought together in a balanced ratio, so they reinforce each other.

These mixtures were developed in the early 1980s by Japanese professor Teruo Higa. He discovered that some combinations of microorganisms are not only useful but also have a regenerative effect on their environment. Hence the name: Effective Microorganisms.

How does it work?

EM works on the principle of dominance. The world of microorganisms roughly consists of three groups:

• 10% positive: the 'good' bacteria
• 10% negative: the pathogens
• 80% opportunistic: they do what the rest do

By adding positive microorganisms, you pull that 80% in the right direction. You change the environment, subtly but effectively, and help to restore balance. Not by killing, but by populating with the right life.

What can you use EM for?

In the garden and vegetable garden

As foliar feed or soil improver. Helps build healthy soil life, improves soil structure, absorption capacity, and vitality.
Usage: 1 to 2 liters of Multi-Task per 100 m², diluted in water. As foliar feed: 1 to 2 capfuls per 10 liters.

For composting

Speeds up the composting process, ensures odorless, well-decomposed compost, and improves the microbial profile.
Usage: 50–100 ml Multi-Task per liter of water, sprayed over the heap.

In stables and animal housing

Reduces odor and ammonia, supports the stable climate, and reduces fly nuisance. Usage: 50–100 ml per liter of water on stable bedding, feeding troughs, hay, and surfaces.

On the animal

For coat care, skin, and hooves. Supports a healthy skin flora.
Usage: 10–50 ml Multi-Task per liter of water as a spray or sponge wash.

In the house

For cleaning and odor reduction on surfaces, textiles, and bins.
Usage: 5–10 capfuls per 10 liters of water, neat for copper and stubborn dirt.

In drinking water

Improves the microbial balance of water and promotes absorption.
Usage: 1 capful per 10 liters of water.

EM-X Gold: for internal use

EM-X Gold is a fermented liquid full of antioxidants, made from rice bran, seaweed, and fruit. Through a special filtration process, only the bioactive substances remain. This drink is often used by athletes, for reduced immunity, or as daily support for self-healing capacity.

Even for animals, such as horses, a small daily dose can already have an effect.

Make your own EM?

With EM-1, molasses, and water, you can make your own EM-A (active microorganisms). You ferment the mixture at 30 °C in a vessel with an airlock. After a week, the liquid is ready for use. Cheaper and thus great for large users.

Finally: working with life

With EM, you choose a regenerative approach: you nourish what is good, instead of fighting what is unwanted. Effective microorganisms show that even the smallest life can have a huge impact. You just have to give it space.