The comprehensive utilization of rural household waste is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecological and social environment in the countryside. Unlike urban areas, which typically have specialized waste treatment facilities, most rural regions still lack structured systems for managing domestic waste. As a result, garbage is often dumped indiscriminately along roadsides, near farmlands, or around ponds, creating unsightly and potentially harmful conditions.
Rural domestic waste consists of various components, including human and animal excreta, dead plants and animals, coal ash, paper scraps, wood, fibers, metals, glass, ceramics, old appliances, kitchen utensils, and even dry batteries. To manage these materials effectively, they must be properly categorized. Organic waste such as manure, plant remains, and paper can be treated through composting, while inorganic waste like glass and metal requires different handling methods. This article focuses on the use of fermentation to convert organic waste into useful fertilizer, rather than addressing non-organic materials.
To begin the process, you only need a suitable location and a fermentation starter, such as Kinpo-1. The ideal carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio for effective microbial activity is between 20:1 and 30:1. Achieving this balance ensures optimal nutrient availability for the bacteria involved in the composting process. If the C/N ratio is too low—such as when using pure livestock manure—you may need to add high-carbon materials like straw or sawdust to adjust it. In practice, many farms already mix some fibrous material with manure, naturally achieving a balanced C/N ratio. For instance, chicken manure that contains some impurities might already have a C/N ratio close to 30:1, making additional adjustments unnecessary.
Materials like straw, sawdust, or peanut shells should generally be chopped or crushed before mixing. If the compost is intended for sale, finer particle size is preferred for better appearance and quality. For personal use, the fineness requirement can be more flexible. When dealing with high-fiber materials, it’s important to add nitrogen-rich substances like urea water or fresh manure to maintain a proper balance.
The dilution method involves mixing the fermentation starter with rice bran at a ratio of about 1:3 to 1:5. Rice bran provides good nutrition and aeration. If rice bran isn’t available, alternatives like corn flour or wheat bran can be used. The mixture should be lightly moistened and evenly distributed throughout the pile. Fresh manure, such as chicken or pig dung, usually has sufficient nutrients, so less dilution is needed. However, for harder-to-ferment materials like bark or old manure, more rice bran (up to 1:10) can be added to boost microbial activity.
Moisture control is also essential. The material should be kept at 60–65% moisture, which can be checked by squeezing a handful of material—if no water drips out, it's just right. Too much or too little moisture can hinder the process. If the pile becomes too wet, spreading it out to dry or adding dry materials like sawdust or straw can help. If it's too dry, water should be added gradually, preferably warm water (30–40°C), to avoid killing beneficial microorganisms.
Aerobic microorganisms are key to successful fermentation, so proper ventilation is necessary. Methods include turning the pile manually or with machinery, poking holes in the pile, covering it with breathable materials like straw, or using a blower to supply oxygen. Proper aeration prevents anaerobic conditions that lead to bad odors and spoilage.
The pH level should be maintained between 6 and 8 for optimal microbial activity. Most natural materials don’t require adjustment, but if the pH is too high or too low, lime or acetic acid can be used to correct it. Finally, the fermentation rhythm can be controlled by adjusting temperature, aeration, and the amount of material turned over. Adding partially fermented material can speed up the process, while reducing aeration or lowering temperature can slow it down.
Once the compost reaches a dark, earthy color with no foul odor, it’s ready for further processing, such as drying, granulating, or packaging. Over-fermentation should be avoided, as it can reduce nutrient content. With proper management, the composting process can be efficient, sustainable, and beneficial for rural communities.