Organic fertiliser fermentation is not simply a matter of 'piling it up and waiting for it to rot'.
Under suitable conditions of moisture, oxygen and temperature, microorganisms undergo continuous succession as the environment changes, whilst organic matter progresses from rapid decomposition to gradual stabilisation.
The entire fermentation process can be summarised in three key stages:
Temperature Rise → High-Temperature Fermentation → Maturation
01｜Temperature Rise Stage
Approximately Days 1–3｜25°C → 55°C
Once fermentation begins, microorganisms multiply rapidly and break down easily degradable organic matter.
The heat generated by microbial metabolism accumulates continuously, causing the temperature of the material to rise rapidly.
The key to this stage is to enable the microorganisms to become active as quickly as possible.
Core elements: Microorganism activation + Initial decomposition of organic matter + Rapid rise in temperature
02｜High-temperature fermentation stage
Approximately days 4–15｜55°C → 65°C
As the temperature rises, heat-tolerant microorganisms gradually become active, and the organic matter enters a phase of rapid decomposition.
At this stage, an adequate supply of oxygen is vital.
Regular turning helps to:
Supply oxygen | Release heat | Even out the material | Improve moisture distribution
Properly controlled high-temperature fermentation also helps to reduce the risk posed by certain pathogenic microorganisms and weed seeds.
Key points: Maintaining high temperatures + Rapid decomposition + Continuous oxygen supply
03｜Maturation Stage
Approximately days 16–30｜Temperature gradually decreases
As easily degradable organic matter gradually diminishes, microbial activity decreases and the temperature of the material naturally drops.
However, this does not mean that fermentation has ended.
At this stage, complex organic compounds continue to undergo transformation, and the material gradually stabilises and completes the maturation process.
Key points: Temperature decline + Stabilisation of organic matter + Maturation
This ultimately results in a more stable and uniform mature organic material.
A drop in temperature does not indicate fermentation failure; rather, it usually signifies that the material is entering the maturation stage.
The actual fermentation cycle is influenced by factors such as the type of raw material, moisture content, ventilation conditions, ambient temperature and processing methods; therefore, there is no fixed fermentation time applicable to all raw materials.
Why is specialised fermentation equipment required?
Microorganisms are responsible for carrying out the biological transformation, whilst industrial equipment helps to control the fermentation environment.
Specialised turning and fermentation equipment can improve:
Oxygen supply | Temperature distribution | Material uniformity | Moisture distribution | Fermentation efficiency
Consequently, different raw materials and production volumes require different fermentation methods and equipment.
Mingwei Machinery | Selecting the Appropriate Fermentation Solution Based on Project Conditions
Mingwei Machinery offers a wide range of organic fertiliser fermentation and turning equipment, and provides specialised equipment selection and solution design based on the client'
Raw material type | Moisture content | Processing volume | Production capacity | Site conditions | Fermentation method
Our services include not only equipment supply , but also:
Process analysis | Technical guidance | Equipment selection | Solution design | Installation and commissioning | Production support
If you are planning an organic fertiliser production project, simply provide us with details of your raw materials, output and site conditions , and our technical team will assist you in analysing the most suitable fermentation methods and equipment configurations.
Mingwei Machinery – we do not merely supply fermentation equipment; we provide professional solutions tailored to your project.
Learn More About Fermentation Equipment：
https://www.hnmwmequip.com/fermentation-compost-equipment/