Abstract—The rationale behind effective microorganisms (EM) is based on the inoculation of soil with mixed cultures of beneficial microorganisms to create an environment more favourable for the growth and health of plants. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the influence of effective microorganisms on the growth and nitrate content of cucumber and squash transplants. There were two treatments: 1. with effective microorganisms (EM); 2. without effective microorganisms – control. In both experiments, cucumber, pumpkin and squash transplants grown with EM were significantly shorter and had thicker stems than those grown without EM. Nitrate content of transplants was lower in transplants grown with EM than in those grown without. Conclusion: EM improves the growth and reduces the nitrate content of cucumber, pumpkin and squash transplants.

Index Terms—cucumber, effective microorganisms, height, nitrates, pumpkin, squash, stem diameter, transplants

Cite: Margit Olle and Ingrid Williams, "The Influence of Effective Microorganisms on the Growth and Nitrate Content of Vegetable Transplants," Journal of Advanced Agricultural Technologies, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 25-28, June 2015. Doi: 10.12720/joaat.2.1.25-28