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Differences Between Organic Fertilizer Fermentation and Aging

Differences Between Organic Fertilizer Fermentation and Aging

1. Definitions and Phases

  • Fermentation
    • Definition: The core stage of organic fertilizer production, where microorganisms (aerobic or anaerobic) decompose organic matter, generating heat to eliminate pathogens, weed seeds, and other harmful substances.
    • Phases:
      • Primary Fermentation (First Stage):
        • Duration: 10–12 days (windrow method) or 7 days (trough method).
        • Temperature: Initial mesophilic phase (1–3 days, below 45°C), followed by thermophilic phase (50–65°C for 5–7 days), peaking at 70–80°C.
        • Microbial Activity: Mesophilic microorganisms (initial) → thermophilic microorganisms (high-temperature phase) dominate.
      • Secondary Fermentation (Post-Fermentation):
        • Duration: 20–30 days or longer.
        • Goal: Decompose recalcitrant organic matter (e.g., cellulose, lignin) not fully broken down in primary fermentation, forming stable humus.
  • Aging (Curing)
    • Definition: A stabilization phase after fermentation, where organic fertilizer undergoes natural or controlled conditions to further mineralize, stabilize, and reduce the risk of secondary fermentation.
    • Phases:
      • Duration: Weeks to months (depends on material and environment).
      • Temperature: Gradually cools to ambient temperature, with significantly reduced microbial activity.
      • Microbial Activity: Dominated by saprophytic microorganisms that decompose residual organic matter, forming stable structures.

2. Core Objectives and Functions

 

Aspect Fermentation Aging
Primary Goal Decompose organic matter, sterilize pathogens, achieve harmlessness Stabilize humus, reduce secondary fermentation risk, enhance fertilizer safety
Key Roles - Produce small-molecule nutrients (e.g., organic acids, amino acids)
- Adjust C/N ratio to below 20:1
- Eliminate ≥90% pathogens
- Reduce moisture (to <20%)
- Stabilize pH (6.5–7.5)
- Minimize odor and heavy metal activity
Product State Composted material, potentially unstable Highly stabilized, safe for direct application

3. Process Parameters Comparison

 

Parameter Fermentation Aging
Temperature Control High-temperature phase (50–65°C in primary fermentation), gradual cooling in secondary fermentation Low temperature (near ambient), no active control required
Turning Frequency Every 2–3 days during primary fermentation No turning; natural stacking
Microbial Activity Thermophilic microorganisms dominate (high-temperature phase) → mesophilic microorganisms active (late stage) Saprophytic microorganisms dominate, low activity
Timeframe 10–30 days (primary + secondary fermentation) Weeks to months
Stability Metrics Maturity ≥80%, C/N ratio ≤20:1 Maturity ≥90%, C/N ratio stabilized at 10–20:1

4. Practical Relevance and Distinctions

  • Interconnection:
    • Fermentation is a prerequisite for aging, and aging consolidates the results of fermentation. Together, they ensure the maturity and safety of organic fertilizer.
    • Unaged fermented products may undergo secondary fermentation due to residual active microorganisms, causing seedling burn or nutrient loss.
  • Distinctions:
    • Phase Nature: Fermentation focuses on decomposition and sterilization, while aging emphasizes stabilization and mineralization.
    • Risk Management: Fermentation prioritizes harmlessness, whereas aging prioritizes stability.
    • Product Use: Fermented material requires aging before safe application; direct use of unaged fertilizer may harm crops.

5. Summary

  • Fermentation: A thermal decomposition process to eliminate harmful organisms, essential for producing qualified organic fertilizer.
  • Aging: A post-fermentation stabilization treatment to ensure long-term storage and application safety, enhancing nutrient stability.
  • Relationship: Complementary and indispensable. Fermentation provides the foundation for aging, while aging solidifies fermentation outcomes, jointly guaranteeing organic fertilizer quality.

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