A team of scientists has developed a technique to map the sprawling network of underground fungi that connects plant roots across the globe, a system that extends for quadrillions of miles, NPR reported.
The fungal network, known as mycorrhizal fungi, forms symbiotic relationships with the roots of most land plants. In exchange for carbon from the plants, the fungi provide water and essential nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. The network is so extensive that it is often referred to as the “Wood Wide Web,” a subterranean internet of biological connections.
Understanding the scale and structure of this hidden ecosystem is crucial, as mycorrhizal fungi play a significant role in the global carbon cycle. By storing carbon in the soil, they act as a massive natural carbon sink. The new mapping method, scientists say, could provide a clearer picture of how much carbon these fungi store and how that capacity might be affected by a warming climate.
The mapping effort was driven by researchers seeking to visualize the sheer extent of the network, which is measured in quadrillions of miles. By developing a method to chart this invisible landscape, they hope to provide a foundation for future research into ecosystem health, soil biology, and climate change mitigation.
The findings underscore the importance of what lies beneath the surface in the broader fight against climate change. MSI previously reported on the critical role of soil health and native ecosystems in “People excited about fungi are helping scientists learn more.”
The report was produced by NPR Science correspondent Zephyr Weinreich, with contributions from Patrick Jarenwattananon and Adrian Florido.