In organic fertilizer production, the fermentation process is the “heart” determining product quality, and the turning machine is the key equipment for maintaining its smooth operation. Whether you use a windrow turning machine, hydraulic turning machine, chain turning machine, or double-helix turning machine, scientific operation methods directly determine the degree of decomposition, fermentation cycle, and the market competitiveness of the final product. This article will outline general practical techniques for using turning machines from three dimensions: pile planning, turning frequency, and equipment operation, helping you ensure that every batch of organic fertilizer decomposes more fully.
Pile Planning: Good Turning Starts with the Pile
A reasonable pile size is the foundation of efficient turning and a prerequisite for ensuring uniform fermentation.
Windrow Fermentation (Suitable for small to medium-sized, open-air sites):
Width should be controlled between 2-4 meters. Too wide and the center won’t be turned; too narrow and it wastes space. It needs to be determined based on the working width of the turning machine, generally 0.5 meters narrower than the machine’s width.
Height should be controlled between 1-1.5 meters. Excessive height results in high pressure and poor aeration of the bottom material; excessively low height makes it difficult to maintain the pile temperature.
Leave a 0.8-1 meter spacing for easy equipment movement and ventilation. Leave at least 3 meters of turning space at the ends.
Trough fermentation (suitable for large-scale production): Trough width is designed to be 3-6 meters, determined by the wheel track of the chain turner.
Trough length is designed “as needed” based on site requirements, generally 30-100 meters. It is recommended to have 2-3 parallel troughs to achieve continuous feeding, fermentation, and discharging operations.
Trough depth is 1.2-1.8 meters to ensure the turning blades can reach the bottom.
Scientific Turning Frequency: Temperature Matters
Turning is neither better the more frequent nor the less frequent; the scientific basis lies in the temperature changes of the pile. It is recommended to set up 3-5 temperature monitoring points every 50 meters of the pile and monitor the center temperature daily.
Heating Period (Days 1-5): Microorganisms are just starting to develop and have a high oxygen demand. Rapid heating to above 55℃ is necessary to kill pathogens and eggs. It is recommended to turn the compost pile every 2 days. The temperature will briefly drop after each turning, but will quickly rise again due to increased microbial activity.
High-temperature composting period (days 6-15): The pile temperature is maintained within the ideal range of 55-65℃, and organic matter decomposes rapidly. Adjust the frequency to turning every 3 days to maintain oxygen supply while preventing excessive heat loss. When the temperature exceeds 65℃, turn the pile immediately to cool it down and prevent the killing of beneficial microorganisms.
Cooling period (days 16-25): The temperature gradually decreases to below 50℃, and the material tends to stabilize. Turn the pile every 5 days until composting is complete. Turning too frequently at this stage can lead to heat loss and prolong the composting time.
Core principle: Regardless of the stage, once the internal temperature of the pile is detected to exceed 65℃, it should be turned immediately to cool it down; if the temperature remains below 50℃ without a significant rebound, the frequency of turning should be increased to activate microorganisms.
III. Key Points for Equipment Operation: Ensuring the Machine Operates in Optimal Condition
Pre-Start Inspection (Three Checks):
- Check the turning blades for looseness or wear. Replace or reverse severely worn blades immediately.
- Check the walking system – ensure tire pressure (or track tension) is normal and that the walking track is free of obstructions.
- Check the hydraulic system (for hydraulic models) – check oil level and pipe joints. Address any leaks immediately.
During Operation (Three Maintenances):
- Maintain a constant, straight-line walking speed: Control the speed at 2-4 meters per minute. Inconsistent speed will result in uneven turning depth. The operator should look ahead and remain parallel to the edge of the material pile.
- Maintain adequate turning depth: The turning blades should penetrate 30-50 centimeters into the material pile (deeper for trough fermentation) to ensure the bottom material is thoroughly turned. Huaqiang equipment is equipped with a hydraulic lifting system, allowing for real-time depth adjustment during operation.
- Observe the material condition: After turning, the material should be loose and uniform, with no large pieces remaining. If any abnormalities are found, adjust parameters or inspect the equipment immediately.
- Turning Techniques for Different Raw Materials
High Moisture Raw Materials (Chicken Manure, Pig Manure, Moisture Content Above 60%):Use a hydraulic turner. Its powerful motor allows for slow operation (1-2 meters/minute). The turning blades have a crushing function, breaking up clumps while turning, improving aeration. It is recommended to use straw or other auxiliary materials to further enhance the effect.
Fiber Raw Materials (Cow Manure, Sheep Manure, Containing Straw):Use a chain turner or a double-spiral turner. The low-speed, high-torque design effectively cuts fibers, preventing tangling.
Bio-organic Fertilizer:Use a double-spiral turner. Low-speed, gentle stirring avoids friction-induced heating that kills functional bacteria. Reduce the turning depth appropriately in the later stages of fermentation to protect deeper microorganisms.
Common Problems and Solutions
Odor from the Material Pile:Insufficient oxygen supply; increase turning frequency. Check the raw material ratio; a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio that is too high or too low will produce an odor.
Local Clumping:Insufficient turning depth or uneven speed results in some areas not being turned. Adjust the depth to ensure uniform operation. If the temperature doesn’t rise: Moisture content is too high or too low; adjust the raw material moisture content to 50%-60%; turning frequency is too low; increase it appropriately.
Equipment Maintenance Points
After each shift: Clean residual material from the turning blades and machine body to prevent it from drying and affecting the next operation.
Weekly: Check all lubrication points and add grease; check the tension of the V-belts; check the wear of the blades.
Monthly: Replace the hydraulic oil filter (for hydraulic models); check the straightness of the travel track; test the effectiveness of all safety devices.
From the first shovel of material in the pile planning to the last run of the turning machine, scientific turning operation is crucial throughout the entire fermentation process. Huaqiang Heavy Industry’s series of turning machines, with their stable and reliable performance, combined with your mastery of correct operating methods, will ensure that every batch of organic fertilizer is evenly decomposed and of excellent quality. When your products win farmers’ praise for their excellent field performance, you will understand: scientific turning is worth every bit of effort.
The general principles outlined—pile planning, temperature-guided turning, and equipment-specific operation—are the practical application of core fermentation composting technology for organic fertilizer. This technology encompasses a range of specialized equipment, each suited to different scales and systems. The windrow composting machine, a classic example of open-air fermentation composting turning technology, offers flexibility for smaller operations. For more intensive, controlled environments, trough-type aerobic fermentation composting technology is implemented. This system utilizes a trough-type compost turner or a robust chain compost turner that moves along concrete channels, enabling continuous, automated processing of large volumes. For the largest windrow operations, a large wheel compost turner provides the necessary span and depth to efficiently manage massive piles. Mastering fermentation composting technology for organic fertilizer means understanding not just the biological process, but also how to select and operate the appropriate turning equipment—whether a simple windrow machine, a high-capacity wheel turner, or a sophisticated trough system—to create the optimal environment for microbial activity, ensuring rapid, uniform decomposition and a high-quality final product.
