Mushroom compost develops as the chemical nature of the raw ingredients is converted by the activity of microorganisms, heat, and some heat-releasing chemical reactions.
Pasteurization is necessary to kill any insects, nematodes, pest fungi, or other pests that may be present in the compost.
As a mushroom matures, it produces millions of microscopic spores on mushroom gills lining the underside of a mushroom cap.
Casing is a top dressing applied to the spawn-run compost on which the mushrooms eventually form.
Mushroom initials develop after rhizomorphs have formed in the casing.