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Effect of Lactic Acid Fermentation Bacteria on Plant Growth and Soil Humus Formation

T. Higa and S. Kinjo

University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Full Paper (PDF File: 189KB)

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine if lactic acid bacteria, when inoculated into soil amended with organic materials, could enhance decomposition and the release of plant nutrients, and increase soil humus formation. The addition of EM 4 to soil amended with fresh green grass increased the growth of cucumber over that of the unamended and fertilized controls, while woodchips appeared to suppress growth. The yield of mustard and radish (tops and roots) were significantly higher with EM 4 at all dilution levels than either of the controls. However, mustard yield was highest at the 1:500 dilution, while there was little difference in radish yield for the dilutions used. Populations of fungi, lactobacilli, aerobic bacteria, and actinomycetes were generally higher in soil treated with EM 4 than for the unamended controls. Results indicate that EM 4 can accelerate the decomposition of organic amendments in soils and the release of their nutrients for plant growth. The soil humus content, even from addition of woodchips, was increased considerably from treatment with EM 4.