Qualified organic fertilizer is crucial for improving soil and enhancing crop quality. Its production requires following a scientific process and precisely controlling every step of the production process. From raw material selection to finished product testing, each link is interconnected to ensure that the product meets national standards and achieves optimal fertilizer efficiency.
Raw material selection is fundamental. Safe raw materials rich in organic matter, such as livestock and poultry manure, straw, and oilseed meal, should be selected, and harmful materials containing heavy metals, pesticide residues, or diseased or dead livestock and poultry should be strictly excluded. Simultaneously, the carbon-nitrogen ratio should be scientifically adjusted and controlled within the ideal range of 25:1 to 30:1. The rational proportioning of carbon-rich materials like straw and nitrogen-rich materials like manure provides sufficient nutrients for microbial activity, preventing slow fermentation or excessive odor.
Fermentation and maturation are the core of organic fertilizer production. The pre-treated raw materials are piled into a suitable heap, and the moisture content is adjusted to 50%-65% to ensure good aeration and promote aerobic fermentation. During fermentation, the temperature must be closely monitored to ensure that the high-temperature period (above 55°C) is maintained for more than 5-7 days, effectively killing pathogens and weed seeds. Regular turning of the pile using a compost turning machine replenishes oxygen and regulates temperature. When the material turns dark brown, becomes loose, and emits an earthy smell, it indicates that maturation is complete. At this point, the germination index (GI) must be tested to ensure GI > 80% before proceeding to the next stage.
Post-processing and quality testing are essential for quality assurance. The matured material is first screened to remove impurities. If granular fertilizer is required, the material is first crushed to a suitable fineness before being fed into a granulator. A suitable amount of binder is added to ensure uniform granule formation. After granulation, the material enters a drying device to reduce the moisture content to ≤15%, followed by cooling and shaping in a cooling machine to prevent granule clumping and deterioration. The finished product must meet national standards: organic matter content ≥45%, total nutrients ≥5.0%, pH value between 5.5 and 8.5, and heavy metal content and hygiene indicators must meet the standards.
In summary, the production of organic fertilizer requires a scientific formula as a prerequisite, thorough composting as the core process, and strict testing as a guarantee. Only through meticulous control of the entire organic fertilizer production process can safe, efficient, and high-quality products be produced, contributing to sustainable agricultural development.
