The secret lies in a simple process of controlled activation.

EM•1® is a microbial concentrate housing dormant microorganisms in their natural state. Activating these microorganisms is effortless. Over the past four decades, EM Research Organization (EMRO) has made substantial global investments in standardizing this activation process. This ensures that every user experiences peak performance and consistency with EM® Technology.

During a 7 day activation period, EM•1® not only reaches its full potential but also becomes 100% free from any potential contamination by other pathogenic microorganisms. This distinction makes EM•1® the safest biological product on the market, earning several distinct certifications, including organic.

In essence, the controlled activation process is pivotal. It bypasses all survival processes of the microorganisms, forming a formidable natural biochemical barrier against pathogenic microbes. Simultaneously, it enriches the solution with potent amino acids essential for the growth of plants, offering a promising path toward a sustainable and thriving agricultural future.

Activated EM•1® is ready to use from the 7th day, when the pH of the solution is between 3.2-3.8, or when it has a pleasant bittersweet smell and the color changes from dark brown to orange-brown. To use, dilute at the rate of 1:100 or 1 oz per 1 gallon of water. Do not apply AEM® undiluted.

• Activated EM•1® should ideally be used within 45 days of activation, after that the effectiveness of the microbes starts to drop. It can be applied by spray or through a pre-established irrigation system. It can be diluted to adapt to the application system such as irrigation tanks, spray tankers or backpack pumps, watering cans.
• For best results, activate in temperatures equal or greater than 62°F. Activations in temperatures below 62°F will take longer than 7 days to activate, and activation (or storage) below 31°F will freeze and kill microbes (including EM•1®).
• Always store the Activated EM•1® in a cool protected environment to avoid contact with dust and water.
• EM•1®-Activated is totally biodegradable and compatible with mineral oils, natural fertilizers, foliar fertilizers and biological agents. Commonly used tackifiers and moisturizers can be used.
• EM•1®-Activated is not compatible with chlorine, copper products, bactericides and fungicides. In case of having to apply a fungicide or insecticide to the crop, it is recommended to wait at least 4 days to reapply EM•1®-Activated.

There are several important reasons why you cannot (or should not) continue activating the same batch of EM-1 indefinitely:

• Loss of Microbial Balance and Diversity: EM•1® is a carefully balanced consortium of over 80 different beneficial microorganisms. When you continually reactivate the same batch, certain faster-reproducing or more competitive strains will naturally begin to dominate. This upsets the original, intentional balance and can lead to a loss of the unique synergistic effects that make EM•1® so effective. You essentially end up with a less diverse, less balanced microbial product.
• Nutrient Depletion and Byproduct Accumulation: Each time you activate, the microbes consume the molasses (their food source) and produce metabolic byproducts. If you keep re-activating without starting fresh, the original nutrient profile of the solution becomes depleted, and waste byproducts accumulate, which can eventually inhibit the very microbes you're trying to grow.
• Increased Risk of Contamination: Each time you handle, open, and re-inoculate an activated batch, you introduce opportunities for unwanted airborne microbes or contaminants to enter the solution. Over multiple generations, these opportunistic microbes can begin to establish themselves, potentially outcompeting the beneficial EM•1® strains and compromising the quality and safety of the product.
• Inconsistent Quality and Effectiveness: Because the microbial balance shifts and contamination risk increases with each generation, continuously reactivating the same batch makes it impossible to guarantee consistent quality or effectiveness. You can't be sure you're getting the full range of benefits of the original EM•1®.

For these reasons, we recommend starting with fresh EM•1® concentrate for each new activation batch to ensure optimal potency, diversity, and reliable performance.