What Factors Affect the Quality of Fertilizer Granules?

When we purchase fertilizer, seeing uniform, round, and solid granules feels more reliable. The quality of fertilizer granules—including uniformity, hardness, water resistance, and nutrient stability—determines their effectiveness during storage, transportation, and application. So, what factors influence the quality of these small pellets? It primarily depends on four main aspects: raw material properties, processing parameters, equipment conditions, and post-treatment processes. Raw Materials: The Foundation of Granule Quality First, the moisture content of the raw materials is crucial. Moisture acts like the "binder" for the granules. If the material is too dry, particles have difficulty bonding tightly, resulting in loose, easily broken granules. If it's too wet, the material can clump together or even clog the die holes of the equipment. Different types of fertilizer have their own optimal moisture content ranges. Second, the particle size and distribution of the raw materials must also be uniform. Fine, even powder is more easily compacted into solid granules without gaps. If mixed with unprocessed coarse fibers or large particles, voids will form inside the finished product, leading to insufficient hardness and making them fragile. Furthermore, the inherent binding ability and chemical composition of the raw materials are also key. Materials containing humic acid, peat, or starch have a natural "glue" effect that can enhance granule strength. Materials with poor adhesion, like urea or phosphate rock powder, require adding binders such as bentonite or molasses. At the same time, the chemical compatibility of different nutrient compounds must be considered. For example, mixing ammonium nitrogen fertilizer with alkaline fertilizer may produce gas or moisture, causing the granules to crack or powder during storage.

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