Many farmers mistakenly believe that bio-organic fertilizer has no expiration date, but in fact, it has a clear shelf life, and its length directly affects its effectiveness. High-quality bio-organic fertilizer is processed using standardized bio-organic fertilizer production lines and supporting bio-organic fertilizer equipment. The shelf life is calculated from the time of production, primarily because the functional microorganisms it contains will decay over time, and a decrease in activity will reduce its effectiveness.
The shelf life of bio-organic fertilizer is essentially the “preservation period” of microbial activity. Its core value depends on beneficial bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and lactic acid bacteria. When the activity of these bacteria falls below a certain standard, it loses its ability to improve soil and promote crop growth. Therefore, the shelf life is determined by the microbial activity.
The common shelf life is 12-24 months, influenced by two main factors: first, the production process – standardized operation of the bio-organic fertilizer production line and precise shaping by the fertilizer granulator can maximize the preservation of bacterial activity and content; the higher the bacterial count, the longer the shelf life; second, storage conditions – humidity and high temperatures accelerate bacterial decay, while dry, cool, and sealed storage can slow down the decline in activity.
Do not blindly use expired bio-organic fertilizer. Not only will its effectiveness be greatly reduced, but moldy and foul-smelling fertilizer may also breed harmful bacteria, leading to soil pollution and root burn in crops. Unopened and properly stored fertilizer that is 1-3 months past its expiration date can be tested in small quantities.
To extend the shelf life, both scientific storage and initial safeguards are necessary – processing through a bio-organic fertilizer production line with a fertilizer granulator, followed by sealed storage in a cool, dry place, can maximize the preservation of microbial activity.