Moisture is a critical influencing factor in the organic fertilizer production process, directly affecting fermentation efficiency, product quality, and storage stability. Excessive moisture can lead to anaerobic fermentation, producing foul odors and breeding harmful bacteria; insufficient moisture inhibits microbial activity and slows down the decomposition process. Therefore, scientifically controlling moisture at each stage is a core aspect of achieving efficient and high-quality organic fertilizer production.
The raw material pretreatment stage is the first line of defense in moisture control. Different raw materials have significantly different moisture content; for example, livestock and poultry manure typically has a moisture content of 70%-85%, while straw-based materials have only 10%-20%. During production, the ratio of raw materials needs to be adjusted according to their characteristics, generally controlling the moisture content of the mixed raw materials to 55%-65%. For high-moisture raw materials, the moisture content can be reduced through drying or mechanical dewatering; low-moisture raw materials require appropriate spraying to ensure even mixing and create a suitable environment for microbial fermentation.
Moisture control during the fermentation process requires dynamic monitoring. In the initial stage of fermentation, microbial activity releases heat, causing moisture evaporation. Regular turning of the material is necessary to replenish oxygen and ensure even moisture distribution, preventing localized excessive humidity. If the material is too dry, a small amount of water can be added by spraying; if the humidity is too high, dry straw, sawdust, or other porous materials can be added to absorb moisture, and the turning frequency should be increased to accelerate moisture dissipation. During this stage, the moisture content should be maintained at 50%-60% to ensure the activity of aerobic microorganisms and promote the complete decomposition of organic matter.
Moisture control in the post-processing stage determines the storage quality of the product. After fermentation, the material needs to be dried to reduce the moisture content to 15%-20%. Natural drying or mechanical drying methods can be used. During drying, the temperature should be controlled at 50-60℃ to avoid high temperatures damaging nutrients. The dried material should be screened and packaged promptly, and the storage environment should be dry and well-ventilated to prevent moisture absorption and ensure that the organic fertilizer product meets relevant quality standards and has a longer shelf life.
In summary, the production of organic fertilizer requires meticulous control of moisture content throughout the entire process. By employing precise measures such as raw material proportioning, dynamic adjustment, and post-processing drying, the moisture content at each stage can be controlled within the appropriate range, ensuring smooth fermentation and the production of high-quality, stable organic fertilizer products.
