Unveiling Vegetable Composting: Where Does the Odor Come From, and Who Controls Fermentation?

Introduction: The “Odor Challenge” in Vegetable Waste Treatment

As a major vegetable producer, China generates over 245 million tons of vegetable waste annually. Improper handling of discarded tomato stalks, cabbage leaves, and similar waste not only occupies space but also produces complex volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during composting, emitting unpleasant odors. A recent study on the co-composting of tomato stalks and cow manure systematically revealed, for the first time, the 58 different VOCs produced during this process and tracked the succession of microbial communities driving the fermentation. This research not only explains the source of compost odors but also provides scientific basis for optimizing composting processes and reducing environmental pollution.

I. The “Odor Map” in Composting: A Symphony of 58 Chemical Compounds

During the 40-day composting cycle, researchers detected a surprising 58 volatile organic compounds. These substances form a complex chemical symphony, including nine major categories: sulfur-containing compounds, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, and alkenes.

Who are the main “culprits”?

Not all detected compounds produce noticeable odors. The study showed that seven substances exceeded the human olfactory threshold: methyl sulfide, ethanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, butyraldehyde, and α-pinene. Additionally, ammonia (NH₃) was a significant odor contributor.

Methyl Sulfide—This substance, smelling like rotten cabbage, is one of the most important sulfurous odor components in compost. The study found its concentration peaked around day 20 (0.1926 mg/m³). Interestingly, its production is closely related to the presence of anoxic zones within the compost pile. When turning frequency decreases, anaerobic microenvironments easily form inside the pile, promoting methyl sulfide generation.

Ammonia—Persists throughout the composting process as a byproduct of nitrogen transformation. Its production is directly related to the efficiency of nitrogen loss in composting.

Unexpected Discoveries

The study also detected a large number of aromatic hydrocarbons (18 types), likely related to the added cow manure. Aromatic compound precursors in cow manure are converted into these volatile substances by microbial action. Although various alkanes (17 types) were detected, their concentrations were low, contributing little to the overall odor.

II. The Dance of Temperature and the Breath of Oxygen

The composting process involves dynamic changes in temperature and oxygen. The study found:

Temperature Changes: By the 4th day of composting, the temperature exceeded 50°C. The high-temperature period (>55°C) lasted over 15 days, sufficient to kill pathogens and ensure compost sanitization. The temperature curve showed a typical rise-then-fall pattern, reflecting the intensity of microbial activity.

Oxygen Consumption: Oxygen concentration showed fluctuating changes. During days 20-25, when compost temperature remained high and microbial activity was vigorous, oxygen consumption peaked, and oxygen content within the pile reached its lowest. Increasing the turning frequency at this point (from once every 3 days to once every 2 days) effectively increased oxygen concentration and alleviated local anaerobic conditions.

III. The Invisible Workers: Microbial Community Succession

Composting is essentially a microbe-driven biotransformation process. High-throughput sequencing revealed the fascinating succession of bacterial and fungal communities:

The Bacterial Kingdom: Four Phyla Dominate

Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria during composting, constituting over 80% of the total bacterial community.

In the initial composting stage (1-15 days), the abundance of Firmicutes increased; this phylum includes many species capable of decomposing cellulose and hemicellulose. The abundance of Chloroflexi gradually increased in the early stage, peaking around day 25 before declining. At the genus level, the abundance of Bacillus increased continuously from start to finish, directly related to its cellulose-degrading ability.

The Fungal World: Three Major Groups Take Turns

Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota were the dominant fungal groups.

Ascomycota dominated throughout the composting process; these fungi are widespread and can degrade lignocellulose. During days 1-10 of composting, as temperature rose, thermophilic fungi like Thermomyces rapidly multiplied and became dominant. From days 10-20, Thermomyces was replaced by Mycothermus, which may play a key role in decomposing remaining macromolecular substances.

Microbial Association with Odor

The study also identified microorganisms significantly associated with ammonia production. Among bacteria, genera like Desulfitibacter, Paenibacillus, and Haloplasma were related to ammonia concentration; among fungi, genera like Meyerozyma, Alternaria, Hapsidospora, and Aspergillus were closely associated with ammonia production. These findings provide potential targets for controlling compost odor by regulating microbial communities.

IV. Principal Coordinates Analysis: Visualizing Community Changes

Using Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), researchers visually demonstrated microbial community changes:

Bacterial communities were relatively stable in the first 25 days, with sample points clustered closely; after 25 days, community structure changed noticeably with oxygen concentration variations.

Fungal communities underwent three distinct succession stages: the low-temperature period of the first 5 days, the high-temperature period after heating, and the mature stabilization period after 20 days. The fungal community structure differed significantly in each stage.

V. Practical Implications: How to Reduce Compost Odor?

Based on this research, we can derive practical suggestions for reducing odor in vegetable composting:

  1. Optimize Turning Strategy:During the high-temperature, high-oxygen-consumption period around days 20-25, appropriately increase turning frequency to reduce the formation of anaerobic microenvironments, thereby lowering the production of malodorous substances like methyl sulfide.
  2. Adjust Feedstock Ratio:Pay attention to the proportion of cow manure added to avoid excessive aromatic compound precursors entering the composting system.
  3. Inoculate Functional Microorganisms:Consider inoculating microbial agents that efficiently degrade sulfur-containing compounds or fix ammonium nitrogen.
  4. Process Monitoring:Use methyl sulfide and ammonia concentrations as indicators for composting process monitoring, adjusting process parameters promptly.

From Odor Management to Efficient Fertilizer Production

The scientific insights into odor formation during organic fertilizer fermentation directly inform the optimization of industrial-scale organic fertilizer manufacturing. Understanding microbial succession and volatile compound production allows for the refinement of fermentation composting technology for organic fertilizer. Key to this is implementing precise fermentation composting turning technology to manage aeration and temperature, thereby minimizing malodorous emissions and enhancing the efficiency of the decomposition process within a complete organic fertilizer production line.

Following this optimized, scientifically managed fermentation, the stabilized compost proceeds to the final processing stage. Here, an organic fertilizer granulator—such as an innovative new type two in one organic fertilizer granulator that combines mixing and shaping—transforms the material into uniform pellets. This granulation step is a core component of both standard and bio organic fertilizer production line configurations. The entire workflow demonstrates how fundamental research on composting biochemistry is applied to engineer efficient, environmentally sound systems that convert challenging organic waste into valuable, market-ready soil amendments.

Conclusion

Co-composting of vegetable waste and cow manure is a complex biochemical process accompanied by the production of diverse volatile organic compounds and dynamic microbial community succession. Understanding the chemical nature of these odors and their relationship with microbial activity is key to developing efficient, low-odor composting technologies. This study not only provides theoretical guidance for the resource recovery of vegetable waste but also contributes important scientific basis for the green transformation of the composting industry and sustainable agricultural development. In the future, based on these findings, we can design smarter composting systems that minimize environmental impact while transforming organic waste, truly realizing the circular agriculture dream of “turning waste into treasure.”

Disc Granulator: The Mainstay of Organic Fertilizer Wet Granulation

Introduction: A Granulation Powerhouse from Small Workshops to Scale Production

In the production process of organic fertilizers, transforming composted powdered organic raw materials into uniform, regular granules is a crucial step for product commercialization, facilitating storage, transportation, and mechanized application. Among various granulation equipment, the disc granulator, with its unique working principle, wide adaptability, and user-friendly cost, has become one of the most favored granulation devices for small and medium-sized organic fertilizer producers worldwide. It perfectly aligns with the requirements of wet granulation processes. Through a constantly rotating inclined disc, it magically transforms loose organic powder into solid pellets, serving as a vital bridge connecting organic waste resource recovery with modern agricultural application.

I. Working Principle: The Art of “Snowball Rolling” in a Rotating Disc

The working process of a disc granulator is a clever performance combining mechanics and physicochemical reactions. Its core is an inclined disc with a rim (typically adjustable between 30° and 45°), driven to rotate by a motor. Pre-mixed powdered organic fertilizer raw materials (such as composted livestock manure, fermented straw) are continuously and quantitatively fed into the disc.

As the disc rotates, the material begins to move under the combined action of three forces: gravity tends to make it slide downward; centrifugal force tries to throw it towards the rim; and the friction between the disc bottom and the material, as well as between material particles, provides complex tumbling momentum. The most critical step is that while the material is tumbling, water or a specialized binder solution is evenly sprayed onto the material through nozzles installed above the disc. These liquid droplets act as “adhesives,” coating the surface of the powder particles, reducing their surface energy, and forming liquid bridges upon particle collision.

Therefore, the fine powder particles begin to adhere to each other and aggregate, growing gradually around an initial core like a snowball, forming increasingly larger spherical particles. When the particles reach a certain size, the combined force of gravity and centrifugal force is sufficient to overcome the resistance at the edge of the disc, causing them to be “thrown” out of the disc, thus completing the granulation process. Subsequently, these wet “raw” granules need to enter a dryer and cooler to remove excess moisture and lower the temperature, ultimately becoming finished organic fertilizer granules with sufficient strength and acceptable moisture content (usually below 15%).

II. Core Advantages: Why is it Favored by Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers?

The popularity of disc granulators in the organic fertilizer field stems from a series of outstanding practical advantages:

· Wide Raw Material Adaptability: Whether it’s composted pig manure, chicken manure, cattle manure, biogas residue, fermented straw, or food waste-derived fertilizer, as long as it is pre-processed into a suitable powdered state with controlled initial moisture content (typically 30%-35% is optimal), the disc granulator can process it effectively. Its pelletizing rate for common materials like pig manure can exceed 85%, significantly higher than some other types of granulation equipment.

· Low Cost and Easy Maintenance: The equipment structure is relatively simple, mainly consisting of the disc, drive unit, frame, and spray system, resulting in low initial investment cost and relatively economical operating energy consumption. With few mechanical parts, daily maintenance and cleaning are straightforward, requiring less technical skill from operators, making it ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises or cooperatives with limited capital and manpower.

· Low-Temperature Granulation, Preserving Activity: The entire granulation process occurs at ambient or slightly above ambient temperatures, avoiding the destruction of precious beneficial microbial communities, enzyme activity, and some heat-sensitive organic nutrients in the organic fertilizer, thereby maximizing the preservation of the fertilizer’s biological activity and nutritional value.

· Flexible and Easy to Control: By adjusting the disc’s rotational speed (many devices are equipped with frequency converters) and inclination angle, the residence time and movement trajectory of the material within the disc can be easily changed, effectively controlling the pellet size and density. This provides convenience for producing products of different specifications (e.g., 2-4mm, 4-6mm).

III. Application Challenges and Optimization Directions

Despite its evident advantages, disc granulators also face some challenges in practical application, which need to be addressed through precise operation and equipment improvement:

1. Dust and Working Environment: Due to open or semi-open operation, dust is easily generated during the feeding and initial granulation stages, affecting the workshop environment. Solutions include installing dust collection hoods connected to dust removal systems above the equipment and ensuring the raw material is not overly dry.

2. Pellet Uniformity Control: Compared to some high-pressure granulation equipment, disc granulators offer slightly less precision in controlling pellet size uniformity. This highly depends on operational experience, requiring precise regulation of multiple parameters such as raw material moisture content, binder addition rate, disc speed, and inclination angle. The introduction of automated control systems and online monitoring equipment helps stabilize product quality.

3. Wall Sticking Issues: When processing certain organic raw materials with high viscosity, the material tends to stick to the bottom of the disc, affecting pellet formation and discharge. Modern improved equipment often lines the inner wall of the disc with wear-resistant, anti-stick rubber or polymer lining plates and designs scraper devices to effectively mitigate this problem.

4. Lower Pellet Density: Pellets made by the rolling method typically have lower density and slightly lower hardness than those made by extrusion. While this benefits pellet disintegration in soil, it may also increase breakage rates during transportation. This can be improved by optimizing the formulation (e.g., adding appropriate mineral additives) and post-processing techniques (e.g., moderately increasing drying temperature).

Choosing the Right Granulation Path: Wet Shaping vs. Dry Compaction

The disc granulator is a cornerstone of wet granulation, specifically designed for disc granulator for shaping spherical pellets in processes like a disc granulation production line. Its gentle, rolling action is ideal for organic materials and contrasts with methods used in the standard npk manufacturing process, which often employs a rotary drum granulator for large-scale wet granulation or completely different technology for dry processes.

For dry granulation, the principle is fertilizer granules compaction, which utilizes a fertilizer compaction machine (also known as a fertilizer compactor). This equipment forms the core of a roller press granulator production line, applying high pressure to powders without binders. The choice between a disc granulator for wet shaping and a roller press for dry compaction depends on raw material properties, desired product characteristics, and production scale, highlighting the diverse technological options available in modern fertilizer manufacturing.

Conclusion

In summary, with its intuitive principle, strong adaptability, and high return on investment, the disc granulator holds an irreplaceable position in the global organic fertilizer industry, particularly in small and medium-scale production. It successfully transforms seemingly insignificant organic waste into standardized, commercialized agricultural inputs. With continuous technological improvements, such as the integration of better anti-stick materials, more intelligent control systems, and more efficient dust removal solutions, disc granulators will continue to enhance their performance and environmental standards, providing solid and reliable technical equipment support for the resource recovery cycle of organic waste and the development of sustainable agriculture.

Practical techniques for solving granulation and caking problems in new type organic fertilizer granulators

In the core process of the bio-organic fertilizer production line, the new type organic fertilizer granulator, as a key piece of bio-organic fertilizer equipment, requires special attention to the caking problem that occurs during granulation. By identifying the root causes and making scientific adjustments, this problem can be effectively solved. The following are some practical techniques:

First, strictly control the raw material pretreatment process. Excessive raw material moisture content is one of the core reasons for caking. If the organic fertilizer raw materials have a high moisture content, they are prone to sticking together during granulation. It is recommended to use a drying device to control the moisture content of the raw materials between 25% and 35%.  Alternatively, the moisture content can be adjusted by adding an appropriate amount of dry auxiliary materials (such as straw powder or peat). At the same time, screening equipment should be used to remove impurities and large hard lumps from the raw materials to prevent localized caking.

Secondly, adjust the operating parameters reasonably. Different models of new type organic fertilizer granulators have different requirements for rotation speed and pressure. Too fast a rotation speed can lead to excessive compression and caking of the material, while too slow a speed will prevent the formation of qualified granules. The main shaft speed and granulation pressure of the granulator should be gradually adjusted according to the characteristics of the raw materials to ensure uniform mixing and appropriate compression of the material in the chamber.

Finally, optimize the production environment and post-processing. High humidity in the production workshop will accelerate moisture absorption and caking of the granules. It is recommended to keep the workshop ventilated and dry, and to equip it with dehumidification equipment if necessary. After granulation, the granules should be promptly sent to cooling and screening equipment. Air cooling should be used to reduce the temperature of the granules, and the large lumps of caked material should be screened out to prevent them from accumulating and sticking together.

Through the above targeted adjustments, the granulation and caking problems of the new type organic fertilizer granulator can be effectively solved, ensuring the stable operation of the bio-organic fertilizer equipment and the continuity of the bio-organic fertilizer production line, and improving product quality.

Analysis of key factors affecting the quality of organic fertilizer granules

The quality of organic fertilizer granules directly impacts fertilization effectiveness, ease of storage and transportation, and product market competitiveness. Its formation process is constrained by multiple factors in the production chain.

Raw material characteristics are fundamental. The organic matter content, particle size distribution, and impurity content of the raw materials are crucial. The organic matter content needs to be maintained within a suitable range; too low a content will lead to poor granule formation and insufficient strength. Uneven raw material particle size can easily result in inconsistent granule size. It is recommended to crush the raw materials to a reasonable fineness beforehand, and then thoroughly mix and screen them to remove impurities using a fertilizer mixer machine. Furthermore, an imbalance in the carbon-nitrogen ratio of the raw materials will affect the subsequent fermentation process, indirectly leading to easily loosened granules.

Moisture content is a core condition for granulation. During granulation, the moisture content of the raw materials needs to be controlled between 25% and 35%. Excessive moisture can easily cause granules to stick together and clump, and may also lead to secondary fermentation during storage; insufficient moisture results in poor raw material fluidity, making it difficult to agglomerate and form granules, which are then prone to breakage. During production, the moisture content needs to be dynamically adjusted based on the type of raw material and the operating status of the bio-organic fertilizer equipment to ensure the stability of the granulation process.

Fertilizer granulator parameters and fermentation process should also not be overlooked. The speed, pressure, and inclination angle of different types of fertilizer granulators (such as disc granulators and flat die pelleting machines) directly affect the uniformity and strength of the granules; insufficient fermentation and maturation in the early stages will lead to residual undecomposed substances in the raw materials, resulting in a loose internal structure of the granules and making them prone to cracking and pulverization.

In summary, controlling key aspects such as raw material screening, fertilizer mixer blending, moisture adjustment, fertilizer granulator debugging, and fermentation control is essential to consistently produce high-quality organic fertilizer granules.

A powerful and efficient granulator for multiple applications: The ideal choice for organic fertilizer production

In the field of pellet processing, disc granulators have become popular equipment due to their superior performance, especially in organic fertilizer production. They are a core component of organic fertilizer disc granulation production lines, providing efficient solutions for pellet processing across multiple industries.

This organic fertilizer disc granulator boasts significant advantages, achieving a pelleting rate exceeding 95%. Its main gear undergoes high-frequency quenching treatment, effectively doubling its service life and significantly reducing maintenance costs. Its core component is an adjustable tilting disc with an adjustable tilt angle (30°-60°) and rotation speed (5-30 rpm). The disc’s inner wall is lined with wear-resistant material, allowing it to adapt to materials with different properties—from livestock manure and fermented straw in organic fertilizer production to iron ore powder in the metallurgical industry and cement raw materials in the building materials industry—all can be efficiently converted into pellets.

In the organic fertilizer production process, its operating logic is clear and efficient. First, the organic raw materials are pulverized to 0.1-1mm using a fertilizer crusher. After thorough mixing in a fertilizer mixer machine, they are evenly fed into a disc by a feeding device. Simultaneously, a water spraying device precisely controls the moisture content, maintaining the material’s moisture content at 10%-20%. As the disc rotates, the material is rolled into spheres under centrifugal force and friction. Particles with a sphericity exceeding 80% are screened by a fertilizer screener machine. Qualified products proceed to the subsequent drying stage, while unqualified particles are returned for reprocessing, ensuring stable finished product quality.

Besides organic fertilizer, it is also widely used in the metallurgical, building materials, and chemical industries: in metallurgy, it is used for granulation of mineral powder to facilitate subsequent sintering and smelting; in building materials, it is used to produce cement raw material granules to improve cement quality; and in chemicals, it is used for granulation of catalysts and pigments to enhance product flowability.

Flat Die Pelleting Machine: The optimal choice for small-scale production

On farms, in small workshops, or on organic fertilizer production lines, you often see a compact and simple machine—the . It compresses various loose biomass raw materials, such as straw, sawdust, feed, and even animal manure, into dense, solid pellets. How does this machine actually work? And what are its unique advantages?

Working Principle: The Union of Pressure and Nature

The core working principle of the flat die pelleting machine is clever and efficient. After the operator feeds the raw material into the hopper, the press rollers inside the machine begin to rotate, forcing the material against a flat die plate with many small holes. Under the high pressure and the heat generated by friction, the lignin in the biomass raw material (especially plant-based material) softens, acting as a natural binder that tightly bonds the material together. Finally, it is extruded through the small holes, forming uniform cylindrical strands. A cutter then chops these “strands” into pellets of standard length.

The entire process essentially mimics nature’s compaction process but greatly accelerates and standardizes it through mechanical force.

Core Features: Simple, Flexible, User-Friendly

The design of the flat die pelleting machine fully considers the practical needs of small-scale production, boasting several standout features:

Simple and Compact Structure: It mainly consists of a flat die, press rollers, a transmission device, and a feeding system. Its mechanical structure is straightforward, and it has a small footprint, making it very suitable for locations with limited space.

Wide Raw Material Adaptability: It can handle everything from agricultural waste (straw, rice husk) and feed ingredients (corn, soybean meal) to organic fertilizer materials (livestock and poultry manure). It also offers good tolerance for variations in particle size and moisture content (typically between 10%-20%).

Adjustable Pellet Specifications: By replacing the flat die plate with different hole diameters (commonly 2-12 mm), pellets of various sizes can be produced to meet different needs for feed, fuel, or fertilizer.

Easy Operation and Maintenance: Most models use manual or semi-automatic feeding, making them easy to operate. Daily maintenance primarily involves lubrication and cleaning, and core components like the flat die and rollers are also easy to disassemble and replace.

Relatively Low Energy Consumption: Compared to ring die pellet mills of similar output, small and medium-sized flat die mills have lower power requirements, helping to reduce operating costs for small-scale production.

Unique Advantages: The Ideal Choice for Small-Scale Production

Based on these features, flat die pelleting machines demonstrate significant advantages in small-scale application scenarios:

Low Investment Cost: The equipment itself has a relatively low manufacturing cost and an affordable price. It often doesn’t require complex supporting pre-processing equipment (like fine grinders), leading to a short investment payback period. This makes it ideal for individuals or small businesses with limited budgets.

High Flexibility and Mobility: Many models are designed with wheels, allowing them to be easily moved to the location of the raw materials for on-site processing. This avoids the high cost and hassle of transporting large volumes of loose raw materials (like whole bales of straw), enabling an efficient “bring the machine to the material” model.

Versatility: The same machine, by changing the die and adjusting parameters, can produce livestock feed, biomass fuel pellets, and organic fertilizer, greatly enhancing equipment utilization and economic value.

Reliable Pellet Quality: The produced pellets have uniform density and moderate hardness. They offer good palatability as feed, high combustion efficiency as fuel, and are easy to store and transport.

Granulation Equipment Spectrum: From Small-Scale to Industrial Production

The flat die pelleting machine occupies a specific niche within the wide array of fertilizer granulation processes. It is an ideal solution for small-scale or on-site processing of organic materials, contrasting with the large-scale systems used for compound fertilizers. Industrial-scale npk fertilizer production line operations employ different core technologies, such as a disc granulator for shaping spherical pellets in a disc granulation production line, or a double roller press granulator in a roller press granulator production line for dry compaction.

For organic fertilizer, the production chain often begins with a windrow composting machine before the material enters a formal organic fertilizer production line or a bio organic fertilizer production line. These lines may use various fertilizer granulator types, including the disc granulator machine, depending on the product specification. The npk blending machine is a critical component in compound fertilizer lines for precise formulation before granulation. This diversity in equipment—from the simple flat die press to complex industrial systems—highlights how fertilizer granulation processes are tailored to scale, raw material, and final product requirements, ensuring efficient production across the entire spectrum of modern fertilizer manufacturing.

Conclusion

The flat die pelleting machine is like a “small but capable” workhorse. It may not have the staggering output of large ring die production lines, but with its low cost, high flexibility, ease of operation, and strong raw material adaptability, it plays an irreplaceable role in small-scale production, decentralized processing, and localized resource utilization. Whether it’s turning agricultural waste into valuable products or producing custom feed for one’s own farm, the flat die pelleting machine offers an efficient and practical solution.

Fertilizer Wet Granulation: Scientifically Transforming Powder into Efficient Granules

Wet granulation is a critical shaping technology in fertilizer production, converting fine powder raw materials into uniform, stable granules through liquid binders. This process not only enhances the physical properties of fertilizers but also maximizes their effectiveness in storage, transportation, and application. For global agriculture, uniform granular fertilizers mean more precise fertilization and higher resource utilization efficiency.

Raw Material Pretreatment: Ensuring Quality Foundation

Wet granulation begins with meticulous preparation of raw materials. Commonly used fine powder materials in fertilizer production, such as urea and phosphates, are first screened and weighed. Lumps and impurities are removed using vibrating screens or air-jet sieves to ensure purity. Controlling initial moisture content is crucial—typically maintained below 5%—to prevent caking issues in subsequent processes and establish a stable foundation for the entire granulation. For certain moisture-sensitive materials, small amounts of anti-caking agents, such as talc, may be added to further improve handling properties.

Binder Preparation: Creating the Binding Medium

The binder serves as the “binding medium” in wet granulation, tightly connecting powder particles. In the fertilizer industry, commonly used binders include natural materials like starch or synthetic materials like polyvinyl alcohol. These binders are usually dissolved in water due to its low cost and environmental safety; for certain special materials, organic solvents like ethanol may be used. Through uniform mixing in a stirrer, a binder solution with appropriate concentration is formed and then cooled to room temperature for use. The type and concentration of the binder directly affect the final strength and dissolution characteristics of the granules.

Mixing and Granulation: The Core Forming Process

This is the central part of the entire process. In large-scale rotary granulators or high-shear mixers, dry fertilizer powders are first briefly dry-mixed to ensure even distribution of all components. Then, the binder solution is gradually added through a precision spraying system while the equipment continues to agitate. As the liquid wets the powder, fine particles begin to adhere to each other, gradually forming larger agglomerates.

Operators need to closely monitor this process, adjusting the stirring speed (typically within the range of 500-1500 rpm) and binder addition rate to avoid over-wetting (which causes clumping) or under-wetting (resulting in insufficient granule strength). In fertilizer production, this step often employs efficient large-scale equipment to meet mass production demands.

Wet Screening: Optimizing Granule Uniformity

To further ensure consistency in granule size, the newly formed wet granules may be classified using vibrating screens. This step breaks down oversized lumps and controls the granules within an ideal range (usually 10-20 mesh). Screened granules are more uniform, facilitating subsequent drying and ensuring stable quality of the final product. For small-scale production or special formulations, manual sieving may also be employed.

Drying and Solidification: Stabilizing Granule Structure

Moist granules contain significant water content and require drying for solidification and stabilization. In the fertilizer industry, fluidized bed dryers are widely used, where hot air fluidizes the granules for rapid and uniform drying. Drying temperatures are typically controlled between 40-80°C to avoid degradation of heat-sensitive components in the fertilizer. The goal is to reduce granule moisture content to 1-3% while maintaining structural integrity and hardness. Drying time and air velocity are finely adjusted based on granule size and material characteristics.

Final Screening and Sizing: Perfecting the End Product

Dried granules undergo final sieving using 16-40 mesh screens to separate high-quality granules that meet specifications. Oversized granules can be appropriately crushed in mills and re-screened, while fine powder can be recycled and mixed with new raw materials to re-enter the granulation process. This recycling approach reduces raw material waste and improves production efficiency. The final granulated fertilizer obtained has a uniform particle size distribution, ensuring even spreading and consistent dissolution during field application.

Technological Value and Application Prospects

Fertilizer granules produced through wet granulation offer multiple advantages: improved flowability facilitates mechanized application; higher bulk density reduces storage and transportation costs; controllable dissolution rates meet the nutrient needs of different crops. With the development of precision agriculture, wet granulation technology will continue to innovate, making greater contributions to global food production and sustainable development.

Integrating Wet Granulation into Organic Fertilizer Manufacturing

While wet granulation is a key shaping technology for many fertilizers, its integration into organic systems begins much earlier. The complete organic fertilizer production line starts with the organic fertilizer fermentation process, optimized by advanced fermentation composting turning technology. This is implemented using specialized turning equipment like the chain compost turning machine, chain compost turner, and large wheel compost turner to ensure efficient aerobic decomposition. The resulting stabilized compost is then ready for the granulation stage.

For shaping, the production line utilizes an organic fertilizer granulator. Modern solutions include the new type two in one organic fertilizer granulator, which combines mixing and granulation steps for efficiency. This equipment is a core component of both standard and bio organic fertilizer production line configurations, transforming the composted material into uniform, market-ready pellets. This integrated approach—from biological decomposition through optimized fermentation to controlled wet granulation—ensures the production of high-quality organic fertilizers with excellent physical properties for storage, handling, and effective field application.

The Three-Layer “Smart” Fertilizer: One Watering, Long-Term Care

For all plants, growth depends on two things: fertilizer and water. However, traditional agriculture faces a significant dilemma: a large portion of the applied chemical fertilizers is not absorbed by plants but is instead wasted into the environment. This not only represents a huge waste but also pollutes water and soil.

Today, a new type of “smart” fertilizer offers hope for solving this problem. It is like a carefully designed “nutrient capsule” that can intelligently control the release of nutrients and lock in moisture like a miniature reservoir.

The Dilemma of Traditional Fertilizers: Quick to Come, Quick to Go

Traditional chemical fertilizers, such as NPK compound fertilizers, dissolve rapidly. Once applied to the soil, a heavy rain or a few rounds of irrigation can wash away a large amount of nutrients. Statistics show that in ordinary fertilizers, 40%-70% of nitrogen, 80%-90% of phosphorus, and 50%-70% of potassium cannot be effectively used by crops and are directly lost.

This is like giving a thirsty person a large bucket of water; they only have time to take a few sips before most of it spills on the ground. It neither quenches thirst nor avoids waste and pollution.

Three-Layer Structure: An “Intelligent” Design with Distinct Roles

Inspired by “capsules” and “sponges,” scientists have designed a three-layer controlled-release and water-retaining composite fertilizer.

Core: The Nutrient Warehouse
The innermost part is a standard water-soluble NPK fertilizer granule, storing the core nutrients needed for plant growth.

Middle Layer: The Smart Valve (Chitosan Coating)
The core is wrapped in a layer of natural material called “chitosan,” derived from shrimp and crab shells, which is biodegradable. This membrane acts like an intelligent regulating valve, slowing down the dissolution rate of the inner fertilizer granule. It allows nutrients to be released slowly and continuously, synchronizing with the plant’s growth needs.
Outer layer: Micro-reservoirs (superabsorbent polymer)

The outermost layer is made of a superabsorbent polymer material that can absorb dozens or even hundreds of times its own weight in water. In the soil, it acts like countless tiny reservoirs, securely holding irrigation water or rainwater, reducing water evaporation and deep percolation. When the soil dries out, it slowly releases the water back to the plant roots.

                    

Multiple Advantages in One

This three-layer “smart” fertilizer combines the dual benefits of slow-release fertilizer and water-retaining agent:

Saves Fertilizer: Slow nutrient release significantly improves utilization efficiency, reducing the amount and frequency of fertilization.

Saves Water: Powerful water retention reduces irrigation demands, making it particularly suitable for arid regions.

Environmentally Friendly: The coating materials (chitosan and polymer) can degrade naturally in the soil, reducing environmental pollution.

Promotes Growth: Stable supply of water and nutrients creates a better growing environment for plants.

Experiments show that this fertilizer can absorb 70 times its own weight in water within 90 minutes and exhibits excellent slow-release properties in the soil.

Green Agriculture for the Future

This three-layer “smart” fertilizer represents an important direction in agricultural technology: achieving higher yields with fewer resources while protecting our fragile environment. It is not only a “nutrient package” for plants but also a sustainable gift to the land.

Moving from the laboratory to the fields, such innovative technologies have the potential to help farmers worldwide address challenges like water scarcity and environmental pollution, paving new paths for ensuring food security and achieving green agriculture.

From Innovation to Industry: Manufacturing the Next Generation of Fertilizers

The creation of advanced “smart” fertilizers with controlled-release and water-retaining layers begins with a sophisticated industrial foundation. The core nutrient pellet is manufactured using established npk fertilizer production technology within a complete npk fertilizer production line. This process starts with precise formulation using a npk blending machine or a bulk blending fertilizer machine. The mixed powder then undergoes fertilizer granulation via advanced npk granulation machine technology, utilizing equipment like a npk fertilizer granulator machine or a fertilizer roller press machine.

The entire npk fertilizer manufacturing process, central to the manufacturing of npk fertilizer, must ensure the production of high-quality, uniform base granules before the advanced coating can be applied. Factors such as NPK compound fertilizer production capacity and NPK fertilizer production price are influenced by the efficiency of this core granulation stage and the integration of specialized npk fertilizer machine systems. The successful industrial-scale production of these innovative fertilizers demonstrates how cutting-edge material science must be seamlessly integrated with precision manufacturing processes to deliver sustainable agricultural solutions that enhance nutrient and water use efficiency on a global scale.

Chain crusher: From equipment structure to applications in medium-hard material crushing

In agricultural organic fertilizer production and chemical raw material processing, selecting a suitable and efficient fertilizer crushing equipment is crucial. Chain crushers, with their excellent crushing capabilities for medium-hard materials, have become the first choice for many companies. To choose the right equipment, it’s essential to first understand the structure of the chain crusher and then determine its suitability based on your specific needs.

The chain crusher’s structure and components work together to support its stable operation: a robust steel chassis withstands impact vibrations during crushing, protecting the internal rotor assembly; the rotor’s main shaft, chain, and hammers are the core of the crushing process, directly affecting crushing efficiency; adjustable-aperture screens allow for flexible control of the output particle size to meet different production requirements; the inlet and outlet design ensures smooth material flow, while protective devices safeguard operational safety. Understanding these structural elements helps companies determine whether the equipment meets their production intensity and safety standards during the selection process.

As a high-efficiency fertilizer crusher, two points need to be considered when selecting a chain crusher: First, the characteristics of the material. If it is necessary to process medium-hard materials or materials with a certain degree of moisture and stickiness, the adaptability advantage of the chain crusher can be fully utilized. Second, the production capacity requirements. Combine the parameters such as the motor power and rotor speed of the equipment to match your own production scale. Choosing the right organic fertilizer production equipment can not only improve the efficiency of material pretreatment, but also lay a stable foundation for subsequent production processes, helping enterprises reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Double axis paddle mixers: A powerful mixing tool for efficient production across multiple industries

In production processes across industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and building materials, the uniformity and efficiency of material mixing directly impact the quality of the final product. Double axis paddle mixers, with their superior performance, have become the preferred equipment for many companies.

As a high-efficiency mixing device, it uses two independent, counter-rotating mixing shafts as its core. Through paddle-type or other types of mixing blades, it shears, crushes, and diffuses materials, easily achieving deep mixing. It is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring the mixing of high-viscosity materials and solid particles, solving the problems of uneven mixing and low efficiency associated with traditional mixing equipment.

In the fertilizer production field, NPK fertilizer production lines have extremely high requirements for material mixing precision. NPK blending machine needs to uniformly mix raw materials such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Double axis paddle mixers, with their stable mixing effect, ensure uniform distribution of raw materials, laying a good foundation for subsequent granulation, drying, and other processes, significantly improving the quality of fertilizer products. Furthermore, it is not only an important component of fertilizer mixer equipment but can also work in conjunction with fertilizer mixer machines and other equipment, adapting to the needs of different production lines such as organic fertilizers and bio-organic fertilizers.

Beyond industrial applications, double axis paddle mixers also play a crucial role in food additive mixing and pharmaceutical raw material pretreatment. For companies pursuing high-efficiency, high-quality production, selecting suitable high-efficiency mixing equipment is undoubtedly a key step in improving production efficiency and reducing costs, injecting strong momentum into the sustainable development of the industry.