Mold growth during the fermentation stage is a common problem in organic fertilizer production process, which not only affects fertilizer quality but may also lead to raw material waste and increased production costs. Many producers are perplexed by this. The essence of mold growth is an imbalance in the microbial community within the fermentation system, leading to the proliferation of harmful molds, involving a combination of multiple factors.
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One of the core reasons for mold growth during fermentation is an imbalance in the microbial strain ratio. Organic fertilizer fermentation relies on the dominant role of beneficial microorganisms (such as Bacillus and yeast). If the initial inoculation of beneficial bacteria is insufficient, or if the raw materials carry a large number of contaminating microorganisms, mold will have an opportunity to thrive. Especially when using uncomposted straw, livestock manure, or other raw materials, mold spores can easily germinate rapidly under suitable conditions if they are not sterilized at high temperatures.
Improper environmental conditions are another key contributing factor to mold growth. Mold thrives in environments with humidity levels above 60% and temperatures between 20-30°C. If the fermentation pile is too damp or if infrequent turning leads to poor ventilation, an anaerobic environment will form, inhibiting the activity of beneficial bacteria and promoting mold growth. Furthermore, pH imbalances during fermentation (a slightly acidic environment favors mold growth) will exacerbate mold problems.
The harm of mold to the quality of organic fertilizer cannot be ignored. Toxins produced by mold metabolism may remain in the fertilizer, affecting crop growth and even causing pests and diseases when applied to the soil. Simultaneously, mold consumes nutrients in the raw materials, reducing the effectiveness of the organic fertilizer and potentially producing unpleasant odors that negatively impact the production environment.
Targeted measures can be taken to address the problem of mold growth during fermentation. The first step in organic fertilizer making process is to optimize the inoculation of microorganisms, selecting highly effective compound microbial agents to ensure a dominant proportion of beneficial bacteria. Secondly, strict control of raw material moisture is crucial, adjusting the moisture content of the fermentation pile to 55%-60% and regularly turning the pile to ensure ventilation. Adding alkaline substances such as wood ash can also adjust the pH value, creating an environment unfavorable to mold growth. Furthermore, high-temperature composting during raw material pretreatment effectively kills mold spores, reducing the risk of mold growth from the source.
Mold growth during organic fertilizer fermentation is not uncontrollable; the key lies in understanding the growth patterns of microorganisms and precisely controlling fermentation conditions. By scientifically regulating core factors such as microbial inoculants, humidity, and ventilation, mold problems in organic fertilizer production can be avoided, while simultaneously improving the maturity and fertilizer efficiency of the organic fertilizer, providing high-quality organic fertilizer for agricultural production.
