In an organic fertilizer production line, the fermentation stage is the core step in converting various organic wastes into high-quality fertilizer. Its duration is not fixed but is influenced by a combination of factors, including raw material characteristics, processing technology, and environmental conditions, typically ranging from 15 to 60 days.
From the perspective of fermentation raw materials, the composition and characteristics of different materials directly affect the fermentation speed. If the raw material is mainly livestock manure, such as chicken or pig manure, these materials have high organic matter content, moderate moisture content, and abundant microbial strains. Under suitable conditions, the fermentation cycle is relatively short, generally completed in 20-30 days. However, if the raw material contains a large amount of coarse fiber materials such as straw, fallen leaves, etc., due to the difficulty in decomposition, it requires a longer time to break down the fiber structure, and the fermentation cycle may be extended to 40-60 days. Meanwhile, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of the raw materials is also crucial. When the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is controlled within the optimal range of 25:1 to 30:1, microbial activity is at its peak, effectively shortening the fermentation time. An imbalance in the ratio, whether due to excessive carbon or nitrogen, will lead to decreased fermentation efficiency and a prolonged fermentation cycle.
Fermentation technology is a key factor determining the fermentation time. Traditional static composting fermentation, due to poor ventilation and uneven temperature distribution, results in slow microbial decomposition, typically taking 30-60 days. The modern windrow turning process, which involves regularly turning the pile with a compost turning machine, can replenish oxygen, regulate temperature and moisture, and shorten the fermentation cycle to 20-35 days. More advanced trough fermentation technology, combined with intelligent temperature control and ventilation systems, can precisely control the fermentation environment, maintaining the material at a sustained high temperature of 50-65°C during the high-temperature phase. This rapidly kills pests, diseases, and weed seeds, while accelerating organic matter decomposition, completing the fermentation process in just 15-25 days.
Environmental conditions also significantly influence fermentation time. Regarding temperature, the optimal temperature for microbial activity is 25-65℃. When the ambient temperature drops below 15℃, microbial activity decreases significantly, and the fermentation process slows down considerably. In winter, without insulation measures, the fermentation cycle may more than double. Moisture content needs to be controlled between 50% and 60%. Excessive moisture leads to poor aeration of the compost pile, triggering anaerobic fermentation, producing foul odors, and prolonging the fermentation process; insufficient moisture inhibits microbial activity, similarly affecting fermentation efficiency.
In summary, the fermentation time in an organic fertilizer production line needs to be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions. During production, by optimizing raw material ratios, adopting advanced processes, and strictly controlling environmental conditions, the fermentation cycle can be reasonably controlled within 15-60 days while ensuring fertilizer quality, thereby improving overall production efficiency.
