Clean Drip Lines (effectively replaces sulfuric acid or chlorine):

Apply Activated EM•1^®  (AEM•1^®) into lines at a rate of 5 gallons per acre.

Close lines and let sit for 4-5 days (or longer when treating after season).  Flush lines.

Effective Microorganisms^® Soil Treatment Schedule:

This component of the program is important to help improve soil structure and strengthen the beneficial micro-ecology of soil.

Apply AEM•1^® into irrigation water at a rate of 1 gallon/acre once per week during the growing season, depending on soil health. If high pest pressure, or very compact soils, apply up to 3 gallons per acre as long as problems persist.

Spray AEM•1^® at a 3-5 gallons per acre, diluted with enough water for coverage, on cover crops or ground cover before or after mowing or discing the cover crop/ground cover.

Following all of these recommendations will help produce fruits and berries with higher overall antioxidants (vitamins and trace minerals) resulting in sweeter fruits that have a longer shelf life and are more nutritious. For apples, it is visible when they don't brown as fast. There is less lost fruit on trees and greater production on trees due to an increase in the canopy.

AEM•1^® Microbial Inoculant Foliar Application Schedule:

1. Winter: AEM•1^® should be applied at least once per month as a foliar treatment to trees (or vines) as well as tree residue (litter) from the previous year.  Many diseases from the previous year are harbored in the leaf and fruit litter.  It is important to inoculate, remove, and compost this residue to help brake the disease cycle.
2. Spring: When bud swell begins increase AEM•1^® application frequency to once per week.  If it is a wet spring and the temperatures become conducive for disease, particularly mildews and rots, apply EM•1^® up to 3 or 4 times per week.  Spray blossoms with a 3-5% dilution.
3. Summer: Apply AEM•1^® every week as fruit is maturing. With more frequent treatments the fruit may develop improved color, size, and overall quality.
4. Fall/Post Harvest Treatment: Spray AEM•1^®on the trees within 48 hours before harvest to maximize post harvest fruit quality and storage. Resume winter schedule after harvest.

Recommended AEM•1^® Foliar Dilution Rates

• Apply AEM•1^® as a foliar application at a rate of 3-5 gallons per acre diluted at a 3-5% solution
• Combine AEM•1^® solution with nutrient solution (2-3%) just prior to application.  Use entire mixture, do not store blended solution.
  

Grape Vineyard Recommendation: If bi-weekly sulfur application occurs throughout the growing season, AEM•1^® applications (3%) can be alternated every other week to reduce sulfur application by 50%.

Application Tips:

• Timing of AEM•1^® application can be important for maintaining optimal health during periods of high disease pressure. If possible make applications 24 hours before potentially damaging climate changes (warm rain, frost, high winds/heat/moisture, etc.).
• During the 1st year of treatment it is critical to apply AEM•1^® on a consistent basis to ensure establishment of Effective Microorganisms^®.
• Foliar: Apply AEM•1^® in the morning or evenings when the solar index is lowest (mornings are best).

Note: When increasing the AEM•1^® concentration for foliar applications it is recommended to treat a smaller test plot and monitor the 24 to 48 hour tree or vine response before treating the entire orchard or vineyard.