The 2012 ASHS Annual Conference

Effective Microorganisms (EM) is a microbial inoculant designed to improve soil condition and to increase production while reducing the use of chemicals and other synthetic compounds. A field study was conducted to comparatively examine the effects of EM and traditional nutrient sources on fresh leaf yield of collard greens (Brassica oleracea var. acephala ) and post harvest soil chemistry. The study, a 4 x 4 RCBD was conducted on the Research and Extension Center Farm of Florida A&M University, Quincy, Florida, during Fall 2011. The treatments were 202 kg/ha of N as ammonium-nitrate fertilizer, mushroom compost, EM at 0.1 percent per hectare, and control. Seedlings were planted on raised beds covered with black plastic, and drip irrigated.  The crops were harvested approximately 12 weeks after planting. Data collected includes plant height, plant weight, leaf length, leaf width, root length, and root weight. The fresh yield in kilograms per hectare was derived using aboveground plant weight. Approximately 2 weeks after harvesting, soil cores were removed at 0–15.24 cm and 15.24–30.5 cm and were processed and subjected to physical and chemical analyses. All data were statistically analyzed using SAS 9.3. Results showed fresh leaf yield was significantly higher in plots treated with ammonium-nitrate fertilizer and mushroom compost than those treated with EM and control. Preliminary analysis of soil chemistry showed no significant differences among the treatments in concentrations of P, NO_3, TKN; pH, OM, and CEC. This study will be continued to establish more accurate information.