How to Make Chicken Manure Organic Fertilizer: A Step-by-Step Guide
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1. Required Materials for Chicken Manure Fermentation
- Fresh Chicken Manure: For best results, use broiler chicken manure as it has a higher nutritional value.
- Fermentation Tools:
- Mixer
- Plastic container or cement pool (Alternatively, use plastic film for soil pit lining)
- Grinder (standard agricultural type)
- Shovel
- Fermentation Bacteria: Chicken manure starter culture
- Other Ingredients:
- Water (preferably well water or river water; if using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours before use)
- Optional: Bacillus natto bacteria (100 grams per ton for better fermentation)
2. Fermentation Formula and Proportions
- Formula 1:
- 1000 kg of dry chicken manure
- 0.5-2.5 kg of chicken manure starter culture
- Add 100g of Bacillus natto per ton for enhanced fermentation.
- Formula 2:
- 700 kg of wet chicken manure
- 300 kg of wheat bran, rice bran, or straw powder
- 0.5-2.5 kg of chicken manure starter culture
- Add 100g of Bacillus natto per ton for better results.
3. Fermentation Process
Step 1: Prepare the Raw Materials
Begin by gathering 1,000 kg of the materials as specified in the proportion formula. These will serve as the foundation for fermentation.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacterial Solution
Dilute 0.5-2.5 kg of chicken manure starter culture and 100g of Bacillus natto bacteria in 350 liters of water. Stir the mixture evenly. The best water to use is well or river water. If tap water is necessary, allow it to sit for 24 hours to let chlorine dissipate.
Step 3: Mix the Materials
- If using a mixer: First, mix the chicken manure for about 2 minutes. Then, add the bacterial solution and mix for another 6 minutes.
- If not using a mixer: Begin by adding the bacterial solution to a small portion of the manure and stir until there are no clumps. Gradually add more manure, ensuring an even mix throughout. The moisture level of the materials is crucial: The mixture should be moist but not dripping. The right texture should allow you to form a ball with no water dripping when squeezed.
Step 4: Transfer to Fermentation Container
Once the materials are mixed evenly, transfer them to a plastic container or cement pool. If using a soil pit, line it with plastic film. Pack the materials down to remove air and seal the container tightly with plastic film. Ensure the seal is airtight for optimal fermentation.
Step 5: Fermentation Duration and Temperature Management
Leave the fermentation mixture for about 10 days. During this period, monitor the temperature and time. The ideal fermentation temperature should range between 50-65°C. After this period, the mixture should no longer have an unpleasant odor or sour smell, indicating successful fermentation.
4. Key Points for Successful Fermentation
- Adding the Starter Culture:
A biological starter is essential for initiating the fermentation process. For 1 to 1.5 tons of dry chicken manure (approximately 2.5 to 3.5 tons of fresh manure), add 1 kg of the starter culture. Mixing in 5-10 kg of rice bran, corn, or wheat bran per kg of starter helps ensure the fermentation process is effective. - Balancing the Carbon-Nitrogen Ratio:
Chicken manure naturally has a high nitrogen content. To balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for optimal fermentation, aim for a ratio of 25-30:1. The pH should be between 6-8. Adding materials like straw, mushroom residue, or other carbon-rich substances can help adjust the ratio. - Moisture Content:
Moisture content plays a critical role in successful fermentation. The ideal moisture content should be between 60-65%. To test this, grab a handful of material—if water is visible between your fingers but not dripping, the moisture level is correct. - Pile Size and Shape:
When preparing the fermentation pile, ensure it is neither too small nor too large. The ideal dimensions are a height of about 1.5 meters, width of 2 meters, and length of 2-4 meters. This size allows for better heat retention and fermentation. - Aeration and Mixing:
Regular aeration is crucial to prevent anaerobic fermentation, which could negatively affect the process. Stir the pile frequently to ensure even aeration, especially as the pile heats up. - Completion of Fermentation:
Fermentation usually takes about 7-10 days. Within 48 hours, the temperature should rise to 50-60°C. By the third day, it can reach up to 65°C. The pile should be turned 2-3 times during this period to ensure even heat distribution and to prevent overheating in certain sections. Once the temperature stabilizes and the material is completely decomposed, the fermentation is complete.