EM•1® for Conventional Herbicide-Based Systems
Looking for application guidance for your specific crop and system? Contact our technical team — we work with growers running both certified organic and conventional programs.
Most commercial row crop operations in the United States run conventional weed management programs that include herbicide use. EM•1® Microbial Inoculant is a soil-biology input that growers in these systems incorporate into their broader soil management practices, alongside whatever weed, fertility, and pest management program they already run.
This page explains what EM•1® is, who uses it, and where it fits into a conventional operation. It does not make claims about EM•1®'s effect on any herbicide, pesticide, or other crop protection product — always follow the label and your agronomist's guidance for those products. For questions about incorporating EM•1® into your specific program, reach out to our team directly.
Where EM•1® Fits in a Conventional Operation
EM•1® is manufactured by EMRO USA — read more about what EM Technology® is and how it works. On this page, the focus is narrower: how growers running conventional (non-certified-organic) operations typically incorporate it.
Growers running conventional programs use EM•1® as one part of a broader soil management strategy — independent of, and not claimed to interact with, whatever crop protection products they apply as part of their existing program. EM•1® is not a registered pesticide, herbicide, or crop protection adjuvant, and we make no claims regarding its effect on the performance of any such product.
Conventional vs. Certified Organic Programs
EM•1® is used in both types of operations, but what's required of the grower differs:
| Conventional Program | Certified Organic Program | |
|---|---|---|
| EM•1® use | Used alongside existing fertility and crop protection inputs | Used as an OMRI Listed® input for specified uses |
| Other inputs | No restriction on conventional fertilizers, herbicides, or crop protection products | All inputs must be approved by the certifying agent |
| Documentation | None required for EM•1® use itself | Certifying agent should verify rates, uses, and tank-mix components |
| Who to contact first | EMRO USA technical team | Your certifying agent, then EMRO USA technical team |
General Soil & Water Considerations
Soil and irrigation water chemistry — including pH, organic matter, and mineral content — influences overall field conditions and management decisions. We recommend growers test their soil and water conditions regularly as part of standard agronomic practice, and work with their agronomist or input suppliers on chemistry questions specific to each product in their program.
Getting Started with EM•1® in Your Program
Talk to our technical team
Every operation is different. Contact us to discuss how EM•1® fits into your specific crop, soil type, and existing program.
Test your soil and water
Understanding your current soil biology and water chemistry helps inform overall management decisions, including whether and how EM•1® may be incorporated into your operation.
Get current guidance
We provide up-to-date application guidance directly — this ensures you're working from current, product-specific information rather than outdated or third-party instructions.
Incorporate into your broader program
EM•1® is applied as one component of your overall soil management plan, alongside your existing fertility and crop protection practices.
Explore EM•1® Across Your Operation
EM•1® is used across many parts of a working farm. Explore how growers and operators apply it in other areas:
EM•1® for Agriculture
An overview of EM•1® across commercial crop production.
EM•1® for Composting
Biological support for composting operations.
EM•1® for Aquaculture
Used in shrimp and fish production systems.
EM•1® for Livestock
Soil and environment biology support for livestock operations.
EM•1® for Wastewater
Biological support for wastewater management systems.
EM•1® for Septic Systems
Soil biology support for home and commercial septic systems.
EM® Nitro Protocol
EMRO USA's nitrogen-management program for commercial growers.
What Is EM Technology®?
The science behind Effective Microorganisms®.
"When you buy from EMRO USA, you are buying directly from the source — the authorized U.S. and Canada manufacturer of EM Technology®, working in direct alignment with EM Research Organization, Inc. in Japan."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can EM•1® be used in conventional crop systems?
Yes. Many growers running conventional programs incorporate EM•1® into their broader soil management practices. Contact our team for guidance specific to your operation.
What does "OMRI Listed®" mean for EM•1®?
OMRI Listed® means EM•1® has been reviewed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for specified uses in organic production. Certified organic growers should confirm applicable use categories and restrictions with their certifying agent before use.
Is EM•1® a pesticide, herbicide, or crop protection product?
No. EM•1® is a microbial soil inoculant. It is not registered as a pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, or crop protection adjuvant, and we do not make claims about its effect on the performance of any such product.
Where can I get current application guidance?
Contact our technical team directly at the information below. We provide current, product-specific guidance for your crop and system.
Questions About Your Program?
Our team is happy to talk through how EM•1® fits into your overall soil management plan, whether you're running a certified organic or conventional operation.
📧 orders@emrousa.com
📞 520-492-2010
Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
Continue Exploring
Shop EM•1® Microbial Inoculant
Available in multiple sizes for farm-scale use.
About EMRO USA
The authorized U.S. & Canada manufacturer since 2002.
Our Certifications
USDA Organic, OMRI Listed®, and more.
EM®, Effective Microorganisms®, EM Technology®, and EM•1® are trademarks of EM Research Organization, Inc. (Japan), used under license by EMRO USA, Inc. OMRI Listed® is a registered trademark of the Organic Materials Review Institute.