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Effective Microorganisms in Nature Farming: Weeding Effect of EM 4 in Paddy Fields

T. Harakawa and T. Higa

Internatinal Nature Farming Research Center, Atami, Japan and
University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Full Paper (PDF File: 130KB)

Abstract

The control of weeds in paddy rice has remained an unresolved problem in nature farming until now. Effective microorganisms (EM) have shown promise as a solution by accelerating the germination of weeds. Experiments were conducted to determine the best timing, frequency, and rate of application of EM 4 for controlling weeds in paddy rice. EM 4 reduced the amount and species of weeds. EM 4 was wore active in a wet field, and its application at spring plowing and at paddling and leveling was sufficient to control annual weeds. Additional research is needed to determine the effect of EM 4 on perennial weeds.