Scientists Measure Earth’s Vast Underground Fungal Webs
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form extensive underground networks that connect to plant roots, transporting water and nutrients while sequestering significant amounts of carbon, thus helping reduce atmospheric carbon levels.
- These fungal filaments, if laid end to end, would stretch approximately 68 quadrillion miles, containing about 300 megatons of carbon—four to six times the carbon stored in all humans on Earth.
- The research, published in Science, utilized machine learning and high-resolution imaging to map these fungal networks globally, revealing particularly dense concentrations beneath grasslands.
- Grasslands, often overlooked in conservation efforts compared to forests, are highlighted as important carbon sinks due to their rich fungal networks.
- Over 70% of terrestrial plant species depend on these fungi, which also contribute to soil stabilization and plant resilience against environmental stress.