World’s vast networks of underground fungi to be mapped for first time

Many people still don't seem to be aware of how important fungal networks are for the soil, the climate and life on this planet.

I even think that reforestation projects are pointless unless care is taken to allow fungal networks to spread at the same time. Inoculation of seedlings is still an uncertain science for most types of fungi. Perhaps reforestation should be planned with an eye on preserving the fungal networks of existing vegetation.

Climate science has focused on above-ground ecosystems, and although we know that fungi are essential for soil structure and fertility, and the global carbon cycle – as ecosystems with thriving mycorrhizal fungi networks have been shown to store eight times as much carbon as ecosystems without such networks – much of the role of fungi in the soil nutrient cycle remains mysterious.

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World’s vast networks of underground fungi to be mapped for first time

Fascinating! So we really don't see the forest for the trees.