Effective Microorganisms as Halal-Based Sources for Biofertilizer Production and Some Socio-Economic Insights: A Review

Abstract

This paper aims to review the literature on ‘Effective Microorganism (EM)’ and ‘Fertilizer’ from the Scopus database and to discuss EMs using Halal-based sources for biofertilizer production from socio economic insights. Based on EM and fertilizer publications on the Scopus database, all the 17 papers reviewed provided no detailed information on the Halal-status of the biofertilizers inoculated with EM. The impacts of Halal-certified biofertilizers will trigger the Halal certification in food products by (a) catering for the increasing Halal food demand due to expectedly Muslim population expansion, (b) contributing to the sustainable buying behaviour of Halal products’ consumers in the future, (c) catering for the increasing number of Muslim travellers around the world, (d) becoming a positive driver for higher production of more Halal foods that can enhance food safety, human health and well-being, and (e) creating a cost-effective and increasing food marketability. The later three points (c, d and e) play a very important role in a country’s societal well-being and economic growth and development. Although Halal-status is not a must for the world’s food marketing, Halal-certified biofertilizer for the Halal-status of food carries the greatest potential to enter the ever-expanding Muslim markets. Finally, it is postulated that the successful usage of EM using Halal-based sources for biofertilizer production will result in two major outcomes from the points of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals # 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and # 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Hence, the presented review provides a starting point for future research considering sustainability and innovation as priorities.

Progress in Microbial Fertilizer Regulation of Crop Growth and Soil Remediation Research

“…Bio-organic fertilizer offers the dual benefits of microbial fungicide and traditional organic fertilizer. Along with its high organic matter content, it also contains specific microorganisms with unique functions [12]. In recent years, the rise in organic waste and pollutants has resulted in a gradual decline in farming quality, which subsequently impacts soil health [11].…”

Innovative Microorganisms in Environmental Cleanup: Effective Microorganism-Based Bioprocesses

“…that has not been chemically or genetically modified in the form of a concentrated s tion. An EMO consists of 10 genera from 5 families, including photosynthetic (Rhodop domonas palustrus and Rhodobacter spaeroides) and lactic acid (Lactobacillus plantarum, L sei, and Streptoccus lactis) groups of bacteria, yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Can utilis), actinomycetes, and fermenting fungi [27]. In a liquid solution, these are in harm On a commercial scale, there are products such as EM1 TM , PRO EM1 ® , Bokashi, EM C post, and EM Mudballs.…”

“…The productivity and quality of agricultural crops are increased by spraying EMO culture, as previously reported. According to some studies, in agricultural soil treated with EMOs, pathogenic microorganisms decrease, the degradation of organics accelerates, and the plant nutrient balance increases [27]. Additionally, it supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as mycorrhizae by being used instead of fertilizers and pesticides.…”

Ecotoxic effect of agriculture and environmental important bioinoculant effective microorganism (EM) derived metabolites on microbial agro active agents

“…EMs are composed of 10 genera from five families, including photosynthetic, lactic acid, yeasts, actinomycetes, and fermenting fungi. This microbial consortium is capable of coexisting in fermentative liquid medium, acts as a biocontrol agent, occupies infection sites, sequesters nutrients, and stimulates plant defense (Yap & Al‐Mutairi, 2023). EM boosts soil fertility and crop production by increasing plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, breaking down insoluble nutrients, and producing enzymes that catalyze reactions to make nutrients more accessible (Iriti et al., 2019).…”