Key Considerations for Composting in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

In organic fertilizer production lines, composting is a core step that determines the quality of organic fertilizer. Improper operation not only reduces fertilizer efficiency but can also lead to odor, pathogens, and other issues, impacting production efficiency and the environment. The following are key considerations during composting:

First, the raw material ratio must be scientifically and accurately formulated. Composting raw materials typically consist of livestock and poultry manure, straw, and mushroom residue. The carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N) must be strictly controlled between 25:1 and 35:1. A high C/N ratio will slow composting and easily lead to a “cold pile.” A low C/N ratio will result in nitrogen loss and produce foul odors. Furthermore, the moisture content of the raw materials must be adjusted to 50%-60%. Hold the raw materials tightly with your fingers until water is present but not dripping. Excessive moisture can easily lead to anaerobic fermentation, while too low a moisture content can inhibit microbial activity.

Second, compost management requires dynamic monitoring. The recommended height of the compost pile is 1.2-1.5 meters, and the width is 2-3 meters. The length should be adjusted according to the scale of the organic fertilizer production line. Excessively high or wide compost piles will result in poor ventilation, while excessively low compost piles will dissipate heat too quickly, making it difficult to maintain a high temperature. During the composting process, the compost should be turned regularly. Typically, the compost temperature should rise above 60°C for 2-3 days before being turned using a compost turner. This not only replenishes oxygen but also maintains a uniform temperature throughout the compost, helping to inactivate pathogens and weed seeds. The frequency of turning should be adjusted based on temperature fluctuations, generally once or twice a week.

Finally, environmental conditions must be strictly controlled. The composting room must maintain good ventilation to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases. Rain protection measures should also be implemented to prevent nutrient loss and water accumulation due to rainwater erosion. Furthermore, compost temperature and pH should be monitored in real time. During normal composting, the compost temperature should rise first, then fall, ultimately stabilizing at room temperature, with the pH maintained between 7.5 and 8.5. If abnormalities are detected, the raw material ratio or the turning frequency should be adjusted promptly. Only by strictly following these precautions can we ensure an efficient and stable composting process, produce high-quality organic fertilizer that meets standards, and provide strong support for the green development of agriculture.

Efficient Operation Strategies for the Conveying Segment of an Organic Fertilizer Production Line

In an organic fertilizer production line, the conveying segment is the “link” connecting the crushing, fermentation, granulation, and packaging processes. Its efficiency directly impacts the production capacity and stability of the entire line. To avoid material accumulation and conveying jams, scientific planning is required from three aspects: equipment selection, layout design, and operation and maintenance.

Rational conveying equipment selection is crucial. Differentiated selections should be made based on the material characteristics of each process. Belt conveyors are ideal for crushed dry materials (such as straw powder). They offer high conveying capacities (up to 5-20 tons per hour), adjustable speeds, and a smooth, easy-to-clean belt surface, minimizing material residue. Bucket elevators are suitable for granular materials. Vertical conveying saves workshop space, and a sealed hopper prevents granules from spilling, accommodating the required height between the granulator and packaging machine. Furthermore, all conveying equipment must be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or galvanized steel, to accommodate the acidic and alkaline properties of organic fertilizers and extend equipment life.

A scientific layout is essential. Conveyor routes should adhere to the principle of “shortest paths and fewer turns” to minimize resistance and energy consumption. Bucket elevator inlets are equipped with buffer devices to prevent particles from impacting and damaging the hopper. Belt conveyors are tilted no more than 15°; for larger angles, corrugated belts with sidewalls are used. Level sensors are installed at key points to automatically warn when material accumulation exceeds the limit, adjusting the conveyor speed to prevent overload and shutdown.

Proper operation and regular maintenance are key. Operators must strictly follow the “pre-startup inspection – ongoing monitoring – post-shutdown cleaning” process: Before starting up, check the conveyor belt tension and wear of the scraper or hopper. During operation, monitor the material conveying status in real time and make timely adjustments if any deviation or jamming is detected. After shutting down, thoroughly clean any remaining material inside the equipment, especially wet and sticky materials, using a high-pressure water jet to prevent caking and blockage. Regular maintenance includes weekly lubrication of conveyor bearings, monthly inspection of the tightness of the scraper and hopper, and timely replacement of worn parts to ensure efficient operation of the conveying chain and maintain stable production capacity of the organic fertilizer production line.

Analysis of Common Risks in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

Organic fertilizer production lines rely on agricultural waste conversion to achieve resource recycling, but their production processes are complex and susceptible to internal and external factors. They face multiple risks and challenges, requiring accurate identification and proactive prevention.

Raw material supply risks are the primary obstacle to production line operations. Organic fertilizer raw materials primarily consist of livestock and poultry manure and crop straw, which are significantly constrained by natural and social factors. Seasonal variations can lead to a “peak season surplus” and “off-season shortage” in straw supply, such as abundant straw after the autumn harvest and a tight supply in the spring. Sudden animal epidemics can cause farm closures, directly cutting off the source of livestock and poultry manure. Furthermore, raw material quality fluctuates significantly. Excessive levels of heavy metals in manure or moldy straw can result in substandard quality in the finished organic fertilizer, impacting sales and potentially leading to environmental complaints.

Equipment operation risks directly threaten production continuity. Organic fertilizer production lines involve multiple processes, including fermentation, crushing, granulation, and drying. Long-term, high-load operation of core equipment can lead to malfunctions. Leaks in the hydraulic system of the fermentation granulator can lead to uneven granulation and prolonged composting. Wear on the granulator’s molds can reduce pellet formation and increase raw material loss. Failure of the dryer’s hot air furnace can result in incomplete drying of the material, leading to caking and deterioration. If critical equipment shuts down, the entire production line can be paralyzed, resulting in significant economic losses.

Production safety risks harbor significant hidden dangers. During the fermentation process, microorganisms decompose organic matter, producing gases such as methane and ammonia. Methane is flammable and explosive. If the workshop is poorly ventilated and concentrations exceed standards, it can easily cause an explosion when exposed to open flames. The drying process uses high temperatures, making excessively thick material accumulation or improper temperature control a fire hazard. Furthermore, some equipment components lack effective protection, and improper operator operation can lead to mechanical injuries.

External environmental risks should also not be underestimated. At the market level, the demand for organic fertilizers is affected by the agricultural production cycle. During the peak season, products are in short supply, while during the off-season, inventory is piling up and prices fluctuate sharply. At the policy level, upgraded environmental protection standards may require production lines to increase investment in pollution control equipment. Adjustments to agricultural subsidy policies will directly affect product market competitiveness. If organic fertilizer production lines fail to adapt to policy changes in a timely manner, they may face compliance risks and operational pressures.

Crushing process of organic fertilizer production line

In an organic fertilizer production line, the crushing process is the “throat” of the entire line, directly determining raw material processing efficiency and final product quality. It is the core link between raw material pretreatment and subsequent fermentation and granulation processes. Whether it is agricultural waste such as livestock and poultry manure, straw, and mushroom residue, or organic raw materials such as restaurant waste and garden branches, they all require scientific crushing to achieve “fragmentation” and lay the foundation for subsequent processes.

The primary task of the crushing process is to break down the raw materials’ physical structure and address the issues of uneven size and hardness among different raw materials. For example, unpulverized livestock and poultry manure may contain lumps such as straw residue and hair. If directly fed into the fermentation process, this can lead to imbalanced material permeability and localized anaerobic decay. Fibrous raw materials such as straw and branches require pulverization to reduce the particle size to 5-10 mm, making it easier for microorganisms to decompose the fiber structure and shortening the fermentation cycle. Currently, mainstream production lines mostly use cage crushers for fine grinding. For some large, hard raw materials, pre-screening is performed to remove oversized impurities before the raw materials enter the cage crusher, ensuring a particle size uniformity of over 90%.

Technical control in this process directly impacts the efficiency and product quality of the organic fertilizer production line. First, the particle size must be adjusted dynamically based on the raw material type: when processing high-moisture manure, the grinding fineness must be appropriately controlled to prevent clumping; when processing straw with a high lignin content, the particle size must be refined to improve composting maturity. Second, controlling dust and impurities during the grinding process is crucial. Reputable production lines install magnetic separation devices at the grinder inlet to remove metal impurities and bag filters at the discharge to meet environmental requirements and minimize equipment wear.

It is important to note that the finer the grinding process, the better. Excessive grinding not only increases energy costs but can also reduce the material’s aeration during fermentation, ultimately prolonging composting time. Industry practice demonstrates that crushing raw materials to a particle size that “clumps together in the hand and falls apart with a light squeeze” not only ensures microbial activity but also improves the yield rate in the subsequent granulation process. High-quality pulverization is a prerequisite for producing organic fertilizer products with uniform particles and meeting organic matter content standards. It is also a key step in promoting the efficient resource utilization of agricultural waste.

The Technology and Value of the Granulation Process in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

In organic fertilizer production lines, the granulation stage is the core link between raw material processing and finished product packaging, directly determining the physical properties, ease of application, and market competitiveness of organic fertilizers.

The core task of the granulation stage is to transform crushed organic fertilizer raw materials (such as composted livestock and poultry manure and straw powder) into granules of uniform particle size and moderate hardness through physical or chemical reactions. This process requires addressing two key issues: first, preventing loose raw materials from flying and agglomerating, which can lead to transportation and storage losses; second, controlling the nutrient release rate through granule morphology to improve fertilizer utilization in the soil. Currently, mainstream granulation equipment includes disc granulators, rotary drum granulators, and double roller press granulators. Disc granulators are the preferred choice for small and medium-sized production lines due to their high granulation rate (over 90%) and excellent granule roundness. Rotary drum granulators are suitable for large-scale continuous production, with a single unit capable of producing over 50 tons per day.

Three key factors influence granulation performance: First, the moisture content of the raw materials, which must be controlled between 25% and 35%. A moisture content too high can easily cause pellets to stick together, while a moisture content too low can make them difficult to form. Second, the raw material ratio. By adding small amounts of auxiliary materials such as bentonite and straw powder, the cohesiveness and porosity of the raw materials can be adjusted. Third, equipment parameters, such as the disc pelletizer’s inclination angle (typically 45°-55°) and rotation speed (15-20 rpm), must be dynamically adjusted based on the raw material’s characteristics. For example, in the production of organic fertilizer from chicken manure, if the crude fiber content of the raw material is too high, the disc speed must be increased appropriately, and 1%-2% bentonite must be added to ensure that the pellet hardness meets the industry standard of a compressive strength of ≥2N.

With the increasing demand for green agriculture, the granulation process is also evolving towards intelligent and low-carbon processes. Some advanced production lines have implemented online moisture monitoring systems, allowing real-time adjustment of spray volume to control raw material moisture. Furthermore, by optimizing the granulator’s heating method, replacing traditional electric heating with waste heat recovery, energy consumption per ton of product has been reduced by over 15%. Technological innovation in the granulation process is driving the transformation of organic fertilizer from a “heavy-duty” product to a “refined agricultural input,” injecting critical momentum into the green development of agriculture.

Composting in an Organic Fertilizer Production Line

In an organic fertilizer production line, composting is a core step in achieving both harmlessness and resource utilization of organic waste. Through microbial decomposition, raw materials like livestock manure and straw are transformed into nutrient-rich, mature materials, laying the foundation for subsequent processing.

The first step in composting is raw material preparation, requiring precise control of the key indicator, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Among commonly used raw materials, straw and mushroom residue are high-carbon, while livestock manure is high-nitrogen. These materials should be mixed in a ratio of 25:1-30:1. For example, a mixture of 60% cow manure and 40% pulverized straw can meet microbial activity while minimizing nitrogen loss. Furthermore, the moisture content of the raw materials should be adjusted to 50%-60%. The material should be held firmly in the hand, with water between the fingers but not dripping. If it is too dry, water should be applied; if it is too wet, add dry straw or sawdust.

The composting process requires scientifically controlled environmental conditions. Windrow and trough composting are two common methods used in production lines. Windrow composting involves piling raw materials into long windrows 2-3 meters wide and 1.2-1.5 meters high. Windrow compost is turned every 2-3 days by a windrow compost turning machine to ensure adequate oxygenation within the windrow. Trough composting, on the other hand, takes place in sealed fermentation tanks, equipped with automated turning equipment to precisely control temperature and oxygen levels, making it suitable for large-scale production. During composting, the temperature must be maintained at 55-65°C, which kills insect eggs and pathogens and facilitates microbial decomposition of organic matter. If the temperature is too low, high-nitrogen raw materials should be added; if it is too high, turning should be used to reduce the temperature.

Determining the maturity of compost is crucial to ensuring the quality of subsequent products. Generally, after 20-30 days, the compost is mature when its color turns dark brown, it no longer has a manure odor but instead has a light earthy smell, and it is loose and free of noticeable lumps. At this time, the organic matter content of the composted material is greatly increased, and it is rich in nutrients such as amino acids and humic acid. It can not only provide nutrients for crops, but also improve soil structure. It is an indispensable “nutrient conversion station” in the organic fertilizer production line.

Analysis of Common Problems in the Organic Fertilizer Production Line

Organic fertilizer production lines improve efficiency through continuous operation, but improper integration of various stages can easily lead to problems, impacting production stability and product quality.

The raw material pretreatment stage is prone to conveyor blockage. If raw materials such as straw and manure are not crushed to a particle size of 5-10mm or have a moisture content exceeding 65%, they can easily form lumps in belt conveyors and screw feeders, causing production line downtime. Screener machines should be added to the pretreatment stage to control the particle size. At the same time, the moisture content should be adjusted to 55%-60% through drying or the addition of dry materials to ensure smooth material conveyance.

Uneven compost turning and insufficient oxygen supply are common problems in fermentation systems. If the chain compost turning machine rotates too fast or has an inappropriate stroke setting, the compost will not be turned thoroughly, resulting in local temperatures below 55°C and failure to achieve the desired compost maturity. Insufficient fan pressure can cause oxygen deprivation in the compost, producing harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide. To address this, adjust the compost turner speed according to the pile height (2-3 rpm is recommended). Regularly check the fan filter to ensure a ventilation rate of 0.3-0.5 m³/min per cubic meter of pile.

The drying process is prone to moisture control imbalances. If the feed rate to the drum fertilizer dryer fluctuates, or if the hot air temperature fluctuates by more than ±5°C, the finished product moisture content will fluctuate (the acceptable standard is 15%-20%), impacting subsequent granulation. Install an automatic feed regulating valve to stabilize the feed rate, employ a temperature control system to precisely control the hot air temperature at 80-100°C, and install a moisture detector at the discharge end for real-time monitoring.

Inaccurate metering and loose sealing are common problems in the packaging process. Aging load cells in quantitative packaging machines can lead to bag weight errors exceeding ±2%. Low temperatures or insufficient pressure in heat sealers can cause cracking in the bag seals and moisture absorption and caking of the finished product. The load cell must be calibrated monthly, the heat sealing temperature must be adjusted to 150-180°C, and the pressure must be controlled at 0.3-0.5 MPa to ensure packaging quality.

Addressing issues in all aspects of the organic fertilizer production line requires strengthening equipment maintenance and process control to achieve continuous and stable production and guarantee the quality of organic fertilizer.

Granulation Process and Equipment Advantages of the New Type Organic Fertilizer Granulator

The new type organic fertilizer granulator utilizes the mechanical agitation force of high-speed rotation and the resulting air dynamics to continuously mix, granulate, spheroidize, and compact fine powders within the machine, achieving the desired granulation effect.

The resulting granules are spherical with a sphericity ≥0.7, a particle size generally ranging from 0.3 to 3 mm, and a granulation rate ≥80%. Particle size can be adjusted appropriately by adjusting the material mixing ratio and spindle speed. Generally, lower mixing ratios and higher spindle speeds result in smaller particles, and vice versa. This machine is suitable for granulating lightweight, fine powders. The finer the basic particles of the fine powder, the higher the sphericity and the better the particle quality. The particle size before granulation is generally required to be less than 300 mesh.

Typical applications of the new type organic fertilizer granulator include chicken manure, pig manure, cow dung, charcoal, clay, kaolin, and other materials. The new type organic fertilizer granulator boasts uniform granulation and a yield rate exceeding 97%, making it the optimal granulation equipment for organic-inorganic compound fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and bio-organic fertilizers. Due to the coarse fiber properties of the material, rotary granulators have a lower granulation rate, while agitator-type granulators cannot process materials with a nitrogen content exceeding 8% (due to sticking to the wall). This granulator overcomes the shortcomings of both, capable of producing both organic and organic-inorganic compound fertilizers with low energy consumption and high-quality granulation.

The new type organic fertilizer granulator‘s housing is welded from thickened, high-quality carbon steel plates. Ancillary equipment includes pulley assemblies, transmission components, a blower head, and a blower tail. The entire machine is sturdy and durable. The core agitator is precision-cast from a high-chromium alloy and undergoes a special heat treatment, resulting in wear resistance over three times greater than that of ordinary steel. It can withstand the high-frequency friction of fine powders for long periods of time. The main shaft and agitator blades feature a modular design and are fastened with high-strength bolts, enabling easy assembly and simple component replacement, reducing maintenance costs. Adjustable support feet on the bottom of the machine adapt to the flatness of the site, ensuring stable operation and reducing vibration-induced noise and component wear.

Analysis of the Complete Fertilizer Production Process on an Organic Fertilizer Production Line

Organic fertilizer production lines use scientific processes to transform agricultural and livestock waste into high-quality fertilizer, achieving resource recycling. The entire production process revolves around four core steps: raw material processing – composting – forming – packaging, and each step directly impacts fertilizer quality.

The first step is raw material pretreatment. The production line collects raw materials such as livestock manure, straw, and mushroom residue, and uses screening equipment to remove impurities such as stones and plastic to prevent them from affecting subsequent processes. Next, a crusher is used to pulverize the straw and other coarse fiber materials to a particle size of 5-10mm. The material is then mixed with livestock manure in a ratio of approximately 3:7. A small amount of fermentation inoculant is added, adjusting the carbon-nitrogen ratio to 25:1-30:1 and controlling the moisture content to 50%-60%, laying the foundation for fermentation and composting.

The second step is fermentation and composting. The mixed raw materials are transported to the fermentation workshop and stacked in windrow or tank-type fermentation equipment. During the fermentation process, a compost turning machine regularly turns the material to ensure adequate oxygen and regulate the temperature. The entire fermentation cycle lasts approximately 20-30 days. After composting, the material transforms into a dark brown, odorless humus. It then passes through a cooling device to a temperature below 30°C to prevent nutrient loss during subsequent processing.
The third step is further processing and shaping. The cooled composted material is first crushed to a particle size of 2-3mm in a fine grinder. It is then mixed with a small amount of auxiliary materials such as bentonite and humic acid in a mixer to enhance the fertilizer’s stability. The material then enters the granulation stage, where a rotary drum or disc granulator physically agglomerates the material into 2-5mm granules. The granules are then dried (controlled at 60-80°C) to reduce moisture to below 15%, cooled in a cooler, and screened to separate unqualified particles. The fine powder is then returned to the granulator for reuse.
The finished product is then packaged. Qualified pellets are transported to the packaging workshop, where an automatic packaging machine weighs and seals them into 25kg or 50kg packages, producing finished organic fertilizer.
In short, the organic fertilizer production line, through standardized and mechanized full-process control, efficiently transforms waste into high-quality fertilizer, contributing to environmental protection while providing green nutrients for agriculture.

The entire process of organic fertilizer production in agriculture

Organic fertilizer production is an ecological cycle of “turning waste into treasure.” Organic fertilizer production lines transform agricultural waste into nutrients that nourish the soil, and the entire process is guided by a green and environmentally friendly philosophy.
The first step in production is the collection and mixing of raw materials. Common raw materials include plant residues such as crop straw, rice husks, and peanut shells, as well as livestock manure such as chicken, cow, and sheep manure. These raw materials must be strategically combined to achieve a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of approximately 30:1, for example, a straw-to-manure ratio of approximately 3:1. A small amount of wood ash is added to adjust the pH and create a suitable environment for microbial activity.
Next, the fermentation and composting stage begins, the core of organic fertilizer production. The mixed raw materials are transferred to a fermentation silo where they are regularly stirred by a turning device to maintain a temperature of 55-65°C. This temperature not only kills pathogens, insect eggs, and weed seeds, but also stimulates microbial activity. After 20-30 days of composting, the raw materials will gradually darken and soften, emitting a faint earthy odor, indicating that the organic matter has been fully decomposed.
The composted material needs to be refined. First, it is crushed into a fine powder by a crusher to remove impurities and large particles. Then it enters the granulation stage, where a granulator is used to make the powder into granules with a diameter of 2-5 mm for easy storage and application. Finally, it is screened by a screening device to separate the qualified granules, and the unqualified crushed materials are returned for reprocessing.
The finished product also undergoes quality inspection, testing for organic matter content, pH, and heavy metal content to ensure compliance with national standards. Qualified organic fertilizer granules are uniform, have a moderate moisture content (approximately 20%), and slowly release trace elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium and magnesium.
The entire production process utilizes agricultural waste as a resource, addressing environmental pollution while replenishing natural nutrients to the soil. This “take from the field, return to the field” model is the key to the sustainable development of organic agriculture.