FAQ: Why must organic fertilizer undergo a decomposition (composting) process?

Answer: Raw, undecomposed materials must never be used directly as fertilizer; thorough decomposition is the core step in organic fertilizer production. This process, often facilitated by a compost turner, is crucial for ensuring safety and efficacy. There are four main reasons for this:

First, to prevent root and seedling burn. Raw materials like livestock manure and crop stalks continue to ferment and generate heat after being applied to the soil. Undecomposed raw fertilizer can easily scorch crop roots, causing seedlings to wither and die. Regularly turning the material with a compost turner dissipates accumulated heat, ensuring the fertilizer decomposes fully and evenly, thereby eliminating the risk of burning the seedlings.
Second, to eliminate the risk of pests and diseases. Raw fertilizer harbors large numbers of pathogens, insect eggs, and weed seeds. The high temperatures generated during decomposition kill these harmful agents; the compost turner aerates the material, ensuring uniform heating throughout the pile to thoroughly eliminate pathogens and impurities, which significantly reduces the incidence of pests, diseases, and weeds in the field.
Third, to improve fertilizer utilization efficiency. The organic molecules in raw materials are large and complex, making them difficult for crops to absorb directly. Turning and mixing the material accelerates microbial decomposition, breaking down large organic molecules into easily absorbable nutrients—such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—resulting in faster-acting and longer-lasting fertilizer efficacy.
Finally, to reduce pollution and improve soil quality. The fermentation of raw fertilizer produces foul odors and harmful gases, and can easily lead to soil compaction. Properly decomposed organic fertilizer is stable and odorless; when applied, it loosens the soil and optimizes the soil micro-environment, making it safe and suitable for a wide range of crops.