Application of effective microorganisms on soil and maize

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of effective microorganisms (EM) on the chemical and physical properties of the soils and the subsequent effects of the application of such soils to the plantation of maize. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness ofEM in improving the organic materials in the soils and hence the nutrient content and the yield of maize. Two formulations of fertilizers were prepared: (i) quail dung, rice brain, Tongkat Ali, water, molasses, EM activation solution and (ii) quail dung, saw dust, palm kernel cake, zeolite water, molasses, EM activation solution. Pure soil was also use as control. The results showed that EM can increase the concentration of macronutrient and micronutrient for the quail dung following EM treatment compared to quail dung without EM treatment. The physical properties ofthe soils such as moisture and ash content have also been significantly increased with EM treatment. These results showed that EM positively increased the organic materials, nutrient content and the dry matter of the fertilizer. EM fermented compost has also promoted the health ofthe maize plant as all maize produced were free from visible nutritional deficiency symptoms. On the other hand, in the absence of EM, deficiency symptoms were found on the grains, ears corns and leaves of the maize plant. These results indicated that the application of EM promoted plant growth, grain yield and the photosynthetic activity of the maize by increasing root development and root activity. It was concluded that the incorporation of a mixture of EM intensified the biological soil activity and improved the physical and chemical soil properties, hence contributing healthier plant growth and development.