Effective Microorganisms for Soil, Plants & Home

The original EM formula. developed by Dr. Higa. used worldwide to restore microbial balance.

Manufactured globally under EMRO supervision.

EM-1

What is EM-1?

EM-1® is a liquid culture of beneficial microbes drawn from five major groups: lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes, photosynthetic bacteria and fermenting fungi. Together they help tip the balance toward ‘good’ microbes in soil, plants, water and living spaces.

Lactic acid bacteria: Suppress harmful microbes; speed organic breakdown.

Yeasts: Produce growth-supporting metabolites that feed other EM groups.

Actinomycetes: Help suppress harmful fungi and bacteria.

Photosynthetic bacteria: Make valuable substances from root exudates and sunlight; support nitrogen binding.

Fermenting fungi: Rapidly break down organic matter; curb odours and pest pressure.

EM-1® has been used for decades to reduce reliance on harsh chemicals and support more resilient plants, animals and soils.

Restore the Natural Balance

EM® encourages beneficial microbes to dominate, helping suppress disease-causing organisms and supporting stronger natural immunity across soils, plants and environments.

Microbes work better together & diversity is the solution.

How to Activate EM-1 (EM-A)

Step 1 — Clean & prep

Ensure the fermenter is spotless. Remove the heating element to clean, then re-insert for use.

Step 2 — Dissolve molasses

Mix sugar-cane molasses into lukewarm water (~10 L per 11 L molasses in the 220 L example) and stir until fully dissolved; add ~5 L more water and stir again.

Step 3 — Add EM-1®

Pour in EM-1® and mix gently, then top up with the remaining water for your fermenter size. (Example: 11 L EM-1® + 11 L molasses + 198 L water → 220 L total.)

Step 4 — Warm & seal

Insert heater and set to ~37 °C. Keep the vessel closed/air-tight during fermentation.

Step 5 — Ferment ~7 days

When brewing completes (around day 7), unplug the heater. A thin skin on top is normal—stir it back in..

Activate EM-1® with molasses and warm, clean water to brew EM-A for everyday use. (Quick brew time 7 days.)

Always use uncontaminated water; avoid chlorinated water where possible, rainwater or well water is ideal.

Common Batch Sizes

  • 30 L fermenter: 1.5 L EM-1® + 1.5 L molasses + 27 L water

  • 60 L fermenter: 3 L EM-1® + 3 L molasses + 54 L water

  • 120 L fermenter: 6 L EM-1® + 6 L molasses + 108 L water

  • 220 L fermenter: 11 L EM-1® + 11 L molasses + 198 L water

Decant finished EM-A into an air-excluded container (e.g., bag-in-box). Store anaerobically and use within ~3 months.

Shelf life & “Best Before”

EM-1® (unactivated): Best before 12 months from production; viable microbes diminish slowly after that, but product can still be used (fewer microbes ‘reawaken’).

EM-A (activated): Use within 3 months when stored anaerobically (vacuum/air-excluded).

What Can It Be Used For?

  • Gardens & Soil: Improve microbial balance and organic matter breakdown.

  • Compost & Odour: Faster fermentation; reduced smells.

  • Plants: Support nutrient cycling and resilience.

  • Home & Animals: A natural, ethical approach to reducing chemical inputs.

FAQ’s

Q: My brew has a skin on top—is that bad?
A thin, whitish growth on the surface is good—just stir it back in.

Q: What temperature should I brew at?
Around 37 °C using a heater helps activation. Keep the vessel warm and closed.

Q: Which water should I use?
Use clean, non-chlorinated water (rain or well water). Avoid chlorine where possible.

Q: How long does activation take?
Approximately 7 days.

Q: What’s the EM-1® dose ratio when activating?
Follow the 1:1:18 style examples above (EM-1® : molasses : water) per your fermenter size.