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Abstract: The methods described were evolved so that a series of 12, and later 24, small stacks of compost could be made for experimental purposes and the yields of mushrooms obtained from them could be determined, under conditions as near to those of practical growing as possible. The relatively large number of stacks was needed for factorial experiments on nutritional requirements of the mushroom, and practical conditions must be reproduced because the process of composting'depends on the relation between bulk and surface of the stack. The individual stacks must be small, or the labour, time, and space required would be excessive. The need was met by making the stacks of compost in small bays 2' 6" wide, arranged 12 in a row, the stacks being separated by iron sheets. In this way each stack had the same exposed surface for aeration, drying and cooling, as a corresponding section of one long stack. When 12 stacks were made they were 6 ft. wide and about 5 ft. high at the start, when 24 were made they were 4 ft. x 4 ft. The relative proportion of the anaerobic core would be rather smaller, and that of the outer layer rather larger in these stacks than in commercial ones 6-8 ft. wide, but the temperatures reached, up to 70°C. (158°F.), the general course of fermentation, and the final product were similar.
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