| Abstract: | Summary Research studies were conducted to elucidate the chemical, physical and microbiological properties of an organic fertilizer that was inoculated and fermented with a microbial inoculant (Effective Microorganisms or EM). The quality estimation methods employed addressed the mechanistic basis for beneficial effects of soil improvement and crop yield. Effective Microorganisms or EM was utilized as the microbial inoculant that is a mixed culture of beneficial microorganisms. Tests showed that the fermented organic fertilizer contained large populations of propagated Lactobacillus spp. Actinomycetes, photo-synthetic bacteria and yeasts; high concentrations of intermediate compounds such as organic acids and amino acids; 0.1% of mineral nitrogen mainly in the ammonium (NH4 +) form, and 1.0% of available phosphorus; and a C:N ratio of 10. The quality of the fermented organic fertilizer depends on the initial water content; addition of molasses as a carbon and energy source; and the microbial inoculant. The medium pH appears to be reliable fermentation quality criterion for producing this organic fertilizer. Beneficial effects of the fermented organic fertilizer on soil fertility and crop growth will likely depend upon the organic fraction, direct effects of the introduced microorganisms, and indirect effects of microbially-synthesized metabolites (e.g., phytohormones and growth regulators). |
