Effect of Compost Fertilizer Granulation Parameters on the Granule Fracture Resistance using Response Surface Methodology

Today the chemical fertilizers are replaced with organic fertilizers due to the bad effects on human health and agricultural soils. There are barriers against useful utilization of organic fertilizers such as transportation (high volume), high moisture content, uneven distribution of fertilizers, dust production and storage. One of the solutions is densification of manure as pellet or granule. The effects of process parameters were evaluated in laboratory scale rotating drum. The effects of parameters such as drum rotational speed, granulation time, filling percentage of drum and percentage of molasses were investigated on the fracture force of granules. The results showed that all parameters and also interaction of drum rotational speed and granulation time have significant effect on the fracture force. Also, the results showed that with enhancement of granulation time, percentage of drum filling and percentage of molasses, resistance to failure of the granules increased.