Building a chicken manure organic fertilizer production plant from scratch: A complete practical guide

Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but it is highly moist, sticky, and has a strong odor. Establishing a chicken manure organic fertilizer production plant requires focusing on the core principles of “harmlessness + resource utilization,” specifically addressing the challenges posed by the characteristics of the raw materials, balancing compliance, efficiency, and quality, and building a closed-loop production system.

Solidify the foundation of raw materials and site. Secure a stable source of chicken manure, sign long-term agreements with farms, and strictly control impurities in the raw materials. The site should be located far from residential areas and water sources, with reserved environmental protection distances. Different functional areas should be planned in zones, equipped with seepage-proof leachate collection ponds and odor treatment facilities to prevent secondary pollution.

Set up the production line with suitable equipment. Equipment configuration based on scale: Pre-treatment uses a solid-liquid separator for dehumidification, paired with a fertilizer crusher and fertilizer mixer to mix chicken manure and straw/sawdust at approximately a 1:2 ratio to adjust the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio; fermentation uses horizontal fermentation tanks or double screws compost turning machines, maturing at 55-65℃ for 7-15 days for sterilization; deep processing includes granulation, screening, and packaging equipment to form a complete organic fertilizer production line.

Improve compliance and process systems. Obtain environmental protection filings, discharge permits, and finished fertilizer registration certificates, and establish a quality testing mechanism. Addressing the odor-prone nature of chicken manure, precisely control oxygen supply and turning frequency, and use microbial agents to accelerate maturation and reduce odor diffusion.

Build an operational closed loop. Control raw material costs and transportation losses, determine finished product types based on market demand, and connect with growers and agricultural input channels. Develop a regular equipment maintenance plan to ensure continuous operation of the production line.

The value of high-quality organic fertilizer production machines for palm fiber and animal manure

Palm fiber is tough and degrades slowly, while animal manure is rich in nutrients but prone to clumping and odor. Producing organic fertilizer from these two materials requires specialized equipment to overcome these raw material challenges. High-quality organic fertilizer production machines, with their targeted design, can neutralize the shortcomings of both raw materials and maximize the value of their nutrients.

Precise adaptation to raw material characteristics. The equipment is equipped with a high-strength fertilizer crusher that can break down tough palm fibers into fine particles while simultaneously breaking up clumps of animal manure, ensuring uniform mixing. To address the imbalance in the carbon-nitrogen ratio of the mixed raw materials, the equipment can be linked to a batching system for precise adjustment, creating the optimal environment for microbial fermentation.

Fermentation and granulation stages. The fermentation stage utilizes a temperature and humidity control system to maintain high-temperature composting at 55-65℃, which kills pathogens and insect eggs while accelerating the degradation of palm fiber and preserving the organic matter and trace elements in the raw materials. The granulation stage is adapted to the loose characteristics of the mixed raw materials, optimizing pressure and rotation speed to produce granules with uniform strength and high sphericity.

Closed-loop process ensures product quality. The organic fertilizer production equipment integrates pre-treatment, fermentation, granulation, and cooling functions. The resulting organic fertilizer has excellent breathability and long-lasting fertilizer efficiency, improving soil aggregate structure and providing comprehensive nutrition for crops, achieving efficient resource utilization of palm fiber and animal manure.

A comprehensive analysis of the production process of powdered fertilizers

Powdered fertilizers are widely used in agriculture due to their ease of application and uniform nutrient distribution. Their production process revolves around “raw material purification → precise proportioning → fine shaping.”

Raw material pretreatment is fundamental. Raw materials are selected based on the type of fertilizer. Organic fertilizer raw materials require the use of composted livestock manure, straw, etc., which are dried or air-dried to adjust the moisture content to 10%-15% to prevent subsequent clumping; inorganic fertilizer raw materials such as urea and monoammonium phosphate require impurity removal to eliminate stones, impurities, and other foreign matter, while simultaneously reducing the water content through drying equipment.

Mixing and proportioning is the core process. According to the preset nutrient ratio, various pre-treated raw materials are fed into a fertilizer mixer. For example, the production of NPK compound fertilizer requires precise proportioning of urea, diammonium phosphate, potassium chloride, and other raw materials. During the mixing process, uniform mixing must be ensured to avoid excessively high or low local nutrient concentrations. Horizontal ribbon mixers or vertical disc mixers are typically used.

Crushing and screening are crucial for shaping. The mixed material needs to be crushed by a fertilizer crusher to ensure that the particle size meets the standard (generally requiring a pass rate of over 80 mesh). The crushed material then enters a screening machine, where different mesh sizes are used to separate unqualified particles. Coarse particles are returned for secondary crushing, while fine particles proceed to the next stage.

Inspection and packaging are the final guarantee. The screened powdered fertilizer is sampled and tested. Key indicators include nutrient content, moisture content, and particle size. After passing the inspection, the fertilizer is sent to the packaging stage, where it is quantitatively packaged by an automatic packing machine, sealed, and labeled with product information.

From raw materials to granules: The journey to the birth of modern NPK fertilizer

NPK compound fertilizers, widely used in modern agricultural production, undergo a precise and systematic industrial processing procedure. From basic chemical raw materials to uniformly shaped granules, this NPK fertilizer production line integrates chemical synthesis and physical processing technologies, forming a standardized manufacturing system.

Production begins with the precise measurement and synthesis reaction of raw materials. Different proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium base materials undergo chemical reactions under controlled conditions to generate a complex containing the target nutrients. This chemical stage establishes the core nutrient content and ratio of the product.

The synthesized slurry then enters the crucial physical molding stage. The rotary drum granulator plays a vital role in this process. By precisely controlling temperature and humidity, these granules achieve a stable physical morphology, preparing them for subsequent processing.

The newly generated granules require complete post-processing. After drying and cooling, the sieving process grades the granules according to their specifications. At this point, lumps with excessively large particle sizes are returned to the previous process, re-crushed in a fertilizer crusher, and then re-granulated. This cycle ensures high raw material utilization and uniform product particle size.

It is worth mentioning that some of the large-particle base fertilizers obtained after drying and screening can be used as raw materials to directly enter another flexible production path—through bulk blending fertilizer machines, they can be quickly and physically mixed with other single-element fertilizers or micronutrients according to actual field needs to produce customized blended fertilizers.

How to build a rotary drum granulation production line for fertilizer production?

Rotary drum granulation production lines are widely used in organic and compound fertilizer production due to their wide adaptability and excellent molding effect. Their construction requires following a scientific process, considering both production capacity requirements and environmental standards.

Preliminary Planning: First, clarify the production raw materials (such as organic fertilizer fermentation materials, NPK compound fertilizer raw materials) and production capacity targets.  Determine the process route based on local environmental policies, such as whether drying and dust removal equipment are needed. Simultaneously, conduct a cost assessment, covering core expenses such as equipment procurement, site construction, and energy consumption.

Equipment Selection and Matching: The core equipment, the rotary drum granulator, needs to be selected according to the characteristics of the raw materials, ensuring that parameters such as rotation speed and inclination angle meet the granulation requirements; supporting equipment needs to be precisely matched. The pre-treatment stage should include fertilizer crushers and screening machines to ensure the particle size of the raw materials. After granulation, dryers and coolers should be connected to optimize particle quality, and dust collection devices should be installed.

Site Layout and Installation: The site needs to accommodate sufficient spacing and operating space for the equipment. The ground should be treated with anti-slip and anti-corrosion coatings, and areas for raw material and finished product storage should be reserved; during installation, ensure the equipment’s levelness and sealing, especially the transmission system of the rotary drum granulator, to avoid vibration or leakage problems during operation. Also, rationally plan the pipeline layout to improve production efficiency.

Commissioning and Operation: First, conduct a no-load test run to check the stability of the equipment; then conduct a load test, optimizing the granulation effect by adjusting parameters such as raw material moisture and drum rotation speed. During the test run, record key data to establish a standardized production process and ensure stable mass production.

The crucial role of crushing equipment in organic fertilizer production lines

A high-efficiency, stable organic fertilizer production line begins with the meticulous pretreatment of raw materials. While the crushing stage is at the forefront of the entire organic fertilizer production equipment system, it fundamentally determines the quality of subsequent fermentation and the finished product.

Among these processes, the half-wet material crusher demonstrates a unique advantage in handling high-moisture raw materials. It effectively crushes sticky and moist materials such as fresh poultry and livestock manure, kitchen waste, and straw, solving the pain points of traditional crushers, such as easy clogging and low efficiency. Its special anti-stick design ensures that even high-moisture materials can be smoothly broken up, creating ideal physical conditions for subsequent uniform fermentation and rapid decomposition. This is a key link in improving the adaptability of raw materials in modern organic fertilizer production lines.

From the “coarse crushing” of raw waste by the half-wet material crusher to the “fine crushing” of fermented materials by the fertilizer crusher, these two types of equipment form a highly efficient pretreatment combination at the forefront of the organic fertilizer production line. Together, they transform raw materials of varying shapes and moisture levels into materials of uniform specifications that are easy to process, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire production line and the stable quality of the final product.

Therefore, when constructing a complete organic fertilizer production equipment system, paying attention to the crushing process and investing in specialized equipment are indispensable steps to achieve the resource utilization, large-scale, and high-value utilization of organic waste.

Solving the challenge of high-fiber cattle manure treatment: An efficient resource utilization solution

Cattle manure, due to its high fiber content, loose texture, and long decomposition cycle, is prone to resource waste and environmental pollution if treated directly. Compared to other livestock and poultry manure, the core of treating high-fiber cattle manure lies in “fiber breakdown first, followed by composting, and then granulation.”

First, pre-treatment and fiber breakdown to reduce subsequent difficulties. Coarse fiber is the core obstacle to treatment. The cattle manure must first be crushed using a high-power fertilizer crusher to reduce the fiber particle size to 3-5 centimeters, while simultaneously screening out stones, weeds, and other impurities. If the moisture content of the cattle manure is too high (exceeding 65%), dry materials such as straw and sawdust can be mixed in to adjust the moisture content to 55%-60%. This balances the carbon-nitrogen ratio (optimizing it to 25:1-30:1) and improves material aeration, paving the way for subsequent fermentation.

Second, enhanced fermentation and composting to degrade coarse fibers. A trough-type compost turner is used for deep turning and mixing. The powerful mixing force of the equipment ensures sufficient ventilation and oxygen supply to the compost pile, maintaining a high temperature of 55-65°C for 25-30 days. The high-temperature environment accelerates microbial activity, efficiently degrading coarse fibers and simultaneously killing pathogens and insect eggs. Specialized composting agents can be added during fermentation to further shorten the composting cycle and improve the degree of decomposition.

Third, shaping and processing to enhance utilization value. The composted cattle manure, with its coarse fibers largely degraded, can be fed into an organic fertilizer granulator(ring die or flat die pelleting machines are preferred, suitable for shaping loose materials) to form high-strength, uniformly sized granular organic fertilizer through extrusion or rolling.

This treatment plan can be implemented by assembling a fertilizer production line with equipment of corresponding specifications based on production capacity requirements. This not only completely solves the problem of treating high-fiber cattle manure but also transforms waste into organic fertilizer rich in organic matter.

Roller press granulation production line: The preferred solution for high-efficiency granulation

In the chemical, fertilizer, pharmaceutical, and food industries, the demand for granular products is increasing due to their ease of storage, transportation, and use. The roller press granulation production line, with its unique technological advantages, has become the ideal choice for producing high-strength, uniform granules.

This production line utilizes high-pressure extrusion technology to transform powder or fine-grained raw materials into high-quality granules. The equipment is scientifically designed and includes raw material pretreatment equipment, the core double roller press granulator, and optional fertilizer crushers, screening machines, packaging equipment, and a PLC control system. Pretreatment ensures suitable raw material particle size and freedom from impurities; the double roller press granulator extrudes the raw materials into strips or sheets before cutting them into granules; subsequent crushing and screening ensure uniform particle size; the packaging equipment provides automated weighing and packaging; and the PLC control system monitors and adjusts parameters to ensure efficient and stable production.

The granulation process is standardized: from raw material pretreatment, optional mixing and humidity adjustment, to roller press extrusion granulation, crushing and screening, and then optional drying and cooling, and finally packaging and monitoring, every step is precise. The process features are significant: it produces high-density, high-strength granules, meeting high mechanical strength requirements; the granules have uniform particle size, improving product consistency; it has wide raw material adaptability, capable of processing various raw materials such as fertilizers and pesticides; and it boasts low energy consumption, high efficiency, simple operation, and a high degree of automation, reducing manual intervention and ensuring stable product quality.

Whether it’s producing organic fertilizer granules in the fertilizer industry or processing special chemical granules in the chemical industry, the roller press granulation production line plays a vital role, providing efficient and reliable solutions for granular production in various industries.

Turning waste into treasure: A practical guide to making granules from mushroom and herbal medicine residues

With the widespread adoption of environmental protection concepts, mushroom mycelium residue and traditional Chinese medicine residue can be transformed into practical granules for use in agricultural fertilization, biofuels, and other fields. The following are the key steps for efficient granulation.

Raw material pretreatment is fundamental. Fresh mushroom residue has a water content exceeding 70%, so it needs to be air-dried or oven-dried to 30%-40%, with frequent turning to prevent mold. Herbal medicine residue should be screened to remove impurities; hard lumps of roots and stems need to be crushed to a particle size of less than 5 mm using a fertilizer crusher. The two are mixed in a ratio of 3:1 or 2:1 (increasing the proportion of mushroom residue for fertilization, and increasing the proportion of herbal medicine residue for fuel), and a small amount of straw powder or bran is added to adjust the hardness and improve granulation stability.

The granulation process requires attention to operational details. Select a flat die pelleting machine or ring die pelleting machine, and preheat the mold to 60-80℃ before starting to prevent sticking. Feed the material at a uniform speed; if the granules are loose and easily broken, spray a small amount of water (not exceeding 2% of the total raw material); if the hardness is too high, reduce the moisture content. Regularly check the particle diameter and adjust the mold aperture to obtain standard 5-8 mm granules.

Finished product processing and application are also crucial. Newly made granules need to be spread out and cooled to room temperature, and then screened with a fertilizer screener machine to remove broken pieces (broken pieces can be returned to the machine for reprocessing). After cooling, pack them in sealed bags and store them in a dry and ventilated place; the shelf life is 6-8 months. In agriculture, they can be used directly as organic fertilizer to improve soil; they can also be used as feed additives for livestock and poultry (provided the herbal medicine residue is tested for harmful residues); and they can also be used as fuel, burning efficiently with low pollution.

This method not only achieves the resource utilization of waste but also reduces production costs. Whether for farmers or small processing plants, this method can be tried according to actual needs, truly achieving “turning waste into treasure.”

How to improve the operating efficiency of trough-type compost turning machines?

Trough-type compost turners are core equipment in the organic fertilizer fermentation process, and their operating efficiency directly affects the composting cycle, maturation quality, and production efficiency. Many production scenarios experience problems such as insufficient turning, high energy consumption, and frequent equipment failures. However, these issues can be significantly improved through scientific and standardized operation and management.

First, ensure proper raw material pretreatment. The moisture content, particle size, and ratio of composting raw materials are fundamental. The moisture content of the materials should be controlled at 55%-60%, and a fertilizer crusher should be used to adjust the particle size of raw materials such as straw and livestock manure to 2-5 centimeters. Simultaneously, carbon and nitrogen sources should be mixed evenly in the correct proportions.

Second, standardize operating procedures and paths. During operation, a reasonable turning path should be planned, using a “reciprocating progressive” turning method to ensure that the material in each area is fully turned, avoiding missed or repeated turning. The speed of the trough-type compost turning machine should be controlled, and the rotation speed should be adjusted according to the width of the trough and the thickness of the material to ensure that the turning depth meets the standard (generally 30-50 centimeters).

Third, strengthen daily equipment maintenance. Regularly inspect key components of the compost turning machine, such as the blades, tracks, and transmission system. Replace worn blades promptly and tighten loose connections; add lubricating oil as required to ensure smooth operation of the transmission system.

Finally, accurately match the operating frequency. Adjust the turning frequency according to changes in composting temperature. During the high-temperature fermentation period (55-65℃), turning can be performed 1-2 times a day; when the temperature is below 50℃, the frequency should be appropriately reduced. Accurately matching the frequency can meet the oxygen demand of microbial fermentation without wasting energy due to excessive turning.