Dr. Higa's Blog

Taro Field Day in Waimanalo was organized by the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, whose mission is to provide the public with science-based research and solutions to enhance the quality of life for citizens in Hawaii.

David Chai is the Director of Natural Resources at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Kailua Kona, on the island of Hawaii. He heard about EM® usage when I spoke at the Kona Chamber of Commerce in 2006 on EM Technology®. It seemed their anchialine pond system was going downhill after the aeration pump had shut down, and nitrogen levels were rising even with water exchange. He started using EM•1® at our recommended rate of 1 part EM to 5,000-:10,000 part water for a couple of months. He reported in January 2007 that he saw positive results on the smaller anchialine ponds. One pond, in particular, had algae growth over the surface. A few weeks later, there was no algae growth over the pond. In six weeks, it was visible that about six inches of sludge were digested, exposing more rocks than previously seen. The grass carps also looked healthier than before.

The Genki Kapalama Project is a collaboration between Kamehameha Schools and Hawaii Community College.

The Genki Ala Wai Project is a non-profit project under the Hawaii Exemplary State Foundation. It is restoring the Ala Wai Canal in Waikiki, Oahu, through EM bioremediation.

Fusarium wilt of lettuce is caused by a fungus. It causes lettuce to wilt, turn yellow, develop tip burn, and die. Once introduced into a field, the fungus will probably remain indefinitely. At this time, the only effective control measure is to avoid planting in the infested fields for at least several years.

With weekly foliar applications of EM•1® throughout his farm, the growth and production of other vegetable crops could be seen.

Using a customized tractor, Owen has been infusing EM•1® Microorganisms into the soil when tilling back post harvest residue (leaves, roots, that's left over after harvest) to breakdown the organic matter more efficiently and build soil tilth (structure & condition).

Symptoms of Pythium rot on Japanese radish / daikon are characterized by wilting of leaves and root rot. Weekly foliar applications of EM•1 at rate of 1:50 also help control the Pythium rot on his Japanese radish radish / daikon fields.