Organic fertilizers use livestock and poultry manure, crop straw, and other materials as raw materials, and undergo composting and processing to achieve resource utilization of waste. The production process of organic fertilizers is complex, and problems can occur at every stage, directly affecting fertilizer quality and application effects, requiring focused control.
Improper raw material handling is a prominent problem in the initial stages of production. Some producers do not screen raw materials, allowing the inclusion of impurities such as plastics and stones, or fail to pre-treat raw materials with high salt content and heavy metals. This not only affects subsequent processing but also leads to uneven nutrient distribution in the finished fertilizer and soil pollution. Simultaneously, imbalances in raw material ratios are common; a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio prolongs the composting cycle, while a low ratio easily produces malodorous gases and reduces fermentation efficiency.
Incomplete fermentation and composting is a core hidden danger in organic fertilizer production. Improper temperature control during fermentation, failing to reach the high-temperature sterilization standard of 55-65℃, can leave behind pathogens, insect eggs, and weed seeds, leading to pests and diseases after application to the field. Insufficient ventilation leads to anaerobic fermentation, producing harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which pollute the environment and cause the finished fertilizer to have an unpleasant odor; insufficient fermentation time or untimely turning of the compost pile can result in "false ripening" of the fertilizer, causing it to continue fermenting after application to the soil, competing with crops for nutrients and causing root and seedling burn.
Quality control loopholes are common in the processing stage. Uneven crushing particle size makes fertilizer molding difficult, resulting in inconsistent particle sizes and affecting uniform application. If the drying temperature is too high, it can destroy active ingredients such as amino acids and vitamins in the organic fertilizer, reducing its effectiveness; if drying is incomplete, the finished product's moisture content exceeds the standard, making it prone to mold and clumping during storage. In addition, improper adjustment of granulation and screening equipment can also lead to a low rate of qualified finished products.
Improper storage and transportation can cause secondary losses. If the finished fertilizer is not stored in sealed containers, it is prone to moisture absorption and clumping, and nutrient loss; long-term exposure to air can also lead to the death of active microorganisms. Lack of protective measures during transportation can lead to fertilizer spillage, dampness, or contamination with impurities, further affecting its effectiveness. Furthermore, some producers neglect testing, failing to test the nutrient content, heavy metal indicators, and maturity of the finished product, resulting in substandard products entering the market. Solving the above problems requires standardizing the entire process of organic fertilizer production, including proper raw material selection and proportioning, strict control of fermentation temperature, humidity, and duration, optimization of processing techniques, standardized storage and transportation, and enhanced finished product testing. Only then can high-quality organic fertilizer be produced, truly achieving the dual value of environmental protection and increased efficiency.
