As a key factor in improving soil quality and enhancing crop yields, the production of organic fertilizer involves multiple stages—including raw material pretreatment, aerobic fermentation, and post-processing. Even minor oversights in this process can lead to various issues that compromise product quality and production efficiency. Mastering scientific troubleshooting methods for organic fertilizer production is essential for improving quality and efficiency, thereby fostering the development of green agriculture.
During the raw material pretreatment stage, common issues include an imbalance in the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio and inappropriate moisture levels. An excessively high C/N ratio can slow down fermentation and hinder temperature elevation, while a ratio that is too low tends to generate foul odors and result in nitrogen loss. To resolve this, materials should be blended to achieve an ideal C/N ratio of 25:1 to 30:1. High-carbon materials—such as crop straw—can be paired with high-nitrogen materials—such as livestock and poultry manure; if necessary, soybean meal or urea can be added to adjust the nitrogen content. Moisture levels should ideally be maintained between 55% and 65%. If the mixture is too wet, absorbent materials like rice husks or sawdust can be added; if it is too dry, clean water should be sprayed on it. The appropriate moisture level is reached when a handful of the material can be squeezed into a clump, with moisture visible between the fingers but not dripping out. Additionally, materials such as straw must be shredded into pieces smaller than 2 cm to ensure uniform mixing.
Aerobic fermentation is the core stage of the process, where issues such as failure to reach target temperatures, severe odors, and incomplete fermentation frequently arise. The inability to sustain the high-temperature phase (55–70°C) is often caused by an undersized compost pile or insufficient oxygen supply. To address this, the pile should be constructed with both a height and width of 1.2 to 1.5 meters; a compost turner should be used periodically (3–5 times) to turn the pile, moving the outer layers to the interior. Additionally, porous materials can be inserted into the pile to facilitate oxygen circulation. Foul odors are typically the result of anaerobic fermentation; adding zeolite powder or superphosphate can help adsorb ammonia gas, while covering the pile with straw can help minimize odor diffusion. If fermentation remains incomplete, the high-temperature phase should be extended to 10–15 days, or a compound microbial inoculant can be introduced to accelerate the maturation process.
During the post-processing and finished product storage stages, common issues include product clumping, mold growth, and nutrient loss. Clumping is primarily caused by incomplete drying; therefore, the finished product must be dried to a moisture content of less than 15%, then crushed, screened, and sealed in packaging. Mold growth stems from humid storage environments; therefore, it is essential to select a dry, well-ventilated warehouse and avoid direct sunlight exposure. Nutrient loss can be compensated for by incorporating supplementary materials—such as phosphate rock powder or calcium-magnesium phosphate fertilizer—while simultaneously testing nutrient levels prior to packaging to ensure compliance with established standards.
Furthermore, in the production of organic fertilizers, one must remain vigilant against raw material contamination. The use of sludge or industrial waste containing excessive levels of heavy metals is strictly prohibited; instead, producers must select high-quality raw materials and conduct thorough testing. The core of organic fertilizer production lies in adhering to the principles of "rational formulation, appropriate moisture levels, sufficient oxygen supply, and optimal temperature." Only by promptly identifying potential issues and responding to them scientifically can producers manufacture high-quality, high-efficiency organic fertilizers, thereby providing robust support for the green and sustainable development of agriculture.
