Effective Microorganisms for Organic Farming, Gardening

Soil high in organic matter will naturally have a better level of beneficial microorganisms, but this article tells of a method to introduce an ideal population of photosynthetic, nitrogen fixing, and other microorganisms that maximize crop yields by maximizing the ability of crops to use available nutrients.
BENEFICIAL AND EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISMS:
Dr. Teruo Higa and Dr. James F. Parr -- 1994

EM is not a substitute for other management practices. It is, however, an added dimension for optimizing our best soil and crop management practices such as crop rotations, use of organic amendments, conservation tillage, crop residue recycling, and biocontrol of pests. If used properly, EM can significantly
enhance the beneficial effects of these practices (Higa and Wididana, 1991b). Throughout the discussion which follows, we will use the term 'beneficial microorganisms' In a general way to designate a large group of often unknown or ill-defined microorganisms that interact favorably in soils and with plants to render beneficial effects which are sometimes difficult to predict. We use the term 'effective microorganisms' or EM to denote specific mixed cultures of known, beneficial microorganisms that are being used effectively as microbial
inoculants.