Subterranean fungi networks more than 100 quadrillion km in length, study finds
First ever global mapping of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi shows scale of hyphal systems that sustain plant life
TL;DR
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi networks are estimated to be 110 quadrillion kilometers long, nearly 750 million times the Earth-sun distance.
- These fungi form essential partnerships with over 70% of plants, providing nutrients and water in exchange for carbon, and help regulate climate by drawing carbon into soils.
- The first global map of these networks, created using machine-learning models and data from over 16,000 soil cores, reveals their vast scale.
- Agricultural practices, particularly tilling and the use of fertilizers and fungicides, can reduce fungal network densities by up to 47.3% compared to wild ecosystems.
- Loss of fungal networks can lead to reduced carbon storage in soils, diminished nutrient distribution, and increased chemical runoff into waterways.
- Grasslands, including areas like the Everglades and the Sudd, were found to have the densest hyphal systems, but these regions are often poorly protected.
- Protecting and supporting soil fungi could reduce the need for fertilizers in agriculture and enhance carbon storage.
- The research aims to provide benchmarks for healthy microbial communities and inform efforts to restore underground fungal ecosystems.