1. What is EM Bio-product? The core biological composition

EM (Effective Microorganisms) is a symbiotic community of beneficial living microorganisms, invented by Prof. Dr. Teruo Higa (Japan) in the 1980s, which functions to break down organic matter and thoroughly suppress biological pathogens.

The composition of EM products includes more than 80 species of beneficial microorganisms, concentrated into 5 main groups:

• Lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus): Convert sugars into lactic acid, providing strong disinfecting action, suppressing putrefactive microorganisms and eliminating foul odors.
• Photosynthetic bacteria (Rhodobacteria): Play a leading role, synthesizing organic matter and amino acids from sunlight, helping the biomass multiply quickly.
• Yeast (Saccharomyces): Produce natural vitamins and enzymes, stimulate root development and create a favorable environment for other beneficial bacteria to work.
• Actinomycetes (Streptomyces): Break down stable organic compounds (cellulose, chitin), while also secreting natural antibiotics that destroy pathogenic fungi in the soil.
• Decomposing bacteria (Bacillus): Rapidly break down straw, manure and plant residues into macronutrients readily available to crops.

2. Classification of the popular EM product lines

From the original microbial base solution, EM is propagated into many secondary lines to optimize its uses and save costs for each specific purpose.

Comparison table of the characteristics of popular EM products

2.1 EM base solution (EM1) – The starter culture

This is the original base preparation containing the highest density of beneficial bacteria (typically reaching 10^8 – 10⁹ CFU/mL or 10^8 CFU/g).
Use: Used as the core raw material to ferment secondary products; not for direct application/watering due to its high cost.

2.2 Secondary EM (EM2) – The versatile biological line

Fermented from EM1 combined with molasses and clean water.

Use: Applied directly to the soil to improve soil friability, sprayed to eliminate barn odors, used to treat waste, and applied to aquaculture ponds to control algae.

2.3 EM Bokashi (dry powder form)

This is an anaerobically fermented compost made from rice bran and sawdust mixed with EM solution.

Use: Used as a super-microbial base fertilizer, helping beneficial bacteria establish deep root systems in the soil and treat organic household waste.

2.4 EM5 (Herbal extract)

Fermented from EM base solution combined with alcohol, vinegar and pungent herbs (garlic, chili, ginger).

Use: Works as a biological pesticide, repelling insects (leafhoppers, aphids) and treating leaf fungus.

2.5 EM-FPE (plant-based EM)

Fermented from fresh plant materials (banana, moringa, etc.) and EM base solution.

Use: Rich in enzymes and growth hormones, used as a foliar fertilizer to stimulate flowering and fruit set.

3. Summary of the practical applications and uses of EM products

Thanks to its biological safety and powerful decomposing ability, EM acts as a “multi-purpose processing plant,” delivering outstanding effectiveness in 4 key areas: crop farming, livestock, aquaculture, and environmental protection.

3.1. Uses in crop farming and fertilizer production

EM accompanies the crop’s growth cycle, from soil preparation and sowing through to harvest:

• Treating seeds and seedlings: Soaking seeds or watering seedling roots with diluted EM solution increases germination rate, stimulates fine root growth and boosts resilience right from the early stage.
• Improving and detoxifying soil: The beneficial bacteria break down hard-to-digest organic matter, turning depleted, compacted soil into loose, friable soil. It also helps detoxify soil affected by long-term chemical fertilizer residue.
• Fast composting of organic matter: Speeds up fermentation when composting manure, fish protein fertilizer, straw or soybeans. The composting process is thorough, produces no foul odor, and creates readily absorbable nutrients for plants.
• Limiting biological fungal diseases: The beneficial microorganisms and actinomycetes compete for living space, completely suppressing pathogens that cause root rot and collar rot (Phytophthora, Fusarium), reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.

3.2. Uses in livestock farming

A clean barn environment and a healthy digestive system are the two key factors that EM addresses:

• Eliminating barn odor and toxic gases: Spraying secondary EM directly onto the barn floor quickly neutralizes toxic gases (NH3, H2S), significantly reduces odor within just 24 hours, and eliminates the breeding environment for flies, mosquitoes and pathogens.
• Fermenting animal feed: Using EM to ferment corn meal, soybean residue and green roughage increases enzyme and vitamin content, making feed softer, easier to digest and more palatable to livestock.
• Balancing gut microflora: Mixing EM into drinking water or feed directly helps livestock (pigs, chickens, cattle) maximize nutrient absorption, boost natural resistance and reduce the incidence of intestinal diarrheal diseases.

3.3 Uses in aquaculture

Particularly effective for high-density intensive farming models such as whiteleg shrimp, black tiger shrimp and commercial fish:

• Developing water color and natural feed: Applying EM to ponds periodically helps stabilize the buffering system, maintain a healthy water color (tea color), and stimulate the growth of plankton, providing an initial natural food source for shrimp and fish.
• Treating pond bottoms and absorbing toxic gases: Decomposing bacteria break down accumulated organic sludge, waste and leftover feed at the pond bottom, preventing the generation of toxic gases in the bottom layer.
• Controlling toxic algae and luminous bacteria: The high density of effective microorganisms completely outcompetes pathogenic bacterial strains (such as Vibrio), while effectively controlling blue-green algae and other harmful algae in pond water.

3.4 Uses in environmental and waste treatment

EM is an ideal biological agent for treating pollution issues in both household and industrial settings:

• Composting household waste: Converts kitchen waste and household by-products into organic fertilizer at home without producing foul odors, reducing the amount of waste released into the environment.
• Treating wastewater and biogas tanks: Lactic and photosynthetic bacteria break down organic matter in livestock wastewater systems, significantly reducing chemical pollution indicators (BOD, COD), helping wastewater meet safety standards before discharge. It also helps clear blockages and effectively treats odors in drains and biogas tanks.

4. Comparing EM products on the market with Duc Binh EM

There are currently many self-fermented microbial lines on the market with no guaranteed density. The Duc Binh Microbial Products Center supplies an EM base line cultured in a laboratory according to Vietnamese Standards.

5. Technical guide for mixing EM accurately for each purpose

5.1 Mixing EM base into EM2

To optimize costs by up to 90%, farmers must propagate their own biomass from EM1 (base) into EM2 (secondary) before using it widely.

Formula for mixing secondary EM (EM2):

1. Prepare clean water: Be sure to use 18 liters of well water or tap water that has been left in an open-lid drum for 24-48 hours to allow chlorine to fully evaporate (chlorine kills microorganisms).
2. Dissolve the ingredients: Stir 1 liter of molasses into 18 liters of water, then pour in 1 liter of EM1 (base) solution and mix thoroughly.
3. Anaerobic fermentation: Pour into a flexible plastic container and seal tightly. Ferment in the shade for 3-7 days (depending on weather). Note: Loosen the lid slightly each day to release gas (CO2) and prevent the container from bulging or bursting.
4. Finished product: Ready when the solution has a pH below 4.0, a mildly sweet-and-sour smell (like pickled vegetables), and a white film forms on the surface.

Dilution ratios for EM2 for each purpose:

• Composting organic matter (waste, straw): Use 1-2 liters of EM2 to evenly water 100 kg of material, pack tightly and cover with a tarp to compost for 30-45 days.
• Root watering/Foliar spraying: Mix 1 liter of EM2 with 200 – 400 liters of clean water, spray periodically every 10-15 days.
• Treating barn odor: Mix 1 liter of EM2 with 30–50 liters of clean water, spray directly onto the barn floor as a mist.
• Treating shrimp/fish ponds: Use 10 liters of EM2 evenly applied per 1,000 cubic meters of water (in the early morning to control algae, in the evening to treat the pond bottom).

5.2 Mixing EM Bokashi

Bokashi B: used as animal feed

Formula: 1 liter of EM base (or 2 packets of powdered EM base) + 2 liters of molasses + 40 liters of water + (70 – 100kg) of feed, sealed and fermented for 5-7 days ==> Bokashi B

Feed ingredients: corn meal, bran, fish meal, etc., mixed in a specific ratio to ensure the protein and nutrient content needed for livestock.

How to ferment

• Mix the feed ingredients evenly, then spray the above solution into the mixture while stirring until the moisture content reaches 30 – 40%.
• Place in a bag or container, seal tightly for anaerobic fermentation.
• After 5-7 days, when the mixture has a sweet, fragrant fermented smell with white mold on the surface, the EM Bokashi B is ready to use.

Bokashi C: EM Bokashi for environmental treatment

Fermentation formula: 5 liters of EM base + 5 liters of molasses + 50 liters of water + 100kg of rice bran and sawdust, sealed and fermented for 7-10 days =====> Bokashi C

How to ferment

• Rice bran and sawdust are combined in a 1:1 ratio. Mix the ingredients evenly, then spray the solution onto the mixture while stirring until the moisture content reaches 30 – 40%.
• Place in a bag or container, seal tightly for anaerobic fermentation.
• After 7 – 10 days, the mixture will have a sweet, fragrant fermented smell with white mold on the surface.

How to use

– Use Bokashi C as a biological bedding: Mix evenly with rice husk or sawdust to line livestock barns

– Composting manure and organic waste: Use 15kg of Bokashi C mixed evenly with 1 ton of waste, add water to reach the right moisture level, cover tightly with a tarp to compost

– Additionally, EM Bokashi C is also used to treat wastewater and other environmental issues…

5.3 Mixing EM base into fertilizer for crops

Use EM base product (EMGRO) diluted with clean water to water plant roots or as a foliar microbial fertilizer for crops

Root watering method: Mix 1 liter of EMGRO with 200 liters of clean water, water evenly around the base of the plant. The amount depends on the type and age of the plant

Foliar spraying: Dilute 1 liter of EMGRO with 300 liters of clean water, spray evenly over the entire leaves, stem and base of the plant. Best sprayed in the early morning or cool afternoon. Apply once every 2 – 3 weeks; for vegetables, once a week. Avoid spraying while the plant is flowering or setting fruit.

5.4 Mixing herbal EM

Uses of herbal EM:

• Helps plants stay healthy and improves resistance
• Supplements nutrients for plants and increases crop yield

Formula for producing herbal EM

250ml of EMGRO base + 1 liter of molasses + 1kg of roots/fruits + 8 liters of water —–> Mix thoroughly, seal and ferment for 3 – 5 days —-> Yields 10 liters of herbal EM

How to use:

• Mix 1 liter of herbal EM with 40 – 50 liters of clean water, spray evenly over the entire plant (stem, leaves, base)
• Apply once every 7 – 10 days
• It is recommended to dilute together with Trichoderma antagonistic fungus product to increase disease-suppressing effectiveness for crops
• Shelf life of herbal EM: under 3 months

6. Techniques for storing EM products

EM products consist of living microorganisms that are either active or dormant. Improper storage will completely destroy the product’s effectiveness.

• Storage location: Store in a dry, shaded place. Strictly avoid UV rays from sunlight and heat sources above 40°C.
• Containers: Only use plastic (HDPE) drums/containers. Never use metal containers (the low pH < 4 acidity of EM will corrode metal and generate toxins).
• Usage period: EM1 can be sealed and stored for 2 years. EM2 (secondary) is most active during the first 30 days after successful fermentation.

Signs that EM has gone bad (must be discarded):

• A strong foul odor (like rotten eggs or sewage).
• The solution turns dark and cloudy.
• The pH measures above 5.0.
• Black or green mold appears on the surface.

7. Notes when using EM product

• Do not use EM together with antibiotics or disinfectant chemicals. Use the correct dosage. Do not assume that using more is better.
• The best time to use EM product is around 8 – 10 am, when the weather is warm and dissolved oxygen levels are higher.
• During farming, periodic microbial treatment is needed to maintain the appropriate bacterial density in order to biologically control the water and pond-bottom environment, stabilize pond water quality factors, and prevent pathogenic bacteria, toxic algae and potential pathogens in the pond.
• EM products contain many aerobic bacteria (Bacillus) and strictly aerobic bacteria (nitrifying bacteria). Therefore, to achieve the best results, sufficient dissolved oxygen must be ensured by increasing aeration, paddle-wheel action, etc.
• The effectiveness of EM depends on pH stability. To keep the pH stable, alkalinity in the water should be maintained at 80 – 150 mg/l. At the same time, excessively high salinity will kill or inhibit microbial growth, so salinity should be checked before deciding to use EM for disease prevention and treatment.
• It is advisable to plan microbial use from the start to the end of the crop/farming cycle for the best results. Early in the cycle, apply every 7 – 10 days; from mid-cycle to the end, apply every 3 – 4 days.

Note: When a large amount of algae dies off and pH drops, lime should be used to raise the pH

8. Frequently asked questions about EM products

8.1 Is EM product harmful to humans?

Not at all. EM is a collection of naturally occurring beneficial bacteria and yeast, non-GMO, completely safe for people and livestock, and leaves no harmful residue on agricultural produce, making it very suitable for organic farming.

8.2 Can EM product be used for all types of plants?

Yes. EM product is highly effective and compatible with all types of crops: from vegetables and ornamental flowers to fruit trees and long-term industrial crops such as coffee, pepper and durian.

8.3 Does long-term use of EM cause soil compaction?

On the contrary. Regular use of EM is the most sustainable biological method for restoring soil health. Microorganisms continuously break down organic matter, keeping the soil loose and rich in humus, minimizing compaction caused by overuse of chemical fertilizers.

8.4 Can EM be self-propagated at home?

Yes. Farmers can fully propagate secondary EM (EM2) from EM base (EM1) using the standard ratio: 1 liter of EM base + 1 liter of molasses + 18 liters of clean water. This saves up to 90% of the cost compared to buying pre-diluted EM directly.

8.5 What is the price of Duc Binh’s EM product?

Prices range from 30,000đ to 120,000đ depending on the product line (liquid or powder form) and packaging. Farm owners buying by the box or in bulk will always receive the best discount and wholesale pricing policy.

8.6 Where can I buy reputable, quality EM product?

To avoid purchasing fake or low-quality microbial products, farmers should order directly from the Duc Binh Microbial Products Center (Website: chephamvisinh.vn) to ensure the live microbial density meets standards and to receive lifetime technical consultation from agricultural engineers.

8.7 Can EM be mixed with chemical pesticides?

Absolutely not. Chemicals, pesticides and chemical herbicides will immediately destroy the entire living microbial ecosystem in the product. Farmers should separate the timing of chemical application and EM application by at least 7–10 days.

8.8 Can EM be used to compost fish fertilizer without producing maggots?

EM breaks down fish protein very well, turning foul odors into a pleasant fragrance similar to fish sauce. However, EM microorganisms themselves do not have the function of killing maggots. If the compost is not sealed tightly and flies lay eggs in it, maggots may still appear, but this does not reduce the nutritional quality of the fish fertilizer at all.

9. Choosing EM product at Duc Binh Microbial Products

Duc Binh Microbial Products is a leading, reputable supplier of EM lines that meet Vietnamese Standards and agricultural industry regulations.

• Outstanding quality: Microbial density is always guaranteed at 109–1010 CFU/mL.
• In-depth support: Customers receive free consultation from a team of microbiology engineers on composting processes and environmental treatment.
• Optimal pricing: Provides a concentrated EM base solution, helping people save the maximum cost on propagation.

9.1 The 3 most commonly used types of EM base products today

EM base in powder form

EMZEO microbial product is a powdered EM base line that decomposes and eliminates odor from organic waste. It is effectively applied in composting fish fertilizer, soybeans, oil cake, earthworms, soybean residue, manure, agricultural by-products, and more.

EM base product in agriculture (Emgro)

EMGRO biological product is a type of EM base product applied in agriculture effectively for: composting manure, eliminating barn odor, treating wastewater and waste, and fermenting animal feed…

EM base product, EM1, in aquaculture

EM base biological product (EM1) is a liquid-form EM microbial product, extremely effective for use in wastewater treatment, developing water color, treating pond bottoms, eliminating toxic gases, and more

9.2 Contact information

Duc Binh Microbial Products – Research and Application Center for Biological Products

• Address: 1B Alley 774 Kim Giang, Thanh Liet, Hanoi
• Phone: 0934.214.579
• Hotline: 024.66.55.46.86
• Technical consultation: 0915.79.80.85
• Sales/Zalo: 0934.214.579
• Email: chephamvisinhhungdung@gmail.com
• Website: https://chephamvisinh.vn/

Through this article, Duc Binh Microbial Products hopes to provide you with the most complete information about what EM biological product is, its benefits, uses, and the most accurate mixing methods. In addition, we also distribute many other lines of biological products such as: the Emzeo biological product brand, Trichoderma fungus, organic biological fertilizer, aquaculture microbial products… We are delighted to provide farmers with the highest quality products at reasonable prices