how to collect Indigenous Micro-Organisms (IMO) from the correct location
IMO stands for Indigenous Micro-Organisms. It is a local (Indigenous) culture of soil biology (Micro-Organisms) meant to be collected as a culture of the complete ecosystem, taken from healthy, local soil. It is the key biological technology that defines Korean Natural Farming (KNF).
CHOOSE LOCAL
The first criterion to consider comes from the name. IMO means Micro-Organisms that are Indigenous, in other words, that are LOCAL. Here are some reasons why it's important to collect an Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) culture from a local source:
Adaptation to local conditions for better biological effectiveness
Preservation and promotion of ecosystem biodiversity
Cost-effectiveness by reducing the need for external inputs
Maintenance of ecological balance in the soil
Alignment with regenerative principles for sustainable soil management
Adaptation to Local Conditions: Microorganisms from a local source are already adapted to the specific environmental conditions of that area, such as soil type, climate, and native plant species. This adaptation can enhance their effectiveness when applied back to the same environment, as they are better suited to thrive and perform their ecological functions.
Preservation of Biodiversity: By using microbes native to the region, farmers can support the natural microbial diversity that exists in local soils, which is essential for promoting healthy soil ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices.
Cost-Effectiveness: Collecting IMO from a local source can be more cost-effective It eliminates the need for transportation and reduces the reliance on external inputs, making it a sustainable and economically viable option for farmers and gardeners. It also eliminates the problems of combining microbial incompatibilities.
Ecological Balance: Since local IMO cultures are more likely to maintain ecological balance in the soil, they can better contribute to nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, pest and disease suppression, and overall soil health, without introducing foreign microorganisms that may disrupt the existing microbial communities.
Regenerative: Utilizing local IMO aligns with regenerative principles by harnessing the power of natural processes and promoting self-sufficiency within farming systems. It encourages a holistic approach to soil management that focuses on enhancing ecosystem resilience and productivity.
In summary, collecting an IMO culture from a local source leverages native microbial diversity improves soil health, and reduces environmental impacts associated with the long-distance transportation of microbial inoculants. Choose Local.