Fermentation and deodorization of fertilizers to prevent infectious diseases
July 23 12:13:12, 2025
With the ongoing transformation of China's agricultural industry and shifting dietary habits, aquaculture has experienced significant growth across the country. This rapid development has led to an increasing amount of livestock and poultry waste, which poses serious environmental challenges and threatens the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture sector. To address this pressing issue, many companies have introduced various solutions. However, most of these approaches require expensive machinery and equipment, making them unsuitable for smaller-scale or less profitable farms. On the other hand, there are simpler and more cost-effective methods that can be widely adopted by farmers.
One highly effective approach is the use of microbial starter cultures. This method not only helps reduce costs but also supports disease prevention and improves environmental safety. The process involves mixing animal manure with a certain amount of straw and adding a microbial fermentation agent. As the mixture begins to ferment, the temperature goes through several stages: first, it starts at a moderate level, where oxygen-consuming microorganisms dominate. These include non-spore-forming bacteria, spore-forming bacteria, and molds, which begin to multiply rapidly.
During the initial phase, these microbes break down easily degradable organic materials such as sugars, starches, and proteins, generating heat and causing the pile’s temperature to rise. This stage, known as the "warming period," typically reaches around 50°C. As the process continues, the temperature increases further, entering the "high-temperature phase" where it can reach 65–70°C. At this stage, harmful pathogens and viruses are effectively eliminated due to the high heat, ensuring a safer and cleaner product.
In addition to breaking down soluble organic matter, complex substances like cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin also start to decompose during this time. A process called "humification" occurs, where organic matter transforms into stable humus. Microbial populations shift, with thermophilic species becoming dominant. Once the temperature drops back to a moderate level, the material enters the maturation phase, where the remaining organic matter is fully broken down.
In the final stage, as the temperature decreases further, actinomycetes become the main microbial population. The pile develops a white, fluffy appearance, emits a slight alcoholic smell, and becomes a high-quality organic fertilizer. Moreover, after proper treatment with a specialized fermentation agent, chicken manure can also be converted into safe and nutritious animal feed. This eco-friendly and economically viable solution offers a sustainable way to manage waste while improving soil fertility and animal health.