In organic fertilizer production process, fermentation and temperature rise are direct indicators of microbial activity and crucial for the decomposition of organic matter and the elimination of pathogens and insect eggs. If the temperature remains below 55℃ during fermentation, it will not only prolong the production cycle but also lead to incomplete nutrient conversion and substandard product quality. To quickly solve this problem, it is necessary to investigate core factors such as raw material ratio, moisture control, and aeration conditions one by one.
An imbalance in the carbon-nitrogen ratio of the raw materials is the primary reason for insufficient fermentation temperature rise. Microorganisms require a carbon-nitrogen ratio between 25:1 and 30:1 to decompose organic matter. Insufficient carbon source leads to "energy shortage" for microorganisms, while excessive nitrogen source inhibits microbial activity. If the fermentation pile mainly uses straw, sawdust, and other carbon source materials, it is necessary to supplement with nitrogen source materials such as livestock manure and soybean cake, mixing them in appropriate proportions. If there is too much nitrogen, inert carbon sources such as rice husks and sawdust can be added for dilution.
Improper moisture content directly hinders microbial metabolism. The ideal moisture content for fermentation raw materials is 55%-60%. A good indicator is that the material should clump together when squeezed but crumble easily when dropped. If the moisture content is too low, microorganisms cannot multiply properly, requiring even spraying of water to replenish humidity. Conversely, excessive moisture leads to oxygen deficiency in the pile, promoting anaerobic putrefactive bacteria. In this case, dry materials should be added and stirred to reduce moisture and increase ventilation.
Insufficient ventilation is a "hidden obstacle" to fermentation temperature rise. Aerobic microorganisms require sufficient oxygen to decompose organic matter. If the pile is too compacted or not turned promptly, an anaerobic environment will form, making it difficult to raise the temperature. Solutions include: controlling the pile height to 1.2-1.5 meters and the width to 2-3 meters, leaving ventilation channels; Using mechanical turning, the compost turning machine needs to be turned 1-2 times a week to ensure oxygen penetration.
Furthermore, improper selection or insufficient dosage of inoculum can also affect heating efficiency. Specific organic fertilizer fermentation-specific inoculum should be used, evenly applied according to the instructions, and quickly stacked after inoculation to maintain warmth and prevent loss of inoculum activity. If the ambient temperature is too low, cover the fermentation pile with a thin film or insulating cotton to reduce heat loss and provide a suitable environment for microbial initiation.
The key to raising the fermentation temperature lies in meeting the growth needs of microorganisms. By precisely controlling the three key indicators—carbon-nitrogen ratio, moisture, and aeration—and combining this with high-quality inoculants and scientific pile management, the fermentation pile can quickly reach a high-temperature composting state, ensuring the efficiency and quality of organic fertilizer production.
