Subterranean fungi networks more than 100 quadrillion km in length
3 days ago
- #agricultural impact
- #climate regulation
- #soil fungi
- A new study uses machine learning to create the first global map of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi networks, revealing their critical role in sustaining plant life and regulating climate.
- These fungi networks, stretching 110 quadrillion kilometers if combined, have densities 47.3% lower in croplands compared to wild ecosystems, highlighting threats from agricultural practices.
- Lower-density fungal networks reduce soil's carbon storage and nutrient distribution capabilities, increasing the risk of chemicals entering waterways.
- Grasslands like the Everglades and Sudd flooded grasslands show exceptionally high hyphal density, yet these regions are often poorly protected and degraded.
- The research advocates for collaboration with farmers to protect soil fungi, which could naturally enhance nutrient uptake, reduce fertilizer use, and improve carbon storage.
- The dataset provides benchmarks for healthy microbial communities, supporting efforts to restore underground fungal networks as part of broader ecological restoration.