fertilizer production line

Slow-Release Fertilizers: The Intelligent Nutrient Management Solution for Precision Agriculture

Slow-release/controlled-release fertilizers are a type of fertilizer that regulates the nutrient release rate through specific technological means. The core objective is to match the nutrient release rate with the nutrient needs of crops at different growth stages, thereby addressing the shortcomings of traditional fertilizers, such as “rapid nutrient release, low utilization rate, and easy loss and pollution.” While the concepts are similar, there are slight differences; controlled-release fertilizers offer greater control over the release rate and are considered a more precise type of slow-release fertilizer.

I. Core Technological Principles and Classification

The key to slow-release/controlled-release fertilizers lies in the “nutrient release control mechanism,” which mainly involves the following three technological approaches:

Polymer-Coated Type (Mainstream Controlled-Release Technology)

Principle:  Ordinary granular fertilizers (such as urea and compound fertilizers) are coated with one or more layers of high-molecular-weight polymer film (such as polyurethane, polyolefin, resin, etc.). The thickness and porosity of the film determine the nutrient release rate – water penetrates the film to dissolve the nutrients, which then slowly diffuse through the film pores into the soil; as the temperature rises, the permeability of the film increases, and the nutrient release accelerates, and vice versa.

Release Characteristics: This is a temperature-dependent release, matching the pattern of most crops that require more nutrients during high-temperature growth periods. The release cycle can be precisely designed (e.g., 3 months, 6 months, 12 months).

Representative Products: Resin-coated urea, polymer-coated compound fertilizers (NPK).

Chemically Synthesized Slow-Release Type

Principle: Through chemical synthesis reactions, fertilizer nutrients (mainly nitrogen) are combined with organic compounds to form stable, low-water-soluble compounds. These compounds gradually decompose under the action of soil microorganisms or enzymes, releasing effective nutrients.

Release Characteristics: This is a microorganism/enzyme-controlled release, and the rate is affected by soil temperature, pH value, and microbial activity. The release cycle is longer (up to several months to a year).

Representative Products:

Urea-formaldehyde (UF): A condensation product of urea and formaldehyde. During decomposition, formaldehyde is released first, and then gradually converted into ammoniacal nitrogen. The nitrogen utilization rate is more than 30% higher than that of ordinary urea. Ammonium polyphosphate (APP): A slow-release fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus. After hydrolysis, it releases orthophosphate ions for plant absorption. It is suitable as a phosphorus source in compound fertilizers and can also chelate micronutrients in the soil.

Others: Urea-formaldehyde (CDU), isobutylidene diurea (IBDU), etc.

Matrix-based composite type (traditional slow-release technology)

Principle: Fertilizer nutrients are mixed with porous matrices such as bentonite, zeolite, and humic acid. The adsorption and pore structure of the matrix are used to delay nutrient dissolution; or sulfur coating technology is used (a sulfur layer is coated on the outside of urea granules), and nutrients are controlled-released through the slow breakdown of the sulfur membrane and microbial decomposition.

Release characteristics: The release rate is relatively gentle, and the cost is lower than polymer-coated and chemically synthesized types, making it a low-cost slow-release solution.

Representative products: Sulfur-coated urea (SCU), humic acid compound slow-release fertilizer, zeolite-loaded fertilizer.

II. Core Advantages (compared to traditional quick-acting fertilizers)

Significantly improved nutrient utilization: The utilization rate of traditional quick-acting nitrogen fertilizers is only 30%-40%, and a large amount of nitrogen is lost with rainwater or volatilized into the air; the nitrogen utilization rate of slow-release/controlled-release fertilizers can reach over 60%, and some controlled-release fertilizers can even exceed 80%, reducing nutrient waste.

Labor-saving and time-saving, enabling one-time fertilization: Traditional fertilizers require multiple top dressings according to the crop growth period, while slow-release/controlled-release fertilizers can be applied to the soil at once during sowing or transplanting. The nutrients are slowly released to meet the needs of the crop throughout its entire growth period, especially suitable for large-scale planting scenarios such as field crops, fruit trees, and lawns, reducing labor costs.

Reduced environmental pollution: The slow release of nutrients avoids excessively high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, thereby reducing environmental problems such as soil compaction, water eutrophication (such as agricultural drainage polluting rivers and lakes), and atmospheric ammonia volatilization, meeting the needs of green agricultural development. By synchronizing nutrient supply with crop demand through controlled release cycles, the peak release period of fertilizer nutrients can be precisely matched with the peak nutrient demand period of crops (such as the tillering stage of rice and the large bell stage of corn), avoiding seedling burn in the early stages and nutrient deficiency and premature aging in the later stages, thereby improving crop yield and quality.

III. Product Forms and Applicable Scenarios

Form Characteristics: Mostly granular, with a larger particle size (usually 2-4 mm), high physical strength, and not easily broken, suitable for mechanized sowing and fertilization.

Applicable Crops and Scenarios

Field Crops (corn, wheat, rice): Choose controlled-release compound fertilizers with a release cycle of 3-6 months, applied as a base fertilizer in one application, reducing the need for topdressing.

Fruit Trees, Flowers, and Seedlings: Choose long-acting slow-release fertilizers with a release cycle of 6-12 months (such as urea-formaldehyde, polyammonium phosphate), suitable for the nutrient needs of perennial crops.

Protected Agriculture and Potted Plants: Choose polymer-coated controlled-release fertilizers to precisely control the release rate and avoid excessively high nutrient concentrations in potted plant soil.

IV. Precautions for Use

Not suitable for topdressing: Slow-release/controlled-release fertilizers release nutrients slowly. If crops show acute nutrient deficiency symptoms, fast-acting fertilizers should be used for topdressing.

Appropriate fertilization depth is necessary: ​​It should be applied to the soil near the crop roots (avoid surface application) to allow sufficient water penetration to trigger nutrient release; coated fertilizers should not be crushed during use, otherwise, the coating structure will be damaged, and the controlled-release effect will be lost.

Higher cost than ordinary fertilizers: The price of slow-release/controlled-release fertilizers is 1.5-3 times that of ordinary fertilizers, but considering the benefits of “labor saving + increased efficiency + reduced pollution,” the long-term use is more cost-effective.

Production of Slow-Release Fertilizers: Granulation and Beyond

Manufacturing coated or chemically synthesized slow-release fertilizers involves specialized adaptations of standard npk fertilizer production technology. The core npk fertilizer manufacturing process begins with precise formulation using a npk blending machine or a bulk blending fertilizer machine. For creating the base granules, an npk granulation machine employing specific npk granulation machine technology—such as a rotary drum for agglomeration—forms the uniform particles. This entire suite of fertilizer raw material processing machinery and equipment is the foundation of the npk fertilizer production line, which must be designed to achieve the required NPK compound fertilizer production capacity and granule quality.

Following granulation, the process diverges for slow-release products. The base granules are fed into a coating drum, a critical piece of additional npk fertilizer granulator machine equipment, where polymer or sulfur coatings are applied. For chemically synthesized types like urea-formaldehyde, the reaction occurs earlier in the process, and the resulting material is then granulated. The integrated npk fertilizer production process thus combines standard equipment like the fertilizer mixer machine and npk fertilizer granulator with specialized coating or synthesis units to create a value-added product with controlled nutrient release profiles.

Therefore, producing advanced slow-release fertilizers requires an expansion of the traditional npk fertilizer machine line. It demonstrates how core granulation and blending technologies serve as a platform for innovation, enabling the creation of products that deliver both agronomic efficiency and environmental benefits.

Granular and Powdered Fertilizer Packaging Machine: A Precise and Efficient Small Bag Packaging Solution

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.

High-Efficiency Solution for Large-Angle Conveying: Large-Angle Belt Conveyors

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.

Comprehensive analysis of products processed by rotary drum granulators

With its advantages of stable granulation, wide adaptability, and suitability for large-scale production, the rotary drum granulator has become a core fertilizer granulation equipment in the fertilizer industry, capable of processing various types of granular fertilizers.

Organic Fertilizer Series: It can process raw materials such as livestock and poultry manure and straw into ordinary organic fertilizer granules. The finished product has uniform particle size and moderate strength, making it easy to store and transport; it can also process bio-organic fertilizers; in addition, organic-inorganic compound fertilizers can also be produced using rotary drum granulators by mixing organic materials with inorganic fertilizer raw materials for granulation.

Compound Fertilizer Series: It can process nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizers. By precisely proportioning raw materials such as urea, monoammonium phosphate, and potassium chloride, it can produce general-purpose or special-purpose compound fertilizers with different nutrient ratios to meet the needs of different crops; it can also process compound fertilizers containing trace elements by mixing magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, etc., into the basic fertilizer raw materials to achieve comprehensive nutrient supplementation and improve crop quality; it is also suitable for processing slow-release compound fertilizers.

In addition, the rotary drum granulator can also process some special fertilizers, such as fertilizers for flowers and seedlings. By adjusting the raw material ratio and granulation parameters, it can produce granular fertilizers that meet the growth needs of specific crops; it can also process industrial waste such as slag and fly ash into environmentally friendly fertilizers, achieving resource utilization.

Adaptable to various organic materials, boosting the efficient operation of organic fertilizer production lines

The hydraulic compost turning machine is a hydraulic system-driven composting equipment designed for aerobic fermentation of organic materials such as livestock and poultry manure, crop straw, and kitchen waste. It is a core piece of equipment in organic fertilizer production lines.

It accelerates the decomposition of organic materials through turning, mixing, and oxygen supply, facilitating the production of organic fertilizer or bioenergy raw materials. The equipment consists of a walking mechanism, a turning and mixing mechanism, a hydraulic system, an oxygen supply system, a control system, and a safety protection system. The walking mechanism drives the equipment to move along the fermentation trough, the turning and mixing mechanism penetrates the material pile for mixing, the hydraulic system provides power, and the control system realizes automated operation, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Its advantages are significant: strong power, capable of handling high-density and high-viscosity materials; precise adjustment of turning depth, speed, and oxygen supply to improve fermentation quality; stable operation, high degree of automation, reducing labor costs; wide adaptability, capable of handling various organic wastes; and it is environmentally friendly and energy-saving, promoting the resource utilization of organic waste.

In short, the hydraulic compost turning machine, as a core organic fertilizer production equipment, provides raw material processing assurance for organic fertilizer production lines with its wide range of material adaptability, and is a key equipment for promoting the resource utilization of organic waste and contributing to the development of the organic fertilizer industry.

Organic Fertilizer Production Line: Core Equipment and Integrated Manufacturing System

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.

How compost turning machines improve the production efficiency of powdered fertilizers?

In the production of powdered fertilizers, the efficiency of the fermentation process and the quality of raw material decomposition directly determine the pace of subsequent processing. As a core production auxiliary equipment, compost turning machines improve overall production efficiency from multiple key points by optimizing the fermentation process, improving raw material characteristics, and connecting production processes.

Accelerating raw material decomposition. Powdered fertilizer raw materials are mostly organic materials such as livestock and poultry manure and crop straw. Natural fermentation cycles are long and prone to uneven decomposition. Compost turners, through deep turning and mixing, can quickly break up material clumps, allowing the material to fully contact the air, increasing microbial activity, and promoting the rapid decomposition of organic matter.

Optimizing raw material characteristics. During the turning process, the compost turning machine can simultaneously mix and crush the materials, reducing clumping and resulting in more uniform particle size of the decomposed raw materials, eliminating the need for additional crushing and screening processes. This pre-treatment optimization makes the raw materials more suitable for subsequent grinding and fertilizer mixing equipment for powdered fertilizers, preventing equipment blockage or processing difficulties, improving the processing efficiency of subsequent processes, and reducing energy consumption and material loss.

Ensuring continuous production. Compost turners can achieve continuous and large-scale operation without frequent shutdowns for adjustments, stably supplying qualified raw materials to subsequent processes and avoiding production interruptions due to raw material shortages. At the same time, its flexible operating mode can adapt to different scales of production needs, ensuring smooth production flow whether in small and medium-sized decentralized production or large-scale fertilizer production lines.

Raw Materials for Biofertilizer Production

Biofertilizers, as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, play a vital role in sustainable agriculture. In 2026, the production of biofertilizers relies on three core categories of raw materials: biological agents (beneficial microorganisms), nutrient-rich growth media, and carrier materials that maintain microbial viability. These raw materials work synergistically to ensure the activity of beneficial microorganisms from production to application, enabling them to promote plant growth and improve soil health. A clear understanding of these raw materials is essential for grasping the production logic and application value of biofertilizers.

Beneficial microorganisms, also known as biological inoculants, are the core “active” raw materials of biofertilizers, directly determining their functional effects. The main types include nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which can convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms. This group includes rhizobia (specifically for leguminous plants), azotobacter (free-living in soil), and azospirillum. Phosphorus- and potassium-solubilizing microorganisms are another key category, such as Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and fungi like Aspergillus niger, which can decompose insoluble phosphorus and potassium in soil into absorbable nutrients. Plant growth-promoting fungi, mainly Trichoderma and mycorrhizal fungi, enhance plant stress resistance and nutrient uptake efficiency. Additionally, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) like Anabaena and Nostoc are widely used in rice cultivation due to their nitrogen-fixing capacity and adaptability to paddy environments.

Fermentation and growth media are essential for propagating beneficial microorganisms to high concentrations during the production process, providing necessary nutrients and energy. Carbon sources are the primary energy supply for microbial growth, with common raw materials including molasses, sucrose, glucose, and starch, which are easily metabolized by most microorganisms. Nitrogen sources and nutrients support microbial cell synthesis, such as yeast extract, peptone, ammonium salts, and corn steep liquor, which are rich in amino acids and vitamins. Agricultural by-products like rice bran, wheat bran, and various grain husks are also widely used as components of growth media. These by-products not only reduce production costs but also realize resource recycling, aligning with the concept of circular agriculture.

Formulation raw materials, mainly carriers and additives, are mixed with microbial cultures after fermentation to ensure microbial survival during storage and application. Organic carriers are commonly used for their good water-holding capacity and nutrient retention, including peat (a traditional standard carrier, but gradually being replaced due to sustainability concerns), biochar (charcoal), compost, and vermicompost. Agricultural wastes such as bagasse, coffee grounds, filter cake, and cocoa pod husks are also excellent organic carriers, turning waste into valuable resources. Industrial and animal wastes, such as biogas slurry, sewage sludge, and animal manures (cattle, pig, or poultry manure), can be used as carriers after harmless treatment. Mineral-based materials like phosphate rock powder, zeolite, kaolin, and bentonite are selected for their stable chemical properties and porous structures, which protect microorganisms from environmental stress. Additives or protectants include glycerol (to prevent desiccation), gum arabic (for adhesion to plant surfaces), and polymers like alginate or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for microbial embedding, extending the shelf life of biofertilizers.

A prominent trend in 2026 is the use of locally available biomass resources (such as molasses, brown sugar, and milk) for on-farm production of biological agents. This approach not only significantly reduces production costs but also promotes the development of a circular bioeconomy by utilizing local agricultural and sideline resources. In summary, the raw materials for biofertilizers are diverse and environmentally friendly, covering biological, nutritional, and formulation categories. The rational selection and matching of these raw materials based on production needs and local resource conditions are crucial for improving the quality and applicability of biofertilizers, advancing the development of sustainable agriculture.

Industrial Integration: Composting Infrastructure for Biofertilizer Production

The production of high-quality organic carriers and the processing of agricultural waste feedstocks are foundational steps in the biofertilizer value chain. This is achieved through industrial-scale fermentation composting technology for organic fertilizer. Key equipment in this process includes the large wheel compost turner and the chain compost turning machine, which are essential for aerating and homogenizing windrows in open-air systems. For more controlled and intensive decomposition, trough-type aerobic fermentation composting technology is employed. These machines collectively represent advanced fermentation composting turning technology, transforming raw biomass into a stable, pathogen-free compost that serves as an ideal carrier or base material.

This compost is a critical component of the complete suite of equipments required for biofertilizer production. Following the fermentation stage managed by an agriculture waste compost fermentation machine or a windrow composting machine, the cured compost can be blended with specific microbial inoculants. To produce a market-ready granular product, the mixture is then processed through a disc granulation production line, which shapes the material into uniform pellets without damaging the embedded microorganisms. This integrated system seamlessly connects waste valorization with the creation of a value-added biological product.

Therefore, modern biofertilizer manufacturing is not solely about microbial fermentation; it equally depends on robust upstream composting infrastructure to provide a consistent, high-quality organic matrix that ensures the survival and efficacy of the beneficial microbes from the factory to the field.

NPK blending fertilizer production line: Can it meet the market demand for balanced fertilizers?

Against the backdrop of green transformation in agriculture, the market demand for balanced fertilizers has shifted from “general-purpose” to “precisely tailored,” with the core requirement being a precise match between nutrient ratios and soil and crop needs, while also accommodating flexible production of small batches and multiple formulations. The NPK blending fertilizer production line, with its unique technical characteristics, has become a core vehicle for meeting this demand.

Precise Proportional Mixing Capability: The key to balanced fertilizers is the balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. The automatic precision batching system of the NPK blending fertilizer production line can achieve a mixing accuracy of 0.1%, producing not only general formulas such as 15-15-15, but also customized formulas based on soil test data, such as high-potassium balanced fertilizers for potassium-deficient orchards.

Adaptability to Diversified Needs: Currently, large-scale farms and scattered smallholder farmers coexist, resulting in significant differences in the demand for balanced fertilizers. The NPK blending fertilizer production line can flexibly switch formulas and can handle small batch orders as low as 10 tons, meeting the concentrated fertilizer needs of large cooperatives and also accommodating personalized orders from individual farmers.

Efficient Collaborative Capability: The production line uses a double axis paddle mixer or a BB fertilizer mixer to achieve uniform mixing of raw materials, avoiding nutrient imbalance.  Combined with subsequent screening and testing processes, it ensures uniform granule size and nutrient content of the finished product. Its simplified process and rapid commissioning advantages allow it to quickly respond to the demand for new types of balanced fertilizers.

In summary, the NPK blending fertilizer production line, with its core advantages of precise proportioning, flexible production, and efficient collaboration, can fully meet the diversified and precise needs of the market for balanced fertilizers.

What are the core values of chicken manure in the fertilizer industry?

In the wave of resource utilization of agricultural waste, chicken manure is no longer a pollution hazard, but a highly valuable raw material in the fertilizer industry. Its rich nutrient reserves and suitable physical and chemical properties give it an important position in the production of high-quality organic fertilizers.

Core Value One: High-quality nutrient supply, meeting crop needs. Chicken manure is rich in core nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and its organic matter content is as high as 25%-30%, far exceeding that of ordinary livestock and poultry manure. After scientific composting, the nutrients are more easily absorbed by crops, providing comprehensive nutrition for crop growth and supplementing soil organic matter, improving soil compaction and acidification problems.

Core Value Two: Prominent ecological value, contributing to circular agriculture. If chicken manure from large-scale farming is piled up indiscriminately, it can easily cause water and soil pollution. However, using chicken manure organic fertilizer machines to convert it into organic fertilizer can achieve a circular economy in farming, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and reduce agricultural non-point source pollution.

Core Value Three: Lowering production thresholds and improving economic efficiency. Chicken manure is widely available and inexpensive, which can significantly reduce the raw material costs of organic fertilizer production lines. For small and medium-sized fertilizer producers, using chicken manure as the core raw material can simplify the pre-treatment process, and high-quality organic fertilizer can be produced with conventional compost turning machines and granulators; for farmers, converting chicken manure on-site can also reduce fertilization costs and increase planting income.

The value of chicken manure in the fertilizer industry is essentially a vivid embodiment of “waste resource utilization.”