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Table 2 A compilation of possible prebiotics for EM formulation

From: Microbial formulation and growth of cereals, pulses, oilseeds and vegetable crops

Sl No.

Name of EM

Prebiotic/carrier/base

Carrier compositions

Compositional importance for microbes

Effect on EM shelf-life

Remarks

Ref.

1.

Self-formulated EM Bokashi (solid EM formulation but prepared using liquid carrier)

Molasses

Carbohydrates (major constituent), vitamins, minerals, water and fat (trace quantity)

Microbes used carbohydrates as energy and carbon sources, minerals as micronutrients and vitamins as enzyme cofactors

–

Beneficial effects of the fermented organic fertilizer based on molasses could contribute to crop growth will depend upon the organic and viable microbial content of EM Bokashi

[1]

2.

Self-formulated EM

Molasses (1–10% dilution of original molasses)

Carbohydrates (major constituent), vitamins, minerals, water and fat (trace quantity)

Microbes used carbohydrates as energy and carbon sources, minerals as micronutrients and vitamins as enzyme cofactors

–

EM used to treat sewage that reduces malodour, turbidity, TDS, TSS, BOD and COD contents significantly

[61]

3.

–

Landfill lechate

Organic carbon, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cl−, SO42−, PO43−

Microbes used organic carbon as energy and carbon source, SO42− and PO43− as macronutrients, and metal cations as micronutrients

–

–

[62]

4.

–

Landfill lechate

Organic carbon, fatty acids, NH4+, PO43−, Cl−, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb.

Microbes used organic carbon as energy and carbon source, NH4+ and PO43− as macronutrients, and metal cations as micronutrients

–

–

[63]

5.

Self-formulated EM

Humic acid

Carboxyl and phenolic groups may contain cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Fe3+).

Microbes used it as food (energy and carbon) source and used constituent cations as micronutrient or cofactors

–

The cell viability in EM formulation was increased and the corresponding EM application inhibited the wilt tomato plant

[64]

6.

Self-formulated EM

Coconut water and polyvinyl pyrrolidone or glycerol

Sugar, K, Na, Vitamins, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or glycerol

Microbes used sugar and gylcerol as energy and carbon source and vitamins as cofactor

–

Carrier could contribute to maintain microbes and resultant formulation brings positive impact on chilli and tomato seedlings

[65]

7.

Self-formulated EM

Glycerol (2% v/v)

Gycerol

Microbes used glycerol for growth and metabolism

–

EM formulation reduces the wilt infection and increased banana yield

[66]

8.

Self-formulated EM

Polyvinyl alcohol, xanthan gum or gelatin

Polyvinyl alcohol, xanthan gum or gelatin

Microbes supposed to use it as nutrient source

–

EM formulation enhances wheat yield. Additionally, increased microbial colonisation of root

[67]