In biofertilizer production, carrier materials serve as crucial delivery media that maintain the vitality of beneficial microorganisms from the laboratory to the field. Their core function is to protect microorganisms, facilitate their survival and reproduction, and ensure effective colonization in the soil after application. Based on differences in sources and characteristics, carrier materials for biofertilizers are mainly divided into four categories, each with unique advantages and application scenarios. Meanwhile, the selection of carrier materials in 2026 will continue to focus on sustainability and functional optimization, guiding the development direction of carrier material applications.

Soil-based and mineral carriers are preferred for their cost-effectiveness and wide availability in various regions. Peat, with its high organic matter content and excellent water-holding capacity, has historically been the most widely used carrier globally. Clays and minerals are another important subgroup, including kaolin, bentonite, vermiculite, perlite, zeolite, and diatomaceous earth. These materials are frequently used due to their moisture absorption capacity and ability to maintain air permeability, creating a suitable microenvironment for microorganisms. Coal-based carriers such as lignite and charcoal (or biochar) feature porous structures, which can shield microorganisms from desiccation and environmental stress, extending their survival period.

Plant-based materials and agricultural by-products are organic carriers that can often serve as nutrient sources for microorganisms during storage. Common types include grains and husks, such as rice husks, wheat bran, rice bran, corn cobs, and sesame bran, which are rich in organic nutrients and widely available as agricultural wastes. Sugarcane by-products, including bagasse, sugarcane rind, and filter cake from sugar mills, also have good application value due to their loose structure and nutrient content. Other plant wastes like sawdust, coco peat (coconut coir), banana peel powder, and straw are also widely used as carrier materials, realizing the resource utilization of agricultural wastes while providing a favorable habitat for microorganisms.

Polymer and synthetic carriers are mainly used for embedding microorganisms, which can protect them from toxic compounds and provide a controlled-release mechanism. Natural polymers are widely used due to their biocompatibility, with alginate (most commonly used for microsphere preparation), chitosan, carrageenan, and agar being typical representatives. Synthetic or modified polymers, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyacrylamide gel, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) patches, have adjustable physical and chemical properties. They can be tailored according to specific production needs to optimize the protection effect and release rate of microorganisms, making them suitable for specialized biofertilizer formulations.

Organic wastes and manures are also important sources of carrier materials for biofertilizers. Compost and vermicompost are mature organic carriers formed through microbial decomposition, which not only have good water-holding and nutrient-providing capabilities but also are environmentally friendly. Animal manures, especially poultry manure and cattle manure, after proper treatment, can serve as effective carriers. Industrial sludges, such as wastewater sludge and biogas slurry, are also usable carrier materials after harmless treatment, realizing the recycling of industrial wastes.

Looking ahead to 2026, the ideal carrier materials will still prioritize chemical stability, non-toxicity to both plants and microorganisms, ease of sterilization (via autoclaving or gamma-ray irradiation), and high water-holding capacity. Notably, biochar and other carriers are increasingly favored as sustainable alternatives to non-renewable peat, aligning with the global trend of green agriculture. In summary, the carrier materials used in biofertilizer production are diverse and versatile. The rational selection of carrier materials based on production needs and environmental requirements is crucial to improving the quality and application effect of biofertilizers.

Granulation Systems for Carrier-Based Biofertilizers

The selected carrier material, often pre-processed using equipment like a chain compost turning machine for composting organic wastes, must be effectively shaped into a marketable product. This is achieved within a complete bio organic fertilizer production line or broader organic fertilizer manufacturing system. The stage of organic fertilizer production granulation is critical, as it must form durable granules without compromising the viability of the beneficial microbes within the carrier. Common granulation technologies include the organic fertilizer disc granulation production line, where a tumbling pan gently forms spherical pellets, and the rotary drum granulator, suitable for larger-scale continuous production.

For different product specifications and production scales, alternative equipment is available. A flat die press pellet machine for sale produces dense cylindrical pellets via extrusion, while a new type two in one organic fertilizer granulator combines mixing and shaping in one unit for efficiency. More complex setups, like an organic fertilizer combined granulation production line, may integrate multiple methods. The choice of granulator, such as a specific organic fertilizer disc granulation machine, directly influences the final granule’s physical properties and its ability to protect the microbial inoculant during storage and application.

Therefore, the integration of high-quality carrier materials with appropriate, gentle granulation technology is fundamental to manufacturing effective biofertilizers. It ensures the delivery of a standardized, easy-to-apply product that successfully introduces beneficial microbes into the soil ecosystem.

In the production processes of fertilizer, chemical, and food industries, precise and efficient packaging is crucial for ensuring product quality and improving distribution efficiency. As a targeted automated packaging device, the granular and powdered fertilizer packaging machine, with its precise metering capabilities and fully automated operation, has become a core piece of equipment for small bag packaging scenarios. It is widely adaptable to the packaging needs of granular loose materials and powdered materials, providing reliable support for enterprises to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

The granular fertilizer packaging machine is specifically designed for granular loose materials. Its core advantages lie in its high degree of automation, accurate metering, and comprehensive functions. The equipment features automatic feeding, employing a three-stage feeding mode (large, medium, and small), which can flexibly adjust the feeding speed according to packaging needs, balancing efficiency and accuracy. Simultaneously, it integrates core functions such as automatic tare, automatic error correction, and automatic zero-point adjustment, coupled with a robust anti-interference design, ensuring stable operation even in complex production environments. For abnormal situations during production, the equipment is also equipped with over-tolerance alarms, over-quantity correction, and power failure protection functions, further ensuring packaging quality and production safety. This comprehensive functional design makes it suitable not only for packaging various fertilizers such as organic fertilizers, compound fertilizers, and granular urea, but also for precisely matching the quantitative weighing and packaging needs of grain crops such as seeds, corn, and wheat, as well as granular materials in the chemical and food industries such as polyethylene and sugar.

The powder fertilizer packaging machine focuses on the pain points of powder fertilizer packaging, achieving efficient and clean packaging through a professional structural design. Its core structure includes six major parts: a material feeding system, a weighing system, a packaging system, a control system, a conveying system, and a dust removal system. The feeding system uses a screw or vibrating feeder to ensure a uniform and stable supply of materials; the weighing system uses high-precision electronic scales, covering various types such as single scales, multi-scale scales, and loss-in-weight scales, ensuring accurate weight measurement for each package; the packaging system can complete integrated operations such as bag making, sealing, and cutting according to different packaging materials such as plastic film and composite film; and the PLC or microcomputer control system achieves fully automated control of the entire process, significantly reducing manual intervention. Crucially, the equipment’s dust removal system effectively collects dust generated during the packaging process, preventing material waste and maintaining a clean production environment, aligning with green production principles.

Whether granular or powdered fertilizer packaging machines, they all share the common characteristics of high precision, high automation, and wide adaptability. Their application not only significantly improves packaging efficiency and reduces labor costs but also ensures consistent product quality through precise weight control. From fertilizer packaging in agriculture to powder raw material encapsulation in the food industry, from granular material packaging in the chemical industry to quantitative dispensing of grain crops, this type of equipment, with its flexible adaptability and stable performance, has become indispensable equipment for small-bag packaging scenarios in various industries, providing a solid backend guarantee for large-scale production.

Packaging: The Final Stage in the Granulation Production Chain

The efficient packaging of fertilizer granules is the final, value-adding step in a comprehensive production line, but it is entirely dependent on the quality of the incoming granules. These granules are produced upstream by various fertilizer production machine technology pathways. For instance, in the npk fertilizer manufacturing process, granules might be formed in a rotary drum granulator through wet agglomeration. Alternatively, they could be produced via a roller press granulator production line, where a double roller press granulator or fertilizer compactor applies dry fertilizer granules compaction to form dense pellets. This contrasts with methods used in an organic fertilizer disc granulation production line, which shapes materials using a tumbling pan.

The choice of granulation technology—whether for the npk manufacturing process or organic production—directly impacts the physical properties of the granules, such as their size uniformity, hardness, and dust content. These properties are critical for the subsequent packaging machine’s performance, affecting its weighing accuracy, filling speed, and dust emission levels. Therefore, a well-integrated plant design ensures that the granulation process produces consistent, high-quality granules that flow smoothly into the packaging unit, maximizing the efficiency of the entire system from raw material to bagged product.

Ultimately, the packaging machine is the crucial interface between manufacturing and the market. Its precision and reliability finalize the value created by the upstream granulation equipment, delivering a standardized, ready-to-sell product to distributors and farmers.

In material conveying scenarios requiring overcoming height differences, such as mining, port loading and unloading, and construction sites, traditional conveying equipment is often limited by the conveying angle, resulting in problems such as large footprint and low conveying efficiency. large-angle belt conveyors, as specialized equipment designed for large-angle inclined conveying, can achieve material conveying at large angles, even close to vertical (90°), effectively solving the industry pain points of high-drop conveying. It can efficiently transfer bulk materials such as coal, ore, sand, and grain, as well as some single items, becoming a core conveying equipment in industrial production for bridging height differences and optimizing site layout.

The stable and efficient operation of large-angle belt conveyors relies on targeted structural design, with each core component working in concert to ensure the stability of large-angle conveying. The inclined-angle conveyor belt is the core component of the equipment, employing a special design with corrugated sidewalls and transverse partitions—the corrugated sidewalls prevent material from slipping off the sides, while the transverse partitions divide the conveyor belt into several “hopper”-like spaces, fundamentally solving the problem of material slippage during large-angle conveying. The drive unit, consisting of a motor, reducer, and drive roller, provides sufficient traction to the conveyor belt, ensuring smooth operation even under large-angle load conditions. The redirecting roller changes the belt’s direction of travel, effectively adjusting belt tension distribution, especially during large-angle conveying operations, thus ensuring equipment stability. Idler rollers and the support frame form a support system; the idlers support the conveyor belt and reduce running resistance, while the support frame provides robust structural support for the entire device, adapting to installation requirements in complex environments. The tensioning device is crucial for large-angle conveying, ensuring the conveyor belt maintains appropriate tension during operation and preventing slippage due to excessive angle. Furthermore, the control system monitors and adjusts parameters such as conveyor speed and belt tension in real time, and, in conjunction with safety devices such as emergency stop switches and belt misalignment alarms, comprehensively ensures the safety of the equipment and operators.

The working principle of the large-angle belt conveyor is based on the synergistic effect of a dedicated conveyor belt and drive system, resulting in a clear, efficient, and reliable process. During operation, materials are first loaded onto a conveyor belt with corrugated sidewalls and transverse partitions from the lower feed inlet. The special structure of the conveyor belt firmly “locks” the material in, preventing it from scattering before inclined transport. Then, the drive unit starts, driving the conveyor belt upwards along a preset large-angle inclined path via the drive rollers. Under the combined constraint of the corrugated sidewalls and transverse partitions, the material is stably lifted with the conveyor belt, preventing slippage due to excessive inclination. When the material reaches the upper part of the conveyor belt, it is unloaded by its own gravity or a dedicated unloading device. The entire conveying process is continuous and smooth, achieving efficient material transfer from low to high.

The unique design gives the large-angle belt conveyor many core advantages, enabling it to adapt to complex high-drop conveying needs. Its large-angle conveying capacity is its most prominent highlight, achieving near-vertical conveying up to 90°, significantly shortening the conveying distance and saving considerable space, making it particularly suitable for space-constrained environments such as mines and ports. High efficiency is equally noteworthy. The specialized conveyor belt’s structural design ensures no material slippage during large-angle conveying, guaranteeing continuous and stable transport and improving overall efficiency. Its adaptability is exceptional, capable of conveying heavy bulk materials like coal and ore, as well as lightweight materials such as grain. It also adapts to complex terrain conditions such as steep mine slopes and high stockpiles in ports. In terms of operation and maintenance, the equipment’s structural design prioritizes ease of maintenance, making daily inspections and upkeep convenient and efficient. Compared to other large-angle material lifting methods, it consumes less energy and generates less noise, exhibiting excellent energy-saving and environmental performance. Comprehensive safety protection devices further enhance the equipment’s reliability, providing strong protection for industrial production safety.

From lifting ore underground in mines to stacking cargo in ports, from transferring sand and gravel at construction sites to vertical transport in grain warehouses, the large-angle belt conveyor, with its unique large-angle conveying capacity, highly efficient and stable performance, and compact structural design, provides the optimal solution for high-drop material transport in various industries. Against the backdrop of industrial production transforming towards higher efficiency and greater intensification, this equipment not only optimizes site layout and improves production efficiency, but also promotes energy-saving upgrades of conveying systems, becoming an indispensable core equipment in scenarios involving conveying across height differences.

Integrating Conveyance with Granulation in Fertilizer Production

The efficient vertical transfer capability of large-angle belt conveyors is a critical component within modern professional fertilizer manufacturing equipment setups. In a fertilizer plant, these conveyors are essential fertilizer raw material processing machinery and equipment, moving bulk powders or granular materials between different process levels. For instance, in an npk fertilizer production process, a conveyor may lift blended material from a npk bulk blending machine to the feed hopper of a granulator. Similarly, in an organic line, it can transfer cured compost from a windrow composting machine to the granulation unit.

This reliable material flow is vital for feeding the core shaping equipment. The conveyed material might be directed to a disc granulator (central to a disc granulation production line), where the disc granulator for shaping forms spherical pellets via a tumbling action. Alternatively, it could feed a double roller press granulator within a roller press granulator production line for dry compaction granulation. The disc granulator machine and other granulators thus rely on seamless, high-angle conveying to maintain a continuous and efficient production line.

Therefore, the integration of robust, space-saving conveying solutions with specialized granulation technology is fundamental to designing compact, multi-level fertilizer plants that optimize both floor space and production workflow.

With the global emphasis on sustainable agriculture and ecological protection, the organic fertilizer industry has developed rapidly, and the organic fertilizer production line and organic fertilizer manufacturing system have become the core infrastructure for realizing large-scale, standardized organic fertilizer production. These integrated systems convert agricultural wastes, animal manure, and organic residues into high-quality organic fertilizer through scientific processes, realizing resource recycling while improving soil fertility. Among them, organic fertilizer production granulation is a key link that determines the quality and application effect of the final product, and the organic fertilizer disc granulation machine and organic fertilizer combined granulation production line are widely used in the industry due to their stable performance and high efficiency.

An organic fertilizer manufacturing system is a comprehensive assembly of multiple processes and equipment, covering raw material pretreatment, fermentation, granulation, drying, cooling, screening, packaging, and other links. The entire system is designed to ensure the continuous and efficient operation of the production process, from the initial collection and crushing of organic raw materials to the final formation of finished fertilizer. Raw materials such as crop straw, poultry manure, and kitchen waste need to go through high-temperature composting fermentation first to eliminate pathogens and odors, and convert unstable organic matter into stable nutrients. After fermentation, the material enters the organic fertilizer production granulation stage, which is the core of the entire production line, as granular fertilizer is easier to store, transport, and apply uniformly than powdery fertilizer.

The organic fertilizer disc granulation machine is one of the most mature and widely used equipment in organic fertilizer production granulation. This machine adopts an inclined rotating disc structure, and the fermented organic material is fed into the disc. With the rotation of the disc, the material forms spherical granules under the combined action of its own gravity and appropriate liquid binder. The disc granulation machine has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, and high granulation rate, and is especially suitable for small and medium-sized organic fertilizer production lines. It can flexibly adjust the rotating speed and inclination angle of the disc according to the characteristics of the material and the required granule size, ensuring the uniformity and roundness of the granules, which lays a good foundation for the subsequent drying and screening processes.

For large-scale production enterprises with higher efficiency and automation requirements, the organic fertilizer combined granulation production line has become the first choice. This integrated production line integrates multiple processes such as mixing, granulation, drying, cooling, and screening, and realizes automated continuous production. Different from a single disc granulation machine, the combined granulation production line can adopt a variety of granulation technologies according to production needs, such as combining disc granulation with stirring-tooth granulation, which not only improves the granulation efficiency but also optimizes the quality of the granules. The production line is equipped with intelligent control systems, which can accurately adjust parameters such as material ratio, moisture content, and granulation speed, ensuring stable product quality and reducing manual operation errors.

In the organic fertilizer production granulation process, whether using a single disc granulation machine or an integrated combined granulation production line, the selection of equipment needs to be based on factors such as production scale, raw material characteristics, and product requirements. For small-scale farms or local processing plants, the disc granulation machine is cost-effective and easy to maintain, which can meet basic production needs. For large-scale industrial production, the combined granulation production line has obvious advantages in efficiency, automation, and product consistency, which can help enterprises reduce production costs and improve market competitiveness.

The continuous optimization and upgrading of the organic fertilizer production line and organic fertilizer manufacturing system have promoted the high-quality development of the organic fertilizer industry. These production systems not only solve the problem of environmental pollution caused by organic waste but also provide high-quality organic fertilizer for agriculture, helping to improve soil structure, increase crop yield, and ensure food safety. As the concept of ecological agriculture deepens, the demand for efficient, energy-saving, and intelligent organic fertilizer production lines will continue to grow, and the organic fertilizer disc granulation machine and combined granulation production line will be further improved in technology, contributing more to the development of sustainable agriculture.

 Granulation is a pivotal process in fertilizer production, transforming fine powders into granular forms that enhance handling, storage, and uniform application. In 2026, the machinery employed for NPK and organic fertilizer granulation is primarily categorized based on the production method: Wet Granulation and Dry Granulation. The selection of appropriate equipment is determined by key factors such as production scale, raw material moisture content, and budget constraints. Additionally, a complete granulation line relies on a suite of support machinery to ensure product quality and production efficiency. Understanding these granulation machines and their functions is essential for optimizing fertilizer manufacturing processes.

Wet granulation machines, which utilize liquid binders or steam to aggregate powder into granules, are widely used in both NPK and organic fertilizer production. The Rotary Drum Granulator stands as the industry standard for large-scale NPK production, capable of handling output rates up to 30 tons per hour (t/h). In this machine, raw materials tumble within a rotating cylinder, forming dense, spherical granules through either chemical reactions between components or the addition of liquid binders. Its high capacity and stable performance make it indispensable for large commercial fertilizer plants.

For small-to-medium-sized production facilities (with output ranging from 0.5 to 6 t/h), the Disc (Pan) Granulator offers a cost-effective solution. This inclined rotating disc allows operators to directly observe the granulation process, enabling real-time adjustments to liquid spray volume and material feed rate to ensure the production of round, uniform granules. Specifically tailored for organic fertilizers, the Stirring-Tooth (New Type Organic) Granulator uses high-speed mechanical agitation to convert fermented organic wastes into high-quality, uniform granules, addressing the unique properties of organic materials. The Rotary Drum Churning Granulator combines the advantages of drum and stirring-tooth technologies, achieving a granulation rate exceeding 90% with more consistent pellet size, making it a versatile choice for medium-to-large organic fertilizer plants.

Dry granulation machines, which rely on mechanical pressure to compact dry powder (with moisture content below 10%) without the need for water or binders, are favored for their energy efficiency. The Double Roller Extrusion Granulator is the most commonly used dry granulation equipment. It squeezes dry powder between two counter-rotating rollers, directly forming high-density granules. A key advantage of this machine is that it eliminates the need for subsequent drying and cooling processes, significantly reducing energy consumption and overall investment costs, making it ideal for moisture-sensitive or heat-sensitive fertilizers. The Flat Die Granulator is a compact alternative, pressing material through a die to produce cylindrical pellets. It is often used for small-scale operations such as farm-based organic manure processing due to its small footprint and low maintenance requirements.

A complete granulation production line cannot operate without auxiliary support machinery, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and efficiency of the final product. Mixers and crushers are used in the pre-processing stage to create a uniform powder blend, as consistent raw material composition is essential for high-quality granulation. For wet granulation lines, Rotary Dryers and Coolers are indispensable—they remove excess moisture from the granules to prevent clumping and ensure storage stability. Screening Machines (Vibrating Sieves) separate oversized or undersized granules, which are then recycled back into the granulation process to improve material utilization. Coating Machines apply a protective layer to the granules, enhancing their shelf life or enabling slow-release nutrient delivery, a feature increasingly demanded in sustainable agriculture. Finally, Automatic Packaging Machines handle the final weighing and bagging of the granulated product, improving packaging efficiency and accuracy.

In summary, the granulation machinery landscape in 2026 is diverse, with wet and dry granulation machines catering to different production needs and material characteristics. Wet granulation equipment excels in large-scale production and spherical granule formation, while dry granulation machines offer energy efficiency and suitability for sensitive materials. When combined with essential support machinery, these granulation systems form a complete production line that ensures the consistent quality and efficient manufacturing of both NPK and organic fertilizers. As the fertilizer industry moves toward sustainability, the continuous optimization of these machines—particularly in energy efficiency and adaptability to organic materials—will remain a key focus for manufacturers.

Integrating Granulation into Complete Fertilizer Production Systems

The choice of granulation technology is a defining step in the npk fertilizer manufacturing process or the organic fertilizer manufacturing system. For dry fertilizer granules compaction, a roller press granulator production line centered on a fertilizer compactor is a key fertilizer production machine technology. This method is efficient for the manufacturing of npk fertilizer from dry powders. In contrast, organic production often starts with an organic fertilizer fermentation process, managed by equipment like a windrow composting machine, before the cured compost is granulated.

For shaping organic materials, an organic fertilizer disc granulation production line utilizing a disc granulator for shaping is a prevalent wet method. Each of these core fertilizer processing machine units—whether a wet granulator or a dry fertilizer compaction machine—must be integrated with auxiliary equipment (mixers, dryers, screens) to form a complete, efficient production line. The synergy between the chosen granulation technology and the upstream/downstream processes ultimately determines the quality, cost, and sustainability of the final fertilizer product.

Therefore, designing a fertilizer plant requires a holistic view of the entire npk manufacturing process or organic system. It involves selecting the granulation machine that best matches the raw material characteristics and production goals, ensuring seamless material flow from initial processing to finished, market-ready granules.