EM Concentrate Spore concentrate (makes 20 litres of concentrate)

EM Concentrate spore vial (makes 20 litres of concentrate)

A dried spore blend of lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, yeast and a photosynthetic bacterium. Ferment one vial with molasses and water to make 20 litres of EM (effective microorganisms) concentrate for soil drenches and foliar sprays.

At a glance

• Type: microbial inoculant (dried spore culture, seven species, brew it yourself)
• Analysis: 100 billion CFU per gram (1 × 10¹¹ CFU per gram)
• Use for: brewing 20 litres of EM concentrate; soil drench, foliar spray, compost
• Rate: 30 mL of finished concentrate per 4.5 litres of water (about 6.7 mL per litre)
• Brew: 14 to 21 days with 2 cups of molasses in 20 litres of water

What it is

EM stands for effective microorganisms, a mixed culture that growers ferment with molasses to make a stable, low pH concentrate. This vial holds the culture as dried spores at 100 billion CFU per gram. It contains:

• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus fermentum
• Lactobacillus delbrueckii
• Bacillus subtilis
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast)
• Rhodopseudomonas palustris (photosynthetic bacteria)

What it does

• The lactic acid bacteria and yeast ferment the molasses and drop the pH to 4.5 or below, which is what keeps the finished concentrate stable in a sealed container.
• Growers use the diluted concentrate as a soil drench and foliar spray, and to inoculate compost.
• One vial makes 20 litres of concentrate, which dilutes into about 3,000 litres of drench or spray at the label rate.

How to use

• Keep the vial refrigerated until you are ready to brew.
• Fill a 25 litre vessel with 20 litres of water and 2 cups of molasses. Add the vial and mix thoroughly.
• Cover with an airlock (a carboy off gas plug) and ferment for 14 to 21 days.
• The concentrate is ready when the pH has reached 4.5 or below and off gassing has stopped. Store it in an airtight container.
• Use the concentrate at 30 mL per 4.5 litres of water (about 6.7 mL per litre) as a soil drench or foliar spray.

Learn more in fifteen seconds

• The poop loop
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Handling and storage

• Vial: keep refrigerated until needed.
• Finished concentrate: store airtight, out of direct sunlight, at room temperature.
• Wash hands after use.
• The ferment gives off gas. Use an airlock, not a tight lid, until off gassing has stopped.
• Check the pH before you call it finished: 4.5 or below.