What’s EM?
Microbes are the invisible architects of life.
In every breath, every bite, every drop, and every cell, microbes are working nonstop to keep the world alive.
EM® = Effective Microorganisms®
EM is a concentrated mix of friendly, natural microbes that work together to boost soil, water, plants, animals, and even human health.
Why EM Matters
Trillions of tiny microbes naturally live all around us.
EM combines: Lactic Acid Bacteria, Yeasts, and Phototrophic Bacteria.
EM creates a balanced system that can revitalize the environment!
How EM Is Used Worldwide
Agriculture & Gardening: Healthier plants, richer soil, fewer chemicals
Water Purification: Cleaner rivers, ponds, and oceans
Composting & Waste Management: Faster breakdown, less smell
Livestock Care: Healthier animals and cleaner living spaces
Human Health: Prebiotics and Probiotics for gut health and overall wellness.
Why Choose EM?
EM works with nature, not against it. Simple, effective, and trusted in over 100 countries. Perfect for gardeners, farmers, business owners, or anyone who cares about a healthier planet. Today, EM is made in the United States by EMRO USA, the official U.S. branch of the EM Research Organization in Japan, based in Tucson, Arizona.
Choose Dr. Higa’s Original EM!
Dr. Teruo Higa
ABOUT PROFESSOR TERUO HIGA
Professor Higa is the pioneer of EM®. In his earlier years, he researched mandarin oranges for his doctorate in Horticulture at Kyushyu University Graduate School. In those days, orange farming relied heavily on agricultural chemicals. He was aware of microorganisms at the time but advocated using chemical fertilizers and pesticides because, through personal experience, he knew that farming was highly labor-intensive. While he was involved in growing oranges, he noticed an overall decline in his health, and his symptoms got progressively worse as he continued to work in proximity to agrochemicals. This experience profoundly impacted him, causing him to shift his thinking and make microorganisms the primary focus of his research.
After returning to Okinawa, he continued his research at the Department of Agriculture at the University of the Ryukyus, experimenting with several strains of safe and harmless microorganisms. One day, he felt it was such a waste to flush these strains down the drain and decided to pour them on a patch of grass instead. A week later, Professor Higa noticed that the growth of the patch of grass was significantly better than that of the grass around it. He was confident that the difference came from the mixture of several different types of microorganisms he had poured out, and he realized that the key to healthy plant growth was the combination of microbes. After many years of trial and error, Professor Higa discovered an optimal mix of microbes and coined the name "EM" for the group. His development of EM Technology has brought him international recognition, and he now provides guidance and assistance in the application and research of EM Technology around the world.
Professor Higa insists that authentic technologies, including EM products, have the power to overcome many common problems humans face, including food crises, environmental degradation, healthcare, and more.
He defines authentic technologies in such a way that they must satisfy two essential criteria: first, they must generate only positive results free from any defects, drawbacks, or negative aspects, and second, they must be affordable. EM® satisfies the first criterion, as no cases have been reported with any evidence of adverse or harmful results or negative side effects. It also meets the second criterion because EM® is manufactured and distributed in many countries worldwide.
EM is Made Up 3 Main Genera
Lactic Acid Bacteria: Nature’s Powerful Helper
Lactic Acid Bacteria are one of the key microbes behind the success of EM technology. They naturally produce lactic acid, which helps fight off harmful bacteria and maintains a clean and healthy environment. For centuries, humans have harnessed their power to ferment foods like yogurt and pickles safely and effectively.
In farming, gardening, and composting, Lactic Acid Bacteria help break down even the toughest organic materials, eliminate bad smells, and support healthy soil life. By promoting balance in the soil, Lactic Acid Bacteria help crops grow stronger, reduce the need for chemicals, and support a healthier ecosystem.
Yeasts: Energizing the Soil for Healthy Growth
Yeasts are powerful microorganisms that play a vital role in the EM technology system. Best known for making bread, beer, and wine, these friendly microbes do much more than ferment food — they help energize the soil and support plant health.
As they break down organic matter, Yeasts produce valuable nutrients, enzymes, and natural hormones that stimulate plant growth. These bioactive substances promote robust root development and active cell division, enabling plants to grow faster and healthier.
Yeasts also produce important nutrients that feed other beneficial microbes, such as Lactic Acid Bacteria and Actinomycetes, thereby strengthening the entire microbial community. By working together, these microbes create a thriving environment that supports vigorous plant growth, reduces the need for chemicals, and helps restore balance to nature.
Phototrophic Bacteria: The Energy Producers Behind EM Technology
Phototrophic Bacteria are the powerhouse microbes at the heart of EM technology. Using sunlight and soil heat as their energy source, these remarkable bacteria transform waste and harmful gases into valuable nutrients that fuel healthy plant growth.
As they work, Phototrophic Bacteria break down organic matter, plant root secretions, and even harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide, producing beneficial compounds such as amino acids, nucleic acids, natural growth stimulants, and sugars. These bioactive substances are directly absorbed by plants, boosting their growth, vitality, and resilience.
Even more, Phototrophic Bacteria support the entire microbial ecosystem. Their metabolites feed other beneficial microbes, such as Lactic Acid Bacteria, Yeasts, and Actinomycetes, helping them thrive. They also enhance the activity of mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root zone, improving nutrient availability, especially phosphorus and nitrogen, which are essential for vigorous, healthy plants.
By energizing the soil’s natural processes, Phototrophic Bacteria help create a self-sustaining, balanced environment where plants can flourish naturally, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and supporting a healthier ecosystem from the ground up.