Insect life cycle - Phase II
- The Phase II process is a highly controlled, aerobic, thermophilic,
solid
substrate fermentation that takes place in either the ultimate growing room or specifically constructed
tunnels.
- An integral function of this process is pasteurisation, wherein compost
temperature is uniformly raised to 58–59oC for eight to ten hours, thus ensuring destruction of all
damaging organisms that survive Phase I.
- For optimal selectivity, the compost is then conditioned
in an ideal environment
for thermophilic microflora
activity (45-48oC for 4-6 days).
- During Phase II, easily
decomposable carbohydrates are broken down and the nitrogen-rich, lignin-humus complex formed.
- When the compost is ammonia free (<5ppm), spawning with
mushroom mycelium
can commence. Depending
on the mushroom production method, Phase II compost may be delivered in bulk for trays, or in bags or
blocks.
- Phase II compost is vulnerable to sciarid and
phorid infestation from this stage onward.
