Why does the fermentation bed achieve the required moisture (65%) without adding water?
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Why Does the Fermentation Bed Achieve the Required Moisture (65%) Without Adding Water?
When setting up a fermentation bed, it's essential to maintain a moisture content of around 65%. But have you ever wondered why no additional water is needed? Let’s take the Jinbao fermentation bed as an example. This system typically uses a layer of sawdust that is only about 50 cm thick, and the moisture level is naturally maintained at 65%. The key here is that you don’t need to add water manually—just spread the microbial culture and let it work.
So, where does the moisture come from? The answer lies in several natural sources:
1. **Sawdust itself**: Fresh sawdust, such as that from Chinese fir, camphor wood, or other types of timber, can contain between 40% to 60% moisture depending on the wood type. If the sawdust is old and dry, it might hold as little as 20-30% moisture. However, even in this case, the moisture is sufficient for the initial setup.
2. **Pig excrement and urine**: One of the main sources of moisture comes from the pigs themselves. While feces are relatively dry, urine contributes significantly. For example, a single pig may produce about 4 kg of waste per day, with approximately 60% being water. In a 20 square meter bed housing 15-20 pigs, this can amount to around 60 kg of water daily. That’s a substantial portion of the required moisture, eliminating the need for extra watering.
3. **Other sources**: Small amounts of moisture may also come from drinking water residues, feed leftovers, or rainwater. However, these are minimal and should be carefully managed to avoid over-saturation. It’s important to ensure the bed is protected from heavy rainfall to prevent unwanted water accumulation.
If the moisture level is too low, the beneficial microorganisms may become dormant or function very slowly. But when the right balance is achieved, they thrive, effectively breaking down waste, reducing odors, and improving environmental conditions. This not only helps in maintaining a cleaner farm but also boosts productivity and economic returns.
In summary, the fermentation bed is designed to work with natural moisture sources rather than relying on manual watering. By understanding and managing these factors, farmers can create a sustainable and efficient system that supports both animal health and environmental protection.