EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISMS (EM) IN COMPOSTING AND ORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT

Composting represents a natural biological process of recycling organic matter into a stable product known as compost. Although practiced for centuries, recent research has emphasized its role in sustainable waste management and circular economy, highlighting its potential to reduce organic waste through accelerated microbial decomposition. Effective microorganisms (EM) have been identified as crucial agents in enhancing composting efficiency, improving nutrient content, and stabilizing the final product. Soil, formed through pedogenesis under the influence of climatic, topographic, and biological factors, serves as a dynamic environment rich in microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, viruses, and lichens. These organisms play a fundamental role in humus synthesis, mineralization, and maintaining soil fertility. EM inoculation further strengthens microbial diversity, contributing to improved soil quality, plant growth, and yield. Waste disposal in landfills, whether legal or illegal, poses severe environmental risks, including soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and leachate formation. Composting offers a sustainable alternative by closing the natural cycle of matter circulation, transforming biodegradable waste into valuable organic substances. The application of compost in agriculture and horticulture improves soil structure, enhances microbial activity, reduces irrigation needs, stabilizes pH, and decreases reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Consequently, composting not only mitigates ecological impacts but also provides economic and social benefits by promoting sustainable waste management and strengthening community awareness of circular practices. Overall, composting, supported by effective microorganisms, emerges as a key strategy for addressing global challenges in waste management, soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural production. Future research should focus on optimizing microbial inoculation techniques and integrating composting into broader ecological and socio-economic frameworks. The aim of this paper, on the use of effective microorganisms in composting is to systematically present existing research and findings in this field.