Imagine a hidden world right underneath your feet—a network of living, branching fibers that spread out for miles, communicating messages and tree roots. This isn’t science fiction; it’s science fact. Researchers are just beginning to understand its importance in the ecosystem and how it benefits us humans. Fungi plays a crucial role in the overall health of the forest.
The “Woodwide” Web
Before the Internet, trees already communicated with each other using the threads of the mycelium fungus. Many of these threads are microscopic and can branch out miles beyond a single tree’s roots to send messages to other trees in the forest. This fungal system, called the mycorrhizal network, shares a symbiotic relationship with the trees. In short, the trees and the fungi rely on each other for survival. The fungi assist the trees in two ways: they provide nutrients to the tree’s root systems and allow trees to communicate with each other.
For example, if one tree in the forest is infested with destructive insects, it sends distress signals through the mycorrhizal network. In response, the surrounding trees can produce a bitter-tasting compound in their sap to ward off an infestation. Additionally, if a tree is damaged, it sends a signal through the mycorrhizal network, and the surrounding trees may send nutrients to aid the damaged tree. In turn, fungi break down and feed on the dead trees. Usually, when you see a mushroom, it’s a fruiting body of a much larger fungal structure.
SPUN, society for the protection of underground networks
Scientists have estimated that mycorrhizal networks are at least 475 million years old. While we’re just beginning to understand how they work, they know it makes up at least 70% of the Earth’s biomass. Almost all plants are connected to a mycorrhizal network somewhere, and a single gram of soil can contain up to 90 meters of mycelium fibers. Even a potted plant can have its own mycorrhizal network. Field scientists work in remote areas to take samples of the mycorrhizal networks in every part of the world.
The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, or SPUN, is a team of researchers worldwide dedicated to mapping this massive network, studying its DNA, and gaining a deeper understanding of its role in the ecosystem. They have discovered that the mycorrhizal network protects not only plants but all living things on Earth. This is because the network stabilizes soils and, therefore, protects us against heavy metal toxicity, drought, and harmful pathogens. If we destroy the network, we do so at our own peril. Habitat loss, such as urbanization and improper agriculture practices, lead to soil erosion.
The Delicate Mycorrhizal Network
Increased deforestation, forest fires, and erosion are leading to the loss of the mycorrhizal network in some places of the world. The long-term consequences can make us more vulnerable to droughts, nitrogen pollution, food shortages, and diseases. We can’t expect farmers not to grow crops; people still need to eat. Scientists are urging the agriculture industry to be more aware of the consequences of overusing anti-fungal treatments, deep tillage and nitrogen. Many scientists agree that the Dust Bowl phenomenon of the United States Great Depression directly resulted from the loss of the mycorrhizal network in the soil. This also led to the spread of nontuberculous mycobacteria, which sickened many.
Concluding Remarks
Understanding the mycorrhizal network and how it works is fascinating. It’s also necessary for our own survival, not just for the trees. Without the underground mycorrhizal network, we couldn’t grow crops. Therefore, this is much more than environmentalism; it’s in our own best interest to understand it, respect it and protect it. Our very existence depends on this network, and fortunately, we have a league of researchers who make it their business to protect it.
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