A couple of people here in Cyprus have asked me recently about the above subject. They have come across it at different fairs and exhibitions being touted as a sort of miracle answer to all a gardener's prayers regarding plant growth (including increased crop yield) and pest control. The particular product offered would seem to be EM1. Apparently this was formulated by a Japanese professor in the 1990s, Dr Teruo Higa, and contains a combination of Lactic acid bacteria; Yeasts; Actinomycetes; Photosynthetic bacteria and Fungi. The object of the exercise is to introduce beneficial micro-organisms to the soil and plants.
Never having tried this product myself and before I consider doing so I would like to know whether any of our forum members have had contact with, or experience of, it. David, is this something you may have come across in your career in crop protection? Basically, does this stuff live up to the claims made for it and, if so, should it be made more widely known to our members?