Producing organic fertilizer from chicken manure is an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to resource recycling, significantly improving soil structure and enhancing crop yields. Below is a scientific, systematic production method with key considerations:

I. Production Process

1. Raw Material Preparation

• Primary Material: Fresh chicken manure (moisture content ~60–70%).
• Additives:
  • Straw/sawdust/rice husks: Adjust the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio to promote fermentation (chicken manure has a C/N ratio of ~10:1; target 25–30:1 with additives).
  • Lime/wood ash: Regulate pH (chicken manure is slightly acidic; optimal pH: 6.5–7.5).
  • Microbial inoculants: Accelerate fermentation (e.g., EM bacteria, Bacillus subtilis).

2. Mixing Ratios

• Volume Ratio: Chicken manure : Additives = 3:1 (adjust based on moisture content; final mixture should have 55–65% moisture).
• Testing Method: Squeeze a handful—it should form a ball that crumbles upon impact.

3. Fermentation Stages

• Windrow Composting (Recommended):
  1. Pile Construction: Form a windrow 1.5–2 m wide, 1–1.5 m high (length flexible).
  2. Turning: Aerate every 3–5 days to ensure oxygen supply and uniform fermentation.
  3. Temperature Control:
     • Heating Phase (Days 0–3): Temperature rises to 50–60°C.
     • Thermophilic Phase (Days 4–15): Maintain 60–70°C for 7–10 days to kill pathogens and weed seeds.
     • Cooling Phase (After Day 15): Temperature stabilizes below 40°C, indicating fermentation completion.
• Trench/Tank Fermentation: Suitable for large-scale production, using mechanical turning or aeration systems.

4. Post-Fermentation Maturation

• After primary fermentation, stabilize the compost by resting for 7–10 days (secondary maturation) to further stabilize nutrients.

5. Crushing and Packaging

• Use a pulverizer to grind matured compost into fine powder or granules for easy application and storage.

II. Critical Considerations

1. Moisture Control:
   • Excess moisture causes anaerobic conditions and foul odors; insufficient moisture slows fermentation.
   • Adjust by adding water (dry) or dry materials (wet).
2. C/N Ratio Balance:
   • Inadequate additives lead to nitrogen loss (ammonia volatilization) and reduced fertility.
   • Recommended addition: 300–500 kg straw per ton of chicken manure.
3. Aeration Management:
   • Ensure good porosity to prevent localized anaerobic zones.
   • Cover with breathable waterproof fabric to prevent nutrient leaching from rain.
4. Pathogen Control:
   • Sustain thermophilic temperatures (>60°C) for 5–7 days to eliminate E. coli, roundworm eggs, etc.
   • Add 5–10 kg lime per ton for auxiliary disinfection.
5. Heavy Metal Risks:
   • Avoid feed additives containing heavy metals (e.g., arsenic) to prevent soil contamination.

III. Optimization Techniques

• Functional Bacteria Addition: Introduce phosphate-solubilizing or nitrogen-fixing bacteria during late fermentation to enhance efficacy.
• Granulation: Use a disc granulator to produce uniform pellets, increasing market value.
• Compound Fertilizer Blending: Mix organic fertilizer with chemical fertilizers (e.g., 1:1 ratio) for balanced nutrition.

IV. Troubleshooting

• Slow Fermentation: Check moisture, C/N ratio, or microbial inoculant dosage.
• Severe Odor: Increase turning frequency or add straw to adjust C/N.
• Pest Infestation: Cover with insect-proof netting or apply botanical pesticides (e.g., matrine).

V. Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Costs: Low raw material expenses; primary investments in additives and labor.
• Revenue: Organic fertilizer sells for $70–210/ton (market-dependent); scalable production yields high margins.
• Ecological Benefits: Reduces manure pollution, improves soil health, and promotes circular agriculture.

Key Takeaways

• Efficiency: With proper management, fermentation can be completed in 20–30 days with <10% nutrient loss.
• Scalability: Start with small-scale trials to master techniques before expanding production.

This translation preserves technical terminology while ensuring clarity for readers in agriculture, environmental science, or organic farming sectors. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!