What is the production process for organic fertilizer?

Organic fertilizer is an eco-friendly fertilizer produced by subjecting organic waste—such as livestock and poultry manure, crop straw, and fungal residue—to high-temperature microbial fermentation and decomposition. This process not only helps dispose of agricultural waste but also improves soil structure and enhances the fertility of cultivated land.The complete organic fertilizer production process consists of six main stages: raw material pre-treatment, aerobic fermentation and maturation, crushing and screening, batching and granulation, drying and cooling, and final product inspection and packaging.

Raw material pretreatment is the foundational stage of production. Before processing, raw materials—such as livestock and poultry manure, straw, and wood chips—are collected, and impurities like stones and plastics are removed. Straw and other large materials are crushed. Subsequently, auxiliary materials are added according to a specific ratio to adjust the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio to approximately 25:1, with moisture content controlled between 50% and 60%. Fermentation microbial agents are then added, and the mixture is thoroughly blended to create optimal conditions for microbial proliferation, ensuring a uniform and stable fermentation process.
Aerobic, high-temperature fermentation is the core of organic fertilizer production. The mixed materials are arranged into windrows or placed into fermentation tanks, where microorganisms break down the organic matter. During fermentation, the temperature of the pile rises above 55°C and remains there for several days, which effectively eliminates insect eggs, pathogens, and weed seeds, rendering the material harmless. Throughout the fermentation cycle—which typically lasts 30 to 45 days—the material is periodically turned using a specialized turner to supply oxygen and regulate temperature and moisture levels. Once fermentation is complete, the material enters a maturation phase, during which the organic matter becomes further stabilized, odors dissipate, and the material transforms into loose, decomposed compost.
The decomposed material then enters the finishing stage, beginning with crushing and screening. Since the fermented material may contain clumps, it is processed through a crusher and then passed through screening equipment to remove impurities and large particles, resulting in a semi-finished, finely textured powder. If granular organic fertilizer is required, the material proceeds to the formulation stage, where secondary nutrients and micronutrients are added as needed. After being thoroughly mixed, the material is fed into a organic fertilizer granulator to produce spherical granules, which are easier to transport and apply. The granules produced during the granulation process have a high moisture content and require drying and cooling. They are first dried at a low temperature to reduce moisture, which prevents mold growth during storage. Subsequently, they pass through a cooler to lower their temperature, thereby increasing granule hardness and reducing breakage. The cooled granules are then screened to separate those that meet quality standards; any fines or broken particles can be returned to the production process for re-granulation.
The final stages involve quality inspection and packaging. Parameters such as organic matter content, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) levels, and heavy metal concentrations are tested. Once all specifications are met, the product is automatically weighed and packaged before being moved to storage.
This complete organic fertilizer production line transforms waste into a valuable resource. A standardized production process ensures the quality of the organic fertilizer, helping to mitigate environmental pollution while providing high-quality fertilizer to support the sustainable development of ecological agriculture.