Assessment of the Agroecological Potential of Biostimulatory Effects : originating from Effective Microorganisms (EM) in terms of Environmental and Socioeconomic Aspects

Abstract: Environmental pollution, resource depletion and climate change are related to imbalances in the farming system. Effective microorganisms are seen as a possible solution to these problems. They are a consortium of microorganisms, which positively influence the decomposition of organic matter and create a favorable environment for plants, promoting their health and growth by stimulating physiological processes, including the efficiency of photosynthetic and stress resistance pathways. The study aims to accomplish an understanding of whether, which and how effects of EM observed in scientific research can be achieved in practice, while collecting new information on social and economic effects. Furthermore, answering the research question of how the application of effective microorganisms (EM) complies with the agroecological principles. Therefore, eight semi-structured interviews with German and Austrian farmers were conducted and subsequently analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Furthermore, the author assesses the sustainability of the EM practice by applying the disciplinary approach of agroecology by relating the finding to the 13 principles established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The practitioners reported that as an experienced-based and knowledge-intensive practice, the application of EM requires farmer-to-farmer contact. Farmers are included in the product development of the preferably used ready-made EM solutions. Meanwhile, there is a lack of support from academia and official associations. The application of EM is limited by their input costs, increased labor, climatic conditions, and integration with other work processes and farming inputs, which is facilitated by their non-toxicity. The purpose, state and growth stage of the crop also needs to be considered. Proactively applied EM can successfully preoccupy, compete and positively interact with other microorganisms. Susceptible, special, high-risk and niche crops benefit most from the improved resistance to extreme weather conditions, pests and diseases induced by EM. Additionally, EM make organic fertilizer more competitive by improving the timing due to accelerated decomposition. Through the application of EM, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers can be reduced and sometimes replaced. Therefore, increased economic returns are possible due to reduced losses and improved input efficiency as well as increased yield, crop quality, earlier bloom, and non-toxicity, which additionally draws the consumer’s attention. The application of EM often comes with an understanding of responsibility by the producers. With the support of EM, natural cycles can be restored, and degraded soils can be ameliorated. By reducing losses and improving their use efficiency, farming inputs can be reduced and, in some cases, even replaced. However, a nutrient source for the EM needs to be added, which however can be local resources applied using existing machinery and labor. Meanwhile, the additional management is compensated by the easy handling due to the non-toxicity of EM. This safety for non-target species besides the aforementioned effects supports soil and animal health as well as biodiversity and the related synergies. In addition, biodiversity in particular benefits from the environmental benefits originating from the input saving. Endorsing farmers for the ecosystem services related to the application of EM would create an additional source of income. Besides, the increased abiotic and biotic stress resistance supports the diversification of cultivation and leads to season extension due to earlier bloom and later infestation, which not just economically diversifies the farm, but also local diets, supporting cultural identity. Further marketing benefits arise, while the increased marketability and shelf-life additionally contribute to the reduction of food waste. These are just some of the effects of EM application benefitting food security, safety and sovereignty. Besides, yield stability and the resulting income security create an incentive for high-risk, high-return investments in innovation. The novelty of EM application itself encourages exchange between practitioners and producers of EM solutions, but also farmer-to -farmer contact. However, although EM application is a knowledge-intensive and experience-based practice, the necessary involvement from academia is lacking. On the other hand, customer interest is induced, while neighborhood relationships are improved due to the reduction of negative externalities. By mitigating abiotic and biotic stress as well as negative environmental externalities, EM contribute to the protection of the groups most vulnerable to these effects, fostering gender and social equity. Further, the access to nutrient sources facilitated through EM application is especially important for remote small-scale farmers. Additionally, work safety associated with EM is crucial for fair working conditions. Meanwhile, the use of local, renewable resources is promoted, protecting other resources in addition to the increased efficiency of the resources already in use. The reduced outflow of money and employment opportunities due to increased self-sufficiency can empower the local community. In conclusion, due to the variety of benefits arising from the EM’s biostimulatory effects, e.g. the plant’s increased resistance to abiotic stress, the application of EM functions as a climate change adaptation strategy. Additionally, the invasion by alien species driven by climate change can be better managed due to the increased biotic resistance of the crops after EM application. Furthermore, the EM application contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing emissions by increasing input efficiency. Simultaneously, the economic risk-resilience of farming businesses is increased since self-sufficiency is strengthened, mainly through the promoted use of local resources, making the farming community less vulnerable to external market disruptions. However, many uncertainties exist around the practical implementation of EM treatments in terms of their effectiveness and effects due to the complexity of natural processes as well as the socioeconomic impacts due to a lack of studies.