|
EM Technology
Effective microorganisms, often abbreviated as "EM", is a generic and descriptive phrase and acronym to describe the theories, technology and applications of beneficial microorganisms, such as phototrophic bacteria, yeast, lactic acid bacteria and actinomycetes. This technology is all natural, utilizing beneficial and effective microbes to repopulate environments with healthy microorganisms. It is a natural and organic technology that has been found to be useful in numerous ways to benefit mankind, including:
- Sustainable agriculture and gardening
- Livestock and pet health
- Odor control
- Human health
- Waste management and recycling
- Environmental remediation
- Eco-friendly cleaning
The concept behind beneficial and effective microorganisms was pioneered by Dr. Teuro Higa, at the University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. This natural pro-bacterial technology has been in use around the world for over 20 years. Dr. Higa has clearly stated his goal to make this technology available for all of humankind: “it was not my intention to make EM technology into a monopoly but rather to make it freely available to everyone” (Higa, T., 1994, An Earth Saving Revolution II, p. 40) Subsequently, EM technology has been researched and developed by academics worldwide, resulting in thousands of scientific papers and case studies.
EM technology is an overarching term to describe a type of technology using beneficial and effective microorganisms. There are over 80 strains of microorganisms that have been identified as having beneficial characteristics and there are innumerable combinations of these species to create different formulas. The number of strains utilized, the levels at which they are used in a formula, temperature, and use of other ingredients creates unique formulas.
SCD continues to build upon the technology pioneered by Dr. Higa and the academic community by continuously improving formulations for specific applications. Read more about SCD at The SCD History.
Because the terms “effective microorganisms and “EM” are generic and descriptive and have been used this way for decades, the public is entitled to use these terms to describe pro-bacterial formulations. This fact is confirmed by the United States Patent & Trademark Office, which has required companies to disclaim the words “effective microorganisms” and “EM” as descriptive in trademark applications.
Beware of companies that attempt to claim trademark rights to “effective microorganisms” and “EM technology” and to discredit other firms. EM technology is a term used to describe a technology, similar to the term “internet” describing a communication technology. EM technology is for all mankind and should not be monopolized by one group. There are several firms throughout the world who manufacture products using this technology. Customers should research the list of species used in the formulas, the quality of other ingredients, and the quality of the production process to determine the efficacy of various EM products
SCD's manufacturing facility is the only EM facility in the world that has been certified as food grade by independent authorities. The laboratory testing and quality assurance measures performed throughout the manufacturing process have been approved by NSF International for Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplement Manufacturers. This makes specific SCD EM™ formulations fit for human and animal consumption. Also, several SCD EM formulas have been listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic farming and livestock. These independent third party certifications require the highest levels of manufacturing processes and quality control processes to gain approval.
SCD produces its own microbial seeds and mother cultures in this high quality facility. By controlling its own manufacturing and maintaining rigorous process and quality control standards, SCD can guarantee consistent, high quality SCD EM™ products
History of EM
Throughout the 1970s and 80s Dr. Higa pioneered the research that led to the development and commercialization of EM technology. This natural and organic biotechnology has since been successfully commercialized throughout world markets in human health, agriculture, livestock and industrial waste treatment. Thousands of research and efficacy studies have been conducted and documented in projects, conferences and books around the world.
Originally, EM was developed for use in agriculture (crop farming) as an alternative to agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. EM however is not a conventional fertilizer and unlike the purpose of fertilizers, the purpose of EM is to increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This improves the soil's microbial health and promotes a healthy environment for plants. It can also be used as a processing tool to manufacture organic fertilizers.
From crop farming, its application flowed naturally into livestock. Outside the U.S., EM is actively used in livestock operations, including hog, cattle/dairy, and poultry. From livestock, the positive effects on the livestock waste and effluent into lagoons and rivers led to the use of EM for environmental purposes including land/soil remediation and water purification. EM environmental applications throughout the world have included cleaning polluted waterways, lakes and lagoons, in septic systems, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and landfills/dump sites. As EM became used extensively in livestock, research began into its use as a functional food supplement for human health. It was discovered that EM exhibits very beneficial effects as an antioxidant and probiotic on the digestive system.
|
