Just keep in mind (he kind of hit on this topic) baking your soil kills all the microbes in the soil, good and bad. So it really needs to be treated after baking and given time to recuperate before using it.
Especially around the sides of the pans. You should do this process in layers no greater than 4”. If you attempt to do more, you’ll likely wipe out your microbes around the sides that reach greater temperature for longer periods, though pasteurization (low temps) aims to retain as many of the beneficial microbes as possible. The medium should also be moist going into the oven, uniformly if possible.
This process is different from sterilization, which requires much greater temperatures for either long periods of time or under pressure (such as an autoclave). The aim is to wipe out typical soil pathogens and larvae, which are much more susceptible to high temperatures.
This process will also facilitate a quick initial wet-dry cycle, ensuring moisture loving creatures like fungus gnat larvae are killed in the rapid drying of the medium during the time the soil is “being cooked”. Fungus gnats only live in the top 2” of moist soil.
I do agree though that this process does potentially put a strain on all the life forms in your soil (very important for organic). That’s why I have found success in adding a high quality innoculant like Great White with some molasses and letting the soil mixture rest for a bit if possible. However, I haven’t noticed ill effects from planting 24 hours after the pasteurization process.
I’m such many people in this thread have much more experience and knowledge than I do, but I’ve found this to be highly effective for me. I’d add that while we are on the subject of pests, for anyone struggling with them indoors, I’ve also not had a problem since maintaining a very tidy space. A shop vac and a bottle of bleach wipes and/or peroxide goes a long way. In fact, the shop vac has become a total essential for me.
Happy growing! I’ll snap some updated pics of the BBnC soon. Slowed down growth for about 24-36 hours after a decently aggressive topping, but I didn’t realize how rapidly she’s still growing until I looked at the last pic I posted here.