Solid-state fermentations (SSF), using swine manure as the basis of a solid substrate, were carried out for high yield of poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) by Bacillus subtilis CCTCC202048. Fermentation medium and process parameters were optimized through three orthogonal array designs. The optimal medium consisted of 62.3% (w/w, dry weight basis) swine manure, 25.0% soybean cake, 5.0% wheat bran, 5.0% glutamic acid, 2.5% citric acid and 0.2% MnSO4 center dot H2O. The optimal process parameters were 15.0 g medium with initial moisture content 60% and initial pH 9.0 in 250 ml flask, inoculation at mid-log phase with a 4% inoculum level and cultivation for 48 h at 37 degrees C. The average-PGA yield (6.0%) in triplicate under optimal conditions was obtained on the laboratory scale while it was 4.5% at compost experiment. These would lay a foundation for lessening the pollution of swine manure, increasing fertilizer efficiency and exploring a late-model organic fertilizer that retains water and nutrients. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.