Evaluation of bone meal granular fertilizer physical mechanical properties

Abstract

<p>Currently there is searching for more ways to use organic waste for new ways of getting energy, creating fertilizer materials and other products. One of biodegradable waste management ways is raw material granulation, as processing of recyclable materials in compressed organic products. Bone meal – a product obtained by heating, drying and grinding bones and bone parts of warm-blooded land animals. The product must not contain hooves, horns, bristles, fur, feathers and stomach and intestinal contents. Bone meal is an excellent source of calcium and available phosphorus and can reduce the need to supplement inorganic phosphorus in the soil. Bone meal granulation can increase bulk density, improve storability, reduce transportation costs and make these materials easier to handle using existing storage and spreading equipment. Granulation process parameters and organic granular fertilizer physical-mechanical properties were investigated. Experimental bone meal flour samples were prepared and granulated in laboratory conditions. For granule production a small capacity 7.5 kW granulator was used with a horizontal 6 mm matrix. During the research physical – mechanical characteristics: biometric indicators (dimensions, mass), density, content of moisture and mechanical strength were estimated. The aim of this work is to investigate the granular organic fertilizer physical-mechanical properties.</p>