Investigation on Rapid Fermentation Technology of Seasonally Effective High-End Tobacco-Specific Organic Fertilizers

While organic fertilizers enhance tobacco quality and economic value, their low maturity levels often limit their effectiveness when applied within the same growing season, discouraging farmer adoption. Conventional composting methods typically require over 90 days to achieve full maturity. This study aimed to optimize composting methods and material formulations for large-scale factory production to shorten the fermentation period, enabling same-season application and benefits. Two large-scale experiments (each exceeding 100 tons) compared molecular membrane forced aeration combined with static and windrow composting against traditional windrow composting. Different material ratios of cow dung, mushroom residue, and distillery waste were also evaluated. Results showed that the optimized method, utilizing molecular membrane technology and adjusted material ratios, reduced the composting time from over 90 days to 60 days. The optimal formula consisted of cow dung, mushroom residue, and distillery waste at a 4:3:3 dry weight ratio with a moisture content ≤ 63%. After 60 days, this optimized process yielded organic fertilizer meeting all quality standards, including humic acid content, nutrient levels, and absence of harmful organisms. This accelerated composting method facilitates same-season fertilizer application, benefiting farmers and enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of organic fertilizer production.