Organic Fertilizer Raw Material Challenges: How to Handle Excess Moisture?
In organic fertilizer production line, raw material quality directly impacts final product quality. Excess moisture is just one of many challenges – understanding various material issues and their solutions is key to smooth production.
Problems Caused by High Moisture in Organic Fertilizer Production
Excessive moisture in raw materials creates multiple challenges for organic fertilizer production line processes and production lines: it slows down fermentation, causes poor granulation, increases energy consumption during drying, and may lead to material sticking in equipment. These issues reduce production efficiency, increase costs, and potentially compromise final product quality.
1. Excess Moisture: The Top Challenge
When moisture content exceeds 60%, it causes:
- Slow temperature rise in compost piles
- Odor and leachate production
- Increased drying energy costs
- Final product caking
Solutions:
- Add amendments: Mix with dry materials like sawdust (1:3 ratio)
- Mechanical dewatering: Use screw presses to reduce moisture below 50%
- Pre-drying: Solar drying or low-temperature drying (50-60°C)
- Improved pile structure: Add aeration pipes to enhance evaporation
Figure : Adjusting moisture content by adding dry materials
2. Other Common Raw Material Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Symptoms | Solutions |
| Imbalanced C/N Ratio | Excess or insufficient nitrogen | Add straw (C source) or poultry manure (N source) to adjust to 25-30:1 |
| Pathogen Contamination | Harmful microorganisms present | High-temperature composting (≥55°C for 5-7 days) or add lime |
| Heavy Metal Excess | High copper, zinc levels | Source control + add passivators like zeolite |
| High Fiber Content | Difficult decomposition | Pre-shredding + add decomposing microbes |
3. 2023 Innovative Treatment Technologies
Innovative Solutions:
- Smart moisture monitoring: Infrared sensors for real-time tracking
- Composite microbial agents: New microbial combinations for wet materials
- Modular pretreatment systems: All-in-one solution for multiple issues
References:
[1] “Practical Organic Fertilizer Production Manual” 2022 Edition [2] IFOAM Technical Bulletin [3] USDA Organic Fertilizer Production Guide